Panic Room: Essendon warning

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

If Brendon Goddard is the slightest bit sore tomorrow morning, the Bombers wouldn't hesitate in giving him a rest. Source: Getty Images

SO ONE-sided is tomorrow's Essendon v Greater Western Sydney clash expected to be that even the Giants have "rested" players with a view to next week.

It would have been nice to see No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield run around again - especially for the SuperCoaches out there that plumped for him - but clearly Sheeds has the bigger picture in mind.

To that end it is no surprise that the Bombers have taken a similar approach at the selection table.

Jason Winderlich is simply "sore'' after playing a few matches in a row and even though Dyson Heppell is listed as being out because of a "groin'' we would suggest that if this game were against a top side the shaggy-haired one would be in the team.

And while Elliott Kavanagh, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Nick O'Brien are currently sitting on the emergencies list, we'd say they are more of a chance of playing than one or two of their more senior teammates who may happen to wake a bit sore after a restless night's sleep.

Meanwhile, Eagle-cum Swan-cum Hawk Matt Spangher flew to Adelaide with teammates today and is not without a chance of playing.

If the Crows swing a change, especially with the talls in the forward half of the ground, then don't be surprised to see Spangher make his Hawthorn debut.

The Cats are the kings of the late change but after Panic Room predicted a big out last weekend - cue Tom Hawkins' withdrawal - they have beaten us to the punch by announcing this afternoon Paul Chapman is out with hamstring soreness.

Another move isn't entirely out of the question, with the Geelong defence looking a little under-sized against Richmond trio Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. Mitch Brown is listed as an emergency.

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their 'DIY Fix-Ups' ahead of Round 6.

SUPERCOACH ALERT

You thought last week's midfield carnage was bad enough? This week the SuperCoach Gods have gone Armageddon on all defences across the land.

Heppell, Bryce Gibbs, Brett Goodes, Sam Docherty, Rory Laird and Jasper Pittard are all out.

Unfortunately the best solution for a lot of SuperCoaches this week will be to just sit it out and hope for the best.

But if you're keen to cover that last doughnut, consider flicking Pittard for St Kilda's Josh Saunders against Collingwood tonight.

Saunders debuted last week and scored 29 after being subbed on late in the game, and earned huge wraps from coach Scott Watters this week.

Job security seems OK and he's a dual position too.

Oh, and if you're considering making a Bomber - Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard or David Zaharakis - captain against the Giants, make sure you're using the captain's loophole with either Dane Swan or Scott Pendlebury tonight.

The young coach of Oliver's Army is the No. 6 ranked SuperCoach this season. He reveals the secrets behind his dominance to Brad Johnson

MONEY MATTERS

Panic Room is a huge wrap for Gold Coast this week.

Scott Gullan may be enjoying time at Warrnambool this week - and good on him - but even through the clouds (in his head, not on the coast) he can see the Suns.

And so can his stand-in this week.

Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Kepler Bradley aren't playing which means the Dockers are bereft of any - recognised - key forwards.

Nat Fyfe being suspended robs Freo of some midfield grunt, while the loss of Stephen Hill takes away some outside run.

The Dockers are vulnerable tomorrow night, Gold Coast is starting to show some really good form at home and if it's a hot and humid night at Metricon - which it is forecast to be - then look out.

Not sold? Why not take Guy McKenna's men at the line (15.5) into Port Adelaide at the line (20.5) against North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos are probably genuine favourites, but surely the Power's form gets them to within three kicks in Hobart tomorrow?

That'll get you a $3.42 return.

ON NOTICE

West Coast is starting to stagger.

The Eagles are not yet on the ropes, but with a 1-4 record John Worsfold's men would want to start making a move.

Key players come back this weekend, including Nic Naitanui and Matt Rosa, but the inclusion with the most to prove is former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham.

We all had a laugh when we heard that Wellingham had injured his ankle while jumping on the trampoline just before Round 1, but given the Eagles woes since he desperately needs to make it up to the Eagles faithful - and fast - otherwise they will quickly jump off him.

BACK IN ACTION: Sharrod Wellingham impressed in an outing for East Perth. Picture: Duncan Watkinson Source: PerthNow

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Please Explain: Your club's bolter

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Port Adelaide forward Justin Westhoff has become one of the most damaging forwards in the competition. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

The time has come for us to do the explaining.

Every year there are players who jump out of the blocks and surprise us - for various reasons.

Some are massive improvers; others have elevated themselves to a level we weren't sure they were capable of reaching.

Some look to have gone from good to very good.

Here are the guys who have made us sit back and take notice so far in 2013.

ANDY OTTEN (Adelaide)
Almost a forgotten Crow, he has made the most of his opportunities in the final year of his contract. Has even gone forward, which might be helpful in Taylor Walker's absence.

SAM MAYES (Brisbane)

Seamless introduced to AFL footy for the teenager from North Adelaide. Was only overshadowed by Brent Moloney last week.

ANDREW WALKER (Carlton)
We've always known Walker can play, but his re-invention as a free-running defender this season has been one of Mick Malthouse's masterstrokes so far in 2013.

Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott booted five goals to steer the Magpies to victory. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

JAMIE ELLIOTT (Collingwood)
Collingwood insiders have known how good he is for some time. Now the outside world does. Very good overhead and cool in front of goal.

MICHAEL HIBBERD (Essendon)
Injuries cruelled Hibberd last year, but has shown over the past five weeks how important he is to the Bombers. Was enormous on Anzac Day.

JONATHON GRIFFEN (Fremantle)
Is it fair to suggest Aaron Sandilands may spend more time forward than in the ruck when he returns? On Griffen's current form, that's highly possible.

MATHEW STOKES (Geelong)
Stokes said he was disgusted with his performance last season. And some wondered if Allen Christensen and Steven Motlop might edge him out. But Stokes has been back to his best this season, averaging 25 disposals.

CHARLIE DIXON (Gold Coast)
Broke the record for the most goals kicked in a game for the Suns - six against the Giants last week. Was OK last year, but has shown good improvement in his third season.

LACHIE WHITFIELD (Greater Western Sydney)
Sounds weird to have a No.1 draft pick as a surprise-packet. But we've been impressed at how good he has been as early as his first five games. A real jet.

MAX BAILEY (Hawthorn)
One of the feel-good stories of the AFL. Bailey has been able to hold onto the No.1 ruck mantle, while Jarryd Roughead and David Hale have been mainly used forward. Deserved a change of luck.

JEREMY HOWE (Melbourne)
No longer just a marking freak-show, Howe has become one of the Demons' shining light in a year full of gloom.

Lindsay Thomas celebrates a goal against Geelong. Source: Herald Sun

LINDSAY THOMAS (North Melbourne)
If someone had told you a few years ago Thomas would be leading the Coleman Medal - with 21.6 - after five rounds, you might have been certified. Slightly rectified the yips last year, but just can't miss this season.

JUSTIN WESTHOFF (Port Adelaide)
Could easily have been 10 Port players, including the reborn Kane Cornes. But Westhoff has gone from talented but flaky forward with questionable mental toughness to one of the most damaging forwards in the AFL.

LUKE McGUANE (Richmond)
Has showed his late 2012 season switch to attack was no fluke. Originally recruited as a forward and seems to be more at home there.

DYLAN ROBERTON (St Kilda)
Hard to pinpoint Saint surprises, but the former Docker has been serviceable in the absence of Gwilt and others so far.

LUKE PARKER (Sydney)
The sub in Sydney's Grand Final win last season. Judging on his start to 2013, and his outstanding performance in NZ, he has become a key player.

CALLUM SINCLAIR (West Coast)
One surprise has been mature-aged rookie big-man Sinclair, who might have attracted the attention of a few rivals AFL clubs. He's not destined to play a lot of footy this year with Nic Naitanui about to return, but has been OK.

WILL MINSON (Western Bulldogs)
Minson made solid improvement last year, yet didn't finish in the top 10 of the B&F. This year he has taken a bigger leap. No ruckman in the AFL has had as many hit-outs or hit-outs to advantage.

For a variety of reasons, we're sorry we underestimated or undervalued you blokes. You've started 2013 well, keep up the good work.

Yours Sincerely,
Glenn McFarlane

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iCoach Hinkley to stay in touch

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley won't travel with the team to Tasmania after being grounded with a virus. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley remains in hospital under observation but the club is confident he will bounce back enough to make a contribution over the phone in the Power's match against North Melbourne in Hobart on Saturday.

Power director of coaching Alan Richardson will lead the team after Hinkley was admitted to hospital on Wednesday night.

Richardson last night said said he would be following Hinkley's game plan to the letter, and expected to be in touch with him throughout the match.

"I'm just the mouthpiece. It'll certainly be very much still Ken's message," Richardson told Fox Footy.

"If the game was here in Adelaide, he'd be coaching the team. It's just the fact that there's a flight."

Port chief executive Keith Thomas expects Hinkley to make a full recovery but the club would not take any risks with his health.

"He had really severe back pain ... we were thinking it was something like kidney stones," Thomas said.

"They kept him in overnight.

"As it turns out it was a virus, which has caused some inflammation internally.

"It's nothing to be concerned about. He's pain-free today. They kept him overnight and they're monitoring him but he's well."

Thomas predicted Hinkley would be in close contact with his coaching panel up until the first siren.

"After consultation with our club doctor Damian Newberry it has been advised that Ken should not fly this weekend while he overcomes the effects of the virus. We expect Ken to make a full and speedy recovery. In fact, if our game was played in Adelaide this week he more than likely would have coached.''

Four decisions that triggered Port's resurgence

Thomas said Richardson was a logical replacement.

"We've often said Ken and Alan are very similar in the way they think about the game and in terms of their philosophies,'' Thomas said.

"The club has total confidence that Alan can fill in for Ken this week and lead the team well. He has vast coaching experience in his own right and has worked closely with Ken here at Port Adelaide on game style and structures since day one of preseason.

"Most importantly, Alan has the complete respect and confidence of the playing group and coaching staff and we are confident that his transition as senior coach for this week will be seamless.''

Port heads into the contest with an unbeaten 5-0 record. The Kangaroos are 1-4.

Kane Mitchell returns to Port's seniors list

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Swans chairman to stand down

Dermott Brereton and the League Teams panel preview Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions.

Sydney chairman Richard Colless to stand down at the end of the season. Picture: Sam Mooy Source: Herald Sun

Malcolm Colless with Barry Hall after the Swans won the 2005 grand final. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

RICHARD Colless has called it quits after 20 years as Swans chairman and will finish at the end of this season.

It will be hard to imagine the Red and Whites without the colourful and competitive figure driving the club.

Colless arrived at the SCG the year after I'd done my best as a player to run it into the ground - there's three consecutive wooden spoons (1992, 1993 and 1994) to prove it.

My teammates and I gave the bloke from Western Australia a massive challenge. The place was broke and friendless.

But two decades on the Sydney Swans are one of the country's great sporting brands and have a winning culture the envy of clubs across the land, and across codes.

He also helped the Red and Whites to two premierships in the last seven years and 14 finals appearances in the last 17 seasons.

The AFL's longest serving chairman could easily ride off quietly into the sunset, but that's not his style. He's going out swinging.

In his sights is Melbourne's AFL establishment and in particular Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

McGuire's campaign to have Sydney's cost of living allowance removed has been a constant source of aggravation between the pair since the grand final.

"I wish Eddie would produce some facts rather than the emotional and unsubstantiated rubbish he goes on with," Colless said.

Colless and McGuire have been trading barbs for more than a decade.

The Swans chairman infamously said, "up yours, Eddie" on ABC's Four Corners in 2002. He also provided a gesture to go with the words.

Malcolm Colless on Four Corners in 2002. Source: No Source

Eleven years on Eddie is still getting under Colless's skin and he is still giving Eddie the bird.

McGuire's commentary during Fox Sports coverage of Saturday's Carlton-Adelaide match ignited another clash.

"For Eddie to say in the Carlton-Adelaide match after Taylor Walker went down it's a pity their other key forward (Kurt Tippett) isn't playing is because of the cost of living allowance is really tacky," Colless said.

"My comment to Eddie is you're better than that you don't need to run a propaganda campaign. I think it's cheap shot stuff and Eddie is a smarter person than to have to resort to that sort of behaviour."

Malcolm Colless with victorious Swans players after they beat the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco in 2006. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Fighting for the Swans right to be in the competition and to be competitive is something Colless has been doing from the day he arrived at the club in 1994.

Three consecutive wooden spoons meant Sydney earned three number one draft picks.

Anthony Rocca, Shannon Grant and Darren Gaspar all played the mandatary two seasons in the Harbour City before packing their bags and heading to Melbourne to complete highly successful careers at other clubs. Rocca went to Collingwood, Grant to North Melbourne and Gaspar went to Richmond.

Today players want to stay at the Swans and be part of the now famous Bloods culture and others like Tippett want to be part of it.

"The Tippett thing gave Eddie a great opportunity to play the emotional card," Colless said.

"I wish he would deal in facts rather than selling this as an unfair bonus the Swans get.

"The cost of living difference is much greater than the allowance."

Meetings between presidents and CEOs are another source of frustration for the Swans chairman

"What frustrates me is we have meetings of presidents and CEOs and we talk about a united front and about equalisation and within minutes of the meeting finishing suddenly cost of living is a major issue," Colless said.

Colless will leave the Swans in great shape.

"I think the really good organisations are the ones that carry on regardless," Colless said. "With Andrew Ireland we have as good a CEO at club level as anybody in Australian sport.

"John (Longmire) is an outstanding coach.

"Nothing goes on forever you don't want to become the little old man of the AFL."

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LIVE CHAT: Round 6 AFL teams

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Andrew Krakouer gets the nod for the Pies. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD forward Andrew Krakouer is among four Magpie inclusions for tomorrow night's match against St Kilda.

Krakouer, 30, hasn't played at the top level since last year's preliminary final loss to Sydney.

The mercurial forward won his spot back into the Magpies best 22 after a solid month playing in the VFL.

Darren Jolly is set to return after missing two weeks with a rib injury along with debutant ruckman Jarrod Witts.

Scroll down for all the Round 6 teams

ST KILDA has given Stephen Milne a VFL reprieving naming the small forward who missed last week's Anzac Day match on suspension.

Saints coach Scott Watters said Milne would have to earn his spot back in the team after being rubbed out for gouging.

Milne is joined by utility Arryn Siposs in the Saints best 22 missing small forward Trent Dennis-Lane.

Mature-aged recruit Tom Lee has been sidelined with an achilles.

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite returns for the Blues after a lengthy stint on the sidelines batting a nagging calf strain.

David Ellard, Tom Bell and hard-nosed young gun Jordan Cachia have all been included in the 25-man squad.

ESSENDON has dropped a bombshell with in-form young gun Dyson Heppell (groin) to miss Saturday's match against Greater Western Sydney.

Veteran forward Jason Winderlich has been rested while defender Jake Carlisle (ankle) is also out.

Jake Melksham, Tayte Pears and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer will line up against the injury-ravaged Giants missing co-captain Phil Davis (back), Setanta O'hAilpin (calf) and Lachie Whitfield (soreness).

GEELONG welcomes back Tom Hawkins and Paul Chapman for Saturday night's match against Richmond.

Jarrad Rivers (knee) and Josh Caddy (omitted) come out of the side looking for their sixth consecutive win.

WEST COAST has named a star-studded squad including Nic Naitanui, Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Rosa for Sunday's match against the Western Bulldogs.

Replay our SuperCoach and teams chat below:

 On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

Collingwood v St Kilda

Collingwood

B: N.Brown, B.Reid, B.Macaffer
HB: M.Clarke, H.Shaw, H.O'Brien
C: S.Sidebottom, D.Swan, D.Thomas
HF: J.Elliott, T.Cloke, Q.Lynch
F: B.Kennedy, T.Goldsack, S.Dwyer
Foll: D.Jolly, S.Pendlebury, J.Blair
Int: A.Krakouer, J.Witts, J.Thomas, P.Seedsman
Emg: A.Fasolo, J.Russell, M.Williams

In: A.Krakouer, D.Jolly, J.Thomas, J.Witts, B.Kennedy
Out: A.Toovey (Knee), B.Hudson (Leg soreness), J.Russell (Omitted), A.Fasolo (Omitted), B.Sinclair (Omitted)
New: B.Kennedy, J.Witts

St Kilda

B: N.Wright, S.Fisher, S.Gilbert
HB: S.Dempster, D.Roberton, J.Geary
C: N.Dal Santo, L.Hayes, B.Murdoch
H: D.Armitage, R.Stanley, L.Montagna
F: J.Saunders, N.Riewoldt, J.Koschitzke
Foll: B.McEvoy, C.Jones    4, J.Steven
Int: S.Ross, A.Saad, S.Milne, A.Siposs
Emg: T.Hickey, J.Newnes, J.Webster

In: S.Milne, A.Siposs
Out: T.Dennis-Lane (Omitted), T.Lee (Achilles)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
Scott Pendlebury has dominated against the Saints since 2011, averaging 126 points a game – ranked No.1 at the club. Ben McEvoy has led St Kilda's charge with an average of 127 a game.

Essendon v GWS Giants

Essendon

B: M.Hibberd, T.Pears, C.Dempsey
HB: K.Hardingham, C.Hooker, B.Goddard
C: M.Baguley, J.Watson, D.Zaharakis
HF: J.Merrett, S.Crameri, J.Melksham
F: A.Davey, S.Gumbleton, B.Stanton
Foll: T.Bellchambers, B.Howlett, N.Kommer
Int: H.Hocking, L.Jetta, D.Hille, D.Myers               
Emg: E.Kavanagh, N.O'Brien, N.Lovett-Murray

In: L.Jetta , T.Pears , J.Melksham , N.Kommer
Out: J.Winderlich (Rested) , T.Colyer (Omitted) , D.Heppell (Groin) , J.Carlisle (Ankle)

GWS

B: A.Kennedy, T.Mohr, J.Bruce
HB: A.Corr, S.Gilham, T.Greene
HF: R.Palmer, J.Cameron, A.Tomlinson
F: D.Smith, S.Frost, T.Adams
Foll: J.Giles, A.Treloar, D.Shiel
Int: C.Hampton, S.Coniglio, S.Reid, Z.Williams               
Emg: T.Bugg, S.Edwards, T.Downie

In: S.Gilham, C.Hampton, J.Bruce, T.Adams, J.Townsend, S.Frost, A.Corr
Out: B.Thornton (Omitted), S.O'hAilpin (Calf), P.Davis (Back), T.Bugg (Omitted), L.Whitfield (Soreness) , L.Plowman (Omitted), N.Haynes (Omitted)
New: A.Corr

SUPERCOACH NOTES
David Zaharakis' ANZAC Day heroics earned him a $20,800 price rise after his 140 points against Collingwood. Despite scoring 113 points against Gold Coast, Callan Ward's price still fell, albeit by only $300.

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

North Melbourne

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

In: W.Sierakowski
Out: L.Anthony (Omitted)
New: W.Sierakowski

Port Adelaide

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

In: K.Mitchell
Out: J.Trengove (Foot)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Wells ranks No.1 at North Melbourne for points scored since Round 3, averaging 123 a game. Hamish Hartlett has been Port Adelaide's most prolific scorer in this period, averaging 134 points a game.

Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn

Adelaide

B: B.Rutten, D.Talia, A.Otten
HB: L.Brown, B.Reilly, D.Mackay
C: S.Kerridge, S.Thompson, B.Smith
HF: R.Douglas, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
F: J.Porplyzia, T.Lynch, J.Jenkins
Foll: S.Jacobs, P.Dangerfield, R.Sloane
Int: M.Jaensch, M.Wright, B.Vince, R.Henderson
Emg: R.Tambling, L.Johnston, J.Petrenko

In: J.Porplyzia, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
Out: J.Petrenko (Omitted), T.Walker (Knee), R.Laird (Thigh)

Hawthorn

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, L.Hodge
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, B.Guerra
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: S.Burgoyne, L.Franklin, P.Puopolo
F: L.Breust, J.Roughead, J.Gunston
Foll: M.Bailey, J.Lewis, B.Sewell
Int: L.Shiels, D.Hale, J.Simpkin, M.Osborne
Emg: T.Duryea, K.Cheney, M.Spanghe

In: B.Sewell , J.Simpkin
Out: C.Rioli (Hamstring) , S.Savage (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Rory Sloane's average of 112 points a game at AAMI Stadium this season ranks him No.1 at the club. Sam Mitchell has been Hawthorn's best scorer at the venue since 2011, averaging 115 points a game.

Richmond v Geelong

Richmond

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

In: T.Chaplin, S.Morris, J.King
Out: R.Nahas (Omitted), J.Batchelor (Omitted), B.Helbig (Hamstring)

Geelong

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

In: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins
Out: J.Rivers (Knee), J.Caddy (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Despite receiving plenty of attention last week from Ryan Crowley, Brett Deledio still managed to get reach three figures. Jimmy Bartel was one of three Geelong players to crack the ton against the Bulldogs, finishing with 109 points.

Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle

Gold Coast

B: T.McKenzie, T.Murphy, D.Prestia
HB: D.Stanley, R.Thompson, G.Broughton
C: M.Rischitelli, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: H.Bennell, TJ.Lynch, A.Hall
F: Z.Smith, S.Day, B.Matera
Foll: C.Dixon,  K.Hunt, D.Swallow
Int: J.Lonergan, J.O'Meara, J.Brennan, M.Shaw
Emg: D.Gorringe, J.Hutchins, T.Sumner

In: H.Bennell, J.Lonergan
Out: S.May (Hamstring), J.Hutchins (Omitted)
New: J.Lonergan

Fremantle

B: L.Spurr, Z.Dawson, M.Johnson
HB: G.Ibbotson, L.McPharlin, C.Pearce
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, N.Suban
HF: M.Barlow, C.Mayne, H.Ballantyne
F: H.Crozier, J.Hannath, M.Walters
Foll: J.Griffin, D.Mundy, M.De Boer
Int: D.Pearce, P.Duffield, C.Sutcliffe, A.Silvagni
Emg: L.Neale,  T.Sheridan,  Ta.Smith

In: P.Duffield, A.Silvagni, C.Sutcliffe, H.Crozier
Out: K.Bradley (Knee), S.Hill (Quad), N.Fyfe (Suspension), L.Neale (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Jared Brennan has averaged 103 points a game at home this season, ranked third at the club. Chris Mayne starred when he last played at Metricon Stadium in Round 6 last season, booting three goals straight on his way to 127 points.

Sydney v Brisbane

Sydney

B: N.Malceski, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: M.Mattner, T.Richards, J.McVeigh
C: L.Jetta, R.O'Keefe, B.McGlynn
HF: D.Hannebery, S.Reid, K.Jack
F: A.Goodes, M.Pyke, J.Bolton
Foll: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, L.Parker
Int from: T.Armstrong, C.Bird, J.Lamb, M.Morton, D.Rampe, T.Walsh, J.White   
                       
In: M.Morton, J.White, J.Lamb, T.Walsh
Out: A.Everitt (Omitted)
New: J.Lamb

Brisbane

B: J.Patfull, D.Merrett, A.McGrath
HB: E.Yeo, J.Clarke, J.Adcock
C: P.Hanley, T.Rockliff, M.Golby
HF: J.Polkinghorne, J.Brown, D.Zorko
F: S.Mayes, M.Leuenberger, A.Cornelius
Foll: B.Longer, B.Moloney, J.Redden
Int from: J.Green, R.Bewick, M.Paparone, J.Lisle, A.Raines, R.Lester, J.Crisp               
                                       
In: P.Hanley, J.Lisle, R.Lester, J.Crisp
Out: S.Docherty (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Hannebery's average of 107 points a game this year is the fourth-most of any midfielder at the club. Brent Moloney's average of 103 points is the second-most of any midfielder at the club behind Tom Rockliff.

Carlton v Melbourne

Carlton

B: C.Yarran, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, D.Armfield, S.White
C: K.Lucas, M.Robinson, K.Simpson
HF: C.Judd, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F: E.Curnow, S.Hampson, J.Waite
Foll: R.Warnock, M.Murphy, B.McLean
Int from: H.Scotland, A.Carrazzo, T.Bell, E.Betts, S.Rowe, D.Ellard, J.Cachia               
                                           
In: J.Waite, D.Ellard, J.Cachia, T.Bell
Out: B.Gibbs (Hamstring)
New: J.Cachia

Melbourne

B: L.Dunn, J.Frawley, D.Terlich
HB: J.Grimes, T.McDonald, C.Garland
C: J.Trengove, J.Viney, M.Jones
HF: J.Howe, C.Sylvia, D.Kent
F: R.Bail, M.Gawn, S.Byrnes
Foll: J.Spencer, J.McKenzie, N.Jones
Int from: S.Blease, J.Strauss, C.Pedersen, D.Nicholson, M.Evans, L.Tapscott, A.Davey               
                                           
In: L.Dunn, J.Strauss, J.Spencer, J.Viney, D.Kent, D.Nicholson
Out: M.Jamar (Groin), D.Rodan (Omitted), J.Watts (Hamstring)
New: D.Kent

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Chris Judd has averaged 26 disposals and 127 points a game against Melbourne since 2010. Colin Sylvia has been a solid performer in this period, averaging 21 disposals and 94 points a game.

West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs

West Coast

B: M.Brown, D.Glass, S.Hurn
HB: B.Waters, E.Mackenzie, S.Wellingham
C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, B.Dalziell
HF: J.Hill, J.Darling, C.Masten
F: N.Naitanui, JJ.Kennedy, M.LeCras
Foll: D.Cox, S.Selwood, L.Shuey
Int: J.Brennan, A.Hams, D.Kerr, C.Sinclair, M.Rosa, W.Schofield, As.Smith

In: M.Rosa, W.Schofield, S.Wellingham, As.Smith, N.Naitanui
Out: S.Butler (Calf), J.Cripps (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs

B: D.Morris, J.Roughead, L.Picken
HB: J.Johannisen, M.Austin, T.Young
C: J.Macrae, M.Boyd, A.Cooney
HF: J.Stringer, D.Addison, K.Stevens
F: L.Dahlhaus, L.Jones, J.Tutt
Foll: W.Minson, N.Lower, T.Liberatore
Int: M.Wallis, D.Cross, P.Veszpremi, C.Smith, D.Pearce, C.Howard, L.Markovic

In: D.Addison , L.Markovic , C.Howard , D.Pearce
Out: B.Goodes (Suspension)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Josh Kennedy booted four goals straight in the first half last week against Port Adelaide, finishing with 124 points for the match. Liam Jones booted four goals of his own against Geelong, finishing with 107 points.

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Jack must work both ways: Hardwick

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt leaves the field after their one-point loss. to Fremantle Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says it is Jack Riewoldt's defensive game rather than his on-field attitude that needs adjusting after last week's loss to Fremantle.

Riewoldt's on-field behaviour in the one-point loss to the Dockers has been put under the spotlight, with commentator Mark Maclure labelling him a "prima donna".

But Hardwick said today his biggest concern with Riewoldt's game last week was that his defensive play was not up to the standard he expected.

"We spoke on Monday about his game and he was disappointed,'' Hardwick said.

"Offensively he is always going to have ups and downs. He played on a quality opponent, Luke McPharlin. We were disappointed with his defensive aspects of his game.

"We felt, and Jack would be the first to admit, that he didn't chase hard enough and his defensive efforts weren't to his usual standard.

"I thought he had a below standard game on the weekend and he would be the first one to agree with that.''

Hardwick said Riewoldt's passion was one of his great attributes as a player, but admitted the Tigers would like to harness it at times.

"He is a passionate individual and that's part of the reason that makes him a great player,'' Hardwick said.

"You look at most strikers across the league and within the AFL, they're passionate players.

"Travis Cloke, Buddy Franklin...all these type of players...they play with passion and Jack is no different.

"Do we want him to harness that passion at times? Of course we do...that is something he has to work on and he accepts that.''

Hardwick said the Tigers had moved on quickly from the narrow loss to the Dockers and were focused on their challenge against Geelong on Saturday night at the MCG.

"They are a formidable outfit, we are looking forward to the opportunity to play them,'' he said.

"We certainly think it will bring out our best footy and we think we are capable of getting a result.''
 

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Brace for a storm ahead

Former Melbourne Storm chairman Rob Moodie warns of the stresses being felt by Essendon hierarchy amid the supplements investigation. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

IT'S impossible to know exactly how Essendon insiders are coping with the drugs probe maelstrom, but Rob Moodie has better insight than most.

Moodie was chairman when Melbourne Storm was investigated for NRL salary cap breaches and subsequently stripped of two premierships, and barred from earning any points in 2010.

Moodie said it was a shocking experience.

"Knowing that something bad's happened, particularly when you weren't aware of it, is awful," Moodie said.

"In our case, everyone got covered, certainly the staff did, got covered in slime if you like. Trying to help them and everyone else clean that off is not an easy task."

Moodie said he felt most for his players and coaches.

"I feel for Jobe Watson and the players. They are such difficult situations to sort out. What really went on and who really was responsible and who should be accountable?" he said.

Moodie offered to resign when the Storm saga broke in April 2010. His resignation was refused, but he was stood down by Storm owner News Ltd, publisher of the Herald Sun, later that year.

"In our sense, I copped it because someone has to cop it," Moodie said. "And that's fine. As I've said many times, I was the chairman, my responsibility.

"At one stage I think I had 15 cameras and 30 journalists baying for my blood, one of the more uncomfortable experiences I've had. I accepted that it's part of the deal.

"It wasn't a case of saying it's someone else's fault. I mean, in a sense someone else had done it under our responsibilities, so we had to 'fess up and say this is what's happened and try and deal with it as best you can."

He said he didn't know who would take the fall at Essendon.

"I offered my resignation I think the day after because you think well, it's happened under my watch, I should resign," he said.

"On the other hand, you resign, well, you basically hand the exploded bomb to someone else and it doesn't necessarily help the situation."

Former AFL chief executive Wayne Jackson, who ran the league from 1996 to 2003, said everyone had to let the investigations run their course.

"You've got to wait until all the facts are known, all the inquiries are completed, all the experts have made their contributions and delivered their findings, and then you reflect on all of that in the coolness of day," Jackson said.

"Meanwhile I think you just get on with running the competition.

"It's very disappointing that some of those processes take so long ... it's got the capacity to reflect on the code and the clubs and the individuals ... but nevertheless it's critical that the processes run."

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Jobe medal twist

Bombers skipper Jobe Watson with his Brownlow Medal. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

Macca cartoon. David McArthur cartoon. Round 10, ASADA Vs Dank, 1 Melbourne, 2 Essendon, 3 ... WADA. (Andrew Demetriou. Brownlow Medal. Supplements.) Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson could keep his Brownlow Medal at the discretion of an AFL tribunal, even if he was found guilty of taking a banned substance.

And Bombers players could serve six-month bans without missing a single match under guidelines stipulated in the World Anti-Doping Agency code.

If Watson was found guilty of using the banned anti-obesity drug AOD-9604, but successfully argued for a reduction of the standard two-year ban, additional penalties would be at the discretion of a specially convened AFL tribunal.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting Watson took a banned substance in 2012, his Brownlow season.

Former Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority boss Richard Ings said the reduced penalty was key. "In the event that a player is found to have reduced fault, the AFL anti-doping tribunal has flexibility to impose a combination of sanctions, which may or may not include matches, awards and prizemoney," Ings said.

"The loss of awards for any player sanctioned for a doping violation is not an automatic thing."

A two-year ban could be halved under clause 10.5.2 of the WADA code, which states: "If an athlete or other person establishes in an individual case that he or she bears no significant fault or negligence, then the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility may be reduced."

Clause 10.5.3 allows for bans to be reduced by three-quarters - to six months - if athletes found guilty provide "substantial assistance in discovering or establishing anti-doping rule violations".

Biochemist to break silence

ASADA and the AFL are investigating claims that some players were given prohibited substances, with players including Watson soon to be interviewed.

If Watson received a full two-year ban, it appears his Brownlow would be stripped under rule 10.8 of the WADA code, which says athletes will forfeit "any medals, points and prizes" won from the time of the offence to the start of a suspension, "unless fairness requires otherwise".

With the ASADA investigation not expected to be completed until later this year, any possible bans may not be handed down until after the season.

Under the WADA code, bans start as soon as the sanction is imposed, opening the possibility of a reduced six-month ban being served entirely during the AFL's off-season.

In this instance banned players would not be permitted to train with the team.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou refused to be drawn on developments in the supplements saga yesterday.

"We need to await the outcome of the ASADA report," Demetriou said.

"I know that's frustrating to people, but they haven't even begun interviewing players yet.

"They will start that process as I understand within the next week or so. At the moment, they are currently finishing interviews with coaches and other officials."

 Essendon chairman David Evans last night denied having conceded that players had taken banned drugs.

"Essendon have never conceded that our players have been given banned substances in 2012," Evans said in a statement.

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Krak may come back

Andrew Krakouer could come in for the Pies. Source: Herald Sun

VETERAN Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer is on the brink of a senior comeback.

Magpies football boss Geoff Walsh says Krakouer is "in the mix" for tomorrow night's clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

Krakouer, 30, hasn't played at the top level since last year's preliminary final loss to Sydney.

"He's right in the mix. His form in the VFL has been pretty good and he has got his fitness up in the last month," Walsh said yesterday.

"We've got our final session (today), and for Friday games we always finalise it after the Thursday session."

Krakouer has played a solid month of VFL - mostly in the midfield to fast-track his fitness base - after an interrupted pre-season.

He collected 36 possessions two weeks ago and 26 last week against Bendigo on Friday night.

Veteran Alan Didak is also fighting for a recall and had 31 disposals, while tall forward Jarrod Witts had a huge game, kicking three goals.

Midfielder Luke Ball, on the comeback trail from a knee reconstruction, needs another one or two weeks in the seconds, while Dayne Beams (quad) is at least two weeks away from a VFL match. Darren Jolly is tipped to replace Ben Hudson in the ruck.

The Magpies last night announced an AFL membership record of 73,770.

Six years ago, the club had just 38,587 members.

Chief executive Gary Pert said the club hoped to break the 80,000 mark by the end of the season.

"Your membership allows us to build the best training facilities and have the best football department in the league that, together, will drive us in our quest for our next premiership," Pert said in a message to members.

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Biochemist plans to tell all

Biochemist Shane Charter is set to break his silence on Essendon's alleged peptides regimen. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

SHANE Charter, the biochemist embroiled in the drugs-in-sport scandal, will detail Essendon's alleged peptides regimen to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

His former associate, controversial sport scientist Stephen Dank, seems certain to be summoned to a Senate inquiry into sports science, scheduled to start in June.

Dank, who is at the centre of the Essendon and Cronulla anti-doping investigations, could be one of several people compelled to talk to the Senate inquiry about accreditation, code of conduct, substance use, sourcing of supplements and athlete welfare.

Failure to appear could result in contempt charges and carry a six-month jail term.

Charter - who says he sourced an array of materials on request for Dank - is already co-operating with the joint AFL and ASADA probe into the crisis, and spoke with ASADA in recent weeks.

Charter told the Herald Sun last night he expected to supply detailed information to investigators about exactly which peptides had been supplied to Essendon.

"I will be going to see ASADA next week," he said.

The Bombers saga took a twist last night when Dank said he had approval from the World Anti-Doping Agency to use the anti-obesity drug, AOD-9604, which is banned.

Dank said he would produce the email in court, but WADA denied any such correspondence would exist.

Dank has claimed everything he administered was within sports doping rules.

The Bombers, meanwhile, said they had not conceded their players were administered any banned drug.

The Senate inquiry, which has been initiated by Greens senator Richard Di Natale, will have its terms of reference put to the Senate during Budget week, May 14-16. If agreed to, the inquiry will go ahead in June.

A Senate committee will list witnesses it wants to hear from - a list almost certain to include Dank.

"It's not about him as an individual," Senator Di Natale said.

"Our intent will be, 'What do we need to put in place to make sure the health of athletes is protected?'." 

Asked if witnesses were required to attend, Senator Di Natale replied: "The Senate has the capacity to compel witnesses to appear."

Senator Di Natale said tighter checks and balances were needed for accrediting sports scientists.

"The issue for us, when someone calls themselves a sports scientist, how do we know they've got the skills and experience they need, and what's the accreditation process?" he said.

Senator Di Natale said that in the UK, the accreditation conditions for sports scientists demanded clear parameters about background, which included "500 hours of supervised experience".

"It needs to develop a real thorough accreditation process," he said.

The inquiry will also cover health concerns for all professional athletes, as well as regular country and metropolitan sportspeople.

- with Carly Crawford and Michael Warner

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