Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Day to meet Bubba head to head

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 23 Februari 2013 | 12.58

Jason Day is Australia's last remaining hope at the World Golf Championships in Arizona.

Jason Day in action in Arizona. Source: Getty Images

JASON Day is hoping his mental game will help catapult him towards the World Golf Championship Match Play finals.

The Australian is thriving on the competitive nature of match play golf while his next opponent, Masters champ Bubba Watson, claims he's not a fan, but keeps winning regardless.

Day needed 19 holes to dispatch of American rookie Russell Henley in the second round on Friday, a talented 23-year-old who won in Hawaii in January, while Watson required 22 holes to beat Jim Furyk to set up a mouth-watering round-of-16 match.

Here for the third time, Day is 5-2 in his career after making the round of 16 for a second time while Watson, also on his third appearance, is 7-3 after a semi-final run in 2011.

The Queenslander used every bit of his mental toughness against Henley, who hit 18 of 19 greens and 13 of 15 fairways.

He also was forced to draw from the reserves when he squandered a 2-up lead with four to play. After a wayward drive on 15 cut the lead in half, Day made a brilliant up and down from a waste area on 17 to stay 1-up but a clutch last hole birdie putt from the American looked set to send Day packing.

But drawing on his competitive spirit, Day stuck his approach to the first extra hole to eight feet and made the winning putt.

"Russell only missed one green, which was very, very frustrating on my side, because he hit it great, so that means you have to make birdies," Day said.

"I just did enough today to win. He was clutch on 18 to actually hole the putt. Fortunately, I hit a nice tight one into the 19th hole and he missed his birdie putt and I holed one, which was nice.

"My mental toughness continues to be something I work on, particularly through the pre-shot routine just to make sure I am thinking about the right things."

Watson is the only top-10 seed left, after Luke Donald, Louis Oosthuizen and Justin Rose joined first-round losers Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel and Jason Dufner on the scrapheap. But he continues to claim he's not a fan of the format.

"It's not my favourite form of competition. It's a toss up. You can't really judge who's going to win," Watson said.

"Here in a match, 18 holes, some guy can hit four balls in the desert and you're only one-up but, in a golf tournament, he shoots 80, you shoot 70 - you're 10-up.

"I'd rather have the chance to make up my bad mistakes in a 72-hole event."

But Day has warmed to the format.

"I like match play. I am a little different - I am very competitive and it gets me charged up to be in this environment," he said.

The other Australian left in the field Marcus Fraser was bundled out 4 and 3 by Swede Fredrik Jacobson but will move to as high as 51st in the world rankings come Monday, ever so close to a chance at a Masters invite.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Dees ready for judgement

Chris Dawes leads out the Demons ahead of their NAB Cup against North Melbourne. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Chris Dawes marks the ball ahead of Luke Delaney. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Dawes has urged Melbourne supporters to judge his team as a collective and not as a bunch of new players cobbled together this off-season.

The Demons squad for matches against North Melbourne and Richmond last night contained five draftees, five recycled players and Jesse Hogan, the club's GWS mini-draft pick unable to play senior footy until next season.

Dawes said it was OK to get excited about the club's new talent throughout the NAB Cup, but how those players come together as a team for the season proper is all that really counts.

"There's probably slightly more new players than a regular intake each year,'' Dawes said.

"But let's also not forget that the majority of the team is who was there 12 months ago.

"At this time of year you focus on what's new, the changes, but once the season gets underway it'll be forgotten about pretty quickly that there are new faces and we'll just be judged on our performances rather than how long we've been at the club.''

Speaking at the club's family day at Luna Park this morning, Dawes said the form of father-son selection Jack Viney and top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas was encouraging.

"I didn't see much of the Richmond match because I only played the North game and was inside recovering, but it sounds like Jimmy Toumpas kicked a goal and was lively,'' he said.

North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.

"He's a really classy ball user and a good decision maker. It sounds like he went OK and will be a good player.

"Viney, has that burst speed out of packs and is a pretty tough player too. There's a lot to get excited about and it was a good hit out for those two young boys.

"As well as preparing for Round 1 you hope that individuals can find some form and I was impressed with a number of our new players - older guys like (Shannon) Byrnes and (David) Rodan as well as young Jesse Hogan, Dean Kemp who I thought impressed as well."

Dawes, playing his first game for the Dees since making the off-season switch from Collingwood, said he was happy with his form.

But the forward conceded a calf niggle was still causing him some grief.

"The calf is OK. I probably would have played a little bit more game time ideally, but it was just one of those things, it was starting to tighten up.

"Had it been a normal season game I would have kept playing, but it was NAB (game) one, there was no need to push it at all.''

Melbourne plays Port Adelaide in Renmark next Sunday, a trip Dawes doesn't expect to make.

"I'm not even sure how many players we'll take there,'' he said.

"But I think the plan will probably be that I'll rest up next week and play the final two NAB Cup games.''


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows overrun Dockers in trial match

HOLDING ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce looks to outmark Adelaide's Sam Kerridge. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

COMMITMENT: Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins crashes into the post as he tries to mark. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE aren't concerned by game-ending injuries to Stephen Hill and Michael Walters in their five-point loss to Adelaide in today's trial match.

Hill copped an arm injury and Walters hurt an ankle but neither ailments were serious, Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

The Crows, fielding five more players, over-ran the Dockers to win 13.11 (89) to 13.6 (84) at a heat-baked AAMI Stadium.

Adelaide used 30 players and their numerical advantage proved decisive in the result, particularly as Fremantle lost Walters and Hill during the game.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Walters limped from the ground in the second quarter and Hill, who had off-season shoulder surgery, favoured his left arm when departing in the third term.


But Lyon was unfazed.

"(Walters) just had a niggle in an ankle and then he got a cork on his calf so we just tapped him out, the same as Hill," Lyon said.

"Hill had a bit of a numb arm for a minute and was just a bit vulnerable, he's pretty important to us so we tapped him out.

"He had a bit of a dead arm but he had full strength, which is a really good sign."

The Dockers booted the initial six goals and led by 35 points at halftime.

But they wilted in the 34 degree temperature as Adelaide's pre-arranged advantage in player numbers took effect - though it took the Crows until the 21st minute of the final quarter to take the lead.

Fremantle veteran Kepler Bradley had a set shot from 35 metres out with 15 seconds remaining to tie the final scores, but missed.

Lyon said he was missing eight of his top 22 but prime movers David Mundy and Nat Fyfe were influential in their first outings this pre-season.

Mundy gathered 17 disposals over four quarters while Fyfe collected 19 touches in three terms.

The dynamic duo helped Michael Barlow (27 possessions) and Tendai Mzungu (20 disposals, two goals) form a dominant midfield for the Dockers.

Adelaide's Brodie Martin kicked three goals, Josh Jenkins and Lewis Johnston both booted two and defenders Matthew Jaensch and Richard Tambling were among the Crows' best with 18 possessions each.

ADELAIDE 1.3 4.4 9.10 13.11 (89)
FREMANTLE 6.2 10.3 11.4 13.6 (84)

Goals: Adelaide - B Martin 3; L Johnston, J Jenkins, T McIntyre 2; R Henderson, T Lynch, I Callinan, S McKernan.
Fremantle - H Crozier, T Mzungu 2; M Walters, N Suban, D Mundy, Z Clarke, L Spurr, T Sheridan, L Neale, N Fyfe, C Pearce.
Best: Adelaide - M Jaensch, R Tambling, B Crouch, B Martin, S McKernan, C Ellis-Yolmen.
Fremantle - M Barlow, J Crichton, T Mzungu, D Mundy, Z Clarke, H Crozier, N Fyfe.
Umpires: L Hanssen, S Hay, C Bowen, C DeBoy.
 


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Demetriou's time is up: Kennett

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 22 Februari 2013 | 12.58

Former Victorian Premier and Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says AFL chief Andrew Demetriou should consider stepping down from the top job. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has launched a scathing attack on the culture of the AFL, declaring Andrew Demetriou's time as boss is up.

The former Premier last night made the call in the wake of the Melbourne tanking fallout and Essendon drugs investigation, which is still ongoing.

An impassioned Kennett lay the blame at the feet of Demetriou and said it was time for the AFL Commission to act.

"The culture is wrong - it needs improving ," Kennett said on Channel Nine's Footy Classified.

"It is a culture of defence and, at times, of intimidation.

"I think the AFL Commission should be seriously considering after 10 years , and because there have been these acts occurring on his watch, they should be addressing the culture."

Radical tax footy's hot seat

Kennett has long been a supporter of Demetriou.

But he said the time for change had become apparent over the past fortnight.

Signed form may save Dons

"I have always said publicly I get on with Andrew Demetriou - I like him and his style and believe 80 per cent they have done well.

"I think the halo has slipped dramatically over the last few weeks."

Kennett said Demetriou was responsible for the incidents that have tarnished the game in recent times.

"Andrew has been overseeing the culture for 10 years," he said.

"Gill (AFL second-in charge Gillon McLachlan), as his deputy, has been there most of that time.

"We're discussing issues now which are pulling the game apart."

McLachlan is seen by all to be Demetriou's successor when the chief executive position becomes vacant.

But Kennett, who has always believed people should not stay too long in the top job of any organisation, said it may take an outsider to clean up the mess.

"If I were the AFL Commission, I'd be advertising widely and encouraging as many to offer," he said.

"You might have to bring someone in to address the culture."


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Radical tax footy's hot seat

Possible 2014 full rollout: The AFL wants to trial variable pricing, where there are different prices for different games that are set, and dynamic pricing, where the price can change daily, weekly and even right up to match time.. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

At low-demand games, premium seating could be offered for the price of a regular seat. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will trial its radical blockbuster pricing strategy this season, with a view to it being implemented in 2014.

The league could not say what games would be affected this year, but AFL commercial operations chief Darren Birch has met clubs and will consult stadium and ticketing officials today.

While the league said clubs backed a new ticket structure, it is unclear if they all support the prospect that the extra revenue generated could go to poorer clubs as part of the AFL's club equalisation strategy.

Birch said the Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day match - arguably the biggest game in the home-and-away season - would not necessarily be subject to variable pricing.

"We might say Anzac Day's a game where we don't do dynamic or variable pricing because there's only a small amount of tickets available to the general public because the members take up the majority of those tickets," he said.

Carlton, Richmond, Hawthorn and Geelong are other clubs that play blockbuster games likely to be affected by higher prices for some seat categories.

The league wants to trial variable pricing, where there are different prices for different games that are set, and dynamic pricing, where the price can change daily, weekly and even right up to match time.

Birch said the AFL wanted fans to buy memberships, which would remove the risk of gate price fluctuations.

The AFL's Birch revealed:

NOT all clubs would be involved in the ticket trial.

FOR blockbuster games, there could be up to 10 ticket price categories. At the MCG now, there are just two categories for non-finals.

SEVERAL seat category prices could increase at big games, but the worst seats could be cheaper.

AT low-demand games, premium seating could be offered for the price of a regular seat.

EARLY-BIRD buyers could be rewarded with cheaper prices.

THE new ticketing system could be in place next year.

Birch would not speculate on the size of possible ticket price hikes for blockbusters.

Signed form may save Dons

"The very, very, back seat on level four (at the MCG), which at the moment is $36, may actually be $30 or may actually be $25," he said.

Longmire 'wasted' MCG's best seat

"But, conversely, on the other side, a level-two seat on the 50m line under cover, which is a very good seat, at the moment sells for $47. That might be $60.

Swans produce a pair of Jacks

"It's not just about on your blockbusters whether you're able to generate more revenue. It's all about how do you give the best experience to fans across a whole range of games.

Kennett: Demetriou's time is up

"Prices will go up, prices will go down, even within the one game.

"If we get our pricing model right we'll provide more choice. You might not pay the same for the same seat. You might pay a little bit less for nearly as good a seat or you might pay a little bit more for a better seat that you've never had access to before."

Birch said the AFL was not in the business of ripping people off.

"We want to maximise attendances, we want to maximise the value proposition to our fans and we also want to make sure that we protect the members and fans who become members and commit early," he said.

"We also want to make sure that those who buy in advance get some degree of advantage.

"If they don't want the variability of pricing at the gate, the one way to absolutely ensure that is to become a member."

The AFL raised the variable pricing model in a paper on equalisation sent to clubs.

Geelong supported the concept, but Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said the move would hit fans in the hip pocket.

Birch said a decision on where increased revenue from ticket reforms would go would be made later this year.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland convicted over pub bashing

Carlton veteran Heath Scotland has been convicted over a pub bashing. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will take no further action against Heath Scotland following his conviction over a wild pub brawl that saw him king-hit a patron in the face, leaving him unconscious.

The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions today successfully appealed the sentence handed to Scotland, 32, who escaped conviction after pleading guilty last October to his role in the pub melee.

"Heath accepts the decision that was made in court today," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said in a statement released this afternoon.

"The club has already imposed its own sanctions which will not change and we all look forward to putting this matter behind us."

The reigning best and fairest winner was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond for his king-hit, despite facing a maximum penalty of two years' jail.

But District Court Judge Paul Lakatos said the Magistrate presiding over the original hearing had ruled on an incorrect basis.

Namely he said it was wrong that Scotland was considered to be of "good character" despite a 2005 incident that saw him assault a woman at Crown Casino.

"I consider that material says something about the character, or lack of good character, of (Mr Scotland)," he said.

"The offence is one of such seriousness a (non-conviction) is not appropriate.

"This is not the first time he comes before the courts on assault matters," he said.

In 2005, Scotland, then aged 25, faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with assault and recklessly causing injury over an altercation at Next Blue in the Crown casino complex.

The court heard Scotland and Sarah Bos argued before he started flicking his drink on her clothes and in her face.

Ms Bos pushed Scotland away and he allegedly hit her with an open hand to the right side of the face.

The court heard security ejected Scotland but he later returned and had to be thrown out again after getting into another argument with Ms Bos.

Scotland was placed on a court diversion program, at the conclusion of which no conviction or guilty plea is recorded.

Judge Latakos said a similar system did not apply in NSW.

But because of the program, NSW police were not able to submit evidence of prior criminal history because Victorian records show there is none for Scotland.

But Judge Latakos today allowed prosecutors to submit Victoria Police LEAP records detailing the incident.

He said despite the non-conviction the assault had to be considered in relation to today's appeal.

He said it was inappropriate for Scotland to be dealt with as a "clean skin".

Last year, Scotland's lawyer argued that a conviction would jeopardise the club's reigning best and fairest winner's dream of becoming a firefighter after his football career ends.

It was the second time Scotland had used the firefighter defence after using it during hearings for the 2005 hearings.

But in a letter tendered to the court today MFB Nick Easy said even if Scotland avoided a conviction he would be ineligible to join the brigade for at last 10 years.

Scotland was today convicted and placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond.

He was previously fined $3000 and suspended for two games by Carlton.

Three other men - including Scotland's brother Brett - were convicted and fined over the Mulwala incident.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL considers blockbuster tax

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 21 Februari 2013 | 12.58

The AFL is considering charging extra for blockbuster matches such as the Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day clash. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

BLOCKBUSTER games could cost fans more to attend under a variable pricing concept floated by the AFL.

Extra revenue generated by a hike in gate prices above the standard $20, or possibly a tax on premium seating at high-demand games, would flow to the league's poorest clubs.

The AFL flagged the "variable ticket pricing" idea in an equalisation discussion paper sent to clubs last month.

Under a heading of "new revenue generation" it listed: "Possible examples include proceeds from variable ticket pricing."

The AFL has conducted research into variable pricing, which is common in the US, and has asked clubs for their views.

It's possible under the philosophy that prices could fall for low-demand games.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said blockbusters already paid their way and fans should not have to fork out more.

There's a big enough impost on people going to the game as it is without having to slug them even more

But Geelong has backed further exploration of the concept.

"Products that are in demand usually cost you more money," Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said yesterday.

"When you're playing sides that are on top of the ladder and draw big crowds, it costs you more to go to those games than games that are going to be least attended, that's the principal around it.

"In terms of how that will work, we don't know. If you look at models overseas, some are varying the gate admission price, some are varying the seat premium some are varying both.

"The AFL has been working on it for a little while. I still think it's a fair way off, (it's the) very early stages, I don't believe they would be looking at it for the 2014 season.

"It's an international model ... whether it is a relevant model for the AFL should be explored."

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said: "I've got no idea what they're talking about."

"Blockbusters already pay their way through television rights and through catering rights and through membership and through AFL membership," he said.

"There's a big enough impost on people going to the game as it is without having to slug them even more."

The AFL has variable pricing for finals - last year's prices ranged from $46-$85 in the first week of September to $200-$390 for the Grand Final.

Cook said the fans needed to be carefully considered.

"That's an issue, you have to make very sure that there weren't particular clubs that were going to be disadvantaged because the supporters paid more than other clubs' supporters," he said.

"You wouldn't want the brunt of this to be covered by Collingwood, Essendon and Carlton supporters.

"I think you'll find that variable pricing will occur not only for Collingwood but another eight or nine sides.

"I think Geelong would (be affected) when we play two or three teams when it's our home game, and then you've got the derbies interstate."

The AFL said the league's executive was given a presentation late last year by a group who had worked with American sports.

"A concept about price differentials depending on demand for matches is a simple summary," a league spokesman said.

"We would hope that we would have some material that we're able to relay publicly probably in the next couple of weeks.

"We have to assess the potential outcomes it may have. We think about the effect on fans with every decision we make."

Variable pricing is the norm in the US where the majority of teams in MLB, the NBA and NHL charge different prices for the same seat depending on the game.

These prices are set at the start of each season.

Many American sports and their teams also use "dynamic ticket pricing", where clubs re-price tickets during the season, sometimes the day before a match.

Prices can go up or down based on demand.

Geelong confirmed its support for variable pricing in its official response to the AFL equalisation paper.

Clubs had until this week to respond to the discussion paper.

Club chief executives and presidents will meet with the AFL executive on March 20.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scott, Wells ink new deals

North Melbourne looks set to extend coach Brad Scott's stay. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has re-signed coach Brad Scott and star midfielder Daniel Wells through to the end of 2016.

As exclusively revealed by the Sunday Herald Sun, the Kangaroos reached an agreement with Scott on a new deal late last year after he led the club to its first finals series since 2008.

Wells' contract extension all but ensures the 28-year-old 2002 No.2 pick will finish his career at Arden St.

Scott commended Wells and co-vice captain Jack Ziebell for inking contract extensions.

"To have players of the calibre of Daniel and Jack re-sign sends a great message to our supporters," Scott said.


"It's a vote of confidence that our players want to say here."

Kangaroos chief executive Carl Dilena said the club regarded Scott as the "best" young coach in football.

"His commitment to be part of the future of the club is exciting, and we are confident he is the man to take North Melbourne to its fifth premiership," Dilena told the club's website.

Scott took control of the Roos in 2010. He has won 35 of his 67 games as coach of the club, with a 52 per cent winning record.

After finishing ninth in his first two seasons as coach, last season the club won 14 games, including 10 of their last 13.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Judd to miss NAB Cup opener

Carlton forward Andrew Walker runs laps with Chris Judd, Andrew Collins and Dennis Armfield. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON veteran Chris Judd has been ruled out for the Blues' NAB Cup mission north to face Sydney and the GWS Giants.

The dual Brownlow medallist is one of a number of senior players expected to miss games during the pre-season competition as new coach Mick Malthouse primes his troops for Round 1.

The Blues take on reigning premiers Sydney and the AFL's newest franchise, Greater Western Sydney, on Sunday at Skoda Stadium in Blacktown.

Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

"You need to have your players in good form by Round 1, so the NAB Cup is very important. We're looking for winning form," Malthouse said today.


"Chris Judd won't play this week."

Malthouse said the Blues would implement a defensive game-plan honing in on the player's strengths.

"We've got certain strengths and we want them to come to the fore, so they'll be heavily promoted."

Meanwhile, Blues forward Andrew Walker expects plenty of improvement out of supremely talented teammate Bryce Gibbs.

The pair were partnered together during the pre-season to learn from each other's skill sets.

The high-flying forward is looking to improve on his delivery by foot while Gibbs is hoping to work on his endurance.

"He's (Gibbs) bulked right up but he is running better than I have ever seen him," Walker told SEN radio this morning.

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

Gibbs ($509,800 def/mid) mixed his form during the Blues' ill-fated 2012 campaign which came to a crushing end at the hands of Gold Coast in the penultimate round of the home and away season.

"I think he may be 2-3kgs heavier than what he was last year but his running power has changed so much over the past 3-4 months."

Walker said training under Malthouse had helped him get his body right for the season.

"I've got a huge benefit out of Mick coming this year… I actually feel my body is 100 per cent and I'm ready for the first game.

"One of his (Malthouse) strengths is he sees things from a player's perspective, he understands that you can't be flogged 100 per cent of the time.

"He recognises that and if the time comes where he can see we need a rest or we need a freshen up – mentally – he's willing to give us some time.

"The boys might have been a little flat or blokes just starting to get sore and he just takes the initiative to maybe give the boys 24-hours off to recover so we come in feeling fresh mentally and physically two days later."

Walker endorsed Nick Duigan as a knockout chance of winning the Blues' captaincy race ahead of frontrunners Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson.

"Everyone looks up to him, he speaks very well and trains the house down so he's a great leader."


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

No tanks, says defiant Demetriou

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 20 Februari 2013 | 12.58

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is sticking to his guns . Source: Herald Sun

'You're right! It says Range Rover, not tank' - David McArthur cartoon Source: Herald Sun

A DEFIANT Andrew Demetriou last night declared tanking had never taken place in the AFL.

The AFL boss told the Herald Sun teams had never set out to deliberately lose games and secure draft picks.

"I have no evidence to support the view that tanking exists," Demetriou said.

"If you are asking me the question that has been asked before: 'Do I think players purposely go out to lose games?'

"I've said in my heart of hearts I don't believe that ever to be the case."

Asked if coaches could orchestrate tanking, Demetriou said: "Well, we've got no evidence to support otherwise...and we have got very, very good investigators."

Melbourne was yesterday fined $500,000 - the third largest financial sanction in AFL history - but found not guilty of tanking after a seven-month investigation.


Instead, former football boss Chris Connolly and former coach Dean Bailey were slapped with lengthy suspensions for "acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the AFL".

The resolution to the tanking saga was seen as a major victory for Melbourne, who had threatened Supreme Court action if heavily punished.

Demetriou was a surprise no show at yesterday's announcement, leaving his deputy Gillon McLachlan to explain the penalties.

"The Melbourne Football Club did not set out to deliberately lose matches in any game in 2009," McLachlan said.

"All I can say is on the evidence that I was presented...there is no allegation that is able to be sustained that Dean Bailey didn't coach on his merits or the players didn't play to their up most ability."

Connolly was suspended for 12 months, while Bailey, now an assistant at Adelaide, was banned from coaching for the first 16 rounds of the season.

McLachlan said there was no evidence to suggest the Melbourne board, led in 2009 by the late Jim Stynes, or chief executive Cameron Schwab had given directives for the team to lose.

He said the club was fined for being the employers of Connolly and Bailey.

At the centre of the investigation were comments made by Connolly at a football department meeting in mid 2009, where he warned officials about the importance of losing matches to improve the club's draft position.

"Connolly has accepted he went into a football department meeting and he made a terrible and stupid decision in the context of an AFL rule that has now changed (priority draft picks) and in the context of pressure and expectation of success," McLachlan said.

"He made a comment regarding the performance of the team, a desire to secure a priority pick, and I know he now regrets that comment.

"I think he has accepted - and the evidence accepts it - that the people in that room took him seriously and acted in a way that they thought he meant.

"The AFL concluded Bailey acted upon Connolly's warning by making decisions about selection, player management and match-day positioning because of the pressure applied by Connolly."

But McLachlan said Bailey had always set out to win on match day.

"What I am saying is that he (Bailey) made decisions in response to the pressure of that meeting - that he had to appease Chris Connolly - and may have had an impact that goes to success, but he made no conscious decision on match day to lose games," McLachlan said.

"He made decisions in response to that which meant that he was resting players and playing players out of position in the context of pressure not to win."

Connolly, who no longer works in the Melbourne football department, has been guaranteed future employment at the club once his suspension is served.

Melbourne president Don McLardy said yesterday: "The findings...state clearly there was no directive from the club board or executive management to deliberately lose matches, and the Melbourne Football Club never set out to deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 season."

An Adelaide spokesman said last night: "We are extremely disappointed at the significant suspension which Dean has incurred following the AFL's investigation.

"The Adelaide Football Club will continue to provide its full support to Dean during this time and is totally committed to retaining him as a valued employee of the Football Club."

McLachlan said the tanking investigation involved interviews with 58 players, former players, coaches and club officials.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

All clear...with a $500k fine

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the press after his club was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

DON McLardy spent 14 minutes yesterday celebrating the fact the Melbourne Football Club had been "cleared".

Yep. Let's repeat that. Cleared.

So a $500,000 fine and two employees found guilty of being dodgy is being cleared?

Apparently so.

The Melbourne president was clearly pumped that his board and senior management hadn't been nailed for that word which starts with "t" but seemingly no one knows its exact meaning.

"We're pleased with the result that has come out today that has effectively cleared our football club," he said.

A minute later he repeated it again.

"We have been going through this for seven months. It has been an enormously high price our club has paid to get the result we did today which basically clears our football club."

For a man who'd just had half a million dollars walk out the door, McLardy was remarkably relaxed.

Remember this is a club that made a statutory profit of just $19,000 last year.

So going on that ratio it will take the Demons another 26 years to recoup the fine.

Plus they're going to be paying marketing employee Chris Connolly - he was the footy boss back in 2009 - a couple of hundred thousand to take a year off.

But we're cleared so all good, according to McLardy.

During this drawn-out process the Demons had intimated they would go to hell and back to defend their employees and the honour of this great institution.

This was when the "t" word was being levelled at them with both guns after former player Brock McLean was remarkably frank on a television interview.

Now, with their conscience cleared in regards to the "t" word, there was a feeling at the MCG yesterday that everything was good again in the world of the red and the blue.

"A legal avenue is the last resort, not the first resort," McLardy said about the new no-fight policy.

"We sought to discuss openly with the AFL the situation and we feel this is a resolution that we can accept."

The Melbourne boss went on to repeatedly describe the process as complex and that they had to abide by the umpire's ruling.

This was the same umpire who in the past few months they'd bitched and moaned about because of the heavy-handedness of the interview process.

McLardy even suggested by accepting the lesser charges the football club had done the right thing given the problems in Australian sport right now.

"With what has been going around in Australian sport in the last few weeks I don't think there is any doubt that all of us realise that integrity is the most critical part of our game.

"If we are caught up slightly in that, well, I think that's for the good of Australian sport ... that's a small price we have to pay."

Small price?

Let's repeat that sum again - $500,000 - which happens to be the third-biggest fine in AFL history.

Maybe the prez has got his marketing hat on and is thinking of getting a bit of the cash back by selling a new T-shirt line out of the Demons shop with the slogan: "CLEARED - WE DIDN'T TANK."

That's the front. On the back in much smaller text it will say: "But we did get fined 500k."
 


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Adcock to lead Lions with Brown

Stepping up: Jed Adcock, seen here in action last year, will lead the Lions with long-time skipper Jonathan Brown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE defender Jed Adcock has been appointed Lions co-captain.

The 27-year-old will serve alongside long-time skipper Jonathan Brown in the Brisbane leadership group with young guns Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff appointed as vice-captains.

Adcock has 141 career games to his name after making his senior debut in 2004.

He has regularly filled in as acting captain when Brown has been injured in recent years and his greater on-field experience gave him the edge over his captaincy rivals.

Adcock is the eighth player in the history of the Brisbane Lions to be appointed captain or co-captain.

"It's a huge honour. Massive,'' Adcock said.

"This club had a great tradition so to be recognised as a co-captain is a huge honour. Very proud.''


Senior coach Michael Voss said the new leadership structure was a good fit for the club.

"Jed has demonstrated outstanding leadership over his time at the Lions, and most specifically in his past four seasons as a vice-captain,'' Voss said.

"As we know, Brownie won't be around forever, and with Jed as co-captain, it will not only ease the load on Brownie but importantly they will both play a critical role in the continued development of Tom's and Daniel's leadership capabilities over the coming years.

"Jed is not only a leader on-field, he is an excellent representative of this footy club, and its culture and values.

"Tom and Daniel, as the deputies, are extremely capable young men who have shown maturity beyond their years in their short times at the club.''

Jed Adcock and Jonathan Brown will co-captain the Brisbane Lions in 2013. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cover-up claim hits the Lions

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 19 Februari 2013 | 12.58

Lions coach Michael Voss says there is no chance drug taking could have happened at the club in the years of his captaincy without his knowledge. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Brisbane Lions players with 2002 premiership cup. Picture: Jody Darcy Source: Herald Sun

MICHAEL Voss today admitted he couldn't rule out illicit drug use was happening during his tenure as Lions captain - but he insists the latest drug claims levelled at the club have some glaring inconsistencies.

A day after self-confessed drug dealer Jason McGrath - the cousin of premiership player Ash McGrath - made stunning allegations he supplied illicit drugs to Lions players from 2002-09, new reports emerged that one player sat out games in the same period to hide a drug issue.

But Brisbane coach Voss says only the individual and the club doctor would be privy as to why a player would miss games in that instance.

"I'm learning some things here, apparently. Trying to sort through what is fact and fiction is a little hard at the moment,'' Voss told Triple M this morning.

"There are inconsistencies that players have missed games ... because as officials and (other) players, we don't get notified.


"The doctor does that with the (individual) player and we don't know. That shouldn't be general knowledge and no-one should know except the player and the doctor.''

Voss, who led Brisbane to the 2001-03 flags and until 2006, admitted he couldn't be certain teammates weren't using drugs under his leadership.

"They could have been (doing anything),'' he said.

"I'm not naive enough to sit here and say that it hasn't happened. I couldn't say that with 100 per cent certainty.

"But there has been a whole bunch of things mentioned and I'd really question the validity of those allegations.''

When asked if he'd ever met Jason McGrath, the six-time All Australian said: ``not that I can certainly recall''.

"That's why we say they (the claims) are unsubstantiated. The names that have been thrown around I haven't even seen before,'' Voss said.

"We have after-match functions where there are probably 200 or 250 people. There are a lot of people hovering around and I might have walked past him two or three times but apart from seeing his photos recently I wouldn't know what the guy looks like.

"Speaking to some of my other teammates yesterday they don't know who he is either.

"He's out and about but he's a bit of a phantom to us all at the moment. But he might be familiar to some of our players at that stage of our careers, but he certainly wasn't to a majority of us.''

Voss hoped the drugs in sport saga didn't harm the club's image or sponsorship deals.

The Courier-Mail today revealed explosive allegations that the reason for a Brisbane Lions player's absence from some games last decade was falsified to cover-up an illicit drug issue.

A former Lions staffer told The Courier-Mail a player missed specific matches in this period because of the illicit drugs issue.

It is just one of several allegations to emerge that have prompted the AFL to open an investigation into behaviours at the club between 2002 and 2009.

The AFL confirmed yesterday the league's integrity unit would investigate.

It follows claims by Jason McGrath, the cousin of premiership player Ash McGrath, that he was involved in match-fixing, illegal gambling and was a drug supplier to six Lions players from that period who were regular users of speed, ecstacy and marijuana.

The Courier-Mail revealed these claims yesterday and was then contacted by a former staffer who worked at the Lions for several years.

The ex-staffer said he could confirm many of Jason McGrath's allegations surrounding drug use.

Another former employee also made the revelation that while at the Lions he was told the reason for a player's absence from the side was a fabrication to cover up an issue with illicit drugs.

Last week AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed players in the AFL have been repeatedly forced to miss matches because of serious breaches of the league's illicit drug policy.

The Lions reacted angrily to the decision by The Courier-Mail to publish Jason McGrath's allegations.

"These claims from a 'self-confessed drug dealer' are completely unsubstantiated and do not deserve publicity," the Lions said in a statement.

"We have no reason to believe the word of a 'self-confessed drug dealer', but if anyone, including The Courier-Mail, has any evidence with regards to this, or any other matter, it should be referred to either the AFL integrity unit or the Queensland Police.''

AFL corporate affairs manager James Tonkin said the league had opened a probe into events at the club between 2002-09.

"We don't comment on unsubstantated claims, but the matter has been referred to the integrity unit,'' Tonkin said.

The AFL confirmed the League's integrity officer Brett Clothier will also investigate a 2003 game involving the Lions with regards to match-fixing claims.

The Lions received an irate phone call from the AFL in 2003 following the game.

The AFL's Integrity Unit was not established until 2008.

Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes declined to return calls from The Courier-Mail  yesterday requesting further comment.

The Courier-Mail has alerted the AFL to the latest allegations, but have protected the identity of our sources.

It can be revealed that one person has made himself available for a confidential interview with the AFL's integrity unit and another is considering his position.

Other sources declined.

Last week, The Courier-Mail contacted several former players and staff in an attempt to interview about Jason McGrath's claims.

None of the sources had proof of any drug-taking, but each claimed they were aware of drug use by some or all of the players from the 2002-09 period mentioned by Jason McGrath.

Former Lions chairman Graeme Downie said he was unconcerned about the allegations.

"I never heard questions about any matches and I never heard any rumours of drugs during my time,'' Downie said.

Voss last night told Channel 7 there was no chance drug taking could have happened at the club in the years of his captaincy without his knowledge.

Voss captained Brisbane in each of their three premiership years in 2001-03 and until his retirement in 2006.

"You would know, when you are amongst the players, you would know,'' Voss said.

"If there is evidence to suggest that we would encourage you to go to the AFL integrity office or Queensland police.''


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Melbourne cleared, officials banned

Dean Bailey (right) and Chris Connolly pictured at the Junction Oval in 2007. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has been found not guilty of tanking after a forensic seven-month investigation by the AFL.

But key individuals - then-coach Dean Bailey and then-football manager Chris Connolly - have been found guilty of conduct which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL, stemming from comments made by Connolly.

The Demons will be fined $500,000 - the third-largest fine in the game's history - for being the employers of Connolly and Bailey, which will be paid by the club in instalments.

"The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season," the AFL says.

However, despite this finding, Bailey has been suspended for the first 16 rounds of the coming season, and Connolly until February 1, 2014.

Bailey can remain employed by Adelaide - where he is an assistant coach - during his suspension, but cannot deal with players in any capacity. Crows chairman Rob Chapman later confirmed the club will stand by Bailey.

Adelaide stands by Bailey

Connolly, who still works for Melbourne in a marketing role, is not allowed to perform any function for or on behalf of the club until his suspension is lifted.

The AFL's deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan announced the results of the investigation in a press conference this afternoon.

McLachlan said Connolly was banned because of comments he made in a football department meeting during the 2009 season.

He said Bailey had admitted to bowing to pressure and making decisions in regards to selection and player management with regard to those comments.

"There is no allegation that is able to be sustained that Dean Bailey didn't coach on his merits or any players didn't play to their utmost abilities,'' McLachlan said.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

"Connolly has accepted he went into a football department meeting and he made a terrible and stupid decision in the context of an AFL rule that has now changed (priority draft picks) and in the context of a pressure and expectation of success.

"He made a comment regarding the performance of the team, a desire to secure a priority pick, and I know he now regrets that comment.''

McLachlan said Melbourne, Connolly and Bailey had accepted their penalties.

He also confirmed Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab, who also had that role in 2009, had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the press after his club was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

McLardy accepts sanction

Later, Melbourne president Don McLardy said the investigation had "a major impact on our club", but that the team could now run out on Friday night in the NAB Cup "clear of any distractions".

"From the moment the investigation commenced, we were determined to defend our club against the allegation that we deliberately lost games. This has been achieved," McLardy said in a statement.

"The findings ... state clearly there was no directive from the club board or executive management to deliberately lose matches, and the Melbourne Football Club never set out to deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 season."

He described the $500,000 fine as "significant", but said the club considered it was in its own best interests to accept the sanctions and avoid a potentially lengthy and costly legal battle.

He added that Connolly - "an outstanding football person" - would continue as a Melbourne FC employee after his suspension is lifted, and thanked the club's members and fans for their support.

Melbourne Football Club president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL cleared the club of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Source: Getty Images

Dees keep draft picks

The Demons will not lose any draft picks because the club was found not guilty of the serious charge of conduct prejudical to the draft. In other words, not guilty of deliberately losing matches at the end of the 2009 season.

Rule 17.1 states in part that "conduct prejudicial to the draft means conduct which has the purpose or has or is likely to have the effect of hindering, prejudicing, interfering with or preventing the natural operation of the draft.

AFL Regulations 19 (A5) says: "A person, being a player, a coach or an assistant coach, must at all times perform on their merits and must not induce, or encourage, any player, coach or assistant coach not to perform on their merits in any match – or in relation to any aspect of the match, for any reason whatsoever". 

More than 50 past and present club staff were interviewed by the AFL and club documents and computers were examined before the league's integrity unit submitted an 800-page report.

In the end, AFL investigators found no evidence to that the club tanked.

It's accepted that clubs can experiment with player positioning on the field.

It's understood a contentious move in the Melbourne-Richmond game in Round 18 of 2009, where Melbourne ruckman Paul Johnson found himself on Richmond's small forward Nathan Brown, has been determined as a brief match-up and not, as has been suggested, a deliberate coaching move.

It is the first time the AFL has penalised a club or officials over this sort of scenario.

Full text of the AFL's statement

The AFL summarised its findings as follows:

- There had not been a directive from the Melbourne FC board or executive management that the team should deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 premiership season.

- The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season.

- Melbourne FC then-general manager of football operations Chris Connolly during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner concerning pre-game planning, comprising comments to a football department meeting, which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

- Melbourne FC then-senior coach Dean Bailey, having regard to Mr Connolly's comments, during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

SEE HOW THE PRESS CONFERENCE UNFOLDED IN OUR BLOG BELOW

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


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sandilands out for two months

TALL TIMBER: The remainder of Fremantle's ruck unit will have to step up after Aaron Sandilands (centre) was ruled out for two months. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE has suffered a fresh injury setback ahead of the start of the AFL season, with ruckman Aaron Sandilands ruled out for two months with a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old suffered a partial tear to his hamstring tendon during last weekend's NAB Cup opener against Geelong.

While Sandilands will not require surgery, the club expects him to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, ruling him out of the Dockers' Round 1 derby clash with West Coast.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

The Eagles are also expected to be without one of their first-choice ruckmen for the Round 1 clash, with Nic Naitanui facing a race against time to recover from a groin injury.

"It's certainly unfortunate that Aaron will be out for an extended period of time, but we have great confidence in our structures and players to be able to fill the role," Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said.


Sandilands played 14 of a possible 24 games last season after struggling to overcome a toe injury.

His absence for the opening few rounds of the season is expected to provide opportunities for ruck duo Zac Clarke and Jon Griffin, while Kepler Bradley could also be called upon to pinch-hit at stoppages.

Bookmakers reacted quickly to the news that Sandilands would miss the opening weeks of the season, with TAB.com.au pushing Fremantle's price out further in head-to-head derby betting.

A Dockers win in Round 1 now pays $2.30 with the betting agency - out from $2.25 - with West Coast firming into $1.60.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson


 


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Silence on Lions drug den claims

Written By Unknown on Senin, 18 Februari 2013 | 12.58

The AFL has yet to comment on whether they will investigate allegations of match-fixing, illegal gambling and drug use levelled at the Brisbane Lions.

No comment: Brisbane Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes is silent on the drug claims. Picture: Glenn Barnes Source: The Courier-Mail

THE AFL has refused to reveal if it will investigate serious allegations of match-fixing, illegal gambling and drug use levelled at the Brisbane Lions.

Jason McGrath, the cousin of Lions premiership player Ash McGrath, has made a series of threats to expose behaviour at the club between 2002 and 2009, as the fallout continues from Australian sport's doping storm.

Jason McGrath, a confessed drug dealer, was seen in the Lions' dressingrooms and at functions at times during that period.

The newspaper made contact with Jason McGrath after he made a series of Facebook posts claiming he was ready to expose dodgy AFL practices: "If you don't think the drugs and match-fixing is real, I bet on the AFL and was involved in a game being fixed."

He told the newspaper he had been a drug supplier between 2002 and 2009 and named six Lions players from that period who were heavy users of speed, ecstasy and marijuana.

He said members of the Lions' coaching staff knew some players were regular drug users.

Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes refused to confirm if the club would investigate the claims or pass the allegations on to the AFL.

"The Brisbane Lions do not comment on unsubstantiated allegations, rumour or innuendo," Holmes said.

The AFL has also refused to say whether it will look into Jason McGrath's claims.

The Courier-Mail can confirm the Lions administration at the time had heard suggestions about drug use by two of the players in question.

Jason McGrath claims to have been involved in fixing a match involving the Lions in 2003, another instance of spot fixing, and to have regularly received inside team information from Lions players just before games for the purposes of betting.

Jason McGrath also told of an occasion where he had delivered an ounce of speed to a Mad Monday celebration at the Broadway Hotel, another where a player was hospitalised after a binge on speed, and multiple times where players had smoked pot in his home.

He also said he had supplied cocaine to players on occasion.

Four players named by Jason McGrath are still playing in the AFL.

He also claimed he would provide to the newspaper betting slips and phone records to substantiate his claims about match-fixing, but he has since gone to ground and refused to return phone calls.

He claims to have received threats from a current player after making his Facebook posts.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Monitor cap in heat: Buckley

Collingwood cach Nathan Buckley believes the AFL may have to alter its planned cap on rotations if extreme weather conditions continue. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley expects the AFL to scale back its planned trial of a cap on interchange rotations if there is a continuation of the hot weather in which the pre-season competition opened.

St Kilda, Adelaide and Port Adelaide players struggled through their triple-header in temperatures as high as 38 degrees at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

But they were at least able to have six interchange players and make team changes for each of their two mini-matches per side.

In the later rounds, teams will play full-length games, with three interchange players, one substitute and a limit of 20 rotations per quarter, a trial geared towards potentially introducing such a cap in the 2014 season proper.

Buckley, whose Magpies are due to play their first match under the cap against West Coast in Perth on March 3, said while he understood the AFL's desire to trial the cap, introducing it during one of the hottest periods of the year could be problematic.

"We obviously care for the welfare of our players," the Magpies coach told reporters in the Victorian town of Healesville, where the club are holding their community camp.

"It's probably something the AFLPA (players' association) will look pretty strongly at over the next couple of days in particular.

"I can understand the AFL's want to gather information about the cap on rotations and try to make it as realistic as possible with a three and one interchange bench.

"But if we're playing in 35-degree-plus conditions, whether it's Collingwood or any other team, I think there's a duty of care to the playing group to make sure that we shuffle things a little bit to make sure players aren't under undue duress at this stage of the season in particular.

"I'm sure the AFL and (players' association) will come to an arrangement there and I'd be surprised if we didn't see some movement to support the welfare of players."

Buckley said if the AFL did press ahead with the cap in hot weather, the information gathered would barely translate to the regular season anyway.

"If you're taking statistics from a 37, or what was it in Adelaide on the weekend, 38-degree day, with a three-and-one bench and cap of 80 rotations, that's not going to happen very often in June or through the middle of home and away," he said.

"You're not working off a level playing field."


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stevie J set to miss blockbuster

Best of mates? The field umpire asks Cats Steve Johnson and Hayden Ballantyne to cool it. Source: Getty Images

Geelong's Steve Johnson crunches Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their Round 1 NAB Cup match at Patersons Stadium. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG star Steve Johnson is set to miss the Round 1 blockbuster against Hawthorn after being charged with striking.

Johnson can accept a one-week game suspension for striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne in Saturday night's NAB Cup clash at Patersons Stadium.

The Match Review Panel charged Johnson with a Level Two striking offence (125 demerit points, one match) for striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne in the second half of the teams' match at Patersons Stadium on Saturday.

He can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea, due to his previous poor record.

Contact between Essendon's Michael Hurley and Western Bulldog Adam Cooney was assessed, but the force used was found to be below that required for a reportable offence.

Johnson appeared to make slight contact to Ballantyne's midriff with a swinging right arm during Geelong's game two loss against the Dockers at Subiaco.

Johnson will have to serve the ban in the home-and-away season under a change to the tribunal system.

Johnson was walking a suspension tightrope, given he had 80 carry-over points after accepting a one-match ban for rough conduct against Sydney's Dan Hannebery in Round 23 last year.

But changes to the tribunal system mean his loading for past offences, which was 40 per cent last year, has been dissolved.

Calculations for a player's poor tribunal record now only take into account the previous two seasons, down from three.

And to qualify for a poor record, a player needs to have been suspended for two or more matches within the previous two years.

Johnson's only suspension since the start of the 2011 season was that incident with Hannebery.

His three-week suspension for his infamous tangle with Steven Baker in 2010 no longer counts against him.

-with Nick Wade from the Geelong Advertiser


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL could go troppo

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 17 Februari 2013 | 12.58

AFLQ CEO Michael Conlan says North Queensland could have an AFL team by 2030. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

NORTH Queensland could be home to a relocated AFL club by 2030.

That is the bold vision of AFL Queensland chief Michael Conlan, who claims a booming population will justify a third club in the state.

The former Fitzroy star said that club would likely be a Melbourne entity, but north Queensland had the venues and passion to make it work.

"North Queensland is a strategic focus for us, from Cairns to Townsville to Mackay and Rockhampton," Conlan said.

"Cairns is already hosting AFL games ... (while) Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville is a very good facility but we would need to work closely with the Queensland Government to build on what is already there to bring it up to what is required for AFL games.

"Queensland's population is about 4.5 million right now but by 2030, it could be around 8.5 to 9 million so we very much want to cement our game in those areas up north."

Conlan was at Fitzroy in the 1980s when the Lions were linked with moves to Brisbane and Sydney.

The Lions eventually merged with the Brisbane Bears after the 1996 season.

He favours a relocation model ahead of a fresh start-up such as the Bears in 1987 or the Suns in 2011.

Melbourne clubs moving interstate is an emotional issue but clubs facing financial extinction may consider it.

"It would be a great opportunity for an AFL club to be positioned as the north Queensland club," Conlan said.

Cairns' Cazaly's Stadium has hosted  AFL pre-season games and in the past two years has staged premiership matches between Richmond and Gold Coast.

The Tigers and Suns again play in Cairns on July 13.Under this year's format, Townsville will host a NAB Cup match between Gold Coast and North Melbourne on March 2.

The city's main cricket/Aussie rules venuue would need an upgrade to be fit for AFL football.

Gold Coast will hold their community camp in Townsville before the NAB Cup match. North Queensland also falls under the Suns' recruitment zone.

"We've been working really hard with the Suns already on how we can continue to grow the game in a very important region for our code," Conlan said.

The AFLQ is also working with the Toowoomba Regional Council to developing a venue suitable for a NAB Cup match.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Geelong boss happy with recruits

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Geelong's Jared Rivers in action against West Coast in the NAB Cup. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG coach Chris Scott says he was delighted with what he saw from recruits Josh Caddy and Jared Rivers in the NAB cup triple-header in Perth.

Geelong, Fremantle and West Coast had a win each last night but, for the Cats and Eagles especially, it was noteworthy for the displays by some recruits and encouraging returns from long-term injuries by others.

Geelong came back to beat West Coast in the opening game on the back of a last-minute Joel Selwood nine-point super goal before falling short in another attempted comeback against the Dockers.

Most encouraging for Scott was the form of recruits Caddy and Rivers, as well as the return of Travis Varcoe off half-back after he was limited to just one game in 2012.

Caddy has 24 AFL games to his credit with the Gold Coast Suns and the 20-year-old arrived at Geelong set to be a long-term midfielder.

Rivers is at the other end of his career after 150 games at Melbourne and Scott was equally pleased with both.

"I thought he (Rivers) was impressive. He looks to me like a Geelong defender already. We aren't getting too carried away, but it was overwhelmingly positive - Jared's performance. But to be clear, Jared Rivers is not filling Matthew Scarlett's role,'' Scott said.

"We thought he (Caddy) was pretty solid. He got in good spots, was able to win the ball and looked strong in the contests. The indications are that Josh is going to be the sort of player we thought he would be.''

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Scott also doesn't believe he has any reason to worry over an incident involving Steve Johnson and Fremantle foe Hayden Ballantyne.

"There tends to be not too much friction in NAB one,'' Scott said.

"I didn't really see what happened and I know he was down for a long time, but I was more concerned with how quickly he got up to set up the next goal. He didn't look too bad did he?''

West Coast coach John Worsfold liked what he saw from All-Australian forward Mark LeCras in his first official game in 17 months because of a serious knee injury. He also was impressed with Collingwood recruit Sharrod Wellingham.

"I was rapt. I think he (LeCras) was rapt too. He was just keen to get it all going again. His pre-season has been outstanding so it's just good to know he's up and going again,'' Worsfold said.

"He had a smile on his face after the game so I would say he's pulled up pretty well. That goal he kicked was probably to make sure he's still got it.

"It was a short hit out for Sharrod, but we were really pleased. He showed why we picked him, and we know what role we want him to play and he did it well.''

Fremantle did lose Chris Mayne (ankle) and Aaron Sandilands (glute) to injury during the night, but coach Ross Lyon is confident will both right in a fortnight's time with Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy and Nat Fyfe among those set to face Carlton in the Dockers' next game.


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: NAB Cup Round 1 at AAMI Stadium

Sam Kerridge (Crows) and Ollie Wines (Port) will make their debut today.l Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

FOLLOW the Round 1 NAB Cup action between Adelaide, Port Adelaide and St Kilda from AAMI Stadium

4:47pm AEDT- Adelaide 0.1 (1) trails St Kilda 1-0 (6)

TERRY Milera has booted the first goal of the game for St Kilda.

The small forward, who kicked 19 goals last year, received a free kick for a high tackle and calmly slotted it through.

Richie Douglas nearly had the first goal of the day when he burst clear 60 metres from goal.

He let fly just outside the 50m but it hit the post.

Lively opening at AAMI Stadium.

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's Round 1 NAB Cup clash at AAMI Stadium.

At 4:40pm AEDT, Adelaide will take on St Kilda.

At 5:45pm AEDT, Port Adelaide will then take on the Saints.

At then at 6:50pm AEDT, brace yourself for when the Crows and the Power lock horns.

Follow all the action right here!


12.58 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger