LIVE: Cats v Kangaroos

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hawk Derick Wanganeen pounces on Tiger Brandon Ellis during the first quarter at Aurora Stadium. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW today's NAB Cup action with games featuring powerhouses Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong and Collingwood.

4.53pm - Hawkins punishes Roos
Cats 0.8.6 (54)
Kangaroos 0.6.2 (38)

TOM Hawkins has given Geelong some breathing space after North Melbourne headed the Cats, albeit briefly, at Simonds Stadium.

Hawkins' third goal, late in the second quarter, set up a 16-point buffer at the main break.

North Melbourne hit the front for the first time today when Lindsay Thomas and Aaron Black goalled within minutes of each other.

But not to be outdone the Cats hit back, Hawkins leading the charge with his second goal before skipper Joel Selwood extended the margin with a goal of his own.

Kangaroos boom ruckman Daniel Currie (23 hit outs) spent some time on the bench after landing heavily on his back in the centre-square.

But returned a short time later to help the Kangaroos lead the clearances 21-15.

Meanwhile, St Kilda ran away 25point winners over Melbourne after trailling the Dees by 22 points in the first quarter.

Leigh Montagna and Nick Dal Santo led the Saints to victory while Terry Milera and Stephen Milne kicked two goals apiece.

Nathan Jones and James Magner were the pick of the Dees.

4.38pm - Kangaroos take the lead
Cats 0.5.6 (36)
Kangaroos 0.6.2 (38)

Demons 2.5.6 (54)
Saints 2.9.9 (81)

NORTH Melbourne has hit the front at Simonds Stadium after back-to-back goals to Aaron Black and Lindsay Thomas.

George Horlin-Smith is getting plenty of the ball while Steven Motlop has two goals.

Scott Thompson leads the Roos with nine disposals including six rebound 50s.

INJURY UPDATE: Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says it's likely Matthew Suckling has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is cruising to a comfortable victory over Melbourne at Casey Fields.

The Dees led early but St Kilda responded with a string of goals.

Terry Milera and Stephen Milne have two goals apiece while for Melbourne James Sellar has two.

Demons star Nathan Jones has a supergoal to his name.

4.11pm - Roos hit back after Cats' fast start
Cats 0.3.6 (24)
Kangaroos 0.3.2 (20)

Demons 2.5.4 (52)
Saints 2.8.8 (74)

GEELONG speedster Steven Motlop has two goals in the Cats NAB Cup match against North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium.

But the Kangaroos have hit back with excitement machine Majak Daw kicking his first goal after a strong contested mark against three opponents.

Lindsay Thomas won a cheap free kick for a high tackle and made no mistake with his set shot to cut the margin to four points nearing quarter time.

North Melbourne must win the game to be any chance of playing off in the NAB Cup grand final against the winner of tonight's clash between Collingwood and Brisbane.

3.56pm - Cats, Roos draw battle lines
Cats 0.2.3 (15)
Kangaroos 0.0.0 (0)

Demons 1.3.4 (31)
Saints 2.6.8 (62)

GEELONG has broken the shackles early with Steven Motlop racing into an open goal against North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium.

Motlop pounced on the loose ball and made no mistake with his snap from a tight angle.

Josh Walker added to the Roos' woes with his first goal extending the margin midway through the term.

North Melbourne yet to score.

Meanwhile, Kangaroos ruckman Daniel Currie is dominating the stoppages up against Mark Blicavs.

The SuperCoach bolter is the Kangaroos No.1 option at the stoppages with Todd Goldstein out of the side.

Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey was a surprise withdrawal from today's match.

Harvey was expected to play given his suspension carried over from last year's finals campaign rules the playmaker out for the first six weeks of the home and away season.

3.36pm - Jacks hands Tigers victory
Hawks 0.13.6 (84)
Tigers 0.13.7 (85)

Demons 1.3.4 (31)
Saints 2.6.8 (62)

HAWTHORN remains winless in the pre-season competition after Jack Riewoldt kicked his third goal after the siren to hand Richmond a one point victory.

Riewoldt took a strong contested mark at the death to set up the classy finish from 25m out on a slight angle.

Hawthorn had hit the front only seconds earlier when Jarry Roughead slotted his fifth goal.

Trent Cotchin led the Tigers with 28 disposals including four clearances. Bachar Houli was next best with 24 touches including a goal and two assists.

Sam Mitchell was the pick of the Hawks with 29 possessions including five clearances.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is making a mockery of Melbourne racing to a five goal lead after trailling by 22 points early in the game.

St Kilda booted seven of the past eight goals including two nine-pointers to set up the 31 point buffer at half-time.

Stephen Milne in his first game back has two goals as has Terry Milera.

Joel MacDonald continues to get plenty of the ball for the Demons.

3.16pm - Hawks edge clear
Hawks 0.11.6 (72)
Tigers 0.10.7 (67)

Demons 1.2.4 (25)
Saints 0.2.7 (19)

HAWTHORN is locked in a dour struggle against Richmond at Aurora Stadium.

The Hawks reclaimed the lead -- by five points -- after goals to Sam Grimley and Jarryd Roughead midway through the final quarter.

Richmond star Brett Deledio kicked his second of the game to keep the Tigers within range.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is kicking itself out of the NAB Cup match against Melbourne.

The Saints have kicked seven behinds as the game hangs in the balance midway through the second quarter.

2.58pm - Bachar keeps Tiges in front
Hawks 0.9.5 (59)
Tigers 0.9.7 (61)

Demons 1.2.2 (23)
Saints 0.1.2 (8)

RICHMOND defender Bachar Houli's goal after the siren has given the Tigers a two point lead going into the final quarter.

Hawthorn hit the front late in the quarter when Derick Wanganeen slotted his first and the Hawks' fourth for the term.

But Houli, not to be outdone, converted his long range bomb after the siren to give the Tigers some breathing space.

Meanwhile, Melbourne has burst clear of St Kilda in its NAB Cup match at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.

The Demons exploded in the first quarter with goals to Shannon, Lynden Dunn (supergoal) and Luke Tapscott to jump the Saints.

Terry Milera kicked the Saints' first goal late in the first quarter.

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

2.51pm - Hawks fight back
Hawks 0.9.5 (59)
Tigers 0.8.7 (55)

HAWTHORN has fought its way back into contention against Richmond at Aurora Stadium.

Since moving forward Matthew Spangher has made an impact kicking two goals in the third quarter to cut the margin to three points.

Derick Wanganeen put the Hawks in front with his first goal late in the term.

Jarryd Roughead also chimed in as Richmond is paying the price of not putting the Hawks away after leading by 19 points at the main break.

But it's not all good news for the Hawks who are without Matthew Suckling after the key defender came off the ground with a knee injury.

Sam Mitchell continues to dominate the stoppages while young gun Bradley Hill has the ball on a string with 18 disposals and six marks.

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals in Richmond's NAB Cup victory over Hawthorn. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

2.07pm - Jack gives Tigers breathing space
Hawks 0.5.3 (33)
Tigers 0.8.4 (52)

JACK Riewoldt has helped Richmond to a handy 19-point lead at the main break kicking his second goal of the match.

Riewoldt could have had three in the half but passed off to an unmarked Shaun Grigg in the goalsquare when lining up from 25m directly in front.

The Tigers dominated play in the first half barring a five-minute burst in the first quarter when Hawthorn kicked three goals to level the scores.

Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

2.07pm - Tigers in control over Hawks
Hawks 0.5.3 (33)
Tigers 0.7.3 (45)

RICHMOND is making light work of a sluggish Hawthorn outfit at Aurora Stadium.

Veteran Chris Newman gave the Tigers the ideal start in the second quarter when he converted a set shot from close range.

Newman was the beneficiary of a 50m penalty against Hawk recruit Matt Spangher, who failed to return the ball to Newman after the umpire blew his whistle.

Jack Riewoldt added to the Hawks woes when he found an unmarked Shaun Grigg in the goalsquare to make it a 12-point ball game.

Hawthorn answered through Jarryd Roughead but it short-lived as Jake King pounced late in the term kicking his second goal.

Sam Mitchell leads allcomers with 15 disposals including five rebound 50s. Mitchell has also laid six tackles.

1.33pm - Hawks strike back
Hawks 0.4.0 (24)
Tigers 0.4.1 (25)

HAWTHORN is mounting a charge at Aurora Stadium after letting Richmond skip away to a cheap lead.

The Tigers kicked four of the first five goals before back-to-back Hawks goals cut the margin to one point.

Opportunist Shane Savage opened the floodgates snapping truly from the top of the square before Jed Anderson and Shane Burgoyne chimed in with goals in a hurry.

Burgoyne kicked the Hawks' first goal marking about 30m out uncontested.

Richmond threatened to kick away midway through the term when Tyrone Vickery and Jack Riewoldt slotted two goals in as many minutes.

Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

1.22pm - King gives Tiges the lead
Hawks 0.1.0 (6)
Tigers 0.2.0 (12)

RICHMOND has started the better of the two sides with Jake King and Brett Deledio giving the Tigers an early lead at Aurora Stadium.

The 'Pushup' King made no mistake from directly in front after winning a free kick in marking contest.

Enter classy Deledio who rubbed salt into the Hawks wounds taking a strong pack mark before converting his shot on goal.

The near full-strength Tigers have dominated play early in the first quarter.

Join in our Live HQ coverage by tweeting your thoughts on today's games @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

But Hawthorn veteran Shaun Burgoyne answered for the Hawks taking an uncontested mark in the pocket before cutting the margin to six points.

Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

1.10pm - Hawks, Tiges do battle
Hawks 0.0.0. (0)
Tigers 0.0.0 (0)

RICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin has drawn first blood, winning the toss against Hawthorn who remains winless in the NAB Cup.

The Hawks line up with Jarryd Roughead playing out of the goalsquare replacing the injured Lance Franklin.

Check back for regular updates and breaking news throughout the day.

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Hawks fear worst for Suckling

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN has been dealt a blow with superboot Matthew Suckling suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury.

The Hawks will be sweating on scans on Suckling's right leg after his knee collapsed during the second quarter of today's one-point loss to Richmond.

Suckling was trying to change direction when his leg gave way on the wing.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said it was likely Suckling had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

The classy backman hobbled off the ground before being helped into the rooms.

Suckling emerged on the interchange bench during the third quarter with ice on his knee and crutches by his side.

Click for breaking news and match day coverage

Meanwhile, Brendan Whitecross, rehabbing from a full knee reconstruction, told Fox Footy he was just ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Whitecross went down in Hawthorn's qualifying final win over Collingwood last year.

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

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Jacks leads Tiges to victory

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals in Richmond's NAB Cup victory over Hawthorn. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

A GOAL after the final siren from Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has given the Tigers a heart-stopping one-point AFL pre-season cup win over Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

Riewoldt nailed the difficult six-pointer from wide to the left to hand Richmond a 0.13.7(85) to 0.13.6(84) victory after a seesawing final quarter in which the lead changed six times.

The victory gave Richmond a 3-1 record for the pre-season and left grand finalists the Hawks winless after four.

Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead booted three of his five goals in the final term, but it wasn't enough after his side had clawed back from a 19-point halftime deficit.

Riewoldt and Chris Newman finished with three each for the Tigers with Roughead supported by Shaun Burgoyne and Matt Spangher with doubles in front of 8601 in Launceston.

Hawthorn went into the game against the near full-strength Tigers without a number of big guns, including Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli and captain Luke Hodge but Burgoyne and Grant Birchall made their first appearances of the year.

Richmond were all over them early and kicked four of the first five goals to race out to a 19-point lead.

But three goals in quick succession to Shane Savage, Jed Anderson and Burgoyne saw the Hawks finish the first term the stronger and at level pegging.

The Tigers came our growling in the second, booting four of the five goals to go to the long break up 0.8.4 to 0.5.3.

Riewoldt provided the comedy when he spectacularly somersaulted over the boundary fence and into one of the stands at Aurora, emerging unscathed moments later.

Hawthorn clawed their way back, kicking the first three goals of the third - two to Spangher - to narrow the margin to just three.

They hit the lead when Derick Wanganeen goaled but Richmond led by two points when Bachar Houli kicked a major on the stroke of three-quartertime.

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Eddie slams Footy Show cash splash

McGuire rubbishes suggestions Swan didn't get club support.

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire has questioned The Footy Show's chequebook journalism in the wake of last night's Dane Swan interview on the Footy Show.

McGuire said he didn't watch the interview but was incensed that Swan's manager Liam Pickering and Channel 9 hadn't contacted him or the club before it was recorded.

McGuire also voiced concern at reports Swan had been paid to give the interview.

"If you're going to start paying $25,000, which is apparently what I'm hearing for an interview," he said

"Just as I'd like to know whether they paid Cloke last year and Leon Davis last year to come in and try to say some things that muddied the water at Collingwood, and even more importantly, whether they paid Mick Malthouse when he did that story that blew the club up in its quest for a premiership.

Swan denies he, or anyone at Collingwood, has drug problem.

"I'd like to know if there's been $100,000 spent on interviews with Collingwood players."

Collingwood yesterday slapped Swan with a fine in a fresh sign of tension between the Magpies and their most decorated current player.

Swan was summoned to a meeting with officials yesterday afternoon where he was told he would be sanctioned for taking part in a pre-recorded interview on Channel 9 that had not been authorised by the club's administration.

Under AFL rules, clubs cannot fine players more than $5000. It is believed Swan's fine is less than the maximum amount.

2013 preview: The Magpies will struggle to make the top four this season, according to Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

Short memory: Are Eddie's ethics everywhere?

But McGuire said he expected that ceiling to be lifted as a way of discouraging players from going outside the usual channels for arranging interviews.

"The fines will go up. This five grand fine for players. The AFL are onto this, it's going to go through the roof because people are snubbing it," he said.

"If I could make it 25 grand, I'd make it 25 grand to make the point"

Dane Swan at Collingwood training today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Injury setbacks for Ball, Didak

The former Footy Show host said Collingwood players would be hit hard if they spoke without club authorisation in the future.

"I'll give you the tip now, it won't ever happen at Collingwood again," McGuire said on Triple M this morning.

"Because every player who does not follow protocol at Collingwood, and I would speak for every club now, is going to get blistered and blistered hard.

Collingwood season preview - Will Pies make the top four?

"Philosophically, I didn't have an issue about him on The Footy Show. I was quite happy with what Swanny said last night.

"Swanny's pretty much done the right thing, if you like, and all the rest of it, but the protocol has been absolutely jumped over the top of."

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert refused to comment when contacted yesterday afternoon.

The Magpies confirmed in yesterday's Herald Sun that they only learned of Swan's paid interview with The Footy Show after the deal had been negotiated and the interview had been filmed.

While Pert would not comment yesterday, a day earlier he told this newspaper that the club was "surprised" Swan had taken part in the interview without club permission.

Swan declares: I don't have a drug problem

"Dane's management negotiated and conducted the interview before the club's administration was advised," Pert said on Wednesday.

"While we encourage our players to do media work because our supporters enjoy it, we were surprised with the timing of this interview."

Paid interviews with former coach Mick Malthouse in 2011 and Travis Cloke last year caused serious tensions within the club.

It is understood a number of Swan's teammates expressed frustration at his decision to agree to the interview.

Some believed it was poor timing given the likely subject matter and the fact that the club is only 24 days away from its Round 1 clash with North Melbourne.

The 29-year-old, who has long railed against authority, was suspended by the club for two games last year turning up to training in an unfit state.

Swan, who has won three Copeland Trophies as well as the 2011 Brownlow Medal, has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent years in terms of his off-field behaviour.

In interview aired on Fox Sports last night, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley conceded Swan has had to change part of his carefree nature to fit in with the club's program.

"Our football program has changed a little bit and our players have to move along with that," Buckley told Fox Sports.

"'Swanny' has come along for the journey, his attitude has been fantastic in what he has given to his teammates, but ultimately the true test is out on the field.

"There has been a lot of focus on 'Swanny' and rightly so when you have that many tatts you are going to get a little bit of attention."

Swan has been rested from tomorrow night's NAB Cup game against Brisbane, along with other stars Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke.

- with Glenn McFarlane

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Are Eddie's ethics everywhere?

McGuire rubbishes suggestions Swan didn't get club support.

Swan denies he, or anyone at Collingwood, has drug problem.

Eddie McGuire on the set of Fox Footy show EMT. Picture: Ian Currie Source: Herald Sun

EDDIE McGuire is up in arms.

Fine Dane Swan $25,000 he says, just to make a point.

Blacklist The Footy Show.

There is a principal at stake, says the Magpie president - and, bizarrely, former The Footy Show host and current Channel 9 heavyweight.

Eddie says protocols are important. He doesn't have an issue with what Swanny said last night, but he didn't follow protocol and neither did the TV station.

"I'll give you the tip now, it won't ever happen at Collingwood again," McGuire said on Triple M this morning.

"Because every player who does not follow protocol at Collingwood, and I would speak for every club now, is going to get blistered and blistered hard.

"I was quite happy with what Swanny said last night ... but the protocol has been absolutely jumped over the top of."

Which makes you wonder if McGuire remembers saying this in March last year:

"If James Brayshaw was good enough to get an interview with a player who invited him into his house and was going to run it on Thursday night on The Footy Show, good luck to him."

That was after he and a crew from his show Eddie McGuire Tonight paid a house call to troubled then-Melbourne star Liam Jurrah.

I'm not worried about the issues – I got the story, it went to air, full stop.

McGuire conducted a personal interview with Jurrah, his mother and his grandmother, following Jurrah's return from Alice Springs for a court appearance on serious assault charges.

The interview angered the Demons, who had not given permission to speak to their troubled star, and prompted questions about McGuire's conflict of interest as the president of a rival club.

But McGuire was unrepentant.

"I don't care if there is a conflict or not in this situation," McGuire said during a heated exchange on SEN.

"The point is this – I've been a president and a journalist for 12 years now. Wake up and smell the roses.

"I'm not worried about the issues – I got the story, it went to air, full stop.

"If I'm being dammed because I got a massive exclusive, with a player who trusted me and invited me into his home to do an interview with him and his nanna, and accurately reported it and did it in a tasteful way that didn't cause any ructions between club and player and actually soothed the situation and gave it a human dimension - that to me is what journalism is all about."

McGuire said Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab "knew I was doing the meeting," but brushed off the question on whether or not he was actually given permission.

The Magpies president could claim there is one difference between the interviews - he says Jurrah approached him, not the other way around, and McGuire said this morning Jurrah was not paid - but tellingly McGuire declared that if a rival president scored a similar exclusive with a Collingwood player he would applaud them - even if it was done without the Pies' permission.

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Tigers in Tassie to win

Trent Cotchin returns to the team to lead the Tigers in Launceston tomorrow. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

IT MAY not be the 10-goal mauling the Tigers handed Hawthorn when they met last season but Richmond is determined to humble the Hawks again tomorrow.

The Tigers hit the immaculate green carpet at Aurora Stadium today for a relaxed run ahead of their Round 3 NAB Cup showdown with Hawthorn tomorrow at 1.10pm.

Already packing a 2-1 win-loss ratio and sitting sixth on the pre-season table, compared to a winless Hawthorn sitting second-last, Richmond is not just preparing its systems for Round 1.

"We've come here to win," assistant coach Ross Smith said.

"We beat both Grand Final teams last year, but we need to win games and build our confidence going into the season proper."

The Tigers have been boosted by the return of new captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Brett Deledio, ruckman Ivan Maric, midfielder Reece Conca and defender Steven Morris.

Richmond's new key defender Troy Chaplin has been tipped to play half a game on his way into the team after injury, and new midfielder Sam Lonergan, picked up from Essendon, will play most of the match in his first game back from injury.

"To have Chappy to bolster our backline is fantastic, and we've got a pretty good midfield as it is but Sam Lonergan adds a little bit of grunt and experience and compliments that," Smith said.

Changed man: Sam Lonergan wants to repay the faith the Tigers have shown in him. Picture: David Smith Source: Herald Sun

 

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Ball pulls out of Footy Show

Dane Swan, left, at Collingwood pre-season training with coach Nathan Buckley. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Luke Ball has cancelled an appearance on The Footy Show in the wake of Dane Swan's surprise TV interview.

Collingwood said yesterday it was "surprised" the Brownlow medallist agreed to a paid interview with Channel 9 without the club's knowledge.

It's understood Luke Ball was scheduled to appear as a panelist on the first show of the year tonight, but he is a last-minute cancellation.

It is not known if the decision was made by Ball or the club.

The midfielder has been replaced by North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie.

Chief executive Gary Pert admitted the club's administration was unaware Swan had taken part in tonight's nterview until last Friday -- days after it had been recorded.

"Dane's management negotiated and conducted the interview before the club's administration was advised," Pert said last night.

"While we encourage our players to do media work because our supporters enjoy it, we were surprised with the timing of this interview."

Pert was reluctant to comment any further.

But it is understood some within the club are concerned the controversial midfielder could potentially disrupt the club weeks out from the home-and-away season.

Paid interviews with former coach Mick Malthouse in 2011 and Travis Cloke last year caused serious tensions within the club.

It is believed Swan was paid more than $20,000 for the interview, in which he is said to have denied suggestions he had a drug problem.

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Judd locked in for Round 1

Chris Judd before Carlton training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON says star midfielder Chris Judd is a certain starter for its Round 1 blockbuster against Richmond despite his absence from the NAB Cup.

The former skipper was again left out of the Blues side to face Adelaide that will automatically book a place in the NAB Cup grand final with a win at AAMI Stadium tomorrow night.

Training strongly in the heat at Visy Park today, Judd will definitely play next week - either in the decider or a NAB Challenge game against another AFL club.

Assistant coach Robert Wiley said there was no danger of the 29-year-old Judd missing game one against the Tigers on Thursday March 28.

He said Judd supported the club's stance which was designed to make sure he played out the season.

"Juddy's going really well and training wonderfully well," Wiley said.

"It's more about management and getting him right and we expect him to be right next week."

The Blues say they have no concerns about Judd adapting to their new game style, initiated by incoming coach Mick Malthouse.

"We do a lot of structural work and game style at training and Chris has been involved in that," Wiley said.

"That, plus he's a very smart footballer ... it's certainly not a concern."

Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues against the Crows in his audition for the vacant top job but Brown wasn't giving away anything on who was likely to permanently lead the team.

"Mick said from the start he was going to give the leadership players a chance to captain at each of the NAB Cups and that finishes off tomorrow night.

"The match committee will then sit down and discuss the pros and cons but, whichever way we go, we're confident we'll have a very good leader."

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Big names back for NAB Cup

Andrew Swallow will line up against Geelong on Saturday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Chris Judd at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

NICK Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Matthew Pavlich and Adam Goodes are among the stars named to play in this weekend's NAB Cup matches.

The Saints have named a host of key veterans including Stephen Milne and Justin Koschitzke as teams get closer to their Round 1 line-ups.

The start of the home-and-away season is now less than two weeks away.

Geelong has called up Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Joel Corey for its clash against North Melbourne, which has been boosted by the inclusion of captain Andrew Swallow and key forward Drew Petrie.

But in a surprise move, Daniel Currie will lead the Kangaroos' ruck division with No.1 Todd Goldstein to line up in the VFL.

The Roos also welcome back Leigh Adams for his first game back from shoulder operations and excitement machine Majak Daw, who missed a week with a knee injury.

Geelong has named Paul Chapman, who was subbed out of last week's win against Adelaide with a quad injury. Jimmy Bartel, Jared Rivers and James Podsiadly have been rested.

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich will play his first match of the pre-season against the Western Bulldogs in Mandurah while Jonathan Brown will lead the Lions for the first time in 2013 against Collingwood.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY NAB CUP SQUAD

Richmond regains stars Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric while free agent Troy Chaplin will play his first game for the Tigers against Hawthorn in Launceston.

The Hawks have rested Lance Franklin.

Jack Watts, Jack Grimes, Shannon Byrnes and Jimmy Toumpas return for Melbourne, but the Demons have not named father-son draft pick Jack Viney.

Yesterday, Carlton left star midfielder Chris Judd out of its squad for tomorrow's NAB Cup clash against Adelaide.

The Blues have named veteran Heath Scotland for his first pre-season hitout, although he will miss the first two weeks of the home-and-away season serving a club suspension.

"It's all about load balance for those two guys," Blues football manager Andrew McKay said of Judd and Scotland.

Carlton has suffered injury setbacks to a series of young players with David Ellard (hamstring), draftee Nick Graham (knee) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O'Keeffe (heel) all out for at least a month.

Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues on Friday night in his audition for the top job.

Adelaide boosted the team that suffered a disappointing loss to Geelong last weekend, adding Rory Sloane, Jared Petrenko, Sam Shaw, Ian Callinan and Rising Star Award winner Daniel Talia.

In the earlier Friday night game, Essendon takes on GWS in Canberra with defender Tayte Pears and veteran Nathan Lovett-Murray added to the team that lost to Richmond in Wangaratta. Ruckman David Hille has been left out.

The Giants have named Tom Scully after he missed last week's loss to Brisbane with a minor knee injury.

NAB CUP SQUADS

GWS v Essendon, Manuka Oval, Friday 6.10pm

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

1. Phil Davis, 2. Curtly Hampton, 3. Stephen Coniglio, 4. Toby Greene, 5. Dylan Shiel, 7. Rhys Palmer, 8. Callan Ward, 9. Tom Scully, 11. Taylor Adams, 17. Adam Treloar, 20. Adam Tomlinson, 23. Sam Reid, 24. Jono O'Rourke, 28. Liam Sumner, 30. Lachie Plowman, 31. Jacob Townsend, 35. Aidan Corr, 37. Setanta O'hAilpin, 39. Tim Mohr, 40. Adam Kennedy, 42. Mark Whiley, 43. Kurt Aylett, 46. Bret Thornton, 48. Sam Frost, 50. Dean Brogan

ESSENDON

1. Michael Hibberd, 2. Tom Bellchambers, 4. Jobe Watson, 5. Brent Stanton, 7. Leroy Jetta, 9. Brendon Goddard, 12. Stewart Crameri, 15. Courtenay Dempsey, 16. Tayte Pears, 17. Jake Melksham, 18. Michael Hurley, 20. Jackson Merrett, 21. Dyson Heppell, 22. Jake Carlisle, 23. David Myers, 26. Cale Hooker, 28. Elliott Kavanagh, 29. Alwyn Davey, 30. Patrick Ryder, 31. Dustin Fletcher, 34. Kyle Hardingham, 35. Martin Gleeson, 38. Nick Kommer, 39. Heath Hocking, 40. Ben Howlett, 42. Nathan Lovett-Murray, 46. Mark Baguley

Adelaide v Carlton, AAMI Stadium (Friday, March 8, 8.40pm AEDT)

ADELAIDE

2. Brad Crouch, 3. Brent Reilly, 4. Josh Jenkins, 5. Scott Thompson, 7. Nathan van Berlo, 9. Rory Sloane, 10. Matthew Jaensch, 11. Matthew Wright, 12. Daniel Talia, 13. Taylor Walker, 14. David Mackay, 16. Luke Brown, 17. Bernie Vince. 18. Graham Johncock, 22. Andy Otten, 23.Jared Petrenko, 24. Sam Jacobs, 25. Ben Rutten, 26. Richard Douglas, 29. Sam Kerridge, 32. Patrick Dangerfield, 34. Sam Shaw, 35. Shaun McKernan, 36. Brodie Martin, 37. Ian Callinan, 40. Jason Porplyzia, 45. Ricky Henderson

CARLTON

1. Andrew Walker, 3.Marc Murphy, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 8. Matthew Kreuzer, 9. Kane Lucas, 11. Robert Warnock, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 15. Jeremy Laidler, 19. Eddie Betts, 21. Josh Bootsma, 22. Shaun Hampson, 23. Lachie Henderson, 27. Dennis Armfield, 28. Tom Bell, 29. Heath Scotlan, 34. Nick Duigan, 35. Edward Curnow, 38. Jeff Garlett, 39. Frazer Dale, 40. Michael Jamison, 42. Zach Tuohy, 43. Simon White, 44. Andrew Carrazzo, 45. Aaron Joseph

Exclusive video: Carlton season preview

Hawthorn v Richmond, Aurora Stadium Saturday 1.10pm

HAWTHORN

2. Jarryd Roughead, 3. Jordan Lewis, 4. Matthew Suckling, 5. Sam Mitchell, 6. Josh Gibson, 8. Xavier Ellis, 9. Shaun Burgoyne, 10. Bradley Hill, 13. Kyle Cheney, 14. Grant Birchall, 16. Isaac Smith, 21. Shane Savage, 24. Benjamin Stratton, 25. Ryan Schoenmakers, 27. Matthew Spangher, 28. Paul Puopolo, 29. Will Langford, 31. Angus Litherland, 32. Jordan Simpkin, 34. Jordan Kelly, 35. Sam Grimley, 37. Jed Anderson, 39. Max Bailey, 40. Tim O'Brien, 41. Taylor Duryea, 43. Amos Frank, 46. Derick Wanganeen

RICHMOND

1. Chris Newman, 3. Brett Deledio, 4. Dustin Martin, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 7. Matt Dea, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 9. Trent Cotchin, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 13. Ricky Petterd, 14. Bachar Houli, 18. Alex Rance, 20. Ivan Maric, 22. Sam Lonergan, 23. Daniel Jackson, 24. Ben Griffiths, 25. Troy Chaplin, 26. Robin Nahas, 27. Aaron Edwards, 28. Jake King, 29. Tyrone Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 35. Matthew White, 38. Steven Morris, 44. Matt Arnot, 45. Brett O'Hanlon

Melbourne v St Kilda, Casey Fields, Saturday 2.30pm

MELBOURNE

1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 8. James Frawley, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. David Rodan, 20. Colin Garland, 21. Cam Pederson, 22. James Magner, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 27. Tom Gillies, 28. Joel MacDonald, 30. James Sellar, 31. Jack Grimes, 32. Michael Evans, 35. Luke Tapscott, 36. Aaron Davey, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 40. Mark Jamar, 42. Jake Spencer, 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich

ST KILDA

2 Arryn Siposs, 3 Jack Steven, 4 Clint Jones, 6 Sebastian Ross, 7 Lenny Hayes, 8 Trent Dennis-Lane, 9 Tommy Lee, 11 Leigh Montagna, 12 Nick Riewoldt, 14 Jarryn Geary, 15 Tom Ledger, 16 Jack Newnes, 17 Dylan Roberton, 19 Sam Gilbert, 22 Farren Ray, 23 Justin Koschitzke, 24 Sean Dempster, 25 Sam Fisher, 26 Nick Dal Santo, 27 Jason Blake, 29 Jimmy Webster, 30 Brodie Murdoch, 32 Terry Milera, 33 James Gwilt, 37 Beau Maister, 44 Stephen Milne, 45 Jackson Ferguson

Geelong v North Melbourne, Simonds Stadium 3.40pm AEDT
 
GEELONG

1 Mitch Brown, 4 Andrew MACKIE, 5 Travis Varcoe, 9 James Kelly, 11 Joel Corey, 13 Tom Lonergan, 14 Joel Selwood, 15 Jordan Schroder, 19 Taylor Hunt, 20 Steven Johnson, 21 Jordan Murdoch, 23 Josh Caddy, 26 Tom Hawkins, 28 Allen Christensen, 29 Cameron Guthrie, 32 Steven Motlop, 33 George Horlin-Smith, 34 Joshua Walker, 35 Paul Chapman, 37 Cameron Eardley, 38 Jackson Sheringham, 39 Shane Kersten, 40 Jackson Thurlow, 41 Jesse Stringer, 42 Ryan Bathie, 45 Joel Hamling, 46 Mark Blicavs

NORTH MELBOURNE

1. Daniel Currie, 3. Ryan Bastinac, 4. Liam Anthony, 5. Ben Jacobs, 6. Lachlan Hansen, 7. Jack Ziebell, 8. Daniel Wells, 9. Andrew Swallow, 10. Ben Cunnington, 11. Michael Firrito, 12. Lindsay Thomas, 13. Leigh Adams, 14. Jordan Gysberts, 16. Scott Thompson, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 23. Kieran Harper, 24. Levi Greenwood, 28. Will Sierakowski, 29. Brent Harvey, 34. Jamie Macmillan, 35. Aaron Black, 38. Majak Daw, 41. Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Mandurah Saturday 6.30pm

FREMANTLE

1. Hayden Ballantyne, 3. Zac Dawson, 4. Jayden Pitt, 6. Danyle Pearce, 7. Nat Fyfe, 8. Nick Suban, 9. Matt de Boer, 10. Michael Walters, 12. Jon Griffin, 13. Tendai Mzungu, 15. Ryan Crowley, 16. David Mundy, 17. Hayden Crozier, 18. Luke McPharlin, 21. Michael Barlow, 23. Chris Mayne, 26. Kepler Bradley, 27. Lachie Neale, 29. Matthew Pavlich, 30. Zac Clarke, 32. Stephen Hill, 33. Cam Sutcliffe, 34. Lee Spurr, 37. Michael Johnson, 41. Paul Duffield, 44. Jesse Crichton, 46. Clancee Pearce

WESTERN BULLDOGS

1. Jarrad Grant, 3. Mitch Wallis, 6. Luke Dahlhaus, 8. Jack Veszpremi, 10. Easton Wood, 11. Jackson Macrae, 14. Clay Smith, 15. Jason Tutt, 17. Adam Cooney, 20. Daniel Pearce, 21. Tom Liberatore, 23. Jordan Roughead, 25. Koby Stevens, 29. Tory Dickson, 30. Christian Howard, 31. Tom Young, 32. Michael Talia, 33. Nick Lower, 34. Alex Greenwood, 37. Lukas Markovic, 39. Jason Johannisen, 43. Jack Redpath, 44. Brett Goodes, 45. Tom Campbell, 46. Lin Jong, 47. Mark Austin, 49. Ayce Cordy

Brisbane v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium Saturday 6.40pm

BRISBANE

1 Sam Docherty, 3 Brent Moloney, 5 Billy Longer, 6 Josh Green, 7 Jed Adcock, 8 Rohan Bewick, 9 Ashley Mcgrath, 10 Daniel Rich, 11 Pearce Hanley, 12 Stefan Martin, 15 Dayne Zorko, 16 Jonathan Brown, 17 Claye Beams, 18 Todd Banfield, 21 Daniel Merrett, 22 Marco Paparone, 23 Matthew Leuenberger, 24 Joel Patfull, 26 Elliot Yeo, 28 Patrick Karnezis, 29 Andrew Raines, 31 James Polkinghorne, 38 Tom Rockliff, 41 Mitchell Golby, 42 Justin Clarke (Rookie), 44 Aaron Cornelius, 46 Sam Michael (Rookie)

COLLINGWOOD

2 Jordan Russell, 3 Brent Macaffer, 5 Nick Maxwell, 6 Tyson Goldsack, 8 Harry O'Brien, 9 Martin Clarke, 11 Jarryd Blair, 14 Clinton Young, 15 Jarrod Witts, 16 Nathan Brown, 17 Dayne Beams, 18 Darren Jolly, 21 Quinten Lynch, 22 Steele Sidebottom, 24 Josh Thomas, 26 Ben Johnson, 27 Ben Kennedy, 28 Ben Sinclair, 37 Kyle Martin, 38 Peter Yagmoor, 39 Heath Shaw, 40 Paul Seedsman, 41 Sam Dwyer, 43 Adam Oxley, 45 Jack Frost, 46 Marley Williams, 48 Caolan Mooney

Gold Coast v Sydney, Blacktown 7pm

GOLD COAST
1. Jaeger O'Meara, 2. Zac Smith, 3. Jared Brennan, 4. Maverick Weller, 10. Dion Prestia, 11. Harley Bennell, 12. Sam Day, 14. Matthew Warnock, 15. Daniel Gorringe, 16. Rory Thompson, 17. Stephen May, 23. Charlie Dixon, 24. David Swallow, 25. Danny Stanley, 28. Jack Martin, 29. Tom Murphy, 30. Campbell Brown, 32. Brandon Matera, 33. Aaron Hall, 34. Jack Hutchins, 35. Michael Rischitelli, 36. Greg Broughton, 37. Jesse Lonergan, 38. Joel Wilkinson, 42. Kyal Horsley

SYDNEY

2. Rhyce Shaw, 3. Jarrad McVeigh, 4. Daniel Hannebery, 5. Ryan O'Keefe, 9. Nick Malceski, 11. Jed Lamb, 12. Josh Kennedy, 13. Andrejs Everitt, 14. Craig Bird, 15. Kieran Jack, 18. Jesse White, 19. Tony Armstrong, 20. Sam Reid, 21. Ben McGlynn, 22. Dean Towers, 24. Jude Bolton, 25. Ted Richards, 26. Luke Parker, 30. Lewis Roberts-Thomson, 32. Lewis Jetta, 34. Alex Johnson, 37. Adam Goodes, 38. Michael Pyke, 39. Heath Grundy, 41. Shane Mumford, 43. Dane Rampe, 44. Jake Lloyd

Port Adelaide v West Coast, Alice Springs, Saturday 7.30pm

PORT ADELAIDE

1 Travis Boak, 3 Campbell Heath, 5 Matthew Broadbent, 7 Brad Ebert, 8 Hamish Hartlett, 12 Jackson Trengove, 13 Cameron O'Shea, 14 Paul Stewart, 15 Lewis Stevenson, 16 Oliver Wines, 18 Kane Cornes, 20 Chad Wingard, 23 Matthew Lobbe, 26 Andrew Moore, 27 Alipate Carlile, 28 Jay Schulz, 29 Jasper Pittard, 30 Sam Colquhoun, 31 Darren Pfeiffer, 32 Jake Neade, 34 Jarrad Redden, 36 Jack Hombsch, 37 Kane Mitchell, 39 Justin Westhoff, 40 Aaron Young, 41 Brendon Ah Chee, 42 Thomas Jonas

WEST COAST

1 Mitch Brown, 2 Mark LeCras, 3. Andrew Gaff, 5 Brad Sheppard, 7 Chris Masten, 8 Beau Waters, 10 Scott Selwood, 11 Matt Priddis, 13 Luke Shuey, 14, Jacob Brennan, 15 Jamie Cripps, 16 Eric MacKenzie, 17 Josh Kennedy, 20 Dean Cox, 22 Callum Sinclair, 23 Darren Glass, 24 Matt Rosa, 25 Shannon Hurn, 26 Sam Butler, 27 Jack Darling, 28 Ashley Smith, 29 Scott Lycett, 31 Will Schofield, 33 Josh Hill, 35 Pat McGinnity, 37 Adam Selwood, 43 Ashton Hams

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Injury blows for Tigers, Blues

David Astbury celebrates a goal for Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND defender David Astbury is in doubt for the start of the home-and-away season while Round 1 opponent Carlton has lost four players for at least five weeks.

Astbury will miss the final two weeks of the pre-season after sufffering what the Tigers describe as a "minor foot injury".

The young defender was on the brink of completing his first full pre-season since arriving at the club in 2009 and was one of Richmond's best players in its win against Essendon last Saturday, shutting down Bombers forward Michael Hurley.

But after the match Tigers medical staff discovered a "stress reaction" in his left foot.

Astbury is competing with the likes of Dylan Grimes, Ben Griffiths and former free agent Troy Chaplin for a place in the Tigers' defence in Round 1.

"It's very frustrating that I'll miss the opportunity to (push my case for selection), but hopefully I'll still be considered and get an opportunity soon," Astbury told the club's website.

Carlton, meanwhile, will be without tough midfielder David Ellard (hamstring) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O'Keeffe (heel) for the next five weeks.

And draftee Nick Graham won't play for two months after arthroscopic surgery to relieve swelling in his knee.

Key forward Jarrad Waite (calf) won't resume full training for two weeks and is in extreme doubt for the March 22 clash against the Tigers.

In better news for Carlton, Chris Judd and Heath Scotland are likely to play their first pre-season matches against Adelaide on Friday night.

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Concussions up but injuries down

Geelong doctors treat Joel Selwood after he was knocked out against St Kilda. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE injury rate for AFL footballers dropped last year, with the games missed per club during the 2012 season at its lowest level since 2008.

The league's annual injury survey, released today, reveals that quad and groin strains were at lower levels than 2011, but  players were suffering more calf strains and concussions.

But the AFL Medical Officers' Association would not comment on whether a proposed cap on interchanges – set to be introduced next season – would have any definable impact on injuries.

AFL active general manager Gil McLachlan said: "In the interests of player health and welfare, the injury survey helps to identify the most important areas for further AFL-funded research, with the primary goal of ensuring the game is safe and that our players have the best possible treatment and support when returning from any injury.

"The AFL will continue to consider and implement rule changes when necessary to improve player safety, not just at the elite level, but across all levels of our game for both adults and children."

Dr Hugh Seward said the recent rise in games missed for concussion had a lot to do with more conservative medical practices.

"The rise in concussion incidence over the last two years in the AFL corresponds with a worldwide trend amongst many sports to recognise the potential long-term effects of concussion and the adoption of a more conservative approach with return-to-play decisions," Dr Seward said.

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Blues leave Judd on ice

Chris Judd at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON star Chris Judd will have just one week of match practice before Round 1 after skipping Friday's NAB Cup clash against Adelaide.

The Blues named their squad for Friday's clash at AAMI stadium without Judd, who is being carefully managed on the training track.

Earlier today the club said on its website the former skipper was available for selection.

The Blues have named veteran Heath Scotland for his first pre-season hitout, although he will miss the first two weeks of the home-and-away season serving a club suspension.

"It's all about load balance for those two guys," Blues football manager Andrew McKay said of Judd and Scotland.

Carlton has suffered injury setbacks to a series of young players with David Ellard (hamstring), draftee Nick Graham (knee) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O'Keeffe (heel) all out for at least a month.

Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues on Friday night in his audition for the top job.

Adelaide boosted the team that suffered a disappointing loss to Geelong last weekend, adding Rory Sloane, Jared Petrenko, Sam Shaw, Ian Callinan and Rising Star Award winner Daniel Talia.

In the earlier Friday night game, Essendon takes on GWS in Canberra with defender Tayte Pears and veteran Nathan Lovett-Murray added to the team that lost to Richmond in Wangaratta. Ruckman David Hille has been left out.

The Giants have named Tom Scully after he missed last week's loss to Brisbane with a minor knee injury.

NAB CUP SQUADS

GWS v Essendon, Manuka Oval, Friday 6.10pm

GWS

1 Phil Davis
2 Curtly Hampton
3 Stephen Coniglio
4 Toby Greene
5 Dylan Shiel
7 Rhys Palmer
8 Callan Ward
9 Tom Scully
11 Taylor Adams
17 Adam Treloar
20 Adam Tomlinson
23 sam Reid (e)
24 Jono O'rourke
28 Liam Sumner
30 Lachie Plowman
31 Jacob Townsend
35 Aidan Corr
37 Setanta o'Hailpin
39 Tim Mohr
40 Adam Kennedy
42 Mark Whiley
43 Kurt Aylett
46 Bret Thornton
48 Sam Frost
50 Dean Brogan

Essendon

1 Michael Hibberd
2 Tom Bellchambers
4 Jobe Watson
5 Brent Stanton
7 Leroy Jetta
9 Brendon Goddard
12 Stewart Crameri
15 Courtney Dempsey
16 Tayte Pears
17 Jake Melksham
18 Michael Hurley
20 Jackson Merrett
21 Dyson Heppell
22 Jake Carlisle
23 David Myers
26 Cale Hooker
28 Elliott Kavanagh
29 Alwyn Davey
30 Paddy Ryder
31 Dustin Fletcher
34 Kyle Hardingham
35 Marty Glesson
38 Nick Kommer
39 Heath Hocking
40 Ben Howlett
42 Nathan Lovett-Murray
46 Mark Baguley

ADELAIDE v CARLTON, AAMI Stadium, Friday 8.40pm

Adelaide

2. Brad Crouch
3. Brent Reilly
4. Josh Jenkins
5. Scott hompson
7. Nathan van Berlo
9. Rory Sloane
10. Matthew Jaensch
11. Matthew Wright
12. Daniel Talia
13. Taylor Walker
14. David Mackay
16. Luke Brown
17. Bernie Vince
18. Graham Johncock
22. Andy Otten
23. Jared Petrenko
24. Sam Jacobs
25. Ben Rutten
26. Richard Douglas
29. Sam Kerridge
32. Patrick Dangerfield
34. Sam Shaw
35. Shaun McKernan
36. Brodie Martin
37. Ian Callinan
40. Jason Porplyzia
45. Ricky Henderson

Carlton

1 Andrew Walker
3 Marc Murphy
6 Kade Simpson
7 Dylan Buckley
8 Matthew Kreuzer
9 Kane Lucas
11 Rob Warnock
12 Mitch Robinson
13 Chris Yarran
14 Brock McLean
15 Jeremy Laidler
19 Eddie Betts
21 Josh Bootsma
22 Shaun Hampson
23 Lachie Henderson
27 Dennis Armfield
28 Tom Bell
29 Heath Scotland
34 Nick Duigan
35 Ed Curnow
38 Jeff Garlett
39 Frazer Dale
40 Michael Jamison
42 Zach Tuohy
43 Simon White
44 Andrew Carrazzo
45 Aaron Joseph

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Cap is coming, too bad: Demetriou

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse slams the AFL's trial interchange laws in the NAB Cup, saying the rules are out of touch with the modern game.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says the cap rule is coming regardless of criticism. Source: Herald Sun

AN interchange cap for the 2014 AFL season is coming so stop complaining about it.

That's the emphatic message from AFL boss Andrew Demetriou to the league's senior coaches following widespread condemnation of the interchange cap, which has proved a sour point for clubs during the NAB Cup.

Several AFL coaches have slammed the rule, which restricts them to a total of 80 rotations per match.

But Demetriou says the cap was agreed to in principal late last year, and that was final.

The cap rule explained here

"The fact of the matter is, unless people have got amnesia, the AFL Commission has already passed the rule," Demetriou said on SEN Radio today.

"It said at the end of the year the cap is coming in.

"And they wanted to look at this year to see if the actual number of 80 (the cap) is correct.

"There's no going back on that - that is already put in place."

A high number of AFL coaches expressed their displeasure at the cap rule last weekend.

Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson led the charge to condemn the rule following his side's one-point loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

Bulldogs players join cap backlash

"Take it back to old reserves and just play 18 men on the ground if that's what you want to do," Clarkson said.

"It's a pretty dramatic change to go to 80.

"Goodness knows, no one knows, what's going to happen to the game so hopefully common sense will prevail.

"If they want to introduce a cap hopefully they do it at a sensible rate like 120 and then we can see what a minor cap does to the game rather than take it to 80."

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said he spent "a stupid amount of time" counting interchange rotations during the game rather than coaching his team, while Carlton coach Mick Malthouse – a staunch advocate of unlimited bench moves - will meet with rules committee member Kevin Bartlett this week to express his frustration at the change.

"Coaches get driven mad by having reduced (interchange) numbers," Malthouse said after the Blues' big win against Fremantle on Saturday.

AFL might pay for Buddy move

"I just don't get it.

"It's not friendly to the players. If (the AFL) wants the medical evidence which they've chosen to dismiss, it will suggest that there's a very strong link between more interchanges and less injuries, not the other way around."

The AFL chief executive said he did not understand the level of criticism.

"I'm not quite sure why after one round of NAB Cup, everyone is up in arms," he said.

"We've been through the proper process - we actually advised the coaches and told them at the coaches' dinner we had last year.

"I'm not quite sure whether there is something in people's Wheaties at the moment."

Demetriou said the final number of rotations allowed per game may change, but not the rule itself.

"Unless after we get all the results of this year from the data and the injury survey to see if there are any trends, whether that should be higher or lower and I'm just speculating, but there will be a cap," he said.

"That has already been decided."
 

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AFL might pay for Buddy move

Lance Franklin has delayed contract talks with Hawthorn until the end of the season, prompting fears he could be headed elsewhere. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Swans champion Tony Lockett was paid by the league as an ambassador in an expansion market. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin could be paid by the AFL outside the salary cap should he choose to leave Hawthorn for Greater Western Sydney.

The AFL would consider making Franklin an ambassador of the game, as it did rugby league converts Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt.

But the league would not enter into an arrangement until after Franklin had committed to the Giants.

There has already been a strong reaction to the story this morning.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said there would be a uprising against the AFL if this was to happen.

"If the AFL start cheating their own salary cap, Hawthorn won't stand for that," Eddie McGuire said on Triple M this morning.

"I'll give you the tip, there will be a massive push because there will be a position free on the AFL Commission soon, there might be a Hawthorn bloke (Jeff Kennett) going on there.

"If Buddy Franklin gets paid outside the salary cap to go to Greater Western Sydney, there will fair dinkum be marching in the street.

"That's just intolerable."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou yesterday confirmed a precedent existed where an AFL player - Tony Lockett - was paid by the league as an ambassador in an expansion market.

Lockett joined Sydney from St Kilda in 1995.

Demetriou yesterday stressed the AFL would not be part of any deal to send Franklin north, but would look at a proposal from GWS after Franklin had signed.

"It would be assessed on its merits, and if it made sense, our guys would put a recommendation in," Demetriou said.

"Under no circumstances are they to enter into an arrangement with a club to entice a player to go somewhere on the basis we are going to top up his salary."

The game's most dynamic player has delayed contract talks with Hawthorn until the end of the season, prompting fears he could be headed elsewhere.

His manager, Liam Pickering, said at the weekend he had not fielded offers from another club.

GWS chief executive David Matthews would not comment on recruiting, although it is understood the Giants, who last week re-signed several players, including key forward Jonathon Patton, would now put Franklin on the agenda.

Rioli slams new indigenous team

The club has room in its salary cap to pay Franklin about $1.2 million a season.

Demetriou, who believes Franklin will stay at the Hawks, said an ambassador's role had to be "unique".

Saint icon Barker clear for take-off

"If there's going to be an ambassador, it's got to be because the player is doing something unique and they're helping us promote the game," he said.

Summit to hear conflict

"The last player who went to Sydney on that sort of basis was Tony Lockett, and he was an ambassador, so there is a precedent for it.

Cloke and dagger TV deal done by dad

"We set up Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau because they were two rugby league players and we paid them quite publicly outside the cap. And they did a lot of work in that role."

Footy comes first at Etihad

The AFL also has appointed 11 multicultural ambassadors, including Richmond's Bachar Houli, Collingwood's Harry O'Brien, St Kilda's Leigh Montagna and West Coast's Nic Naitanui.

Demetriou said splitting Franklin's contract was not an option.

"We couldn't have a discussion with GWS to say we'll give him $5 and you give him $2 and we can give him $7 ... we wouldn't be party to that," he said.

It's not fair to the other clubs."

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Goodes set to return for Swans

Adam Goodes is set to open his NAB Cup campaign against Gold Coast. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY co-captain Adam Goodes is set to make his long-awaited return from a knee injury on Saturday night.

The Swans host Gold Coast in a pre-season clash at Blacktown in Sydney and coach John Longmire has confirmed Goodes will play, barring any mishaps at training.

"We should be getting a few players back this week,'' said Longmire on Tuesday.

"Hopefully Kieren Jack, Adam Goodes and Rhyce Shaw will certainly be playing if they get through this week.

"Just how much they play is yet to be determined.''

Goodes has spent the majority of the offseason recovering from a knee injury he sustained in last year's grand final win.

Longmire said the dual-Brownlow Medallist would be among six to seven players returning on the weekend.

"He (Goodes) has been training really well the last few weeks.

He won't play the whole game, but he'll come in and hopefully get some quality game time under his belt.''

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Mick v Bucks in NAB Cup final?

Collingwood Magpies dominate West Coast Eagles in 20 point NAB Cup win on Sunday.

Mick Malthouse is unbeaten as Carlton coach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD and Carlton are on course to clash in a blockbuster NAB Cup final.

Carlton sits atop the pre-season ladder after a big win against Fremantle on Saturday, while the Pies are third after a road win in Perth last night.
 
Collingwood plays pre-season bolter Brisbane - sitting second - in a virtual preliminary final at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Blues have to travel to Adelaide on Friday night but given the Crows' pre-season form, another win seems a distinct possibility.

North Melbourne is the other unbeaten team but has a lower percentage than the Blues, Lions and Magpies and plays its third-round fixture against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

Port Adelaide is the surprise packet, sitting inside the top eight with two wins, while remarkably the only two teams yet to record a win are 2012 Grand Finalists Hawthorn and Sydney.

NAB CUP LADDER

1. Carlton 3-0 185.5%
2. Brisbane Lions 3-0 143.2%
3. Collingwood 3-0 129.9%
4. North Melbourne 3-0 111.2%
5. Geelong 2-1 129.8%
6. Richmond 2-1 113.5%
7. St Kilda 2-1 99.4%
8. Port Adelaide 2-1 123.5%
---
9. Essendon 1-2 111.8%
10. GWS 1-2 111.7%
11. West Coast 1-2 101.2%
12. Melbourne 1-2 89.6%
13. Gold Coast 1-2 76.1%
14. Western Bulldogs 1-2 74.1%
15. Adelaide 1-2 64.0%
16. Fremantle 1-2 60.1%
17. Hawthorn 0-3 83.2%
18. Sydney 0-3 63.3%

NAB CUP FIXTURE

Round 3

Friday, March 8
GWS v Essendon (Manuka Oval, 6.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Adelaide v Carlton (AAMI Stadium, 8.10pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 9
Hawthorn v Richmond (Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Melbourne v St Kilda (Casey Fields, 2.30pm)
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs (Northam), 3.30pm
Geelong v North Melbourne (Simonds Stadium, 3.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions (Etihad Stadium, 6.40pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Port Adelaide (Alice Springs, 7pm)
Sydney v Gold Coast (Blacktown ISP, 7pm)

Grand Final

Friday March 15 or Saturday March 16
(Venue TBC) 7.40pm FOX FOOTY/Channel 7

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I'm not arrogant: Demetriou

Mark Robinson and Michael Warner debate the top 10 most powerful people in footy

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou speaks at a  press conference in Canberra. Source: The Daily Telegraph

AS ALWAYS, Andrew Demetriou scoffs at the idea he's an arrogant dictator who wheels and deals to get every outcome he wants.

He's been called the ''benevolent dictator'' by Jeff Kennett and ''Vlad'' by Kevin Sheedy, but rather than erupt over such evil monikers from two of the game's biggest names, there's a sense Demetriou has a jovial acceptance of the titles because of his standing in the game.

''Yes, that's right, the benevolent dictator,'' he smirks.

''I always say people are entitled to have a view and they will form a judgment based on whatever criteria they want to use.

''People who know me, my family and friends, they would have a different view.''

Demetriou, who is No.1 on the Herald Sun AFL Power List, has been chief executive of the AFL since 2003 and is clearly the most powerful man in football.

He makes no bones about making tough decisions, comfortable that while some of them will be unpopular, they are made with the best interests of football as the sole criteria.

''I don't think you should confuse trying to be decisive and acts of leadership with being arrogant,'' he said.

''I'd rather be decisive and sometimes that decisiveness can be unpopular decisions to be honest, but we are in the business of trying to make decisions.

''And overall people respect the fact we make decisions.

''We don't procrastinate or dilly-dally, or try to spin something.''

Chat live with Mark Robinson and Michael Warner from 11.30am below

On a mobile? Click here for a better chat experience

What, not spin?

It's difficult to accept that because of 1) the AFL's determination to control brand imaging and 2) every major organisation spins the bottle in their own direction.

''I' sure they do,'' Demetriou agreed, ''but we have a golden rule and that's we know we have been given a deep obligation to make decision son behalf of the code.

''That's what the Commission is there for, to make assessments and balance all these factors, look at the research, and make decisions.

''Now, often we get it right, sometimes you don't, but often they are unpopular, such as, why did you expand? Why are you building a stadium with a roof? Why are you moving away from Waverley? You have to make decisions.''

Gallery: The 10 most powerful people in football

People with power have common traits.

They are assertive, respected, mostly statesman-like and, as in Demetriou's case, highly public.

And it could be comfortably said he has presence.

You're going to find this hard to believe, but I don't believe in that sort of power ... Ultimately, we are all judged by the supporter.

He doesn't swagger when he walks into a room, but at the same time you know he's arrived.

Asked what his definition of power was, Demetriou stressed it wasn't him who had the power, nor was it the Commission.

''You're going to find this hard to believe, but I don't believe in that sort of power, and I don't actually believe in power,'' he said.

''If you ask me who is the most influential and powerful person in football, my answer would be the supporter.

''Ultimately, we are all judged by the supporter.''

When fans are happy they vote with their feet and buy memberships. When fans are angry, there is not a shortage of outlets for them to vent.

Demetriou cites talkback radio and letters to the editor, and admits to listening to Saturday pre-match radio discussion and watching the occasional football program on the box.

"From an organisation perspective we do brand tracking, we follow what supporters are thinking about various issues, we track those over the course of 12 months, and I also make a point of spending most Saturdays listening to the pre-game radio shows,'' he said.

''The pre-match radio is an outstanding gauge of the issues going on in the week and you overlay that with TV programs such as (AFL) 360 or On The Couch, or The Footy Show, and add all that to the media coverage which is pretty thorough and explosive.

''So it's actually as democratic as you can get.

''I actually like letters to the editor, which I think is a very good gauge.''

Contrary to popular view, rarely does Demetriou make decisions alone, save for picking Meatloaf over Bryan Adams as the 2011 Grand Final headline act.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou meets his long-time hero Meat Loaf who will be performing at the Grand Final. Picture: Craig Borrow Source: Herald Sun

''The only decisions I would take sole responsibility for would be the hiring of the management team, that's my decision to make and mine alone,'' he said.

''I don't make any other decisions singularly on my own without consultation with the executive and the board.''

Demetriou described his relation with Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick as ''outstanding''.

''We would talk regularly on a weekly basis, at least three times a week, we would meet once a fortnight,'' he said.

''He's an outstanding chairman insofar as being at the forefront of the big decisions that the organisation has made, such as expansion, broadcast rights, government relations, stadium infrastructure.

'''He demands a lot of the executive team ... he's just been brilliant.''

Tomorrow: The most powerful players in the game revealed

 

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Adelaide Crows 2013 preview

2013 preview: Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson says Adelaide will struggle to repeat the highs of last season

Adelaide Crows midfielder Patrick Dangerfield in his first hit-out for the year. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

VIDEO: ADELAIDE faces a tough battle to back up last year's extraordinary rise up the ladder.

Brenton Sanderson transformed the Crows in his first year as coach.

The Crows became a hardball-winning, long kicking machine - and went from 14th on the ladder to almost pinching a spot in the Grand Final.

Champion Data's AFL Prospectus reveals the numbers behind the change - Adelaide went from ranking 11th in the competition for winning contested possessions to a clear No.1. It went from the third-lowest kick-to-handball ratio to the highest in the comp.

Check out our Adelaide SuperCoach best buys here

With young gun midfielders Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane on the rise, the Rising Star Award winner Daniel Talia down back and Taylor Walker and his flowing mullet patrolling the forward line, it seems the sky is the limit for this team.

Preparations for 2013 haven't gone entirely to plan, however. First, Kurt Tippett walked out - and as much as you might question his huge pay packet, that is 39 goals the Crows will have to find from somewhere else this year. And more pressure on Walker.

On Saturday Adelaide had close to a full-strength line-up against a Geelong team packed with kids - and trailed by 42 points at quarter-time.

Western Bulldogs champion and Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson expects the Crows to make the finals this year, but says they will slip out of the top four. Watch the exclusive video above to find out why.

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Carlton delivers Docker pounding

Geelong thrash a flat Adelaide outfit by 63 points in their NAB Cup clash at Simonds Stadium.

Marc Murphy gets a handball away in the Blues' demolition of Fremantle at Etihad Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Jobe Watson has his first NAB Cup hitout against Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Geelong star Paul Chapman will be looking to impress against Adelaide today. Picture: Reg Ryan Source: Geelong Advertiser

CARLTON clicked into Mick Malthouse mode with a commanding performance against Fremantle last night.

The Blues shared the glory around - and all the hard work too - to blitz the normally ultra-competitive Dockers by 70 points in a lopsided NAB Cup match at Etihad Stadium.

Eddie Betts led the scoring spree with four goals and Jeff Garlett bagged three among the 11 Blues on the scoresheet.

Betts, the team's leading goalscorer last season with 48, quickly picked up where he left off in 2012 with his pinpoint crumbing ability and defensive pressure.

The Blues certainly didn't look to be struggling to adapt to Malthouse's game style, with precise ball movement and not a hint of hesitation to specific targets in the resounding victory.

Their attack on the ball and the ball carrier was relentless, as evidenced by the 154-115 contested ball count.

And, remember, they did it without Chris Judd, Jarrad Waite, best and fairest winner Heath Scotland, Brock McLean and Shaun Hampson.

Levi Casboult hit the packs hard to create the spillage that was the fodder for Betts and Garlett.

And Matthew Kreuzer provided another tall forward target when substitute Robbie Warnock took over the ruck duties in the second half.

It was difficult to fully gauge the merits of the Blues practice match romp as Fremantle was strangely loose and lethargic, unlike the normally disciplined Ross Lyon teams.

Rarely were Carlton's back six - Michael Jamison, Nick Duigan, Jeremy Laidler, Lachie Henderson, Zac Tuohy and the rebounding Chris Yarran - put under stress or caught one out.

That allowed the Blues to trial Simon White at times as another tall option up forward with promising results.

Two goals each from Matt De Boer and David Mundy in the third quarter was the only time Fremantle's Pavlich-less forward setup showed any system.

It was Betts and his speedy sidekick Garlett who instigated the early scoreboard pressure.

Garlett's first 30 seconds set the pattern - he kicked the wrong way with a hurried high ball at the opening bounce, but tracked it down and burst clear to goal on the run.

Carlton were simply harder at the footy, slicker with their use and prepared to run and keep running.

"Yes, that was pretty solid. I think we're getting better each week we have under Mick," acting captain Kade Simpson said.

"Now we're in proper games, we can really dissect the way we play. We'll go through this game again and see that our structures and stuff are right.

"There was a lot of good stuff, but I'm sure there's plenty of other stuff to work on.

"Obviously, last week was pretty slippery and it took us half a game to adapt to the conditions. But tonight we didn't muck around with the ball, just got it forward and our pressure up forward was pretty good and put them under the pump. And obviously kicking goals put scoreboard pressure on them as well."

The Blues' domination was outstanding, if surprising, from the opening bounce and they had three goals on the board before the Dockers eventually scored a behind from a long shot by a busy Danyle Pearce.

Even the normally more assured Dockers coughed up the ball or made poor decisions when confronted by Carlton's fierce tackling pressure.

Like defender Luke McPharlin, the Dockers' lone All-Australian last season, who tried to bust through a tackle and gifted a goal to Casboult in the first quarter.

And Garrick Ibbotson was like the deer caught in the headlights when Betts and Garlett set upon him, dispossessed him and the former ran away with it for another goal.

Skill errors cost Fremantle at least three goals in the second quarter and even full-back Jamison was among the goalkickers for only the second time in his career when the Blues took a well-earned breather at half-time.

FINAL SCORE

Carlton 0.18.16 (124) bt Fremantle 1.6.9 (54)

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The cap rule explained

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says his team are rusty while blasting the AFL's interchange cap.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson is no fan of the interchange cap rule. Source: Getty Images

COACHES may not agree with AFL's trial of capping interchanges at 20 per quarter, but they will be well advised to adhere to the rule.

Every time a team exceeds the cap it will effectively hand its opponent a goal.

The interchange steward will count each club's interchanges and when a club gets to 21 the field umpires will be alerted.

An umpire will then award a free kick from the "centre circle or where play has stopped, whichever is the greater penalty'' and then award a 50-metre penalty.

"You'll have a free kick paid against you in the way as if there's an interchange breach for a player entering the ground too early or from way outside the interchange gates,'' a league spokesman said.

It means that any breach will effectively result in the opposition team having a shot at goal.

The 80-interchange cap, which the AFL is trialling during for the rest of this season's NAB Cup matches and has agreed agreed ``in principle'' to introduce in 2014, is designed to drastically reduce the number of interchange rotations per game.

Clubs averaged 119 per match in 2011 but were up to an average of 131 last season.

At the end of last season the AFL's Laws of the Game committee had backed the introduction of a cap - totalling 90 when changes during the quarter and half-time breaks were included - and was critical of the AFL for rejecting its recommendation.

But the players' and coaches' associations, who were both in favour of retaining the three/one interchange mix without a cap, welcomed the AFL commission's decision to take a cautious approach on the issue.
 

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LIVE: Power v Demons

Demon Aaron Davey will be looking to turn it on against Port Adelaide today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW our live coverage of today's NAB Cup matches, starting with Port Adelaide versus Melbourne, right here.

4:46pm AEDT- Port Adelaide 8 trail Melbourne 19

JAMES Sellar gets his second goal for the day.

Melbourne are punishing Port Adelaide's mistakes.

The Power are playing too cute and it is hurting them.

4:41pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 7 trail Melbourne 13

DEAN Kent goals for Melbourne to extend the lead to two goals.

But the Power are able to reply through Ben Newton.

Good lively opening by both sides.

4:34pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 0 trail Melbourne 6

MELBOURNE are on the board.

Big man James Sellar takes a big mark and puts it straight through the middle.

Good start by the Dees in what are very hot conditions.

Power players warm up before tackling Melbourne. Source: Getty Images

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup matches, starting with Port Adelaide versus Melbourne at Renmark at 4:30pm AEDT.

Then at 5:10pm AEDT, St Kilda take on Sydney at Etihad Stadium

The action continues at Patersons Stadium with West Coast taking on Collingwood at 7:40pm AEDT.

Don't miss a second of the action right here!

PORT ADELAIDE: Brendon Ah Chee, Nathan Blee, Matthew Broadbent, Danny Butcher, Tom Clurey, Sam Colquhoun, Hamish Hartlett, Campbell Heath, Justin Hoskin, Thomas Jonas, Matthew Lobbe, Kane Mitchell, Andrew Moore, Jake Neade, Ben Newton, Cameron O'Shea, Darren Pfeiffer, Jarrad Redden, Mason Shaw, Lewis Stevenson, Daniel Stewart, Paul Stewart, Matt Thomas, Jackson Trengove, Oliver Wines, Chad Wingard, Aaron Young.

MELBOURNE: Jesse Hogan, Colin Sylvia, James Strauss, Colin Garland, Cameron Pedersen, James Magner, Josh Tynan, Daniel Nicholson, Tom Gillies, Joel Macdonald, James Sellar, Jack Grimes, Michael Evans, Dom Barry, Dean Kent, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Davey, Neville Jetta, Troy Davis, Jake Spencer, Rory Taggert, Matt Jones, Dean Terlich, Tom Couch, Jack Fitzpatrick, Nathan Stark, Mitch Clisby.

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