LIVE: Saturday arvo footy

David Mundy will captain Fremantle. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

LATE CHANGES:
Hawthorn: Brent Guerra out, replaced by Shane savage
Fremantle: Luke McPharlin out, replaced by debutant Tanner Smith
Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack out, replaced by Brent Macaffer
Richmond: Nil
Essendon: Stew Crameri out, replaced by Scott Gumbleton
St Kilda: Arryn Siposs and Tom Lee out, replaced by Seb Ross and Trent Dennis-Lane

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

SUBSTITUTES:
Hawthorn: Shane Savage
Fremantle: Lachie Neale
Collingwood: Dale Thomas
Richmond: Brandon Ellis

Essendon: Jason Winderlich
St Kilda: Seb Ross

St Kilda v Essendon at Etihad Stadium, Docklands - April 20th 2013 in Melbourne, Australia Essendon's Brendon Goddard got close to old team mate Nick Riewoldt but didn't shake hands before the match Picture: Salpigtidis George Source:

1/2 time: RICHMOND 41 leads COLLINGWOOD 38

A TYRONE Vickery goal at the death of the first half has maintained Richmond's advantage in today's MCG blockbuster.

Vickery outmarked Pies defender Nathan Brown and converted truly after Steele Sidebottom momentarily gave Collingwood the lead.

Dane Swan, playing his 200th match, gathered 13 disposals in the first half, while Tigers captain Trent Cotchin was his side's best with 17.

For SuperCoach scores, stats and more head to Live HQ

1/4 time: RICHMOND 21 leads COLLINGWOOD 10

RICHMOND has handled the pressure of today's finals-like clash with Collingwood nicely, kicking the first two goals and carrying an 11-point lead into the first break at the MCG.

A Jake King long goal gave the Tigers just rewards, while Trent Cotchin started nicely.

The Pies lost Tyson Goldsack before the match, with Brent Macaffer coming into the side.

Coach Nathan Buckley surprisingly handed star Dale Thomas the substitute vest, while Brandon Ellis was again given the Tigers' green bib,

VIDEO: Watch highlights of new Docker Tanner Smith here

DAVID Mundy will captain a further weakened Fremantle side against Hawthorn today, which has also lost star defender Luke McPharlin.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The full-back was a late withdrawal after suffering concussion in the opening minutes of last week's loss to Essendon in a collision with Paddy Ryder that cost him a three-week suspension.

The Hawks also swung a late change, with Shane Savage replacing Brent Guerra.

Savage and young Docker Lachie Neale will start in the green vests.

Track the match with live SuperCoach points, scores and more at Live HQ

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Craig silent on Dank claims

Neil Craig speaks with Mark Neeld today. Picture: Mark Dadswell

MELBOURNE'S director of coaching Neil Craig refused to answer questions today whether he or the club had links with controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Craig was quizzed before today's training session at Gosch's paddock as the Demons prepare for tomorrow's clash against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.

"As you know there is obviously an inquiry in place so I have to respect that and I can't make any comment on any of that,'' Craig said.

Dank and Melbourne club doctor Dan Bates, who stood down yesterday, allegedly exchanged several text messages where details of supplements, injections and player names were disclosed.

The AFL and ASADA are now investigating the allegations, but AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is furious that the Demons had earlier told the league the club had no involvement with Dank who had applied for a job with Melbourne.

Mark Neeld coach of the Demons addresses his players during the Melbourne Football Club's AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock in Richmond, Melbourne, on Saturday 20th April, 2013. Picture: Dadswell Mark Source:

Melbourne co-captain Jack Trengove, one of the players named in the text messages, was also asked about the supplement program after today's leisurely 45-minute training session.

"We are very confident with the processes the club has undertaken and we are going forward from here and we have a game to play on the weekend,'' he said.

"I can't wait to get out there.''

Asked about Dank, Trengove replied: "As I said again, we are very confident with the processes of the club going forward.

"It's a big game this weekend and a really important one for us.''

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld stepped in and told reporters that Trengove had answered enough questions.

Only about 30 people watched the Demon session. Most interest centred on the clean shaven Jack Watts who had just shaved off his much-talked about Ned Kelly beard

Jack Watts of the Demons kicks for goal during the Melbourne Football Club's AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock in Richmond, Melbourne, on Saturday 20th April, 2013. Picture: Dadswell Mark Source:

Watts' beard sparked a frenzy, with some commentators saying the out-of-form player, who was recalled for tomorrow's clash after being dumped after the Round 2 Essendon mauling, should not be drawing attention to him when he's struggling for form.

Channel 7 and Triple M's Luke Darcy was particularly scathing in his criticism of Watts' facial hair, saying he should not "have a flare over his head'' when he can't get a kick.

Everyone has high expectations on Jack Watts. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

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Cats sweat on Menzel knee scare

Geelong forward Daniel Menzel injured in today's VFL match against Box Hill. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

LUCKLESS Geelong forward Daniel Menzel's return has hit a snag with the young gun off the ground icing his left reconstructed knee.

The 21-year-old made his VFL comeback last week from LARS surgery in December, his third knee reconstruction.

Menzel went down during the second quarter clutching his knee after a tackle from Kyle Cheney.

He made his own way off the ground.

Menzel will sit out the second half as a precaution.

The Cats will be sweating on scans as early as today to reveal the full extent of the injury.

Menzel had worked his way into the match against Box Hill kicking the goal to put the Cats in front during a hotly contested first half.

He was reported during the second quarter for charging Box Hill skipper, former North Melbourne defender, Daniel Pratt.

Menzel snapped his right anterior cruciate ligament in the 2011 qualifying final. He did the same thing to his left leg in his VFL comeback match last year.

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Tiger plunge to beat Pies

Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt will play a key role at the MCG tomorrow. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND is now favourite to beat Collingwood at the MCG tomorrow.

"After opening $2.30 on Monday, Richmond is now into $1.85 and it has been all one way traffic for the Tigers," TAB's Adam Hamilton said.

Collingwood, who opened at $1.65 is now out to $1.95.

"There is an injury cloud over Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke and if either of them were to not play Collingwood could start $2, which is staggering considering the history between the two teams." Hamilton said.

One Sportsbet.com.au punter though has bucked the trend with a $30,000 wager on the Pies at $1.95.

Richmond is now into $15 in premiership betting with TAB after opening at $34.
 

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Magpies say Cloke will play

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their picks ahead of round 4.

Travis Cloke left the training track early today after hurting his finger. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FORWARD Travis Cloke sent a scare through the Collingwood camp this morning when he was forced to leave training early with a dislocated finger.

But Magpies officials strenuously deny the All-Australian is in any doubt for tomorrow's blockbuster clash with Richmond at the MCG.

Club doctors didn't try to hide the extent of the 26-year-old's mishap as they attempted to put his finger back in to place on the boundary line at Olympic Park.

And teammate Dane Swan said Cloke was showing no ill-effects after training.

"From all reports he's good to go, he popped his finger back in," Swan said.

"I just saw him and he said he's fine, so I think he's fine."

While Cloke's importance to the Magpies line-up cannot be understated, it is the midfield group that Swan believes will go a long way to deciding the game against the Tigers.

Is Tigers midfield the best in the AFL?

Swan praised the way Richmond has started the season and said it was up to the likes of he, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom to curb the influence of Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and co.

"They've for some very speedy, good types in there," Swan said.

"For me, personally, I think that's where the game will be won or lost.

"If we can beat them in contested footy and clearances, which I suppose everyone says every week, but this week there's nothing more important for me and the other midfielders to give our forwards first use of the ball.

"If we get it in our forward half first it gives is a chance to set up defensively behind it as well."

Ultimate Round 4 SuperCoach formguide

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AFL to grill Dees over Dank link

Melbourne is the second AFL club embroiled in the performance-enhancing drugs controversy after text messages between sports scientist Stephen Dank and club doctor Dan Bates emerged

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says Melbourne would have broken league rules if it is found to have had an association with Stephen Dank.

The AFL and anti-doping agency ASADA will today grill Melbourne club doctor Dan Bates over text messages he is alleged to have exchanged with Dank. They were due to meet at 10.30am this morning.

"They will be in breach of a rule," Demetriou said on 3AW this morning. "But can I just wait until after we've had a briefing this morning.

"We (AFL) asked the specific question that the media had asked: 'Was Stephan Dank approached or did Stephan Dank approach Melbourne, or was there a discussion around employment at the Melbourne Football Club'.

"And we got the same answer the public got. The people in authority didn't give us the answers."

Demetriou refused to reveal whether the club officials that responded to the AFL's original inquiries remain at the club and also said that "there may be more" to story.

Demetriou also said claims on the ABC's 7.30 Report that it had text messages between Bates and former Essendon sports scientist Dank were inconsistent with what Melbourne had told the AFL.

"They had maintained a position ... that they've never employed Stephen Dank,'' Demetriou told ABC radio.

"If there is an association with Mr Dank, that is inconsistent with what we have been told.''

Demons' full statement: we are clean

Timeline: Melbourne's two years from hell

Sports scientist Stephen Dank.

The ABC's revelations are certain to lead to the ASADA and the AFL widening the probe into supplement use to include the Demons.

Demetriou said Melbourne had some questions to answer if the ABC report was true.

"As of this morning we will be calling in the doctor, the Melbourne Football Club doctor, together with any other relevant officials based on things we'd been told previously,'' Mr Demetriou said.

"There appears to be some inconsistencies.

"If there was an association, regardless of whether there has been an employment agreement, I think that would have been relevant to our briefings.''

Demetriou did not want to speculate on the ramifications for the club, but did say that Melbourne would have broken league rules if it was shown to have mislead the AFL about a relationship with Dank.

"This issue of ethics and trust in our code ... is something that you can't play ping-pong with,'' Mr Demetriou said.

"If anybody hasn't got the message that they must be absolutely truthful ... then there will be consequences.''

Texts trip up Demons

In a lengthy statement on Friday morning, Melbourne said there was no evidence any of its supplements breached the WADA drug code, and that Dank never directly treated players nor worked directly for the club.

But it admitted Bates and Dank had been in communication prior to the launch of ASADA's investigation into Essendon, though Bates always had the final say in any treatment for Demons players.

"At no time was Dank able to directly treat players,'' Melbourne said in its statement.

Demetriou backs silent James Hird

"Dank and Dr Bates communicated via email, phone and text, regarding supplements (prior to the ASADA investigation).

"Our processes require Dr Bates to consider the appropriateness of any treatment and make a determination as to its suitability at all times, to ensure that the welfare of our players is always maintained.''

Neeld: We're level with GWS

The AFL, which last week said Essendon was the only club involved in the wider Australian sport anti-doping investigation, issued the Demons with a ``please explain'' over their involvement with Dank on Thursday night.

"The AFL was not previously aware of the claims broadcast ... by the ABC and these will form part of ongoing investigations by ASADA and the AFL,'' the AFL said in a statement.

"The AFL is urgently seeking a further explanation from Melbourne Football Club about the veracity of the claims and how they can be reconciled with previous statements from the club.''

The ABC alleges the text messages between Dank and Bates continued until the day Essendon fronted a media conference to reveal they had concerns over their supplements program and Dank's work at that club.

AFL Round 4 teams: Watts back for Dees

SOME OF THE ALLEGED TEXT MESSAGES

Dank to Bates: "Meeting with Neil Craig next Tuesday or Wednesday. Spoke to Dave today."

Bates to Dank: "Great."

Dank to Bates: "When we will start Jack Trengove on the AOD?"

Bates to Dank: "Tomorrow"

Bates to Dank: "Where can I get him to pick it up from?"

Dank to Bates: "The pharmacy. Tell him to ring me and he can meet me there."

Bates to Dank: "...Lynden Dunn would like an injection on Thursday if possible (good about Dunny asking, as he is doing it because the other guys have said they feel good). Dan."

Dank to Bates: "Great. I will book him in."

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Bring back Saturdays at the G

Collingwood fans fill the MCG. Picture: Ian Currie Source: Herald Sun

IN his latest weekly Please Explain public letter, Glenn McFarlane asks why we only have six Saturday afternoon matches at the MCG this season.

Dear Gil McLachlan, AFL deputy chief executive officer

Schedule it, and they will come.

To manipulate a few words from Field Of Dreams, we reckon it is time that you started to put the pep back into Saturday afternoon games at the MCG.

This Saturday's Collingwood v Richmond blockbuster (and this time we really mean it) looks like being the first time since 1983 - Kevin Bartlett's 400th game - that these two teams have collectively been able to draw a crowd of 80,000-plus to a match.

Back then, we were treated to six games of football each and every Saturday afternoon in winter, with one of them almost always at the MCG.

We don't want to live in the past, but we seriously think AFL HQ needs to start showing Saturday arvos at the 'G a bit more respect.

After all, it is still the timeslot in which we play our biggest game of the year – the AFL Grand Final.

Sure, we know that the TV networks are paying squillions for the right to telecast the marquee matches at the times that they deem the best fit - predominantly Friday night.

Is Macca right? Leave your comment below

We also understand that people's lifestyles are different to what they were decades ago, now that it is the AFL not the VFL. And, yes, we know that some of those blockbuster games are played at the MCG, but on Saturday nights rather than during the day.

Take a look at what the AFL 2013 fixture served up to us – as footy fans – in terms of Saturday afternoon MCG games this year. It is a major disappointment, other than a couple of games.

This week's game is a cracker, but last week's Melbourne-West Coast thrashing hardly inspired people to head there in droves.

The MCG Great Southern Stand. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

The breakdown for 2013 is six Saturday day MCG games and three twilight fixtures.

The day games are:

Richmond v Adelaide (Round 12)
Hawthorn v Richmond (Round 19)
Richmond v Brisbane (Round 19)
Carlton v Richmond (Round 21)

The twilight games:

Carlton v Adelaide (Round 4)
St Kilda v Melbourne (Round 13)
Collingwood v GWS (Round 18)

Gil, we know you love the game and understand that you need to maximise crowds. That's your job.

But if you head to the MCG this week, take a walk down to the Richmond and Collingwood cheer squads, watch the game and the atmosphere surrounding it, and you will see more than ever that plenty of people still love their Saturday afternoon fever.

Richmond fans. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

Please consider this when you sit down and start crunching the numbers with the 2014 fixture.

Sincerely,

Glenn McFarlane

PS

COACHING SUB-COMMITTEES
How the hell did so many of you overlook Ken Hinkley as a senior AFL coach for so long? It remains one of football's great mysteries. Admittedly, he has only coached Port Adelaide in three matches for three wins - but it's a bloody good start.

MARC MURPHY
We love watching you and reckon you were the right selection as captain. But either you were a bit loose at stages last week when Taylor Hunt off at stages to kick three goals, or you weren't getting the support from your teammates the other back. Whatever the case, we are tipping that would have been pointed out, and it won't happen against West Coast on Saturday night.

Carlton captain Marc Murphy. Source: Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE
Come on Kangaroos, those of us who tipped you to make the final eight this year - as we also did last year - are starting to get nervous. Really nervous. Yes, Sydney is a very, very football side, but no team should have 11 goals kicked against them in one quarter of football. Time to make a stand.

MELBOURNE
Please give us something - anything. It's time.

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Jackson to fill Dees' CEO void

Former Bombers administrator Peter Jackson, on the right, back in 2009. Stephen Harman. Source: News Limited

MELBOURNE has announced former Essendon administrator Peter Jackson as its interim chief executive after the club sacked Cameron Schwab last week.

Jackson has been appointed for the six months effective May 1.

The former Essendon chief executive was working with Football Victoria after a long stint with Essendon, where he was highly rated for his fiscal management and detailed understanding of every aspect of the club's inner workings.

The Demons issued a statement today admitting the board had not met its goals in the past four years.

"This is unacceptable and must be addressed.

"The board has appointed Peter as an interim CEO to critically assess all aspects of our club, and he has the experience to do that. Peter will oversee the day to day operations of the club through to the end of season 2013, and he will participate in the process to select a full-time CEO."

Glass half full for Dees

Jackson was the man who eventually told 27-year coach Kevin Sheedy he would be moving on from Windy Hill.

But despite that bold move he is still highly rated by long-time coach Sheedy.

He also had to defend himself against accusations he had single-handedly extended the contract of Matthew Knights, which the club had to pay out when they sacked him.

The Demons had to pay out Schwab with a six-month settlement after sacking him as a blood-letting measure last week in the wake of another embarrassing loss to Essendon.

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab faces the media with club president Don McClardy after resigning his position at the Demons. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

He will be in the role for a number of months while the club searches for a permanent chief executive.

It is not known if he will be considered for the full-time role if he excels in the position.

Melbourne has also announced the appointment of Geoff Freeman to the club's board.

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Kangaroos' Majak moment

Winless North Melbourne confirm Majak Daw will make his long-awaited AFL debut against Brisbane Lions this weekend.

Majak Daw in action during the Kangaroos' NAB Cup win against Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MAJAK Daw will become the first Sudanese footballer to play at AFL level when he makes his long-awaited debut on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was told the good news about his inclusion by coach Brad Scott following training today, after forward Robbie Tarrant failed to get through the session.

Daw spent three years on North Melbourne's rookie list before being elevated onto the senior list this season.

He has long been in contention for a spot within the senior team, but Scott wanted to make sure he was ready to play at a competitive level.

Daw, one of nine children, arrived in Australia in 2003 after living in Egypt for three years, having already fled Sudan during the civil war.

In an early interview, Daw said he wanted to be a trail-blazer for other Sudanese players.

"For someone of my background, I'd love to think that I could one day be a role model to the Sudanese community,'' Daw said.

"Some of the kids are probably in the same situation as I was a few years ago, just coming to a new country and not really knowing what to expect.

"Hopefully, seeing me play (in the AFL), it might mean something to them and make them want to play the game as well.''

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Speaking before training this morning, Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said Daw still had areas of his game that he had to improve.

"He's playing really good footy in the VFL but he's not playing footy that is saying you have no choice but to pick me," Scott said.

"The hype is largely external, he knows exactly where he sits internally. Majak is focussing on the facts, he knows exactly what he has to do to force his way into our side but he hasn't quite done that but he's very very close.

"If something happens to a key position player, he's probably the next one in."

Scott said Daw was one of several players, including Daniel Currie, Aaron Black and former Hawthorn rookie Will Sierakowski, who were playing well enough at VFL level to earn a senior call-up.

"It's an unfortunate position to have four or five players that probably should come into our side, but there's not a role for them at the moment.

"They're certainly holding their end up in pushing for selection and if we have the slightest drop-off they'll come in and take someone's spot.

"We're 0-3 but we've got selection dilemmas so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Scott said the Roos would have to play at their best to beat Brisbane and its skipper Jonathan Brown, who returned to form with five goals last weekend.

"He's always in form against us," Scott said. "He's just a super player, isn't he?"

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Mick weighs up four talls

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has defended the Blues' poor start to the season, claiming success isn't about winning or losing.

Robert Warnock could play his first game for the season against West Coast on Saturday night. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse patrols the boundary line. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse is considering recalling both Levi Casboult and Rob Warnock for Saturday's crunch game against West Coast.

The Blues lost ruckman Matthew Kreuzer to a broken thumb, which only compounded their 0-3 start to the season.

Warnock's 2012 season was ruined by a shoulder injury. He hasn't played since Round 14.

"It's either going to be Levi Casboult, or both, and Robbie Warnock,'' Malthouse said today.

"We understand we're a little bit short in terms of talls in our side…We might go a little bit taller.

"We could play both.''

Shaun Hampson is already in the side and Malthouse said he wasn't against playing Sam Rowe in the ruck, but admitted he would need support.

"You're talking about the No. 1 ruckman in the league, (Dean) Cox has been that for a number of years,'' he said.

"We know that we're going to have a big job and perhaps the best way to do that is multi-choice and multi-go. It's very hard to lock one player in on a bloke like Cox."

Jarrad Waite and Eddie Betts are not expected to play this weekend.

Malthouse refused to dwell on the club's poor start to the season.

"It's not about win-loss, it's about process," he said.

"Are we playing good football? Yes, we are in patches.

"Are we playing well enough to beat our opponents? No, because we're not doing that for a full game.

"That's what we have to look at, not (just) the result of the football game."

Malthouse said he couldn't change the results of the first three weeks of the season.

"I will not be panicked, I will not be pressured by media nor supporters suggesting we change the zip and three, and go to the league and say it's not fair.

"We will keep going and we will turn this side from a zip and three side and we will keep going on the process, and that will turn it around for us."

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Beams out for another month

Collingwood onballer Dayne Beams is out for another month. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: The Advertiser

COLLINGWOOD best and fairest winner Dayne Beams has reinjured his thigh and the midfielder is at least another month away from playing again.

Beams' setback has cast a pall over the Magpies' preparations for the blockbuster against unbeaten Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

The classy midfielder felt pain in his thigh when he tried to step up training last weekend and he has been ordered to rest.

Bucks: History irrelevant against the Tiges

Picture gallery: Dane Swan warms up for game 200

"The last thing you want to do when you walk into a medical meeting is to hear one of your better players is probably another three or four weeks (out) longer than you anticipated,'' coach Nathan Buckley said today.

"Beamsy is incredibly frustrated by it and our medics are working hard to get him up to speed. At the same time, it's no use pushing a player up if he's 85 percent fit. The intensity of the game requires full fitness and we won't be putting any of our players in that danger zone by pushing them up before they're ready.

"It's a bit of a rebleed which just signals to us that it (injury) was more significant than we initially thought and we've just got to give it a little more time.''
 

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Cats set to regain Kelly

Shane Crawford's left-field ruck plan plus why making Gary Ablett captain is a bad idea this week

Geelong midfielder James Kelly clears out of defence. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

VETERAN Geelong midfielder James Kelly is the man most likely to replace injured speedster Travis Varcoe.

The hard-bodied midfielder missed last week's match against Carlton with a calf injury after copping a knock to his Achilles tendon during his first match of the season against North Melbourne in Round 2.

Varcoe had surgery on his injured shoulder today and coach Chris Scott said the club would not take any risks with their injured star.

"He is really unfortunate he is in this position. He is going to miss three months," Scott said.

"The fortunate part is he is back running after five or six weeks, so he is going to be in pretty good condition when he is available to be involved in contact training and matches.

"Part of that is that he's back running after five or six weeks, so he's going to be in pretty good condition when he is available to be involved in contact training and matches.

"We'd love to have him in the meantime, but unfortunately we won't and that gives an opportunity to one of our young players this week.

"It's bad news for Trav but it's not the end of the world.''

Scott also said young big man Mark Blicavs could be rested against the Swans after playing the first three matches of the season.

George Horlin-Smith and Mitch Brown are also a chance to play against Sydney, Scott said.

Jared Rivers is also an outside to play after recovering well from a knee injury he picked up against Hawthorn in Round 1.

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Tigers keen to test their best

Tigers defender Dylan Grimes is looking forward tot aking on Collingwood. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND will be looking to put its game plan to the test in Saturday's blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG.

Defender Dylan Grimes said the match expected to attract more than 80,000 people was a "huge opportunity" for the undefeated Tigers.

"It's a really good test for us as a club to go up against what is one of the best teams in the competition and really test our structures against theirs ... it's a huge opportunity to see where we're at," the 21-year-old said.

"The heat's on us; Collingwood will want to come out and make a big statement so the challenge for us is to be consistent and put in another good performance."

Grimes credited the Tigers resurgence to improved depth, especially in the back line following the off-season arrivals Troy Chaplin and Ricky Petterd.

"The good thing is in previous years if we had a player go down, it might have been more of a issue on field," Grimes, who has battled persistent hamstring problems throughout his career, said.

Grimes missed a chunk of the pre-season following surgery to repair a small tear in his left hamstring tendon.

"With such depth this year, there were guys who were able to come in and fill my spot quite easily and it allowed me to just focus on myself and my rehab to get myself right for this year. It was really positive."

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Hird fronts drugs investigators

Mark Thompson has spoken of the strain James Hird is under as the Essendon coach faces an ASADA investigation.

Essendon coach James Hird could be banned by the AFL if found guilty using a banned substance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

ESSENDON coach James Hird has reaffirmed his determination to clear his name ahead of interviews with drugs investigators today.

Hird left his Toorak home this morning, dressed in a suit and Bombers tie, saying he was looking forward to meeting Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) officers.

"I'm just looking forward to having my say," he said.

Asked if he was confident he could clear his name, Hird said: "Yes mate."

Hird will not be under oath when he faces drugs investigators for the first time today.

But he nevertheless would face tough penalties if found not to have told the truth.

ASADA officers are probing claims that players received banned intravenous injections - one of several concerns raised about the club's sports science regimen last year.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank has said that during his time at Essendon he injected Hird with the performance-enhancing drug Hexarelin, which is banned for players.

The AFL Anti-Doping Code demands players and coaches must:

FULLY co-operate with any investigation.

FULLY and truthfully answer all questions.

PROVIDE documents if requested.

New doubt over Dank's credentials

The questions Hird must answer today

Bomber fans plan show of support

Players and coaches who fail to do this face a minimum $10,000 fine. If a breach of this section is referred to the AFL Tribunal by the league, there is no limit on the sanction that can be applied.

The code prohibits coaches from supplying and administering performance-enhancing drugs, but not from taking them.

The AFL can sanction anyone it believes has brought the game into disrepute.

Evidence gathered by ASADA would ultimately come before the AFL Tribunal if the agency found players or officials had a case to answer.

Former ASADA chief Richard Ings said: "In the infraction notice (from the AFL), it will say ASADA has told the AFL that you have a case to answer for breaching these provisions of the anti-doping rules; the penalty for this breach is a ban, or whatever -- two years, say; you have an opportunity now to either accept the ban, or to request a hearing before the AFL anti-doping panel.

"The hearing, the tribunal, is held by the AFL.

"ASADA would be the counsel prosecuting the case, because they've got the evidence, and the player and his attorney would be the defence."

Hird is expected to be accompanied by a lawyer, or lawyers, today.

Under common ASADA practices:

THE interview would be conducted by two ASADA officials.

AN investigator from the AFL's integrity office could attend and ask questions.

THE interview would be recorded.

Hird is not bound by privacy laws and can share anything from the interview.

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Ablett must get through training

Gary Ablett could miss Saturday night's clash against Port Adelaide. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GARY Ablett can't clench his fist but expects to play against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

Ablett hurt his hand in the Suns' two-point loss to Brisbane last Saturday night.

X-rays cleared the skipper of any broken bones in his right hand but he was last night sent for MRI scans to see what is causing the pain and swelling.

Ablett said today he didn't know when he suffered the injury, but he was unable to shake his opponent's hand after the match.

"It was a little awkward because I went up to shake their (Lions') hands and they were going in with the right hand and I was going with the left and I had to explain to a few of them that I hurt my hand during the game," he told the AFL website.

"It's good now.

"I've got to get through training Wednesday night but the hand's not feeling too bad. I can't really clench it yet but I'm sure it'll be fine for the weekend."

Key forward Charlie Dixon has an Achilles injury and is considered less likely to be cleared to play.

And defender Matt Maguire's ongoing absence is a major headache for Brisbane who must find opponents for Drew Petrie, Lachie Hansen and Robbie Tarrant.

It was hoped he would only miss the one game but he has now sat out two weeks and football manager Dean Warren said he may not be available until Rd 6 against Sydney.

"He is probably a couple of weeks away at least,'' Warren said.

"Because he has had a fair few issues there during his career, it is just going to take a little bit longer.''

The Lions have a swag of in form players from Sunday's 110 point NEAFL hiding of the Gold Coast's reserves jostling to take on the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

There will be one forced change with Jared Polec set to miss with an ankle injury.

Warren said the axe was not hovering over veteran Ash McGrath after a slow start to the season but admitted any underperforming players would feel the heat.

"There is pressure on for senior spots,'' he said.

"We have depth, there is a group of guys in the seconds that are playing good consistent footy and pushing for a game.''

One player who is safe as houses is debutant Sam Mayes.

The South Australian product looked right at home at the elite level collecting 21 disposals off a wing while adding two clearances and five inside 50s. He also took 10 marks - all uncontested - to showcase his lauded hard-running ability.

The No.8 draft pick's penetrating right boot also caught the eye in the wet conditions.

"My job was to spread hard and find some space. I was pleased with how I went and hopefully I can keep improving,'' he said.

"It will be a test next week against North Melbourne to back-up from this week and crack in again.''

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Kelty defends meeting with Hird

James Hird celebrates with players after Friday's win. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

AFL commissioner Bill Kelty has defended his weekend meeting with embattled Essendon coach James Hird.

Mr Kelty revealed he had told the league that he would remove himself from any involvement in any AFL Commission decision it made on the Essendon drugs scandal and Hird.

Mr Kelty, a Bombers supporter, said he had a conflict of interest because of a business association with Essendon president David Evans and his friendship with Hird, whom he visited at his Toorak home on Saturday night.

ASADA to interview Hird on Tuesday

Mark Robinson: Who's right in this astonishing story?

Asked whether it was appropriate for him to visit Hird, Mr Kelty said: "I have already indicated to the AFL that if the matter comes to the AFL for consideration that I would have a conflict of interest arising out of my chairmanship with David Evans and our close friendship."

Andrew Demetriou says Essendon coach James Hird should consider standing down over drug allegations.

Mr Kelty confirmed he spoke to Hird on Saturday night and "went through the issues with him".

"As I said, I have already indicated that I would stand aside from the AFL for this matter if it comes to Essendon," he said.

"It's only on this issue and I said that from the outset. As soon as it came to light I said that because I'm a very close friend of David Evans."

Mr Kelty said he chaired Mr Evans' stockbroking company's advisory committee. He said while he knew Hird, he would not say if he was a close friend.

Premiership teammates and close friends have urged Hird to continue coaching Essendon, despite pressure from the AFL and his looming ASADA interrogation.

AFL commissioner Bill Kelty leaves James Hird's house on Saturday night.

Hird maintains he will not consider standing down as he deals with allegations that he took the WADA-banned Hexarelin and had detailed knowledge of the club's now notorious supplements program.

After the Bombers' win against Fremantle on Friday night, Hird again expressed confidence about proving his innocence.

He is to be interviewed by Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators tomorrow.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Friday that Hird should consider stepping down, but it was understood yesterday the league would not force him to walk away as coach.

The AFL is involved in the ASADA investigation into Essendon's use of supplements and Demetriou spoke last week of knowledge about the inquiry he had obtained from classified briefings.

Essendon coach James Hird is set to reveal he received two injections from sports scientist Stephen Dank for health reasons.

Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said unorthodox supplement programs should be banned, regardless of whether Essendon was found guilty of breaching the performance-enhancing drugs code.

He was also "uncomfortable" with coaches taking drugs.

- with Sam Landsberger

daryl.timms@news.com.au
 

---

THE STORY SO FAR

February 12: Former sports scientist Stephen Dank drops new bombshell claims

February 15: Drugs scandal takes huge toll on Essendon chairman

February 17: Essendon drug probe expected to last six months

February 22: Signed forms may save Essendon players

March 20: Essendon could face Senate inquiry

April 11: Hird will fight drug claim

April 12: Hird to admit: I was injected twice

April 13: Hird vows to stay after fighting win

April 14: ASADA to interview Hird on Tuesday

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If you don't mind, umpire

Luke Hodge slides in to Harry O'Brien's legs and umpires award the Hawks skipper a free kick, and report O'Brien.

Harry O'Brien was reported for this collision with Luke Hodge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

WE PICK the five biggest umpiring eyebrow-raisers of the weekend.

Umpiring is a tough job - getting tougher every year with more rule tweaks and interpretation changes - and most of the time the men in white/green/red do a great job. Sometimes, however, we need to examine some issues closer to get a clear explanation and help everyone's understanding of the game.

Each week we'll nominate five decisions that demand a second look. Then we'll take on board your views and any nominations we've missed, and get a verdict from AFL House.

Have your say on these decisions and let us know any we missed by leaving a comment below or sending a note on Twitter or Facebook

1. WHAT SLIDING RULE?

WHEN a player deserving of a free kick instead concedes one and has his name go in the book it's sure to spark confusion.

And that's exactly what happened when Hawks skipper Luke Hodge slid into Harry O'Brien's legs yesterday. Instead of Hodge being pinged under the controversial new sliding rule, he was instead gifted a free kick.

O'Brien went low, Hodge slid in head first and got to the ball a fraction of a second before his opponent. Hodge's head crashed in to O'Brien's shin and O'Brien went flying. Twitter then went into meltdown as players, commentators and fans immediately slammed the decision, while O'Brien will today find out if he has a rough conduct case to fight.

Hodge's teammate Jordan Lewis sided with O'Brien today, saying he was baffled by the report.

See the video of the incident in the video player above and make up your own mind

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, Harry O, Brien colides with Luke Hodge, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source:

2. DUSTY ROBBED OF LONG GOAL

GOALS were hard to come by for the Tigers early yesterday, with the dominant side converting just four of 13 chances in the first term.

So that made the decision to deny Dusty Martin a bomb from even more frustrating at the time. The star midfielder ran to 60m and unloaded a beauty, watching it sail through before celebrating. But the umpire had different ideas, instead handing the ball to Dog Liam Picken at full-back.

He pinged Tiger Luke McGuane for an illegal shepherd in the goal square, despite replays showing it seemed to be a perfectly legal bump with the ball in close proximity. To add further sting, the Dogs went coast-to-coast to spot Liam Jones who booted his second, keeping the Bulldogs in touch.

Dusty finished with a whopping 150 SuperCoach points - and probably should have had about another 10 but for that call.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the round three AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on April 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source:

3. COTCH YOU... OR MAYBE NOT

UMPIRE knockers who believe superstars always get a bit of extra leniency had their argument enhanced went Trent Cotchin was allowed to be gang-tackled, spun 360 degrees and drop the ball without being penalised.

A swarm of Bulldog players grabbed the Tiger, dumping him to the ground only to have their holding the ball cries ignored.

The ball spilled free nearing the Tigers goalmouth and Shane Edwards swooped and snapped a goal, giving Richmond the perfect start to the second half. SuperFooty ran a quick Twitter poll with 100 per cent of readers declaring Cotch had got away with one, with some calling him a "protected species".

Trent Cotchin gets a quick kick. AFL Round 3: Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

4. THE ACCIDENTAL DELIBERATE

THERE'S 11 minutes on the clock, it's the last quarter and scores are level, it's a wet and slippery night at hostile Patersons Stadium, the ball comes to a second-gamer at half-back with Dockers swarming at you from all directions.

What do you do? Throw the ball on your boot and get it the hell out of there, right? Wrong.

Elliott Kavanagh did just that on Friday night and was somehow nabbed for deliberate out of bounds. The ball skidded past Brent Stanton and into no-man's land before trickling over the boundary line.

Despite the match being a stoppage-fest, the umpire pinged Kav for deliberate, setting up another Freo counter-attack. He was stiff.

5. ANGRY WITH UMPS? JOIN THE Q

New Magpie Quinten Lynch couldn't believe it when he was pinged twice in five minutes for ruck infringements that can only be labelled soft.

The Pies were pressing just before three-quarter time when Jarryd Roughead received minimal contact from the Q-stick and won a free kick on the 50m line. He went back and drilled the goal to give the Hawks some breathing space.

Then five minutes into the final term Lynch threw his head back and his hands in the air when he was penalised again from a boundary throw-in for more incidental contact.

Collingwood's Quinten Lynch argues with an umpire. Source: Getty Images

... MEANWHILE RYDER, KOMMER SWEAT ON BUMPS

IT'S now in the hands of the match review panel, rather than the umpires, but Paddy Ryder and Nick Kommer must both be sweating.

Ryder KO'd Docker Luke McPharlin in the first quarter of Friday night's battle and looks certain to be charged. As Brownlow Medallist Mark Riccuito put it: "He's got him high, he ran past the ball and he left the ground." He's in trouble.

Kommer brushed into Kepler Bradley's head, sending the Docker off the field with blood gushing from his face.

See the video below and you decide the Bombers' fate:

Two Essendon players face nervous waits from the AFL match review panel after seperate bumps in Friday night's clach against Fremantle

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Blues won't hit panic button

Shaun Hampson shoots for goal at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON believes AFL finals are still well within reach despite losing the first three games and star ruckman Matthew Kreuzer.

If the winless Blues lose to West Coast in Perth on Saturday night it will be their worst season start in 24 years.

But big man Shaun Hampson, who will shoulder greater responsibility with Kreuzer to miss up to weeks with a thumb fracture, said the Blues' mood remained upbeat.

"It's still quite positive even though we have lost the three games," the forward-ruckman said today.

"Definitely nobody's panicking at all.

"We still feel like we could do anything with this season.

"It's only three rounds in.

"When you look at where we were three rounds into last season we were premiership favourites.

"Things can turn around in football very quickly."

Carlton must decide whether to replace Kreuzer with Robert Warnock, who is yet to play an AFL game this season, or Levi Casboult, who was dropped after failing to fire in the opening two rounds.

Warnock would play mostly in the ruck, freeing Hampson to continue to play his preferred role spending large periods in attack.

But Hampson said he was happy to slot in as No.1 ruckman if coach Mick Malthouse settled on Casboult.

"I'll do whatever they tell me at the end of the day," Hampson said.

"I maybe prefer ruck-forward.

"I feel like I've got a fair bit to offer up forward, maybe hit the scoreboard, take a couple of marks and then go into the ruck.

"But like I said I'll do whatever they need."

Whoever leads the ruck will have to go head-to-head with in-form West Coast ruckman Dean Cox at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

"Coxy's been a very good player for a very long time so whoever goes into the ruck against him is going to have their hands full," Hampson said.

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Live HQ: Sunday arvo footy

Richmond star Brett Deledio will play a massive role in the Tigers pursuit for a 3-0 start to their season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

LATE CHANGES
Richmond - Jake Batchelor OUT for Chris Knights
Bulldogs - Ayce Cordy (sore) OUT for Tom Campbell
Collingwood and Hawthorn - None

Substitutes
Brandon Ellis (Tigers)
Clay Smith (Bulldogs) *activated in the first quarter for Easton Wood (hamstring)
Alex Fasolo (Collingwood)
Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)

RICHMOND 92 leads WESTERN BULLDOGS 41

WHEN Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin get busy, it spells trouble.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

And that's exactly what has happened at Etihad Stadium today. The Tigers stars have torched the Western Bulldogs engine room to set up a 51-point lead at the last change, one that could be a lot higher but for errant goal kicking.

Richmond rammed home six goals in the third quarter with Deledio sending home his third goal, kicked from 60m out.

It's been the same old tale for the Dogs, with their dysfunctional forward line letting them down.

RICHMOND 39 lead WESTERN BULLDOGS 13

DUSTIN Martin was able to consolidate an otherwise wasteful Richmond's lead over the Western Bulldogs.

The Tigers booted a staggering nine behinds in the first quarter after Brett Deledio slotted the first of the match with just 11 seconds on the clock.

Deledio roved the tap out, burst to 55m and opened the scoring under the closed roof at Etihad Stadium.

But the Western Bulldogs responded with Liam Jones kicking the next two goals and arrest the lead.

The Tigers answered the challenge piling on three goals and put the Dogs on the back foot.

Bulldogs defender Easton Wood was substituted out of the match with hamstring injury.

Wood was competing for a ball close to the boundary line when he pulled up sharply clutching his left hamstring.

Substitute Clay Smith replaced the rebounding defender at the 19minute mark.

PRE-GAME

ALEX Fasolo will have his return to Collingwood slightly delayed after being handed substitute duties for today's clash against Hawthorn.

Fasolo returns after impressing in the VFL following a layoff with injury, while Jack Gunston - who missed last week's win against Wes Coast - will start in the green vest for the Hawks.

RICHMOND recruit Chris Knights will make his debut for the Tigers after coming as a late replacement for defender Jake Batchelor.

Knights arrived at Punt Rd as a free agent from Adelaide last year.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be without young gun Ayce Cordy who pulled up sore during the week.

Ruckman Tom Campbell comes into the team despite not being named on the original emergencies list.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Bulldogs recruit Nick Lower will be looking to continue his hot streak of form tagging Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.

Lower has quickly become one of the most dangerous stoppers in the game beating Daniel Rich (Brisbane) and David Mundy (Fremantle) in his first two games at the Kennel.

The Bulldogs have the added incentive of putting on a strong display for courageous midfielder Daniel Cross in his 200th AFL game.

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Gordon: Ban supplement programs

Peter Gordon had his say on the Essendon drugs scandal. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs president Peter Gordon wants unorthodox supplement programs banned regardless of whether Essendon is found guilty of breaching the performance-enhancing drugs code.

And Gordon said he was "uncomfortable" with the idea of coaches taking outlawed drugs in response to allegations Bombers coach James Hird was injected with Hexarelin by former sports scientist Steve Dank.

Live HQ: Follow the Dogs-Richmond clash today

Gordon said he understood Essendon's desire to gain an edge within the rules but called for greater clarity on the issue.

"If one thing stands out as very clear in this whole debate it's the need for greater clarity in relation to these laws," the legal mastermind said today.

"I think people viscerally feel discomfort with relation to all these substances unproven, untested being used on players and I share that concern.

"I was also pretty unnerved about the coaching box being supplied, as Dank alleged on Friday, or as the texts revealed on Friday."

Essendon coach James Hird could be banned by the AFL if found guilty using a banned substance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Asked if coaches should be banned from taking drugs outside the WADA code, Gordon said: "I'm uncomfortable with it.

"The conduct of Essendon Football Club in seeking to exploit an advantage which they did not see as illegal is entirely understandable and natural. We need to understand what the rules are.

"Speaking personally, if the upshot of what went on was not illegal then the rules, I think, need to be changed, because most people think this sort of practice should not be condoned."

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said it was important for clubs to now employ integrity officers to report to the board.

"I think we're in a good place, we're getting on top of these things, getting them out into the open," Pert told 3AW.

He said without stringent policies in place people would continue to "push the boundaries".

"You can't stop people or rogue operators, they might start with the best intentions (but) they'll keep pushing the boundaries, and over a period of time, you've got a club or the industry in a real issue."

Meanwhile, Gordon backed Dogs coach Brendan McCartney, declaring he believes the former Geelong assistant will prove a long-term coach.

And Gordon gave his strongest indication yet the Western Bulldogs' stand-alone reserves side, which will be launched in the VFL next year, will be called Footscray.

- with Gilbert Gardiner

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Carey questions Mick's plan

Mick Malthouse looks on during his side's loss to Geelong at Etihad Stadim Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Sunday Herald Sun

FOOTBALL great Wayne Carey says Mick Malthouse's "defensive" game plan is not suited to Carlton's playing stocks.

Despite being competitive in all three of their matches the Blues are yet to register a win under the triple premiership coach.

"Carlton don't have the defensive attitude... you've got to look at your cattle," Carey told Triple M's The Sunday Rub.

"I think he's (Malthouse) starting to realise this side can't play the defensive footy that I like."

Geelong banished Carlton to an 0-3 record last night with a 16-point victory at Etihad Stadium.

The Blues were narrowly defeated by Richmond in Round 1 and Collingwood last week.

"They don't have the personnel that Collingwood had when he got to Collingwood," Carey said.

"They don't have the personnel that West Coast had, West Coast had one of the best defences of all time.

"This is a fast, young, take on style of footy (and) I think he's realising they just can't play the style of game that he
wants."

Malthouse remained optimistic last night in his post-match conference.

"I am not disappointed in the attitude (of the players) or the effort," Malthouse said.

"I think we let ourselves down in five or seven minutes a quarter, or a half, and that's what happened.

Carlton faces the grim task of taking on a Fremantle outfit wounded by Friday night's home loss to Essendon.

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