Hirdy shirty as pressure shows

Bombers coach James Hird with club doctor Bruce Reid last night. Source: Getty Images

THE pressure on James Hird was plain to see last night as the besieged Essendon coach abruptly cut short a television interview when gently questioned about the drug investigation enveloping the club.

In a bizarre backdrop to the Bombers' opening NAB Cup games against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, Hird told Fox Footy's AFL 360 he only wanted to talk about the game.

"We are very excited about playing a game of football," he said.

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When asked what toll the investigation had taken on him, Hird replied: "Lets talk about that later. We will talk about the game and where we are going with the game with the Bulldogs and Collingwood tonight."

The Herald Sun's Mark Robinson, who co-hosts the program with Gerard Whateley, then said: "Can I ask you one question and one question only - I think a lot of Essendon fans out there want to know, a lot of senior media people have discussed your future, a lot of Essendon fans have been sitting around dinner tables thinking, `what is James Hird going to do?' Do you think you are the right person to be coaching this Football club?'

"If I didn't, Mark, I wouldn't be standing here right now," Hird replied.

"We have a game to play and we will move on with that."

Robinson: "Have you been annoyed by this talk?"

Hird: "We have got a game to play. What do you think? It's not pleasant, we don't want to be here, but we are and we will move on with the game."

And with that he walked off camera.

Hird's spirits would have lifted soon after, however, as Essendon defeated the Western Bulldogs by 26 points in the first game 1.5.6 (45) to the Bulldogs' 1.1.4 (19).

Brendon Goddard had plenty of the ball in his first game in red and black; Kyle Hardingham and Shaun Higgins kicked the only two super goals and a host of young players put their hand up for senior selection for both sides.
 

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AFL players busted with bikies

The Herald Sun has been told Australian Federal Police agents have referred intelligence about AFL players to Victoria Police. Picture: Grant Nowell Source: The Advertiser

AFL players have been caught on telephone taps talking with underworld figures, including bikies involved in drug dealing.

The outlaw motorcycle club members, some of whom constantly travel to Asian nations that produce steroids and peptides, have been distributing performance-enhancing drugs in Australia.

It's believed most sales are through gyms.

The Herald Sun has been told Australian Federal Police agents have referred intelligence about AFL players to Victoria Police.

Players have appeared on the radar of the nation's peak law enforcement body over many years. Some are household names and have come to notice when found to be linked to criminals under investigation for dealing in illegal non-performance-enhancing drugs.

Most of the intelligence pre-dates the Australian Crime Commission's year-long investigation into drugs in sport. The release of its findings last week generated unprecedented debate about the nature and extent of the problem.

Australia's elite junior cricketers also have been identified as being at risk of corruption. Sources say young players could be groomed by international bookies who offer gratuities to drag them into their networks to be exploited later.

It is believed a group of bookies was planning to fly to Australia this summer to try to infiltrate elite cricketers aged 15-19.

Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said it had no evidence of the practice within Australia.

Mr Young said the head of CA's anti-corruption unit, Sean Carroll, was aware of grooming practices abroad.

"We are aware of the risk of this happening because it has happened in other sports overseas," Mr Young said. "We do educate junior cricketers on the risks."

At last year's ICC under-19 World Cup in northern Queensland, players received anti-corruption training and matches were overseen by an anti-corruption official.

Players were also banned from carrying mobile phones at matches - a compulsory restriction for senior elite cricketers.

State Sports Minister Hugh Delahunty said match-fixing was "probably the biggest concern" in sport, but he'd be shocked if junior cricketers had been targets.

"I'd be surprised if it gets down to that level, because you've got to have a betting field and it's usually on the major sports that they do that," he said.

Mr Delahunty said it was also a step too far to test TAC Cup footballers for drugs in a bid to stamp out the problem at junior level.

- with Mark Buttler and Peter Rolfe

anthony.dowsley@news.com.au

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Finally it's back to the game

Essendon star Brendon Goddard celebrates after kicking his first goal for the Bombers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE theme of this year's NAB Cup is "Where It All Begins''.

But the off-season controversies made Friday night's first official skirmish of 2013 more a case of "Where We Can All Get Some Welcome Relief'' and lose ourselves in footy for a couple of hours.

Essendon fans might be none the wiser after hours of watching and reading and listening about their summer scandal, but will feel they gained a few clues about their team after seeing them on Etihad Stadium for two 40-minute spells.

There were some insights for Collingwood and Bulldogs fans, too.

So here are a few things we learned when the football finally began:

Essendon could well have one of the most potent forward lines in the league, with Tom Bellchambers and David Hille alternating between ruck and the deep forward post, and Paddy Ryder, Michael Hurley and Stewart Crameri the marking targets who are dangerous pushing up the field.

Gun recruit Brendon Goddard started in the centre square before drifting behind play, marshalling play across half back.

Developing Collingwood ruckman Jarrod Witts is holding his own against young Bulldog Tom Campbell. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

But he also crept forward, where his sure hands and penetrating kick posed a threat. The Dons' best young player, Dyson Heppell, looks ready to spend more time influencing play as an atacking midfielder. lw0

While its best old player, Dustin Fletcher -- the man whose lanky body shape has barely changed in 21 years of senior football -- looks like he can again control play in the back half.

Collingwood often seemed to lack urgency on the night, but managed to come away with two wins.

The second of those came when Travis Cloke goaled after being awarded a controversial free kick in the dying seconds, followed by Dons rookie Luke Davis failing to snatch back victory with a post-siren shot from 55 metres.

There were enough encouraging signs to suggest the Pies have found ways to improve a team that has had four consecutive top-four finishes.

Essendon recruit Nick Kommer is mobbed by teammates after kicking a goal just before the final siren. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Siilky wingman Clinton Young again showed he is the sort of player who can create havoc in a team of quality midfielders.

Jarrod Witts adds depth to the Pies ruck stocks. Brent Macaffer and Jamie Elliott will put pressure on the likes of Alan Didak, Steele Sidebottom and Alex Fasolo. Inside midfielder Kyle Martin made an impressive debut.

Quinten Lynch looks capable of playing the role for which he was recruited, and Jordan Russell can be a handy utility with underestimated pace.

Earlier the Bulldogs showed that they unquestionably have grit, character and a willingness to work. But doubts will again remain about whether there is enough class to lift them from the ranks of the also-rans.

Robert Murphy was returned to a forward role with success, while Nick Lower looks to be another prolific ball-winner who will catch the eye of SuperCoach fanatics. Strong-bodied Jack Redpath showed glimpses on debut, and Jason Johanissen looks a likely type.

But for the Dogs to climb up the ladder, they need more from the likes of Ayce Cordy and Jarrad Grant.

WARWICK GREEN'S BEST

ESS - Goddard, Carlisle, Fletcher, Heppell, Lovett-Murray.
WB - Lower, Cooney, Boyd, Murphy, Johannisen.

COLL - Swan, Young, Martin, Blair, Cloke, Shaw.
WB - Griffin, Giansiracusa, Liberatore, Jong.

COLL - Beams, Pendlebury, Russell, Cloke, Johnson.
ESS - Heppell, Goddard, Jetta, Baguley, Dempsey.

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Code red at Windy Hill

Former Essendon staffer Stephen Dank said that the players had intravenous injections, not drips or infusions when he appeared on the ABC's 7.30 program. Picture: Channel 2 Source: The Daily Telegraph

Macca Sport cartoon for Herald Sun 15/02/2013T Drip Picture: Mcarthur David Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON seems certain to be found guilty of a breach of the AFL Anti-Doping Code if even one player admits being given legal intravenous infusions at Windy Hill.

Whether those infusions carried legal drugs or banned peptides, it is the manner in which they entered they body that would breach the AFL's code.

The AFL's code makes it clear intravenous infusions are "prohibited except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions or clinical investigations".

Those breaches of the code - "prohibited methods" - are viewed as just as serious as using "prohibited substances", and attract a two-year ban.

It is alleged Essendon players were taken over the road from Windy Hill to a Botox clinic and given intravenous drips.

In his 7.30 TV interview this week, former Essendon staffer Stephen Dank said that the players had intravenous injections, not drips or infusions.

Injections are allowed if the volume of the syringe used is less than 50ml and the substance is legal.

"Oh, look they had intravenous injections for vitamin B and vitamin C, which are quite compliant with the WADA code," Dank said of Essendon's players.

But ASADA will investigate whether players were also given infusions, the use of which has been illegal since 2005 under the WADA code.

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The AFL's Anti-Doping Code refers to the intravenous infusions in the Chemical and Physical Manipulation section.

WADA's own documentation explains the ban on intravenous infusions since 2005, saying athletes can use drips to take steroids.

"IV infusion could provide a potential route for the administration of infused substances," it states.

Integrity officers for all clubs?

WADA's medical information supporting its ban on intravenous drips makes it clear that medical uses for intravenous drips must be "associated with medical emergencies and in-patient care".

One legal expert yesterday said on the condition of anonymity: "It is prohibited to have intravenous infusions. The allegation is they had them all year. It doesn't matter if it's water, or saline, or (steroids), the method being used is the issue."

Little incentive for Bombers to win

Former ASADA boss Richard Ings told the Herald Sun yesterday Essendon could not justify intravenous injections as necessary for medical purposes, because prior approval was needed.

"Any athlete or player or trainer who needs to use a banned substance or banned method must get pre-approval from the Australian Sports Medical Advisory Committee before their treatment, and there is no retrospectivity," he said.

Essendon players training at Windy Hill in 2012. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

While the ASADA and AFL investigation into Essendon and biomechanist Dank could take months, there is some hope for Essendon.

Ings yesterday expressed doubt about the potential for blood from Essendon players to be flown across the world for tests on peptides. And the Australian Crime Commission conceded on Thursday it did not collect any information from wire taps about doping in sport during its 12-month investigation.

It means Dank was not caught in any incriminating evidence during phone conversations, and the players are unlikely to be found taking PEDs through blood tests.

Dank and Essendon continue to deny that any performance-enhancing drugs were used.

Essendon players could hope to use the AFL's own Anti-Doping Code to argue for a full discount, or "elimination" of their potential penalty. The AFL's code, which closely mirrors the WADA code, has a clause that provides for no penalty if the player can prove they bore "no fault" for drugs entering their system.

Both codes state the case must be "truly exceptional", but the AFL's rule 14.4 states the period of ineligibility can be eliminated if an individual "bears no fault of negligence for the violation".

The clause is inserted for players who have their samples sabotaged.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan said last night the league has made contingency plans for a 17-team competition this year should Essendon be unable to compete.

Essendon legend James Hird can see change for the better on the horizon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

"I think it is our responsibility to canvass and plan for every scenario," McLachlan said on Channel Nine.

"There is a technical scenario where, if every allegation was true and you took out and interpretation of the code and you took a certain set of timings then that could be true, so you have to plan for that."

But speaking on Channel Seven league boss Andrew Demetriou stated his confidence that Essendon would play out the 2013 season uninterrupted.

At this stage we've got nothing that indicates otherwise," Demetriou said.

With Matt Windley

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McLean, Graham sizzle for the Blues

Brock McLean and Tom Bell were among the standouts. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

A RESURGENT veteran and a teenage draftee were the headline acts in Carlton's intra-club match this morning.

Brock McLean and Nick Graham dominated the Blues' second internal hitout at Visy Park in the absence of a host of stars.

McLean's transformation from VFL specialist to influential AFL ball-winner has gained more pace over summer, with the former Demon finishing with 22 disposals and three goals in a clear best on ground performance.

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Graham, 18, was outstanding. Last year's Morrish Medallist had 17 touches and, along with fellow draftee Tom Temay, looked right at home.

Carlton intra club practice game,Mitch Robinson marks,3rd term, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

Blues director of coaching Rob Wiley admitted both boys had exceeded expectations.

"Nick has got that great ability to find the football. He did that in the under 18s and he reads the play, has good composure and he's certainly heading in the direction of being a very good AFL footballer," Wiley said.

"Carlton is very fortunate to have him."

Tom Bell was eye-catching, Kane Lucas was again among the best and Matthew Watson is on the way to cementing a defensive post.

Bryce Gibbs played in the midfield for the vast majority of the three quarters he played and was solid, while Jeremy Laidler is back to his best across half-back.

Carlton Intraclub practice match at VISY Park. Levi Casboult goes hard on Matthew Watson. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: HWT Image Library

Malthouse rested a stack of his best players, with Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson, Andrew Walker, Matthew Kreuzer, Eddie Betts and Heath Scotland among the spectators.

But the Blues are ecstatic about the health of their list, with only Jarrad Waite (calf) and Chris Judd (hamstring) carrying legitimate injuries.

Carlton Intraclub practice match at VISY Park. Mick Malthouse. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: HWT Image Library

Robbie Warnock (corkie) and Rhys O'Keefe (neck) were casualties today, but they are not considered serious.

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Jurrah speaks: I still dream of playing AFL

A Valentine's Day dinner sparks a suburban bushfire, Liam Jurrah arrested again and the AMA's report card on our public hospitals

FALLEN AFL star Liam Jurrah has spoken for the first time about his desire to return to top level football and how he hopes to move beyond a year of trouble with the law as he battles to reconnect with his family.

Just hours after he was early today arrested for breaching bail conditions set in Elizabeth Magistrates Court, Jurrah revealed his plan to try to make a return to AFL football on a course that would take him from his Outback community team, through Darwin and back to the big stage.

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But the 24-year-old says his focus now is firmly on beating the police charges against him and reuniting with and helping his family from the Northern Territory Yuendumu community, northwest of Alice Springs

The father of two young boys revealed his quest to be a good dad, how a broken mobile phone sent his life spiralling out of control when he lost contact with his band of Aboriginal brothers, and that his family cannot comprehend why he is one of the biggest stories in the AFL when he no longer plays the game.

"At the moment, my family comes first," he said.

"My two sons are my priority. I'm trying to be as tough as I can be.

Former AFL player Liam Jurrah leaves the Elizabeth Magistrates Court with his grandmother. Picture: Simon Cross

"My focus is to get those court cases done ... to get through them.

"It depends what will happen in the court case. If everything goes well, I'll be getting back into footy.

"At the moment it is really hard for me to get back into football. I do love my footy and that will be a focus for me.

"It is easier for me to help my family but it's really hard for me to get into the footy ... I'm going to push through that.

"I'm just going to prove everybody wrong about me ... I'm going to do what Liam Jurrah can do on a footy field again one day," he says.

Jurrah was arrested about 2am for breaching his bail conditions when he was found to not be at the address he was bailed to.

The relative he has been bailed to live with said Jurrah had been at the bail address but had left with friends and did not return by the time he said he would. The relative received a call from Jurrah about 3am from the Elizabeth Police station.

* Read the full interview with the fallen football star in tomorrow's Adelaide Advertiser.

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Minson: We want to win

Will Minson says the Dogs want to taste success tomorrow night. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

IN THE last 242 days Usain Bolt has won three Olympic gold medals, Black Caviar won at Royal Ascot, the world survived December 21, the Pope resigned and Sydney won a premiership.

Not once in the last 243 days has the Western Bulldogs won a game of footy.

That's why tomorrow night's mini-games against Essendon and Collingwood are important.

"Everyone likes winning games of football,'' ruckman Will Minson said this morning.

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"So we're definitely not going to go out there and do just what we're told. If there's a chance to win a game and a chance to win a contest then the natural instincts take over and we'll be going our hardest.

"We're really looking forward to tomorrow night and we can't wait to play some games of footy.''

Dale Morris will play his first competitive game in 18 months having missed all of last season with complications stemming from a broken leg suffered in late 2011.

Minson said he and his teammates take great heart from seeing the defender fit and firing again.

"It's just spectacular, Dale is such a loved member of the Western Bulldogs footy club,'' he said.

"Up until his unfortunate injury I don't think he'd missed too many games since his debut. He's a valuable player and we're really looking forward to watching his progression over the next couple of weeks and getting him back in to the team where we need him each week.

"He's such a ruthless competitor, he's got a never-say-die attitude. Although he's made his name as a back pocket, we'd be happy with him anywhere on the ground.

"If the ball is there to be won or there's an opponent to beat he'll give it his best shot and that's what we love about Dale - he goes about it quietly, puts a bit of gel in his hair and away he goes.''

The Dogs take on Essendon at 6.45pm before backing up against Collingwood at 7.50pm.

This is the third year of the NAB Cup's triangular format and Minson spoke like a man who is a little bit over the concept.

But the most important thing, the ruckman said, is to just play footy again.

"It's extremely different,'' he said.

"You play one set of players for 20 minute halves and then you have a break and play a different team than the one you started against.

"It's a pretty weird format but that's the way the AFL want to do it and so we'll get out there and play.''

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Reasons to watch the NAB Cup

The Pies, Dons and Dogs will kick off the NAB Cup. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

FOOTY is just one sleep away, with Essendon, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs set to ignite the NAB Cup. So, what should we look forward to from their triangular series?

SuperFooty takes a look.

ESSENDON

How will the Bombers react after their two weeks from hell?

THERE are infinite questions surrounding the Bombers' arrival tomorrow night. What mental state will the players be in following two weeks of front and back page media scrutiny following their drugs scandal?

What reception will Hirdy get? How will the fans react? Will the opposition players get stuck into them? Is this side in the right frame of mind to play footy?

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Will they look to make a statement or use the NAB Cup for what its worth – an experimentation tool?

This will be enthralling to witness. From an on-field perspective, Bomber fans must be disappointed they have to wait for their first look at Joey Daniher, but at least Brendon Goddard will be unleashed.

And for SuperCoaches out there, keep an eye on mature-aged recruits Dylan Van Unen (Frankston VFL) and Nick Kommer (WAFL). Youngster Nick O'Brien has also caught the eye this summer and could impress.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 14: Coach James Hird walks back to the club rooms during a Essendon Bombers AFL training session at Windy Hill on February 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Keep an eye on the young and the old

IT'S all about two players when the Dogs take the stage for their pair of lightning encounters – the youngest in Jackson Macrae and one of the oldest in Dale Morris.

Both are ripping stories for polarising reasons. Macrae, the prized No. 6 draft pick, represents hope and optimism for Bulldog fans after two seasons of pain. Morris, one of the most popular stars at the kennel, will provide a spark when he runs out for his first game in 18 months after horrifically snapping his leg – also against Essendon.

It's a remarkable comeback and a much anticipated debut – even if it only is February.

Watch for a beefed-up Macrae's freakish sidestep and elite vision, while all eyes will also be on Adam Cooney after a faultless summer.

From a SuperCoach perspective, Brett Goodes is the man to zero in on. If he takes another step towards a Round 1 debut, pencil him in.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

Western Bulldogs training at the Whitten oval., Dale Morris during training Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

Q-Stick and the game plan - are they really all the rage?

THE Magpies have chosen an impressive squad and after the buzz surrounding the Q-Stick all summer, keep your eyes glued on the former Eagles spearhead.

Quinten Lynch will partner Travis Cloke in attack for the first time (if they play in the same match) and it will be fascinating to see how the new-look one-two punch attack fires.

Brent Maccaffer and Andrew Krakouer are also fit and firing after a full pre-season following their knee-plagued 2012s, while Collingwood's trio of VFL rookies will be on show.

Jack Frost, a key defender highly rated for his ability to spoil, classy midfielder Sam Dwyer who is a pure footballer and goalkicking onballer Kyle Martin are in the squad and are looking impressive.

If they can fire and ramp up competition for places at the Pies this year it'll add another dangerous ingredient into Nathan Buckley's quest for a premiership.

Players aside, it'll be fascinating to get a glimpse at the revamped game plan under Bucks. Direct, down the guts and rapid ball movement is the word filtering out of the Westpac Centre.

And lastly, Ben Hudson v good mate Robert Murphy and his old mob the Western Bulldogs. Bring on the footy.

Stay tuned for reasons to watch the other triangular series this weekend, featuring Geelong, Fremantle, West Coast on Saturday night and St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Adelaide on Sunday.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Quinten Lynch kicks the ball during a Collingwood Magpies AFL session at Westpac Centre on February 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

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Teams: Dockers turn to youth

BRING IT ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce will be part of a youthful Dockers squad for the opening round of NAB Cup fixtures. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE will take a depleted midfield into Saturday's NAB Cup clashes against Geelong and West Coast, with on-ball stars David Mundy and Nat Fyfe left out of the Dockers squad.

Mundy and Fyfe will join other big names including skipper Matthew Pavlich and last season's Doig Medal winner Ryan Crowley on the sidelines.

Coach Ross Lyon said the games would be a valuable opportunity for some inexperienced players.

"It's a great competition to be able to expose some young players and people that have had really strong pre-seasons," Lyon said.

Teams: Bombers, Dogs and Pies

"The ultimate aim over the next three to four weeks is to condition our players for Round 1 and the season proper, and identify what areas we're going well in and need to improve in."

Lyon said his second pre-season in charge at Freo had been an improvement on last summer.

"Some really strong summers from our younger players, we've seen improvement - our indicators tell us that," he said.

"It's been the same volume (as last summer), but more players have done it. More work into more players at a higher quality."

Lyon said the club was well-placed to handle the pressure of expectation this season after the Dockers' brave finals series last September.

"That's about leadership isn't it. From our senior players and our coaching group and really from our president and CEO down, and we welcome expectation," he said.

"League football, there's a given amount of pressure that goes with it. We'll focus on what we can control and we'll work really hard together and give our greatest effort.

"And if that leaves us short, that's okay, because we know we're giving great effort and we'll improve."

Young ruckman Zac Clarke, who has put on 5kg in the off-season, will also miss Saturday's matches after suffering an adductor strain.

Fremantle rookie Matthew Taberner has glandular fever and will be out of action for some time.

But the Dockers still have plenty of firepower for Saturday's shortened clashes, with Aaron Sandilands, Stephen Hill, Hayden Ballantyne and off-season addition Danyle Pearce all set to play.

WEST COAST recruits Sharrod Wellingham, Jamie Cripps and Cale Morton will all make their club debuts for the Eagles on Saturday night.

As expected, forward Mark LeCras was also included in an expanded squad to make his return after 12 months out following a knee reconstruction.

Big-name Eagles Matt Priddis, Darren Glass, Beau Waters, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling have all been named.

GEELONG has opted for mix of young guns and veterans for its trip across the Nullarbor.

Cats stars Steve Johnson, Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright and Joel Corey will all make the trip along with skipper Joel Selwood and defender Harry Taylor.

Trent West is expected to lead the Cats at the stoppages with recruit Hamish McIntosh (knee), Dawson Simpson (back) and Nathan Vardy on the sidelines.

Geelong will blood running machine Mark Blicavs in the NAB Cup along with rookies Ryan Bathie, Cam Eardley, Jackson Sheringham and Josh Walker.

SQUADS:

West Coast - 1. Mitchell Brown, 2. Mark LeCras , 3. Andrew Gaff, 7. Chris Masten, 8. Beau Waters, 10. Scott Selwood, 11. Matt Priddis, 12. Sharrod Wellingham , 13. Luke Shuey, 14, Jacob Brennan, 15. Jamie Cripps, 16. Eric Mackenzie, 17. Josh Kennedy,  18. Bradd Dalziell, 19. Adam Carter, 22. Callum Sinclair, 23. Darren Glass, 25. Shannon Hurn, 26. Sam Butler, 27. Jack Darling, 28. Ashley Smith, 29. Scott Lycett, 30. Blayne Wilson, 31. Will Schofield, 32. Andrew Embley,  33. Josh Hill, 34. Mark Hutchings, 35. Patrick McGinnity, 36. Fraser McInnes,  37. Adam Selwood, 40. Cale Morton,  42. Jeremy McGovern, 43. Ashton Hams, 46. Simon Tunbridge.

Fremantle - 1. Hayden Ballantyne, 3. Zac Dawson, 4. Jayden Pitt, 5. Garrick Ibbotson, 6. Danyle Pearce, 8. Nick Suban, 9. Matt de Boer, 10. Michael Walters, 11. Tom Sheridan, 12. Jonathon Griffin, 13. Tendai Mzungu, 17. Hayden Crozier, 18. Luke McPharlin, 21. Michael Barlow, 22. Tanner Smith, 23. Chris Mayne, 25. Josh Mellington, 26. Kepler Bradley, 28. Peter Faulks, 31. Aaron Sandilands, 32. Stephen Hill, 33. Cameron Sutcliffe, 34. Lee Spurr, 35. Haiden Schloithe, 36. Alex Silvagni, 37. Michael Johnson, 38. Jack Hannath, 39. Sam Menegola, 41. Paul Duffield, 44. Jesse Crichton, 46. Clancee Pearce.

Geelong - 1. Mitch Brown, 2. Billie Smedts,  3. Jimmy Bartel, 5. Travis Varcoe, 7. Harry Taylor, 11. Joel Corey, 12. Trent West, 13. Tom Lonergan, 14. Joel Selwood, 15. Jordan Schroder, 19. Taylor Hunt, 20. Steve Johnson, 21. Jordan Murdoch, 22. Mitch Duncan, 23. Josh Caddy, 25. Jared Rivers, 26. Tom Hawkins, 27. Mathew Stokes, 28. Allen Christensen, 29. Cameron Guthrie , 31. James Podsiadly, 32. Steven Motlop, 33. George Horlin-Smith, 34. Josh Walker, 36. Brad Hartman, 37. Cam Eardley, 38. Jackson Sheringham, 39. Shane Kersten, 40. Jackson Thurlow, 41. Jesse Stringer, 42. Ryan Bathie , 44. Corey Enright, 45. Joel Hamling, 46. Mark Blicavs.

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Buckley wants the specifics

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the cloud over players, and the lack of information filtering down to clubs is tarnishing the sport.

Essendon boss Ian Robson responds to calls for heads to roll following Stephen Dank's interview last night.

Clean: Collingwood players are addressed by coach Nathan Buckley on the track yesterday. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says players' reputations are being tarnished by a "frustrating" lack of detail supporting claims they are using illegal substances.

After reviewing supplement programs back to 2002 yesterday, Collingwood is "very" confident it is clean.

The AFL has confirmed Essendon, and one player from another club, are under investigation by the Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority.

Buckley yesterday said the vagueness of the Australian Crime Commission's findings was damaging football.

"It is yet to be proven about Essendon's situation and we need to wait for the facts to understand that," Buckley said.

"But I wouldn't think it (performance-enhancing drug use) would be wide-spread and I think all of us have seen it watered down as the time has gone on over the last week or so.

"To the point where there is an element of frustration in that, 'OK, if you are going to make those claims, be specific about them because you have tarnished the sport and brought individuals of great quality and reputation into disrepute'.

"That's not good for the code and we need to fix it."

Calls to sack Hird off the mark

Buckley said "as a sports fan, as much as a coach, I want answers" about performance-enhancing drug use in the AFL, but was happy Collingwood's supplement program was clean.

Spotlight moves to the coaches

"We take TGA-approved substances and proteins and carbohydrates ... all that are well-recognised brands that have all got the rubber stamp," he said.

"We are not a club that lives in the grey area. We believe that there is plenty of one-percenters to be found in things that are in our control and that are quite mundane."

A long time friend of Essendon coach James Hird, Buckley yesterday expressed sympathy for his Bombers' counterpart, amid calls for Hird to resign due to the doping authority probe.

"I can't imagine how he would feel," Buckley said.

"I'm sure he would never have contemplated it, even in his darkest times. But I'm sure with his qualities he will navigate the club through."

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the decision-making processes used at the Cats mean they have nothing to worry about, concerning the ACC investigation into drugs and organised crime in sport.

The AFL has also warned clubs about the lurking danger of outlaw bikies mixing with players.

Buckley said clubs must guard against association with the underworld .

"The majority of people who are involved in footy are of good character," he said.

"But when you are as big as we are there are going to be people who take short cuts."

Geelong coach Chris Scott also called for patience.

"As a competition, we've got to suck it up and just ride it out," he said. 

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