Stewart setback not final

Quick, versatile and perfectly suited to the modern game, James Stewart is likely to be taken in the second half of this year's AFL Draft.

James Stewart (left) should still get drafted despite the Pies overlooking him as a father-son pick. Bruce Magilton Source: Herald Sun

JAMES Stewart had to focus on the 17 other doors that could open when Collingwood closed theirs.

With three picks inside the top 21, the Pies made the tough call to overlook the father-son prospect, turning Stewart's draft dream on its head.

The setback continued a year of challenges for Stewart, which included a stress fracture to his back, and a major growth spurt that turned the former midfielder into a 197cm key-position player.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch highlights of Stewart and get our expert analysis in the video player above

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While it has taken time to develop into the new role, Sandringham Dragons regional manager Ryan O'Connor said Stewart had the tools to blossom into an agile AFL forward.

"He's 197cm and he can basically run like an onballer. He has the athleticism of a wingman," O'Connor said.

s51me970 - U18 AFL champions. Vic Metro vs Tasmania at Visy Park. Vic. James Stewart tackling. Picture: Hilton Stone Source: Herald Sun

"He has fantastic foot skills and is very good with his hands. He just needs to keep working on all the attributes of contested football - like positioning as a key forward and key back."

"But the reality is he hasn't played that much in those roles.''

There were some encouraging signs late season when Stewart reeled in a string of contested grabs and conversions on goal, providing what O'Connor believes was a "taste of things to come''

Stewart said he tried to emulate the versatility in the game of Sydney champion Adam Goodes.

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"I'm a tall player that can play in the forward line, up the ground as well," he said.

O'Connor said Stewart, whose dad Craig played 115 games for the Pies, had shown great maturity dealing with the father-son focus.

s02wh202 c1 Football. Eastern Ranges v Sandringham Dragons. Sandringham's James Stewart with ball against Eastern's Shaun Kennedy. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano Source: Herald Sun

"Like any young footballer would be, there was a part of him that was disappointed (being overlooked by Collingwood)," he said.

"The whole experience has put a microscope on him, and it's something he's had to come to terms with.

"But I think he will be better off from it all."

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"A kid of his size and his athleticism, given the right opportunities, I have no doubt he will get out there (in the AFL) and do very nicely."

THE JAMES STEWART FILE

AGE: 18
HEIGHT: 197cm
WEIGHT: 82kg
FROM: Sandringham Dragons
POSITION: Mobile forward
DRAFT RANGE: Late third round
IN THE MIX: Crows (54), Roos (58), Cats (59)
PLAYS LIKE: Adam Goodes

Follow Jay Clark on Twitter: @ClarkyHeraldSun

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Tippett would set Patton up well

Jon Patton says Kurt Tippett would add nicely to his side's forward line. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

IT WAS a day of firsts for the Giants at Skoda Stadium yesterday.

It was their first full training session without Israel Folau, the first proper pre-season for No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton and the first declaration from Giants players about their desire to sign Adelaide Crow Kurt Tippett.

Patton said he would have no problem should he and Jeremy Cameron end up sharing the Giants' forward line with the former Crow.

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"If Kurt came to the Giants it would be awesome for the club," Patton said. "He's hitting his prime and he has already shown what sort of a player he is.

"If he comes here, Jeremy and I will be looking forward to working with him in the forward line."

Patton and the Giants were putting in the building blocks of their pre-season training yesterday, sweating it out during their first skill session.

Coach Kevin Sheedy said Tippett's versatility would be the key to fitting him into the Giants' already talented forward line.

"He's a former basketball player and well over 200cm," Sheedy said.

"Clubs are always looking at that spare ruck/forward who can come in and make it happen."

Tippett is the subject of an AFL investigation into the contract he signed in 2009 with the Crows but that has not deterred the Giants' enthusiasm for the big man.

While Sheedy would be happy to pinch Tippett from under the noses of the Swans he has plenty to smile about within his ranks.

His No. 1 draft pick from last year, Patton, is set to make a big impact in 2013 with his first full pre-season under his belt.

Patton played just seven matches for the fledgling club in his debut season after flying to Sweden for surgery on his patella tendon early in the year.

"It's feeling really good at the moment," Patton said.

"Now that I've had a break - and rehab-ed it a lot more - my leg is a lot stronger.

"In the first few days of pre-season I haven't felt any pain."

Patton's January surgery delayed his senior debut until the round-12 match against Richmond at Skoda Stadium - and severely limited his impact in 2012.

"When the boys were playing NAB Cup I was just starting to run," Patton said.

"It was definitely very difficult coming in without a pre-season.

"Going from under-18s football with no pre-season into the AFL was a massive step."

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Bailey keeps cool in tank claims

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says he didn't tell the Dees to lose. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Melbourne coach Dean Bailey is arguing he is innocent of tanking claims, despite being in the "vault" when football operations manager Chris Connolly reinforced the need to play for draft picks.

The AFL is unveiling its investigative arsenal as it builds its case, warning some Melbourne assistant coaches of severe sanctions if they refuse to be interviewed or are not honest in testimony.

Some Demons officials have been told the AFL can impose life coaching bans, though interviews are not conducted under oath.

Others have been re-interviewed and told that their testimony is inconsistent with those who believe there is evidence of tanking.

While Connolly is under the most heat, Bailey is said to be comfortable with the fact he never instructed coaches or players to deliberately lose games.

He is one of several Melbourne figures who remembers Connolly making his controversial aside in a portable shed at the Junction Oval, dubbed The Vault, after the Port Adelaide win in Round 15, 2009.

While that meeting has been painted as the start of an orchestrated campaign to lose games, the context of that discussion is at the heart of the tanking investigation.

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Some, including Bailey, believe the Connolly statement urging the coaching staff not to maximise their high draft picks was a 30-second aside in a lengthy match committee meeting.

They dispute it was a specific meeting held as a call-to-arms to the football department.

Others have accused Connolly of saying words to the effect of, "Make this happen, or you'll all get sacked".

Whether the AFL believes the more generous interpretation, or declares the Connolly statement as evidence of tanking, is the crux of the investigation.

The Herald Sun has reported Bailey, now an Adelaide assistant coach, told the players in mid-2009 some would be played in radically different positions.

Melbourne faces "severe" penalties if found guilty, but will likely have seven days to reply to any AFL findings.

That means Melbourne has a good chance of retaining its No.4 selection and the No.27 pick it needs to secure father-son selection Jack Viney in the November 22 national draft because the investigation will be ongoing.

The AFL Commission meets on November 19.

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Green excited to turn Blue

Former Demon Brad Green is now a midfield development coach at Carlton. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Melbourne AFL skipper Brad Green has been recruited by Carlton as a midfield development coach.

Green joined former Collingwood mentor Mick Malthouse ahead of their first official pre-season training session at Visy Park later on Monday.

Green retired in round 22 this year after a 254-game career during which he was captain of the Demons for the 2011 season.

He said he was excited to begin his coaching career under one of the greats.

"I am really excited about this next stage of my AFL career," Green said.

"I said when I announced my retirement from playing that I was passionate about a career in the coaching department as I want to continue to be involved in the game I love.

"It is fantastic to have this opportunity and very exciting to join the Carlton Football Club and to have the opportunity to work with Mick Malthouse and the coaching team."

Green, a best and fairest winner with Melbourne in 2010, played under Malthouse with the Australian International Rules team in Ireland in 2010.

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No risks with Brown and Black

Jonathan Brown made a brief appearance at training this morning. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

Daniel Merrett shows the pain of pre-season training. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

LIONS coach Michael Voss has pulled the reins on Jonathan Brown and Simon Black, sparing the club champions from the toughest block of pre-season training.

Brown made a brief appearance at the teams first session of the summer campaign, a day after the birth of his second child Jack, a little brother to Olivia.

The skipper spoke with Voss, completed same handball drills then left to visit wife Kylie.

Black did not take part in the 2km time trial but ran for most of the session and will leave with half the group on Wednesday for a training camp in Arizona.

Brown will stay in Brisbane to be with his family and to ensure he gas fully recovered from a last months bike accident.

Simon Black training today at Giffin Park. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

"We have to be mindful that was a pretty big bang up," Voss said.

"We'll be taking a low key approach with (Black and Brown) towards Christmas.

"The thing we've learnt with them both is they come to hand pretty quick."

Youngster Jack Crisp won the time trial, just ahead of Joel Patfull .

The Lions will take only half their list - players with at least four years senior experience - to the US.

The Lions in training this morning. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

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Stiller invited to Dees summer

Cheynee Stiller will train at the Dees. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: The Daily Telegraph

DELISTED Brisbane Lion Cheynee Stiller will be given the chance to impress Melbourne coach Mark Neeld and win a surprise AFL lifeline after being given permission to train with the Dees in the lead up to the drafts.

Stiller, 26, was cut by Lions coach Michael Voss last month after mustering just three senior appearances this season.

His best was against the Dees in Round 1, collecting 19 touches and laying four tackles.

Stiller maintained a strong form line in the reserves and played a starring role as the Lions crushed Quenbeyan to claim this year's NEAFL premiership.

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Stiller played 100 games at the Lions and would add another layer to Neeld's facelift of Melbourne's playing list, which has seen the Dees turnover 14 players and bring in mature-bodies Shannon Byrnes, David Rodan, Chris Dawes and Cam Pedersen.

Delisted Blue Andy Collins will continue to train at the club under new coach Mick Malthouse in a bid to keep his career alive.

St Kilda's strengthened relationship with VFL affiliate Sandringham will see four AFL hopefuls from the Zebras train at the Saints, headed by former West Coast midfielder Adam Cockie.

Essendon has scoured the land in a bid to find its next AFL surprise packet, inviting Tom Fields (Labrador) and Nick Kommer (East Perth) to Windy Hill for the start of pre-season.

FULL AFL PERMISSION TO TRAIN LIST:

Carlton: Andrew Collins (Carlton)

Essendon: Tom Fields (Labrador), Nick Kommer (East Perth)

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Melbourne: Cheynee Stiller (Brisbane Lions)

North Melbourne: Ben Speight (North Melbourne)

St Kilda: Adam Cockie (Sandringham), Michael Sikora (Sandringham), Chris Michaelides (Sandringham), Jackson Coleman (Sandringham)

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Hirdy has Bombers off and running

Essendon's Michael Hurley is enjoying the club's switch to a more run-based pre-season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON'S Michael Hurley has backed the switch to a more run-based pre-season, saying it could have a big impact on his aerobic effectiveness.

Speaking before he left for a training camp in Colorado, Hurley said the evolution of the game meant pre-seasons would always change.

And Essendon's decision to move away from its weight-building plan, which came in for criticism after a wave of soft-tissue injuries in 2012, sits fine with the key position Bomber.

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" 'Hirdy' (coach James Hird) touched on those things that we can do, some longer distance-type running, that can harden the body and might help," he said.

"That's an area that I would like to find in my game."

The 22-year-old said a greater aerobic capacity was important to the game now as it was "non-stop".

Hurley maintains faith in the club's fitness staff to adapt and do the things required to ensure the club does not fade away as it dramatically did in the second half of 2012.

"We've got full faith in the (fitness) guys," he said. "And we are lucky enough to have the chance to go to America for three weeks, which is a new challenge.

"It (the camp) will be about fitness for starters, but also a bit of leadership as well. The leadership is coming over as well as the core midfielders."

Hurley will join nine other Bombers for 18 days on the fitness and bonding trip.

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Power wins London exhibition

Campbell Heath of of Port Adelaide loses control of the ball in contact with Clay Smith of Western Bulldogs during the AFL European Challenge game in London. Picture: Jan Kruger Source: Getty Images

NEW Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has started his coaching career with a thrilling one-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in the AFL's exhibition match at The Oval.

A brilliant goal by Power midfielder Brad Ebert from a set shot 50m out near the boundary line with less than a minute to play sealed the victory, 14.4 (88) to 13.9 (87).

At one stage early in the third term, Port trailed by 39 points before unleashing a nine-goal unanswered burst to take the lead midway through the final quarter.

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Much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd of about 10,000 Londoners, the Dogs snapped out of their funk and kicked the next four goals to seemingly have victory assured.

Port Adelaide players celebrate their victory with the cup after the AFL European Challenge Game against the Western Bulldogs at The Oval. Picture: Christopher Lee Source: Getty Images

But two goals in the final two minutes got Hinkley and the football club a much-needed boost given the horror couple of months they've endured following the death of Port player John McCarthy in Las Vegas in September.

New recruit Angus Monfries kicked three goals while defender Jackson Trengove and acting captain Hamish Hartlett were influential.

"I said to the players before the game that you always want to win and it doesn't matter if it's an exhibition game or anything for us," Hinkley said.

Ayce Cordy of Western Bulldogs spoils a mark for Brad Ebert of Port Adelaide during the AFL European Challenge game in London. Picture: Jan Kruger Source: Getty Images

"We are a club that needs to learn to win a little bit.

"Both sides put on a really good game I think for the fans, to get a one-point game you'd be happy with that from an AFL point of view. We're a bit happier because it was one point our way.

"We've been together three seconds and I'm not sure if we knew what we were doing but the coaching staff that are here have told me all along that there is some talent here to work with and it's nice to see that."

Acting Bulldogs captain Shaun Higgins led the way with three goals while Patrick Veszpremi kicked two as did Liam Picken who provided the highlight of the night with a spectacular mark in the second quarter.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said he used the 16-a-side game as a learning tool for his young players.

"We saw a few get kicked against us and we thought let's see what they do without actually giving them too much help," he said.

Hamish Hartlett of Port Adelaide handballs under pressure from Shaun Higgins of Western Bulldogs during the AFL European Challenge game in London. Picture: Jan Kruger Source: Getty Images

"A couple of the younger guys were a bit slow to react to what was happening, they (Port) played well and got a bit of momentum but we then fought back.

"We weren't doing a lot of coaching, it was just have a look at them and let them run around."

He was pleased with the performance of new recruit Koby Stevens who joined the club from West Coast during the trade period.

"He's going to help our younger midfielders, he has got a strong body as well and looks like he will be a good acquisition," McCartney said.

The victory by Port means they have won the right to be involved in next year's London game with the AFL committed to building its profile in Europe.

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Ebert's touching tribute to J-Mac

Port Adelaide players celebrate their victory at The Oval - their first match without the late John McCarthy. Source: Getty Images

THE moment the ball swung back through for the goal, Brad Ebert immediately thought of his best mate.

He turned to the black arm band on his left arm, kissed it and then pointed to the sky where he knew John McCarthy would be looking down on him.

The goal - a brilliant kick from 50m out near the boundary line - sealed a one-point victory for Port Adelaide over the Western Bulldogs in the AFL's exhibition game at The Oval.

Power wins London Exhibition

But for the Power this game was more than just a scratch match in a foreign land. It was about finally getting the chance to move on from what has been a horrible couple of months following McCarthy's tragic death in Las Vegas in September.

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"It has been a tough season and the post-season, it has probably been some of the toughest times of my life to be honest," an emotional Ebert said afterwards.

"There have been a lot of emotions going through the last few months and Dani was here tonight, John's girlfriend.

"Over the last year we have got on really and he was my best mate so it was great to be able to kick that goal and even though it was only an exhibition game, it was really nice to able to do that and give him a litle bit, give him a salute."

Ebert said John's friends had urged Dani, who was in tears after the game, to come to London on the trip which she'd planned with her boyfriend months earlier.

"She was initially going to come over with John and then after everything that happened she was going to cancel it and that sort of stuff but the flight was already booked and we just said to her, 'Why don't you come across?'," he said.

"My girlfriend Bec was here and Nathan Blee's girlfriend Jess came across so they were able to stay together for the last five nights in London and Edinburgh.

"It was good for her to get away as well otherwise she would have just been in Melbourne. Being able to get over here, get around the girls and try and have a bit of fun...I think it has been good for her to get away."

Port Adelaide midfielder Brad Ebert kicks the winning goal againts the Western Bulldogs at The Oval. Source: Getty Images

The Power have a memorial planned for McCarthy at their first home game next year in Round 2, but Ebert said playing the exhibition game in London was going to help the club move forward.

"While we will always have J-Mac's memory with us, we really wanted to make sure this off-season that we would be able to move on," he said.

"And while it still will hurt for a long time, we need to be able to use that on the footy field going forward and really start afresh.

"For me personally, I got over here for a few weeks before and that was great to be able to come away with my girlfriend, catch up with a few mates and just get away from everything that was going on in town and try and enjoy yourself.

"Hopefully going forward we will get back to Alberton and really make sure everyone is switched on because we all know how hard the last season has been."

The thrilling victory - 14.4 (88) to 13.9 (87) - was a great start to the coaching career of Ken Hinkley who has spent only a couple of days with his players after being appointed last month.

Former Essendon forward Angus Monfries was the star for the Power kicking three goals and engineering an impressive third-quarter comeback which saw his team kick nine unanswered goals to come from 39-points down to hit the front.

It looked like it was going to amount to nothing with the Bulldogs hitting back with four straight goals midway through the last quarter to wrestle back the advantage before Ebert, with the spirit of J-Mac on his side, produced something special with just 40 seconds remaining in the match.
 

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Mighty Joe a steal for the Dons

Bombers coach James Hird is licking his lips at the prospect of the 201cm father-son selection dominating in the ruck and full-forward for the next decade. Watch exclusive footage and analysis of him ahead of the AFL draft.

Joe Daniher, who was drafted to Essendon under the father-son rule, with his happy parents Anthony and Joanne. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

JOE Daniher sprinted towards the half-forward flank. As he reached top speed, he gathered the ball, swung on to his trusty left boot and slotted the goal.

All from outside 50m and hemmed in on the boundary.

The magical Round 8 moment remains Calder Cannons coach Marty Allison's favourite when discussing Essendon's father-son pick.

"It was just ... yeah. I had to pick my jaw up off the ground," Allison said.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch highlights of Daniher and get our expert analysis in the video player above

Vic Metro coach Rohan Welsh had a similar reaction as Daniher slotted 6.4 against Western Australia at Etihad Stadium this year.

Daniher has played 10 games in the past two years, sitting out 2011 with growth plate issues, but it's these glimpses that have Bomber insiders salivating.

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A rival recruiter confirmed Daniher "had all the tools" to be a No.1 pick, if he hadn't been tied to the Dons.

Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte went a step further, declaring Daniher could finish as the TAC Cup's best product yet.

"I saw (Chris Judd, Trent Cotchin and Tom Scully) come through and Joey could finish up as good a player, a different sort, but at that level," Kyte said.

"He marks at the highest point, and with long arms and at a jump, he's taking it at 3 1/2 to 4m. If he can continue to do that on the lead, he'll be hard to beat.

AFL Under 18 Championships at Etihad Stadium. Joe Daniher shoots for goal. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

"With that leap he could be like Dean Cox, going in and out of the forward line and changing with the ruck. The potential is unlimited."

Essendon recruiter Adrian Dodoro said last month when Daniher was signed, the club was "extremely blessed" to land the left-footer at pick 10.

It's high praise but comes with a rider.

"The Bombers supporters should be excited, but they need to lower their expectations and not expect him to play straight away," Allison said.

"He's missed a lot of footy and has a lot of development left."

Daniher remains raw and, after brother Darcy's injury curse, will be carefully managed. He also has some areas he needs to improve.

His inaccurate kicking and desire to go the impossible instead of the team option frustrated at times this year.

Daniher completed a 2km time-trial with the Dons yesterday and said he felt at home walking into Windy Hill, greeted by a painting of uncle Terry on the wall.

The 18-year-old is tipped to spend most of next year developing in the VFL under the guise of Hayden Skipworth, the man who trained Daniher before school three times a week last year.

"He put on 8-9kgs on in (2011),'' Skipworth said earlier this year.

"So we worked on weights and also running techniques, which will hopefully help his hamstrings later on in his career.''

The Dons told Daniher two years ago they would draft the talented teenager, who is now teammates with Dustin Fletcher - who made his AFL debut 335 days before Daniher was born.

THE JOE DANIHER FILE

Age: 18
Height: 201cm
Weight: 89kg
From: Calder Cannons:
Position: Full-forward/ruck
Draft range: Pick 10 to Essendon (father-son)
Plays like: Paul Salmon

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