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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Footy's back: What we learnt

Essendon coach James Hird heaps praise on his players after they finally played some footy after a tough couple of weeks.

Essendon star Brendon Goddard dishes off a handball in last night's match against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WHAT did we learn from last night's NAB Cup round robin between Collingwood, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs.

ESSENDON

BRENDON Goddard showed us why the Bombers were so keen to snare the big-bodied utility from St Kilda. Goddard was dangerous every time he went near the ball last night against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

PLENTY to like about the way Nick Kommer goes about his football. The mature-aged recruit, who cut his teeth in the WAFL, attacked every contest with vigour.

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AGE shall not weary Dustin Fletcher. The 37-year-old demolished an inexperienced Western Bulldogs forward line in the NAB Cup opener last night. Fletcher denied the Doggies forwards time after time before sitting out the second game.

Picture: Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

DANIEL Giansiracusa is still the most dangerous Bulldog inside 50. And, that's a worry. Despite fielding a full strength side against Collingwood and Essendon the Bulldogs failed to fire a shot inside the arc. Giansiracusa provided a spark against the Magpies but it was short-lived.

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MATURE-aged recruits Brett Goodes and Nick Lower performed admirably in their first runs as Bulldogs. Goodes was solid across half forward while Lower had the football on a string in the midfield.

IT was great to see Dale Morris back in the mix after an 18-month lay off rehabilitating a broken leg. The All Australian defender lowered Essendon sharpshooter Michael Hurley's colours in game one of the triple header. Morris sat out game two against Collingwood.

COLLINGWOOD

NATHAN Buckley put his stamp on the Magpies last night with recruit Clinton Young, the chief destroyer, working the ball through the corridor. Under predecessor Mick Malthouse it was boundary at all costs, but the 2013 Magpies looked dangerous when flirting with danger on the back of pin-point passing out of defence

IT was the Travis Cloke of old last night. The spearhead, no longer troubled by protracted contract negotiations, single-handedly sealed victory against the Bulldogs with back-to-back marks and goals. Cloke ($436,300) is a SuperCoach steal as one of the premier forwards in the competition.

PINT-sized forwards are back in vogue at the Westpac Centre with the Magpies reaping the rewards of Brent Macaffer's and Jamie Elliott's ferocious attack on the contest. Good times to come if these two can make a habit of mopping up Cloke and the Q-Stick while punishing teams on the scoreboard.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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Cats face wait on key players

Matthew Stokes walks off the ground after rolling his ankle. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

GEELONG faces a nervous wait on the fitness and availability of two of its key players for the season proper after its opening round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium last night.

Forward Matthew Stokes was carried off the ground early in the second half of the two-point win over West Coast, while Steve Johnson could be looked at for a possible strike on Hayden Ballantyne in the Cats' Game 2 loss to the Dockers.

Initial fears on both incidents were eased slightly as the night wore on, but Geelong coach Chris Scott said Stokes's injury "doesn't look good".

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Scott also denied there was any lingering ill-feeling from last year's Round 1 match, in which Ballantyne was suspended for striking Paul Chapman behind play, before being floored by Matthew Scarlett.

"I would be amazed (if there was still friction), none that I've seen, there tends to not be too much friction in NAB 1," Scott said.

"I didn't see what happened, I know (Ballantyne) was down for a long time.

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"I was more concerned with how quickly he got up and set up the next goal; he didn't look too bad did he?

 "(Stokes's injury) doesn't look great at the moment but, with those sort of things, they can blow up and be sore for a few days and then come good really quickly.

"While it's hard to say, certainly if we had a game next week he wouldn't play."

Stokes was on crutches as he watched from the sidelines in Game 2, but appeared in high spirits by the end of the night.

Johnson was running past Ballantyne in the second game of the triple-header, when he appeared to swing his right-arm into the midriff of the diminutive Docker, who fell to the turf.

Replays suggested contact was minimal but, if Johnson was to attract any suspensions, he would have to serve them in the home-and-away rounds.

Fremantle has its own concerns after West Australian Cat Joel Hamling fell on the right ankle of Dockers forward Chris Mayne, who was rolled off the field by trainers and played no further part.

There were plenty of positives for the Cats.

Jackson Thurlow and Jared Rivers performed well in defence on West Coast goalsneak Mark LeCras in the night's opening clash, which the Eagles led by as much as 21 points, before the Cats stormed back to win with seconds left as Jimmy Bartel handballed a set-shot back outside the arc to Joel Selwood for a super goal.

Rivers and Thurlow were rested in the Game 2 loss to Fremantle, as the Dockers posted a strong opening and closing game to outlast the Cats by 18 points.

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"Chapman, (Andrew) Mackie and (James) Kelly were the only noteables that were available that we didn't bring with us," Scott said.

"They'll all play next game. We have next week off and then play Adelaide down in Geelong."

Travis Varcoe, restricted to just a single game last year through stress fractures in his foot, was used as a solid rebounding option off half-back and could prove valuable in the position through the regular season.

The Cats' forward line set-up was another positive, with James Podsiadly proving potent, playing a role in Geelong's first three goals of the night and ending the Eagles clash with two, while a bulked-up Tom Hawkins was making a pest of himself in the second half of the opener.

Podsiadly was then trialled in the backline in against Fremantle, restricting Alex Silvagni to just two touches and a goal.

Josh Caddy, much hyped for the Cats throughout the pre-season, took little time to impress, slotting a goal against the Eagles with his first kick for Geelong.

Scott was glowing of the performance of Caddy, who was given a second chance against the Dockers and performed better, spending time in the backline while running through the middle to end with five disposals.

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Demons dodge draft ban

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE looks set to dodge serious charges and any draft penalties from the AFL despite an exhaustive seven-month investigation into tanking claims.

The Demons expect to be handed official penalties early next week that will see a heavy fine and sanctions for some officials, but no draft picks stripped from Mark Neeld's side.

Melbourne has been extremely confident for several months that the draft picks would remain intact and chief executive Cameron Schwab would not be charged.

Insiders said yesterday that Schwab was hardly mentioned in the 1000-page dossier which detailed allegations over a stretch of games from late in 2009.

But while a negotiated settlement still looks a likely outcome, Melbourne sources were defiant last night about accepting penalties.

The club was adamant it would not be bullied, and was determined to protect employees ''both past and present''.

Despite speculation the Demons could accept a fines of several hundred thousand dollars and a short ban, possibly suspended, against former coach Dean Bailey, no agreement has been made.

Chris Connolly also faces a likely ban from the football department, but he has worked away from football in a marketing role for 18 months.

While a heavy fine is likely, Melbourne is handed money from the AFL's disequalisation strategy so would have the league effectively funding their fine.

Bailey has consistently maintained he did nothing wrong, with Connolly is known to believe only four staffers confirmed of his throw-away line about not trying to win in the club's Junction Oval meeting room.

The possibility of a negotiated settlement has grown in recent weeks with the Demons in regular contact with the AFL about the tanking investigation.

The Demons had a arsenal of lawyers led by QC Ray Finklestein ready to unleash on the AFL if they were charged with attempting to lose games.

A Melbourne spokesman said last night the Demons were yet to receive an official set of charges or penalties from the AFL's acting football operations manager Gillon McLachlan.

Melbourne has been told by top legal experts is has an extremely strong legal case, which includes significant doubts about the manner in which interviews were conducted and whether they would stand up in a court of law.

The AFL's burden of proof falls on the club to prove its innocence, while in a court of law Melbourne believes it would be certain to win.

Former Melbourne star David Schwarz yesterday told the Herald Sun a negotiated settlement would save the league from significant fallout.

"This is such a hard decision for the AFL. This would have gone to court. Melbourne doesn't have to pay for legal representatives, because it has more lawyers than supporters.

"This looks like the sensible thing. They are acknowledging there is probably smoke, but not enough proof there was fire. Let it be a lesson to all of us that the rules put in place weren't conducive to sides finishing as high as high as they could. The AFL incentivised mediocrity, and history says we can't go back there.

"Deep down we all felt there were several clubs over eight years that didn't try 100 per cent 100 per cent of the time. The players tried, but I am glad this has come out, so it's not just an untold story hidden under the carpet.

"The AFL would realise if they penalised Melbourne hard they would have to go after other sides, and they don't have the resources or energy to do that."

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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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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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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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Hardwick hits Martin rumours

Richmond's Dustin Martin at pre-season training. Picture: Stuart Walmsley. Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has rubbished a torrent of rumours concerning star midfielder Dustin Martin, denying his off-field behaviour had drawn the interest of police.

The Tigers coach used the vehicle of an intra-club match at Punt Road to finally scotch the speculation, which had reached fever pitch after circulating for months.

Social media speculation had Martin variously under surveillance from police, about to be sacked by Richmond, and being investigated by the Australian Crime Commission.None of those are true, with Richmond thrilled about Martin's training form after worries about his behaviour and circle of friends during the off-season.

"He's fine. He's a resilient individual but all we can deal in is the facts," Hardwick said.

"He's training very, very well. We're pleased with the way that he's going.

"It's disappointing - social media, it's un-Australian.

"It's just whingeing, whining. I can't stand it."

Martin's challenge is to build an elite tank given second-half fade-outs last season, but reports from within Richmond are that he has dedicated his pre-season to doing just that.

"You've only got to look at his form versus the All-Stars last week," Hardwick said.

"His disposals probably weren't to the level that we expect but he's one our better players.

"He's training very, very well and he's going to be a very, very good player for us this year."

Richmond tuned up for next week's NAB Cup opener with a 'probables' versus 'possibles' contest in which plenty of new faces and established stars shone.

Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Ivan Maric and Reece Conca were all strong, while ex-Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd was excellent as a running defender.

Forward Ty Vickery marked strongly, while Richmond later cleared Matt White of any serious injury after he limped off with a minor ankle problem.

Richmond hopes ex-Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin will play in the second or third week of the NAB Cup, as will former Essendon defender Sam Lonergan.

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Young Cats hungry

Geelong young guns Nathan Vardy and Daniel Menzel, pictured, will be central to the Cats climbing back atop the AFL table. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

EXCITING forward Nathan Vardy has revealed Geelong's core of young players have made a pact to try to keep the Cats' dynasty alive.

With Geelong having blooded 15 players over the past two seasons, including 10 last year, Vardy said the mix of youth and experience meant the Cats were still well placed to chase a fourth flag over seven seasons.

"It's not something that we really talk about, but you know it's something that we are all thinking about," Vardy said last week at the club's community camp to Cobram-Barooga.

"We want to carry on the culture and the success that this club has been able to achieve over the past few years.

"Seeing the boys taste success makes you want to experience it even more.

"And the guys who have won three flags (2007, 2009 and 2011) are going to want to win some more.

"We have such a young group and the older players want to help us to share some of their successes."

Vardy looked to be on track to play in the team's 2011 finals campaign before suffering a serious hip injury against Adelaide in Round 21. The injury not only cost him a spot in the Cats' premiership side, it also threatened to put his career in doubt.

Daniel Menzel also suffered a serious knee injury in the first week of the 2011 finals, ending his flag hopes.

"We both missed out in 2011," Vardy said. "'Menz' and I sat and watched the 2011 Grand Final together. It was obviously very hard. We wanted them to win but there was a little bit of jealousy that they were the 22 who got the prize and we didn't.

"The 22 who won it on the day were put into a room after the game to soak it up. They invited us both to sit in there, too. It's not the same, but we really appreciated it. Hopefully we can taste it in the future."

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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.

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."

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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Little incentive for Dons to win

Essendon coach James Hird will be looking to keep his charges fresh during the NAB Cup. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

AS IF they didn't have enough to worry about, the Bombers today start a pre-season competition that gives the team an incentive to dodge the NAB Cup final.

Essendon starts its preparation for a home-and-away season that it has no guarantee of completing - but is not helped by a quirk of the schedule, which also affects Adelaide, West Coast and Fremantle.

The Dons will be forced to play the NAB Cup final, if they qualify for the pre-season play-off, despite taking on Adelaide in the season opener a week later.

The Bombers have been pitted against Adelaide in an unusual start to the AFL season on March 22, which means for them there is no longer a weekend between the Cup final and the AFL season opener.

There is considerable incentive for them to avoid the NAB Cup final in order to freshen players with a week's break before Round 1 - especially as underdone players could play VFL on the weekend of that final.

Essendon and Adelaide kick off Round 1 on March 22. Fremantle and West Coast play the next day, with the remaining seven games of Round 1 being played the following weekend.

Those four teams have been told if they do not qualify for the NAB Cup final, they will not have to play a regional challenge match like the other teams who miss the final. Essendon has consulted the AFL about the fixture quirk but has given assurances that it will give its best effort.

The AFL has not yet released a fixture of regional challenge games for the weekend of the NAB Cup, but will do so for clubs that want a game against an AFL rival on that weekend.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane yesterday said Essendon would still have plenty of rest during the NAB Cup and early weeks of the competition. "(Those four clubs) will get a week off the following week (after their Round 1 game)," Keane said.

"Depending on the sides who don't play until the second week of Round 1 and what they are wanting to do (if they miss the NAB Cup final), we will work out (games) for them through the course of the NAB Cup."

Sides are accustomed to a four-week NAB Cup campaign, a fortnight's rest for players to recover, then the start of the season proper.

The NAB Cup final is scheduled for Friday, March 15 or Saturday 16, though, presumably, if Essendon or Adelaide qualified it would be on Friday to give them a seven-day break.

As the AFL grapples with Melbourne's tanking probe and integrity issues, it would be far from ideal for any of those four sides to play a half-strength grand final side to keep players fresh for Round 1.

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Scandal takes huge toll on Evans

Pressure: A considerably lighter Essendon chairman David Evans arrives before a meeting between Essendon staff, players and families at Windy Hill this week. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON legend Tim Watson says the performance enhancing drugs saga has taken an enormous personal toll on David Evans, suggesting the Bombers chairman has lost "eight or nine kilos" in the past week.

As the father of club captain, Jobe, a former club great and media commentator, Watson said his emotions have changed wildly throughout the past 10 days.

"My emotions have drifted between anger, and that would be a right emotion, to now I'm actually feeling sad for the people that are in there," Watson said.

"I've got a better understanding of what has transpired and there are a lot of reputations at stake here.

"I'm not feeling angry anymore, I'm feeling heartened by the way Essendon have gone about this, I think it's the right way to go about it and I'm also encouraged by, when we sat down as parents the other night and listened to what David had to say, the fact that the No.1 priority for him was the players.

"There was no spin with anything he had to say about where they're at at the moment, there was nothing about the branding of the Essendon footy club or the commercial realities of what may or may not transpire down the track, it was all about the players."

Watson said on Channel Seven he felt for Evans in particular.

"I think there's been an enormous toll (on individuals) as a result of what has taken place over the last week or so," he said.

"I saw David Evans, our chairman, on Monday night when he addressed the parents and I think David has lost about eight or nine kilos in the past week alone. He's taken leave from his business, he's working full time on clearing the names of all the players at Essendon."

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Chided Pies raise game

Collingwood's Alan Toovey (left) and Ben Reid sprint during a training session ahead of tonight's NAB Cup opener against Essendon and the Western Bulldogs. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD defender Ben Reid says the influence of Leading Teams co-founder Ray McLean has helped lift the professionalism of the players.

The club called on McLean after becoming concerned player standards had dropped from their 2010 premiership season.

Football manager Geoff Walsh's blunt criticism of the club's culture, during the trade period, made everyone sit up and take notice.

Reid said before tonight's NAB Cup opener against Essendon and the Western Bulldogs the message had been heard and acted upon.

"We want to go out and win every game possible, but at the same time we want to work on the stuff we have been doing over summer and implement that," he said.

"We will try to turn that into good form.

"We have had Leading Teams in and it's been really good.

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 "More so it's just every player taking new responsibility and taking hold of some sort of leadership, whether you are in your first year or your 10th year, and just about being that ultimate professional and getting the best out of yourself and your teammates.

"That's all it is, just improving that 1 or 2 per cent in everything we do.

"We did finish in a preliminary final, so we still had a good year, but at the same time we can't sit still these days.

"We have definitely tried to improve our game over summer in every single session we have had."

Walsh's demand was based on the little things that added up to make Collingwood such a masterful unit.

"What I do know is our discipline, our attitude, if that's linked to culture it is something we would feel needs to improve," Walsh said in October.

"Are we going to be a flash in the pan, or do we dig in and give some sort of credence to the talent on the list by virtue of performance? We are hell-bent on returning this team to a premiership."

Part of that change is tinkering with the style of play, although coach Nathan Buckley yesterday denied there had been a major tactical overhaul.

"It's not massive, I wouldn't say," Reid said.

"We have tinkered with things, but the way the game is going with the press, you have to get the ball moving quickly or you get stuck and held up in your back half.

"Each team is trying to get the ball moving to keep it in your forward half and trap it in there."

Reid played on his brother Sam briefly in the losing preliminary final against Sydney, and the key forward went on to help the Swans win the flag.

"I went to the Grand Final and sat with Mum and Dad and Heater (Heath Shaw) and the Shaw family," Reid said.

"It was a good day and I was happy for Sam to get a medal around his neck.

"I went away with him for about a month at the end of the season, to Mexico and LA for a couple of days and then Sydney, but we didn't talk too much about footy."

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AFL pushes for wire taps

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, left, and AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick address the media after the Australian Crime Commission released a report on drugs and organised crime in Australian sport. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

"I told you it was a bad idea to tap the coaches' box." Cartoon by David McArthur. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL wants unprecedented access to wire taps and police surveillance in its fight against organised crime and doping in football.

The league confirmed it had intensified its lobbying of state and federal governments to change laws that block access to the findings of such investigations.

Specifically, it wants records of wire taps involving AFL players to be available to its bolstered integrity unity.

The AFL believes high-level co-operation is crucial to stop questionable links festering into illegal activities, including those raised in the explosive Australian Crime Commission sports report.

The AFL shares the Crime Commission's fears that casual relations with the wrong people have the potential to lead to integrity issues.

 AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan yesterday confirmed to the Herald Sun the push for greater information from Victoria police.

An AFL spokesman said: "In the light of the risk of corruption, the AFL believes it is vitally important to let sporting bodies work more closely with police and other agencies to protect the integrity of sport."

Current restrictions see the AFL unable to access clear evidence from Victoria Police linking players to organised crime figures.

The ACC report laid bare the danger for sportspeople to be lured into drug use - both illicit and performance-enhancing, and match-fixing.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna is chasing similar privileges for racing and recently detailed the need for wire taps as one of the recommendations in his report into race fixing.

 Perna said yesterday: "Changes to the Telecommunications Act would have to go to the Commonwealth, but there is enough momentum ... for it to be realistically entertained and discussed.
"The Privacy Act is also relevant, but in some respects it would be about interpretations of the Privacy Act (rather than a rule change).

"Let's say a (police) telephone tap is about drug importation or organised crime and as part of that there is something relevant to a sporting body. The sportsperson might have nothing to do with that crime, but it would be information which was extremely valuable to the sporting body."

Police would have the discretion to hand over information and would ensure the information did not interfere with criminal cases or operational matters.

The AFL would need legislative changes to the Telecommunications Act to allow it to gain that information, and would also need to prove it could handle any confidential surveillance or information passed on.

The AFL would have to demonstrate to law enforcement bodies it has an effective integrity unit.

It comes as the AFL moves closer to appointing a head of integrity, which would be split from the head of football operations role the league is advertising.

The sudden departure of Adrian Anderson in December left the AFL seeking a replacement, with officials Andrew Dillon and Simon Lethlean seen as strong internal candidates.

But the expectation is the integrity side of the job will become a new position that takes in the AFL's fight to ensure the game is clean of match-fixing, drugs and organised crime links.

The new role would presumably encompass the AFL's salary cap department.

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I want to coach, says Mickey O

Former Swans great Michael O'Loughlin (second from left) is keen to coach. Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY great Michael O'Loughlin wants to become the AFL's first indigenous senior coach.

O'Loughlin, a premiership forward and veteran of 303 games, said he was keen to pursue a top job.

"It's definitely something that has tickled my fancy," he said.

"You'd love to have a group of people for a few years and mould them into a good side and pass on the things you've learned over your own career, I guess."

O'Loughlin is the AIS's high-performance manager and oversees some of the brightest young football talent in the country.

He also coached the indigenous All-Stars to a resounding victory against Richmond last week, impressing seasoned onlookers, one of whom said O'Loughlin "could coach an AFL club tomorrow".

"The AIS is my priority at the moment," O'Loughlin said.

"Looking after the best 18-year-olds in the country is a pretty good job, and then we take them over to Europe, so it's a good gig.

"But (AFL coaching) is something I've got to think about over the next six months in regards to what direction I take. I've certainly made inquiries about going into clubs and all that, but we'll see what happens."

There are 69 indigenous players in the AFL this year, but the fact there is not a single indigenous coach in the system remains a burning issue.

O'Loughlin is a two-time All-Australian and AFL Indigenous Team of the Century member and one of the most respected judges of junior talent. His 303 AFL games is a Swans record.

Indigenous stars Barry Cable and Graham "Polly" Farmer were both senior coaches, but in the VFL era.
 

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Young Roos coming of age

Improving defender Shaun Atley on Tuesday. Source: Herald Sun

IN many respects Brad Scott can't do much.

He knows history tells him that a third of his list is reaching an important crossroad that will have a major bearing on his team's fate this year.

In list management speak, it's boys becoming men.

Generally, when the kids have played about 50 games the apprenticeship is seen as over.

The next step is to begin influencing the outcome of matches.

North Melbourne has 11 players on 36 to 62 games.

If even half of those make the step this year, Scott's self-confessed cranky pre-season mood will lift.

The beauty for him is that most are midfielders and given he has two guns in there already - captain Andrew Swallow and Daniel Wells - the upside is massive.

On Tuesday night at a windswept North Ballarat Oval, Scott watched Ben Cunnington show he was ready to make that step.

Several others, such as Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac and Sam Wright, are  almost there.

"He played the way he has been training all season," Scott said of Cunnington,  the No.5 pick in the 2009 draft.

"He's starting to do the things he was doing in under-18 footy. We always had great confidence in Ben and all of our supporters would know that."

Scott likened Cunnington's development to that of rising star Ziebell.

"He's 12 months behind Jack Ziebell and he's pretty much tracked him identically all the way through his development," Scott said.

"So we're really looking forward to seeing them both improve this year teamed up with Andrew Swallow, Daniel Wells and Ryan Bastinac."

"The development of Robbie Tarrant (25 games) as third tall forward alongside Drew Petrie and Lachie Hansen  appears on track.

Throw in former Sydney ruckman Daniel Currie as a back-up option and there is a reason the phrase "exciting times" was on repeat by North players during their two-day community camp.
 

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Growth products are muscling in

Former Power player Darryl Wakelin at work as a pharmacist. Picture: Brenton Edwards Source: The Advertiser

PHARMACISTS have seen an explosion in supplements claiming to boost performance over the past few years, as athletes seek shortcuts and an edge.

And experts have warned taking legal supplements can be the gateway for experimentation of drugs bought from less reputable sources.

Port Adelaide premiership player Darryl Wakelin, who has worked as a pharmacist since retiring from the game, said it had been one of the most competitive and growing industries wanting space on chemist-shop shelves.

"It's become a huge industry," Wakelin said. "Products with images and promises of big things.

"There was a brand called Musashi about 10 years ago and it seems they were ahead of their time because they (similar products) are everywhere now.

"It's a big, competitive market that's growing even more."

But the spike in legal supplements also has the potential for a sinister side-effects, with anecdotal evidence it has become a gateway to heavier and often illegal training aides.

There is also a push and expectation among health professionals that the Therapeutic Goods Administration will soon regulate the industry more rigorously and ban claims that cannot be proven.

Among growth products are so called "fat-blasters" and protein supplements as athletes of Generation Y seek to fast-track their physical improvement.

Pharmacies are regulated by the TGA, but there are other outlets that operate according to more loosely defined guidelines.

Then there is the internet, where supplements can be imported directly.

"There's a lot of junk that comes in from Asia," Wakelin said. "And a lot of time it can be laced with steroids, even though the person buying it wouldn't know and it doesn't say on the packaging.

"But people nowadays are looking for ways to get fit quicker and without having to work as hard.

"We haven't had a big increase in scripts, but body-builders know where to get stuff from elsewhere."

University of South Australia professor of exercise and nutritional science Jon Buckley said it was a minefield of supplements for people to navigate - legal and otherwise - and called for tighter regulation.

He also recognised there had been a cultural shift, to where there was an expectation that athletes had to seek assistance outside of healthy food and exercise.

"A lot of people are looking for an easy option," Buckley said. "But there are a lot of products out there that claim that they do things without a lot of evidence."

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Swans in father-son spat

Sydney Swans speedster Lewis Jetta says he's confident the premiers can be even better in 2013

Former sydney star Andrew Dunkley has become estranged from the club. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

A FALLING out between Hall of Fame fullback Andrew Dunkley and the Sydney Swans could cost the club the chance of signing his talented son Josh under the AFL's father and son rule.

Dunkley has not been back to the club since he retired in 2002 and chose not to attend his own induction into the Swans' Hall of Fame two years ago.

Although Dunkley attended the 2012 grand final to cheer on his former team, unlike his two sons - Josh and Kyle - he didn't go into the Swans' rooms after the game to share in the victory celebrations.

"I don't hate the place but I've moved on," Dunkley told The Daily Telegraph.

It is understood Dunkley's animosity towards the Swans stems from the decision by then coach Paul Roos to end his stellar career at the end of 2002 as part of a rebuilding process following the Rodney Eade era.

Now, more than a decade after hanging up his red and white guernsey, the friction between Dunkley and his old club could prevent his talented son from playing in the same colours as his dad.

Former Sydney Swans AFL players Paul Roos (R) with his sons Dylan (3) & Tyler (17months) and Andrew Dunkley with daughter Lara (2) & son Joshua (7months). Picture: Tracey Haslam Source:

Asked if he had a problem with 16-year-old Josh going to the Swans under the father and son rule Dunkley said: "In a perfect world he'd get a Victorian club.

"That's being selfish because of where we live (Victoria).

"I'm not against it (going to the Swans).

"I'd prefer to see him do it on his own merits.

"I'd be happy to see him just make it to the AFL."

Josh is currently on the books of TAC Cup side the Gippsland Power and last year at the age of 15 played senior football for Sale in their premiership win in the highly regarded Gippsland Football League.

The well built teenager was vice-captain of the Victorian Country team at the under-16 national carnival and was also named in the All Australian side.

This year Josh knocked back the offer of a footballing scholarship to Melbourne Grammar School to continue playing senior football for Sale and attending Gippsland Grammar School.

The interest in Josh is genuine with the Swans keeping in contact with Dunkley senior and junior over the past 18 months.

"He's a talented young player and Kinnear Beatson (Swans' recruiting manager) and I have been monitoring his progress," Swans welfare manager Dennis Carroll said.

Dunkley played 217 games for the Bloods between 1992 and 2002.

Dunkley now lives with his family in home town of Yarram in country Victoria, where he runs a farm machinery business and a property with 900 head of cattle.

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Great Scott a Roos leader

North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson has enjoyed his hectic preseason. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

IT'S been a fairly hectic off-season for Scott Thompson.

The North Melbourne defender came runner-up in the best and fairest, got engaged, spent three weeks in Utah where he caught a serious staph infection, got married and then yesterday was promoted to the Roos leadership group.

That's called not wasting the summer.

Thompson is excited about his elevation to the six-man leadership team led by captain Andrew Swallow.

"As a junior I was always sort of the captain of the team at school and stuff so it's something I've always strived to be, a leader in the team," Thompson said.

"I won't be changing anything but it's going to be very exciting.

"If you look at our list, it's so young and we have probably got about 10 guys on the 40-game mark so it's really an exciting time.

"Some exciting footy was played in the second half of the year and it's a good time to be at the club.

"We have a pretty tough draw to start off so we'll know where we're at after the first eight weeks."

Thompson proposed to his girlfriend, Lauren, in October and rather than wait another 12 months, they got married in December.

"It was a shotgun wedding, but not really because she's not pregnant. We thought it was either this December or next December and we didn't want to wait around as we'd been living together for three years," he said.

The day before he left the Roos' training camp in Utah, Thompson got a small cut inside his nose. By the time he got home that had developed into a serious infection needing hospital treatment.

"My face was all blown up and it was only a few days out from the wedding so it was an anxious time but it all worked out in the end," he said.

After stringing together 86 games, Thompson, 26, missed two games for the first time last year.

"It was the first two games I've ever missed in my life," he said. "It was a back-related tight hamstring and I was pretty disappointed to miss those two.

"I thought I was right for the second one but they wouldn't let me.

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Anzac Day game investigation

"We obviously won't train properly, it's all about recovery; it's all about the high performance guys, we will leave the guys in their hands." - James Hird before Anzac Day, 2012 Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON'S rushed preparations for last year's Anzac Day game against Collingwood will come under close scrutiny by anti-doping investigators.

The Bombers had a 94-hour turnaround between their match against Carlton on April 21 and the Magpies clash on April 25.

The recovery period was managed by fitness staff Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank.

A source said yesterday: "The whole season will be scrutinised but heavy scrutiny will be on the period leading up to Anzac Day."

The Bombers beat Carlton by 30 points and lost to Collingwood by a point.

The activities of Dank and Robinson, which included the use of injections and intravenous drips, are at the centre of an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into the possible use of performance-enhancing drugs by the club last year.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, coach James Hird said about the four-day turnaround: "We obviously won't train properly, it's all about recovery; it's all about the high performance guys, we will leave the guys in their hands."

They made one change for Anzac Day - Michael Hurley out, Jake Carlisle in.

Hird said after the Blues game "there would be five or six that probably won't get up for the Collingwood game in four days time".

The Herald Sun is not suggesting Bombers players did use performance-enhancing drugs and Dank has strongly denied anything inappropriate was administered.

But if proved, a ban of six months to two years can be levied at players, even if use was without their knowledge.

Club chiefs told the players' parents on Monday night that, in their knowledge, banned drugs were not given to the players.

Parents were told the club had documented each and every supplement supplied to players during the season.

Those electronic documents will be given to ASADA.

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

As the Bombers prepare to open all aspects of their club to the ASADA inquiry, it can be revealed:

HIRD and assistant coach Mark Thompson had a disagreement over Robinson in December.

DANK had his authority curbed about halfway through last season.

ESSENDON continued its supplement program while Dank took a back seat. He left the club at the end of the year.

The Thompson-Hird disagreement is understood to have centred on whether Robinson should continue as high-performance manger.

Hird wanted a review of the position and Thompson wanted Robinson to continue.

That Robinson had two years to run on a contract worth up to $300,000 a year helped sway the decision to continue with Robinson, although his suspension after the announcement of the ASADA inquiry suggests his career at Essendon is over.

Dank last week told the Herald Sun he had not given players banned drugs.

The Bombers are bracing for a forensic examination of their supplement regimen including what was administered and the amount.

Coaches, players and support staff will be interviewed. Clubs officials refused to comment yesterday on the investigation.

Coach James Hird (back on) instructs the team as a group during an Essendon training session at Tullamarine last week. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

WINDY HELL: ESSENDON'S PRE-SEASON WOES
LATE NOVEMBER, 2012
Essendon denies to the Herald Sun that it has concerns over its sports science department after sacking sports scientist Stephen Dank.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Essendon again denies to the Herald Sun that it has an issue in its sports science department, particularly around performance-enhancing supplements.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Essendon holds a press conference at AFL House where it announces it has asked the AFL and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to investigate the club over concerns players may have been unknowingly given supplements that do not comply with the WADA code. It is revealed that Bombers players received off-site injections of supplements in the stomach.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Dank denies to the Herald Sun that he gave Essendon players banned supplements, feared to be banned peptides.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7
- The ACC, Federal Government and a coalition of major sporting bodies front a press conference in Canberra as the ACC releases a report saying performance-enhancing drug use is widespread in Australian sport and that there is also of links to organised crime and concern about match-fixing.

- The AFL Commission holds an extraordinary meeting and announces that the league's integrity department will be beefed up.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
AFL second in command Gillon McLachlan confirms the league has been made aware that a player at a second club is also under investigation for possible use of performance-enhancing drugs.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
- The AFL refuses to alert the second club on the advice of its lawyers.

- The 17 clubs other than Essendon tell the Herald Sun that they have not been contacted by the ACC or the AFL in relation to the matter.

- Dank appears on ABC TV and declares some Essendon coaches had taken WADA-banned supplements.

- He again denies administering banned drugs to players.

YESTERDAY
- Sources close to Essendon say they expect heavy scrutiny over the short turnaround between Round 3 win over Carlton and the Anzac Day clash.

- It emerges Hird and Thompson in December had a disagreement over whether Robinson should stay at the Dons, Hird pushing for his departure.

WHERE THE INVESTIGATION STANDS
- ASADA and AFL investigators will interview all Essendon players and officials, as well as other relevant parties.

- Samples taken during the 2012 season likely to be flown to Cologne for special testing for peptides.

- Electronic and other records relating to supplement program will be examined.

- Details about investigations into the second club remain unknown.

WHAT THE MAIN PLAYERS SAY
JAMES HIRD, COACH
"I'm shocked to be sitting here. As a coach, I take full responsibility for what happens in our footy department. It's my belief we've done everything right." - February 5

DAVID EVANS, CHAIRMAN
"This is a minefield ... we've received information that's concerned us." - February 5

STEPHEN DANK, FORMER BOMBERS SPORTS SCIENTIST
On what the Bombers' hierarchy knew: "There was a very significant involvement from Dean (Robinson) as the high-performance manager, there was detailed discussion with James Hird, there was detailed discussion with the club doctor (Bruce Reid). They were sort of the main people involved in the knowledge of the program."

On coaches taking supplements: "A couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code but, again, they were entitled to it and nothing illegal in those". - February 11

ANDREW DEMETRIOU, AFL CHIEF EXECUTIVE
"Under the ASADA rules whether you knew or not it's no excuse . . . they are the WADA rules." - February 5

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Cats now short of talls

Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh will miss three weeks after minor knee surgery. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG is taking a long-term view on ruckman Hamish McIntosh, whose start to the season is threatened by a knee injury.

McIntosh will be out for about three weeks after having surgery this week on the same knee that limited his season to only seven games at North Melbourne last year.

Cats coach Chris Scott said yesterday the surgery was only minor.

"He understood and we understood that it wasn't going to be smooth sailing with Hamish," Scott said.

"He came in with an existing injury that was significant. There was always a little bit of a risk taking him and we accepted there might be some minor setbacks.

"We're still extremely confident that over the medium-term, a period of years, he's going to be a very valuable acquisition."

Scott said arthroscopic surgery to remove fluid from the back of McIntosh's knee was "loosely related" to his problems last year.

"It's the same knee, different problem. Very minor though, something that the surgery can fix quite quickly, the surgeon tells us," he said.

"He could have put up with some discomfort for a long time or we could have nipped it in the bud and tried to give him some relief short-term, so we think that's going to be the best outcome for him."

With Dawson Simpson also out after back surgery and young ruckman Nathan Vardy not making the trip to Perth this weekend for the Cats' NAB Cup opener, Geelong's ruck stocks look thin.

"Two ruckmen who aren't in ideal shape right at the moment is a little bit concerning," Scott said.

"We'll take a couple of rookie ruckmen over (to Perth), plus Trent West.

"It's almost vindication for our policy of having four ruckmen on our list. It's not ideal having a couple injured but we do have some cover."

Scott also ruled out James Kelly and Paul Chapman for the trip west, but said Jimmy Bartel and Travis Varcoe would be among a large squad for the weekend.

Kelly had post-season surgery on his hip, but has been back in full training, and Bartel was wearing a moonboot at the end of the season.

Varcoe played only one game last year, his season ruined by a foot injury.

"He's had a lot of bad luck in the last year and a half and he's starting to look really good on the track," Scott said.

"I think he's just keen to get out and play a real game. He's trained well and he's looked good on the track, but it doesn't mean much until you can put that good form into practice on the field in a real game."

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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."

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.

"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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Spotlight moves to the coaches

Stephen Dank's allegations likely to widen investigation. Source: The Daily Telegraph

ASADA is likely to investigate allegations Essendon coaches used performance-enhancing substances, despite the AFL's drug code applying only to players.

Essendon refused to confirm or deny substance use by any member of its coaching department, following allegations by sacked club biochemist Stephen Dank.

"To be perfectly honest, there were a couple of coaches that were using some supplements, if you like, that were a little bit outside the WADA code," Dank said on the ABC's 7.30.

"But, again, they were entitled to it. There's certainly nothing illegal there."

An AFL spokesman said yesterday ASADA's investigation was wide-ranging and could include those allegations.
"The code only applies to players within the club, not coaches or officials," he said.

"I would imagine everything alleged on the 7.30 (interview) would form part of the investigation to varying degrees."

Dank's allegations drew widespread condemnation from football and sports medicine worlds yesterday, with leading figures staggered at the potential for non-WADA compliant drugs to be at Windy Hill.

Essendon senior assistant Mark Thompson has denied he took those drugs.

Also in the Dons coaching department last year were senior coach James Hird, assistants Sean Wellman, Simon Goodwin and Matthew Egan, development coaches James Byrne and Rick Ladson, and high-performance coach Dean "The Weapon" Robinson.

Some sports science experts were stunned that practices including coaches using performance-enhancing drugs might be allowed in AFL football.

"Mud sticks, and that's just a harsh reality," one said.

"Whatever happens, there will always be a cloud over 'Hirdy' and everyone there. It will hang over Essendon for decades. They have become the drug club."

AFL coaches and club executives can be fined up to $10,000 for administrative breaches like failing to keep proper records under the drug code, but are not subject to testing.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia board member David Bishop, pushing for greater regulation and accreditation in the industry, was shocked to hear about potential drug use by coaches.

"It is an amazing revelation," Bishop said.

"Even if he is denying he administered to athletes, it is allowing people to make that link. It is a pretty shocking revelation. You wouldn't expect that of a sports scientist.

"I know he gave the example of a medical doctor working at a club and having prohibited substances in his bag, but I think good practice and sensible practice is that you don't bring anything into the club that could be construed as performance enhancing drugs that could risk the livelihood of players."
 

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AFL can tell club under doping cloud

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou knows which club the rogue doper played for. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: THE AFL has been given permission to notify a second club it has a player under investigation for possibly taking performance enhancing drugs.

The Australian Crime Commission said in a statement this afternoon:

"Following a request from the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL), I have granted permission for both codes to confidentially notify the specific clubs within their respective codes that were identified in Project Aperio.

"Once notified, a club may choose to make it publically known that they have been notified.

"The Australian Crime Commission can not name clubs and individuals, as they are protected under Section 60 of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 which protects the rights of persons against reputational damage and the right to a fair trial.''

Earlier the AFL said it knew what club the league's rogue drug taker belonged to, but did not know who he is nor could it tell the club in question.

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AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said it is up to the club in question to reveal information to the public if it chooses to.

"You have to understand that the ACC with their extraordinary coercive powers, they may have already spoken to the club for all we know, they may have already spoken to the player, I don't know that,'' Demetriou said.

"That's entirely up to that club (to then come forward). I don't know whether they have spoken to the ACC and I don't know if the player has spoken to the ACC.

"I think it's very important in the light of the uncertainty that ASADA conducts its investigations ... as it would normally, to do it diligently, that we co-operate with them, that the club and player in question co-operate with them and it's dealt with so that everyone knows who that player is and they're dealt with under the WADA code.''

Demetriou admitted that due to the ongoing investigation a player suspected of performance enhancing drug taking may play in this month's NAB Cup.

"There is that chance,'' he said.

"But in normal circumstances if a player had tested positive to performance enhancing drugs ASADA would be conducting its investigation in private, confidentially, we wouldn't know about it.

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 "And there's a potential that that player would be playing in that situation and if they are found to be guilty of taking performance enhancing drugs they will be dealt with under the WADA code.

 "And it's the same here, the only difference is this is being done in public.

"We understand the concern that people, our supporters, our corporate partners and others would have on this issue, but what I can assure you ... is that at the moment this relates to two cases, one, which you know is Essendon, and the other is one player at one club.''

Demetriou didn't try to downplay the magnitude of the ongoing crisis, but insisted he had complete faith in the code he runs his eye over.

"At this stage the AFL is only aware of two specific cases where WADA prohibited performance enhancing drugs have been used in the AFL,'' he said.

"We've already discussed the situation with the Essendon Football Club which is undergoing investigation and there is one other player at a club, whose identity we don't know, who will be investigated by ASADA.

"So this is not a widespread problem in our code. Have faith in the game and come along and watch your football team play because the AFL has been at the forefront of (eliminating) performance enhancing drugs.''

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Scouting report: Intra-club matches

Mick Malthouse has a word to Andrew Walker during the Blues' intra-club. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

YOU could be forgiven for not knowing, but the Sherrins have already been bounced at most AFL clubs.

The weather forecast is still in the 30s, cricket is still on television at night and the calendar still reads February, but intra-club practice matches are under way.

With the NAB Cup just four sleeps away, SuperFooty has gone behind the scenes to dig out all the gold from your club's low-key trial matches.

Get your SuperCoach notebook ready.

CARLTON

ABOUT 10 first-choice players were rested for the first hit out under new coach Mick Malthouse's watchful eye. But there was an air of familiarity, with both Blues sides clearly intent on hugging the boundary, as the Pies were under Mick's reign.

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Brock McLean was the midfield standout, racking up possessions with ease. He looks in fine touch, while Kane Lucas, who has promised that breakout year for so long now, showed glimpses.

Key defender Matthew Watson excelled, with his lethal boot and ability to read the play making him a standout. Jeff Garlett surprisingly pushed towards a halfback flank in a sign the goalkicking dazzler could be unleashed this year, as Mick did to Leon Davis in the pair's final year at the Pies.

Andrew Walker provided his usual flare, while blonde-haired Nick Graham won plenty of admirers. The bargain midfielder, nabbed at No. 54, won plenty of clearances.

Rhys O'Keeffe, the classy left-footer who kicks goals, impressed and is a highly regarded internally at Visy Park.

The Blues will play another scratch match on Friday.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Shaun Hampson is tackled by Brock McLean during a Carlton Blues AFL Intra-Club match at Visy Park on February 6, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

IT looks like Andrew Krakouer is back. The magical forward showed plenty of tricks at Victoria Park on Friday, kicking a big bag of goals and avoiding

Quinten Lynch has been all the rage this summer and he justified that with some big grabs and working nicely into the Pies' structure.

Clinton Young got on the paddock despite foot surgery, while fellow recruits Jordan Russell showed poise in defence and big Ben Hudson hasn't lost any of his rucking nous.

Luke Ball boundary umpired, while Dale Thomas sat out and remains Collingwood's biggest worry with his ankle concern.

Dane Swan moved OK, but don't expect the likes of him or Scott Pendlebury to really flick the switch until next month.

Swan's fitness is supreme.

ESSENDON

IT was more bad news for the Bombers, with skilled onballer Jake Melksham suffering a broken hand.

He'll miss Friday night's NAB Cup opener, along with captain Jobe Watson (knee) and star David Zaharakis (quad).

Zaharakis remains the biggest worry of that trio, while Brendon Goddard's pre-season continues to be outstanding.

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Nathan Lovett-Murray captained the Indigenous All-Stars on Friday night and did well, but Paddy Ryder was the star.

The ruckman towelled up Orren Stephenson in a dazzling display, while Leroy Jetta provided a highlight in win with a 60m bomb goal.

RICHMOND

NOT a great showing put in when Richmond played the All-Stars in Alice Springs, but Tiger fans, keep your memberships away from all microwaves.

It was closer to a Coburg side than Damien Hardwick's best 18 on the paddock, while there were still some positives to extract from the 50-point belting.

Matthew McDonough looks like a shrewd addition. The medium forward showed his smarts and accuracy with a nice goal, while No. 9 pick Nick Vlastuin showed his trademark ferocious attack which is likely to earn him an advanced debut.

Luke McGuane and Aaron Edwards started in the forward 50, and with all due respect, the Tigers will be a far scarier outfit when Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery take their places.

Todd Elton showed promising signs as a tall forward in tough conditions, while Dusty Martin lifted after the first break, albeit his execution surprisingly let him down.

AllStars v Richmond,Alice Springs,Dustin Martin caught holding the ball, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

STEPHEN Milne was all the talk after his four-goal effort, but you suspect the showings of boom recruit Tom Hickey and rising star Jack Newnes would have coach Scott Watters even more elated.

Hickey, who the Saints snaffled from the Gold Coast to aid their shallow ruck stocks, monstered his rivals in the hit-outs early before performing well against Justin Koschitzke.

He looks set to make a big impact this season, while Newnes' class was on show for all to see.

David Armitage was among the standout performance, winning plenty of touches and sneaking forward to kick goals, while Milne's offsiders Ahmed Saad (two goals) and Terry Milera (three goals) again looked lively.

Beau Maister (formerly Wilkes), who has trimmed down, marked well up forward in a big boost to the attacking potency. The man with a swankier name could be on his way to a beefed-up season.

Josh Saunders showed how brave he is and was the pick of the kids, while fellow draftee Nathan Wright has impressed this summer.

But the Saints' second pick, mercurial forward Spencer White, faces an uphill battle to make an impact in his first year as he battles to overcome a wrist injury.

St Kilda intraclub practice match at Seaford. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

ADELAIDE

THE Crows boast one of the healthiest lists in the league and staged an intra-club behind close doors on Friday. Jason Porplyzia and Lewis Johnston, playing on opposing sides, booted three goals each, while Brad Crouch justified the hype surrounding his debut.

The hard-at-it but explosive midfielder, who coach Brenton Sanderson loves, is ready for a Round 1 debut after a year dominating at SANFL level.

He played in the midfield and drifted to half-forward, while ball magnet and bargain draft pick Rory Atkins showed off his neat kicking.

Taylor Walker was held goalless despite his side striking 16 majors in a positive sign for Adelaide's load sharing.

The battle to be Tex's sidekick will drag into the NAB Cup with Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan still vying for the role vacated by Kurt Tippett.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Brad Crouch Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE

AARON Sandilands dominated the ruck and continues to impress after two seasons plagued by two injuries.

The big man is running pain free and, at 30, is set for a bumper year.

Jack Hannath, the man Freo pinched at the 11th hour from Melbourne's clutches, kicked two goals and provided a target up forward.

Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce are set to run riot on opposing wings this year, showing off their skill and dash at the Dockers' trial match.

Haydn Ballantyne spent more time in the midfield, while Fremantle's best three players – Matthew Pavlich, Nathan Fyfe and David Mundy – sat it out.

PORT ADELAIDE

THE Power played its SANFL equivalent – Port Magpies – and dominated in unsurprising fashion.

Jay Schulz snagged five majors in the first half before retiring, while raw draftee Mason Shaw played the second half and jagged two majors in front of the 4000-strong crowd.

Youngster Jake Neade booted two goals, including providing the highlight when he danced around several opponents before finding the sticks.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries unselfishly set up a few goals before unleashing in the midfield, while WAFL recruit Kane Mitchell blitzed in the midfield.

His tank looks impressive and the long-haired ball magnet could break through for senior action this season.

Mature-bodied clearance king Ollie Wines, Port's prized No. 7 draft pick, sizzled and is seemingly headed towards a Round 1 debut and MCG showdown against best mate Jack Viney.

For the record, the Power saluted by 129 points.

Jake Neade handballs to Kane Mitchell Picture: Simon Cross Source: HWT Image Library

SYDNEY

THE Swans played just a 40-minute trial match before holding a big skills session at Lakeside Oval on Friday, but it was again veteran Jarrad McVeigh who shone.

The premiership star has been a standout all pre-season for the Swans, who will host a 60-minute scratch match this Friday. Youngster Brandon Jack tried hard, while Harry Cunningham's midfield and forward work excited Sydney's coaching artillery.

Lewis Jetta is another Swan who returned from the flag victory in super touch and is looking to build on last year's breakout season.

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BJ reflects on Dons' madness

Brendon Goddard (middle) has reflected on Essendon's week from hell. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

IN AMONGST the seriousness, Brendon Goddard had a chance to laugh.

The star recruit today became the first Essendon player to front the media since news of the performance-enhancing drug scandal at his club broke nearly a week ago.

Goddard had made the move from St Kilda during the off-season in search of greener pastures.

But just what has the 27-year-old walked in to?

SuperCoach research: Intra-club scouting report

"I'd say I've got a bit of experience in dealing with these kinds of things,'' Goddard joked, referring to the Saints colourful recent history he has had to deal with.

But then the seriousness returned.

How are his teammates feeling given the performance enhancing drugs allegations levelled at them?

"Understandably they've been a bit anxious,'' Goddard said.

AFL can tell club under doping cloud

"It's probably hard for me to get my head around it because obviously I wasn't there last year and not directly involved or affected.

"I don't think fearful is the right word, but anxious understandably.''

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Has the reputation of the club and its players been unfairly tarnished by the allegations?

"I don't think tarnished, it's all allegations at this point so nothing's been proven,'' he said.

"I don't think at this point we could make those calls.''

And what do you say to the Bombers supporters questioning whether or not to keep the faith?

"At this point in time it's all allegations and at no point can you jump to conclusions.

"So as players, as supporters, it's important just to stick by the club because the boys are doing everything they can to prepare for another season of footy and obviously that starts on Friday night so I hope to see a lot of the Essendon supporters there on Friday.''

How insignificant a triangular NAB Cup date with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs must seem in the grand scheme of things.

But at the moment that's all the Bombers players have to distract themselves from furore going on around them.

And as the player prepare for what may well be the biggest battle in their playing careers _ the fight to prove their innocence and protect their reputations _ Goddard reverted back to footy cliché to sum up the impending struggle.

"What we've talked about as a group is what we can do as a team and as players,'' he said.

"And all that is is from Monday to Friday (concentrate) on our preparation and obviously once the season comes around control the controllables.

"As a team we've really helped each other in certain situations and talked about what we've got to do. We've got to control what we can control and that's really important for us as a playing group to move on.''

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