Suns too strong for Giants

Gold Coast Suns claim their biggest win in their short history, after a 44-point win over Greater Western Sydney.

• GOLD COAST SUNS 21.22 (148) GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS 16.8 (104)

THE GWS Giants look destined for another rough education in the school of hard knocks that is AFL football.

Kevin Sheedy's boys are rooted to the bottom of the ladder following Saturday's loss to the Gold Coast Suns without a win after five matches. The prospect of their first victory remains a long way off with matches against Essendon, Adelaide, Hawthorn and West Coast to come.

Records tumbled in Canberra as the Suns kicked their highest score and big man Charlie Dixon became the first Gold Coast player to kick six goals in a match.

In what looks like a serious case of the second-year blues, the Giants have lost to three teams who finished in the bottom five last year - Port Adelaide , Melbourne and now the Gold Coast.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Only a handful of GWS players could hold their head high at the end of match. Callan Ward, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith Toby Greene and Dylan Shiel were all solid contributors, but their defence remains a massive problem as opposition forwards continue to have their way with them week after week.

Sixteen goals was a reasonable return for the Giants, but conceding 21 goals to the Suns put any chance of a victory out of range. Dixon, Gary Ablett and Zac Smith (three goals each) were unstoppable.

Ablett set the match up for the visitors with 19 possessions in the first half and gave Tom Scully the run-around in the first quarter, picking up nine disposals.

Fortunately, for the Giants the damage of Ablett's hot start was limited in the opening term as scores were locked at three goals a piece.

Goals to the Giants' Rhys Palmer, Cameron and Setanta O'hAilpin were cancelled out by goals to Dixon, Steven May and Jaeger O'Meara.

Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy takes positives out of loss to the Gold Coast Suns.

Steve Coniglio earned a rising star nomination in the corresponding match last year and provided an inspirational moment for his teammates at the end of the term by sprinting 50m to smother a kick by Michael Rischitelli.

Canberra was the scene of the Giants' first win over the Suns last year, but this time they met a Gold Coast team in much better form.

Led by Ablett, who was moved forward in the second quarter, the Suns kicked the three straight.

The Giants stemmed the flow temporarily with a monster 80m goal from Devon Smith. It was an effort of which AFL great and Suns football director Malcolm Blight would have been proud, with Smith using the torpedo punt to land the major.

Long goals became the order of the day for GWS, with Jeremy Cameron and Dylan Shiel landing left-foot bombs from outside the 50m arc.

Relieved of the job on Ablett, with Toby Greene taking the job, Scully pushed forward and goaled on the run.

But the Giants defence was no match for the tall timber in the Suns forward line.

Dixon was dominant for his side, as he booted three goals for the quarter and ruckman Zac Smith chipped in with one.

Their return of 7.8 was the highest score for a single term in the Suns' short existence, passing the previous record of 7.3 set against North Melbourne last year and set up the victory.

GWS's Lachie Whitfield and Phil Davis under pressure from Gold Coast Suns Charlie Dixon . Picture: Kym Smith

Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon booted a club record six goals to help the Suns defeat the Giants. Picture: Kym Smith

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It's official - Power's the real deal

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak celebrates a goal with Robbie Gray. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

IT just keeps getting better for Port Adelaide.

The Power's dream start to the year continued at AAMI Stadium last night when it produced one of the great AFL comebacks.

Trailing by 41 points 19 minutes into the third quarter, Port lived up to its "never give in" catchcry to stun one of this year's premiership favourites, West Coast.

In a remarkable revival, the Power kicked 10 goals to three in the second half and five goals to one in the final term.

It hit the front for the first time 11 minutes into the last quarter.

The Eagles regained the lead with a Brad Dalziell goal entering time-on.

But Port - as it has done all season under first-year coach Ken Hinkley - hit back to kick the winning goal through Angus Monfries after some superb work from rookie sensation Jake Neade and Robbie Gray.

Kane Cornes, in his 250th game, scores a crucial goal against the Eagles. Picture: Sarah Reed.

The Power kicked just two goals in a dreadful first half but was inspired by best afield Hamish Hartlett - who won the Peter Badcoe VC Medal - and captain Travis Boak.

The star midfielders kicked three of Port's five final quarter goals to help extend Port's record winning start to a season to five.

"This win shows what we are made of," said a jubilant Hartlett after the game.

"We never give up and the boys are really proud to have won this game for Kane Cornes (who was playing his 250th game)."

The Power has now beaten Melbourne, GWS, Adelaide, Gold Coast and the Eagles in the opening five rounds to put one foot in the finals door.

It is an incredible turnaround for Port which hasn't made the finals since 2007 and in the past two seasons won a combined total of eight games.

Last night proved once and for all that this Power side is made of stern stuff.

Its first half was woeful and reminiscent of the dark days under previous coach Matthew Primus.

It was taught a football lesson by a finals-hardened Eagles side which, at 1-3, was playing for its finals life.

At half-time, Port had not taken a mark inside 50 while West Coast had hauled in 16 on its way to a 38-point lead.

The Power had crumbled under the weight of the Eagles' immense pressure in what became a tale of two halves.

Port was forced into a late change when defender Jasper Pittard failed to recover from soreness suffered in last week's win against Gold Coast.

His withdrawal paved the way for former Eagle Lewis Stevenson - an unlucky omission from the Power's named side - to play his first game against his former club. Stevenson started at half-back on brilliant playmaker Daniel Kerr.

Within four minutes, West Coast appeared to have its back to the wall.

Ace midfielder Matt Priddis was knocked out when he had his arms pinned in a perfect tackle from Monfries and he crashed head-first into the AAMI Stadium turf.

He was stretchered from the field on a mini-ambulance and was subbed out of the game 15 minutes later.

By that time, the Eagles - with Priddis's replacement Jamie Cripps on fire - had skipped to a 21-point lead, kicking the first 3.3 of the game.

Displaying a fierce desire to win the hard ball, West Coast dominated possession while Port crumbled under the pressure.

The Power struggled to get the ball out of its defensive half of the ground and it took a classy finish from Hartlett to break its scoring drought after 23 minutes when he burst inside 50 to goal on the run.

Amazingly, Port did not take a mark for the final 16 minutes of the term and when Kennedy broke clear of Alipate Carlile to kick his third goal of the quarter, the Eagles had broken to a 22-point lead at the first change.

The mark numbers highlighted West Coast's early dominance, with the visitors taking 30 to the Power's meagre seven.

Kennedy was at the forefront of nearly every Eagles attack and continued to give the Port defenders, in particular Carlile, nightmares in the second term.

The Power missed some gilt-edged chances in front of goal to keep itself in the match and when Kennedy bobbed up for his fourth major and Josh Hill and Jack Darling slotted goals, West Coast was out to a commanding 38-point lead at the long break.

Looking for some inspiration, Hinkley threw his side around after half-time with the move of Chad Wingard to full forward paying dividends.

He kicked two classy goals in the third quarter to give Port a glimmer of hope. That was all it needed.

PORT ADELAIDE  1.0   2.5    7.7    12.12 (84)

WEST COAST       4.4  7.13  9.16  10.19 (79)

Best - Port Adelaide: Hartlett, Boak, Wingard, Neade, O'Shea, Cornes. West Coast: Selwood, Shuey, Glass, Kennedy, Gaff, Waters.

Injuries - West Coast: M. Priddis (concussion).

Report - D. Glass (West Coast) for rough conduct by field umpire Pannell against P. Stewart in the second term.

Umpires: G. Fila, C. Kamolins, T. Pannell.

Crowd: 26,132 at AAMI Stadium.

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Mick's slick Blues click

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first quarter against Carlton.

Taylor Walker is helped from the ground. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Taylor Walker sits on the bench after injuring his knee against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

WHO needs a star key forward when you can light it up at ground level like Carlton can.

No longer are we focused on what the club lacks at centre half-forward.

When you pull out the switchblade like the Blues did last night, maybe having the big name tall in attack doesn't matter.

Not when you are as quick and slick and get a rush of early goals from your classy midfielders like they did in the 32-point win over Adelaide at the MCG.

After trailing by 41 points at three-quarter time, the Crows fought their way back kicking four straight goals to get back within 18.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

But another piece of boundary line magic from Chris Yarran, brushing off Brent Reilly and then curling in his third goal, stopped the charge. Jeff Garlett then snapped the sealer, which was his third, from almost an identical spot.

For the Crows, the night began on a disastrous note when spearhead Taylor Walker hyperextended his right knee in a marking contest in the 18th minute of the first quarter and had to be helped off the MCG.

It is believed Walker may have sustained a posterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Defender Luke Brown's night was also over in the second term after suffering concussion, leaving the Crows a man short on the bench for most of the night.

After losing Kurt Tippett, and now Walker for what looks like an extended period, Adelaide's finals hopes are starting to look rather shaky.

The Blues, on the other hand, are looking at getting their season back on an even keel at 3-3 next weekend against Melbourne.

After a big statement win over West Coast last week, things have clicked under Mick Malthouse.

Although they hardly took a mark in the forward 50m in the first half, and faded late, the Blues' ball use and leg-speed through the middle was a warning for the rest of the competition.

Heath Scotland and Andrew Walker were outstanding, intercepting the ball and rebounding from half-back.

Bryce Gibbs also controlled the play before he was substituted off with hamstring tightness at halftime.

The quick transition forward routinely found Yarran, Garlett and Eddie Betts with space to burn off their minders. They posed a continual threat, breaking goal-side of the stoppages and aerial contests.

While the Crows worked their way back into the contest, Carlton looked invincible at times with that run and carry and crushing pressure, up by 28 points at quarter time.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker being helped off the MCG by trainers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

The move to switch Walker into defence has worked wonderfully. The former high-flying forward was largely untouched by the opposition, racking up 19 touches until half-time. Each one hit their target.

Scotland was also excellent, driving the ball from half-back and kicking a tight-angled shot on the run from the boundary in the third term.

Chris Judd, in his 244th game, needed a tag from Crow Sam Kerridge to quell his enormous early influence around the stoppages.

Betts was subbed on in the third term, replacing Gibbs. His first goal of the nigh brought chants of "Edd-die, Edd-die, Edd-die" from the Blues' faithful. Betts, Yarran and Garlett booted eight goals between them.

Adelaide was the No.1 contested ball side last year, but its midfield is not the same. Carlton ruckman Robert Warnock has taken his chance in the absence of Matthew Kreuzer, shading Sam Jacobs.

The Crow's early-season form has been patchy. Likewise, onballer Scott Thompson was down again early.

The Blues had 12 more clearances and 35 more contested possessions at three-quarter time, before the Crows turned the momentum their way in the last quarter.

Andy Otten presented forward after Walker exited the field, but Josh Jenkins was well-held by Michael Jamison. Crows' midfielders Patrick Dangerfield, Richard Douglas, Rory Sloane and youngster Rory Laird helped engineer the fightback, with limited bench rotations.

Laird's tough attack on the ball was a highlight for the Crows, in his second game. Matthew Jaensch and Otten each kicked three goals.

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Cats deny plucky Dogs

Mature-aged Bulldogs recruit Brett Goodes may come under scrutiny from the AFL match review panel for this bump on Geelong's Josh Caddy.

Joel Selwood bursts out of the middle. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE massive screen on the way into Etihad Stadium beamed the words "Western Bulldogs v Geelong: Mission Possible".

And while there were occasional glimmers of an improbable upset - including midway through the final quarter - there was always going to be flaw in the plot that counted against a Hollywood ending.

In a nutshell, it was simply that for all the Dogs' grunt and sweat and good intentions they were no match for the class, experience and occasional brilliance of the Cats.

And while it would be easy to laud the bravery of the underdog for refusing to give in, the same applies to a Geelong team that was reduced to 20 men from midway through the second term.

The Bulldogs began brightly, kicking the first two goals of the match and dominating the centre bounces largely through the powerful ruckwork of Will Minson.

Up forward Liam Jones was plucking marks and looked dangerous in the Dogs forward line, even though the Hawkins-less Cats still had Harry Taylor and James Podsiadly as effective marking targets at the other end.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Nick Lower kept Geelong captain Joel Selwood to just three touches in the opening term, and although the Cats led by 16 points at the first change there were encouraging signs for the Dogs.

Geelong had the most influential player of the first half: Steve Johnson spent the early part of the match in the midfield and was as creative as he was unpredictable. But while you never knew what he would do with the ball, he could be relied upon to do the basics when he didn't have it.

Three times he laid crunching tackles that resulted in scoring chances for teammates. After all, even Picasso obeyed some of the time-honoured principles of his craft when his paintbrush championed cubism.

The match looked headed for a predictable storyline when Geelong got out to a 34-point lead midway through the second quarter. So much so that Cats looked like they were becoming bored and started searching for ways to entertain themselves. The Dogs made them pay by scrapping their way back into the contest.

The likes of Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore and Daniel Cross kept toiling away honestly, while Jason Johannisen and Luke Dahlhaus used their dash to try to take on the Cats and create.

In the third quarter the Dogs simply tightened up and made the Cats more accountable, opting to go one on one with their opponents.

For all of their sustained periods of discipline, though, they frequently found themselves sliced open by a Geelong team prepared to back itself and takes risks. The Cats were prepared to flick handballs around to find space and then charge through the middle of the ground.

Once in space they either delivered the ball to Taylor and Podsiadly, or backed in the pace and creativity of the likes of Steven Motlop, Johnson and Allen Christensen.

Steven Motlop celebrates his goal in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Taylor was superb in the absence of last year's club champion Tom Hawkins, and when the Cats needed steadying in the final quarter he even switched to defence and took some timely marks.

sThe Dogs probably had the better of the centre bounces and midfield stoppages, but struggled to make inroads in their forward half, where the cool Geelong heads of Andrew Mackie, James Bartel and Corey Enright controlled play.

The Bulldogs kicked the only goals in the final term (three) as Geelong, down on its interchange rotations, began to tire. But the Cats did what good teams do: they gutsed it out and did what they needed to do to win.

But there were plenty of encouraging signs for a Bulldogs team that seemingly was faced with Mission Impossible. Several of their youngsters showed a bit, and while they were ultimately outclassed, it's worth remembering they were without four of the most polished players on their list: Ryan Griffen, Bob Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and Shaun Higgins.

Then again, Geelong could argue it was down to a measly 13 premiership players.

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Cats' Mr Versatility

Cat Harry Taylor marks in front of Bulldog Jordan Roughead. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

IS there a more versatile footballer in the game right now than Geelong's revolving key-position player Harry Taylor?

Defender by trade; forward by opportunity or circumstance.

Wherever he plays, he is damn hard to stop at the moment and looms as a critical jigsaw puzzle in the Cats' flag hopes.

The circumstance last night was the late withdrawal of last year's best-and-fairest winner Tom Hawkins.

The opportunity was to play deep in attack and Taylor lived up to his end of the bargain, kicking a game-high five goals.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Sports betting agencies knew as soon as they heard Hawkins was not going to play that the man to shorten in terms of the most goals kicked on the night would be the 26-year-old, two-time premiership defender.

He started second favourite in those markets (at $4) behind teammate James Podsiadly and was clearly the dominant forward on the ground last night.

Only Bulldog Liam Jones threatened to unseat him as the biggest goalscorer of the night, finishing with four goals. In the air Taylor was almost unstoppable; on the lead he was powerful and sure of hand; and in front of goal he rarely looked like missing.

Before this season, Taylor had only kicked 23 goals, including 15 last year. But the Cats have lived up to the pre-season promise of using him in attack as much as defence this year, and last night it proved the difference.

After two goals against Carlton and Sydney in Rounds 3 and 4, Taylor made it a tough night for Bulldog backman Jordan Roughead.

Cats deny plucky Dogs

Taylor booted one goal in the opening term, another in the second and three crucial goals in a big third term.

Just to highlight his importance - and his versatility - he took himself into defence during the last quarter as the Bulldogs threatened to make it a real contest.

Roughead went forward for the Bulldogs and took a big mark and finished with a goal of his own.

Taylor took one of his own big grabs deep in defence late in the final term - showing just how important he is at both ends. And that's why he looms as a wildcard forward-back option that will scare plenty of teams for the rest of the season.

And why Geelong must claim his signature on a long-term contract as soon as it possibly can.

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Brayshaw injured in golf mishap

Kangaroos chairman James Brayshaw sporting a black eye next to his golf rival, Australian PGA champion, Daniel Popovic. Picture: Supplied Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw can thank his lucky stars he's not -- literally -- a one-eyed Kangaroos supporter after a golfing mishap.

Brayshaw copped a golf ball to the face after his shot ricocheted off the base of a tree onto his cheek, just centimetres below his left eye.

The avid golfer was injured playing the 18th hole at Kingston Heath with North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, Australian PGA champion Daniel Popovic and a member of the Kangaroos medical department.

Brayshaw was wearing sunglasses at the time which did most of the damage to his face.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said it was a bit of a worry at first with "blood streaming" down his face.

"Lucky (Brayshaw) had the glasses on otherwise I don't think he'd have his left eye," Scott told Triple M.

The incident sparked social media frenzy with pictures of the avid golfer and footy media identity doing the rounds this afternoon.

Kangaroos great Glenn Archer was among those to chime in asking if Brayshaw had a run in with Fairfax journalist Caroline Wilson.

Wilson was forced to retract comments she made about the Kangaroos sports medical department on Channel Nine's Footy Classified last Monday.

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Quick and the dread

Carlton's Chris Yarran has been likened to fictional movie character Forrest Gump, who just never stopped running.

Carlton duo Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett celebrate a goal against West Coast.

T Chris. Macca cartoon. David McArthur cartoon.

CHRIS Yarran might not have seen it coming.

In one of his first chats with coach Mick Malthouse, the Carlton flyer made clear his desire to move from half-back to a permanent role in the centre square.

The answer, perhaps surprisingly, was no. Malthouse, the veteran coach of 28 seasons, had other plans for his 22-year-old trump card.

Without an experienced big key forward, at least in the early rounds, Malthouse wanted to turn the Blues attack into one built on speed.

For Yarran, the prospect of shifting back to the zone where he slotted goals from ridiculous angles on a regular basis in his draft year was even more appealing.

In an era of the forward press, Yarran's eyes light up at the balls that bounce his way in space, consigning his unfortunate opponent - which last week was West Coast's Adam Selwood - to a foot race.

Yarran kicked four goals and racked up 13 running bounces against the Eagles - 10 in the second quarter.

It was an electrifying exhibition of speed.

For Yarran, the switch forward is also more enjoyable. More natural.

Playing forward allowed him to "run on instincts that I've been blessed with". "It certainly is a lot more fun," Yarran said.

HAPPY IN BLUE (OR WHITE): Carlton's Chris Yarran greets the fans after the win over the Eagles. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

"Just because you don't have that (pressure) release of trying to beat your man down back. You don't get as nervous when the ball is in the area.

"Obviously I played a lot of junior footy up forward and I know how to play up forward, so that's given me some help transforming back to the forward line."

That's not a dig at former coach Brett Ratten, who played Yarran in defence for most of the past two years. At times, the No.6 draft pick has looked invincible back there, weaving through packs of players to launch attacks.

The 67-gamer still wants to be able to swing into defence, and knows it will probably happen most games, at times.

But the opportunity to finish on goal, alongside best mates Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts, and sometimes another lightning quick forward in Dennis Armfield, brings an excited smile to his face.

While the finals focus is often on contested ball and big forwards, Yarran knows speed is one of the Blues greatest weapons.

"Anyone will back themselves if they have got a bit of leg-speed," Yarran said.

"You have just got to get that space around you.

"It helps because everyone is so full-on with the forward press at the moment.

"If you get that one or two marks outside that press, then it's coming into that space out the back."

It's the worry for Adelaide, ahead of this afternoon's twilight clash at the MCG.

After notching that first win of the season against the Eagles in Perth last weekend, Yarran said the team had its "mojo" back.

Narrow losses to Collingwood (17 points), Richmond (five) and Geelong (16) only fuelled Carlton's belief that it was good enough to compete with the top teams.

But against the Tigers, Yarran felt the emotional flip-side of playing in attack. He missed two late match-winning opportunities.

One was a left-foot snap, the other running in from 40m. The latter is his bread and butter. He admitted the missed attempts had gutted him.

"I was really disappointed," he said. "The week after that I came in and did so many goalkicking shots on the run and would just kick all of them. I was like, 'why couldn't I do that' (last week)?

"Maybe it was stage fright or what not. I don't know. It just happens in footy."

Yarran also refused to blame a turf toe injury, which continues to trouble him 12 months after he strained the ligament under his big toe.

"It does (hurt to kick the footy). It's not pleasant and to this day it bothers me a bit."

As much as the Round 1 misses hurt, Malthouse was consoling. "He said 'don't worry about dwelling on the past. We all know you are a good kick and what not, so you've just got to kick those when you can'," Yarran said. "Certainly if I get those opportunities again, I will take them, that's for sure."

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Live: Friday night footy

Jay Clark and Matt Windley argue over the captain's loophole and what to do with Jack Viney, Brad Crouch and Lewis Stevenson.

Jake King is out. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

LATE CHANGES:
Fremantle: Paul Duffield out, replaced by Nick Suban
Richmond: Jake King out, replaced by Robin Nahas

SUBSTITUTES:
Fremantle: Nick Suban
Richmond: Robin Nahas

1/2 TIME: FREMANTLE 47 - RICHMOND 45

A BURST of five second-quarter goals has captured the lead for Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Small forwards Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne and Michael Walters all have two goals as the Dockers domianted the second term, winning 20 inside 50s to three.

The efficient Tigers added two goals from their rare entries but had their momentum stalled.

Chris Knights has been chief destroyer for Richmond, booting two goals from 14 disposals.

HALFTIME SUPERCOACH STARS
Knights (71)
Fyfe (64)
Houli (58)
C Pearce (58)
Hill (58)
Griffin (55)

All scores at Live HQ

1/4 TIME: FREMANTLE 12 RICHMOND 32

A FEROCIOUS Richmond got the jump on Fremantle tonight, opening up a 20-point lead at the first change.

The Tigers were gifted the perfect start as Shaun Grigg goaled in the opening minute, before Luke McGuane converted from long range to stun the Dockers.

Richmond's tackling and pressure hit new levels, while a Tyrone Vickery goal - set up by a blistering counter-attack - punctuated the impressive first term.

Trent Cotchin led the way from the midfield, while Jack Riewoldt booted one goal - courtesy of a free kick - against Dockers captain Luke McPharlin.

SUPERCOACH STARS
Nat Fyfe 49
Chris Knights 48
Alex Rance 34
Trent Cotchin 33

All scores at Live HQ

PRE-GAME:

FREMANTLE and Richmond have both swung late changes ahead of tonight's match at Patersons Stadium.

The Dockers have lost Paul Duffield, while Richmond hardnut Jake King will also miss the Round 5 encounter.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

Nick Suban (Dockers) and Robin Nahas (Tigers) are the inclusions, with both players set to start as the substitutes.

Fremantle will be out to snap a two-game losing streak, while the Tigers are on the rebound from last week's downer against Collingwood.

The match starts at 8.45pm. Head to Live HQ for live SuperCoach scores, stats and more throughout the match.

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Anzac triple header on the cards

St Kilda and Sydney players run through a joint banne for the first AFL match outside of Australia for premiership points. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE AFL is strongly considering an Anzac Day triple header next year involving nine hours of football, with Brisbane emerging as St Kilda's likely opponent.

Anzac Day falls on a Friday next year, which means the league could conceivably play Collingwood-Essendon at 2pm, St Kilda and a Queensland opponent (5pm) in Wellington and finally the traditional Len Hall clash involving Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

It would be a ratings bonanza, satisfy St Kilda's wish to grow its New Zealand presence and give Fremantle the fixture they require to commemorate Anzac Day in the west.

The Saints will discuss their potential opponents for next year with the AFL in coming weeks, but Wellington's Council believes a Queensland team would lure extra visitors from another state to the nation's capital.

Brisbane was mentioned in early discussions last year, but either the Lions or Gold Coast would fit the bill perfectly given it is the council which stumps up the backing for the Saints.

New South Wales and Queensland are key markets for Wellington, which provides St Kilda between $400,000 and $500,000 per New Zealand game.

The league has already all but guaranteed the Saints presence in New Zealand until 2015, with excitement already building about a spectacular Anzac Day commemoration built around the Gallipoli centenary.

Wellington will be the centrepiece of New Zealand's Gallipoli centenary in 2015, with buzz centering around a possible harbour re-enactment that could even involve legendary director Peter Jackson.

The harbour city will open a National War Memorial Park in time for Anzac Day 2015, with the league keen to be part of the build-up on such an important day for both countries.

St Kilda easily met its performance indicators to kick the deal into the next phase with two matches in each of 2013 and 2014, with hotel occupancy alone jumping from 22 per cent last Anzac Day to 100 per cent this week.

Saints veteran Nick Dal Santo said yesterday the vibe during the week in Wellington proved the concept was a success.

"I think the whole week's been pretty good; the way Wellington and NZ's embraced us, they've got a little bit out of it as well with us being around," he said.

"It felt a little bit like grand final week, you walk down the street and there's St Kilda scarves, people just walking the streets, St Kilda and Sydney. It just has a really good feel.

"Obviously it's a huge occasion. I think 22,000, I assume the clubs and Wellington would be happy with that.

"I can only see it getting bigger though. The spectacle that was put on last night, even though it was a little bit greasy and the game wasn't as clean as it can be, particularly at the dome under the roof, it was a really competitive game.

"I'd like to think NZ people would have been impressed by the way we play our footy."
 

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Jolly, Ball make welcome return

Magpie Luke Ball, pictured at training during the week, emerged unscathed from his VFL hitout. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD'S Luke Ball shone in his first competitive hitout in over 12 months as the VFL Pies trounced Bendigo by 116 points.

Ball, 28, gathered plenty of the ball and showed his veteran class at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The 2010 premiership midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Round 3 last season and had further setbacks earlier this year with hamstring soreness.

Collingwood VFL general manager Luke Gatti said Ball pulled up well after playing around 70 per cent game time.

Ruckman Darren Jolly, who was ruled out of Thursday's ANZAC Day clash with Essendon as he recovered from a rib injury, also got through unscathed and was one of the Pies' best.

Jolly, who spent time both in the ruck and up forward, booted three goals and played 80 per cent of the match.

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Teams: Tiges swing four changes

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

A further blow for St Kilda with Stephen Milne set to miss Thursday's Anzac Day match against Sydney in Wellington.

Shane Tuck won't play against Fremantle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

MIDFIELDER Shane Tuck has lost his place in Richmond's side ahead of Friday night's crunch clash against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Tuck was listed as "rested" and one of four omissions from a Tigers side that has been relatively settled up until now.

The Tigers also lost Reece Conca (foot), defender Troy Chaplin (calf) and Steve Morris (suspended).

Tuck has been worryingly out of form this year, with the latest blow yet again placing him at footy's crossroads.

The Tigers are set to unveil prized first-round pick Nick Vlastuin, while speedster Matt White, Brad Helbig and Jake Batchelor also earned reprieves.

Geelong has lost Paul Chapman (hamstring) but regained James Kelly as it looks to continue its unbeaten run against a decimated Western Bulldogs.

Stars Ryan Griffen and Daniel Giansiracusa have joined Shaun Higgins, Easton Wood, Robert Murphy and Tory Dickson out injured.

Melbourne will rest gun teenager Jack Viney ahead of its trip to face Brisbane, which could make up to eight changes.

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD, Thursday 2.40pm at the MCG

ESSENDON

B: M.Hibberd 1, C.Hooker 26, M.Baguley 46
HB: B.Stanton 5, J.Carlisle 22, B.Goddard 9
C: D.Heppell 21, J.Watson 4, C.Dempsey 15
HF: J.Merrett 20, D.Hille 19, S.Gumbleton 3
F: K.Hardingham 34, S.Crameri 12, A.Davey 29
Foll: T.Bellchambers 2, B.Howlett, 40, J.Winderlich 8
I/C: D.Zaharakis 11, D.Myers 23, H.Hocking 39, T.Colyer, 32
Emerg: N.Lovett-Murray 42, J.Melksham 17, T.Pears 16

In: Hardingham, Colyer, Crameri
Out: Hurley (ankle), Pears, Melksham

Champion Data SuperCoach formguide

COLLINGWOOD

B: N.Brown 16, A.Toovey 34, B.Reid 20
HB: M.Clarke 9, H.Shaw 39, H.O'Brien 8
C: S.Sidebottom 22, D.Swan 36, D.Thomas 13
HF: J.Elliott 19, T.Cloke 32, Q.Lynch 21
F: B.Sinclair 28, T.Goldsack 6, S.Dwyer 41
Foll: B.Hudson 25, S.Pendlebury 10, J.Blair 11
I/C: A.Fasolo 1, J.Russell 2, B.Macaffer, 3, P.Seedsman 40
Emerg: J.Witts 15, J.Thomas 24, B.Kennedy 27

In: Goldsack
Out: J.Thomas

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Thursday 5.50pm in Wellington

ST KILDA
B: N.Wright 34, S.Fisher 25, D.Roberton 17
HB: S.Dempster 24, R.Stanley 28, S.Gilbert 19
C: L.Hayes 7, C.Jones 4, J.Geary 14
HF: D.Armitage 20, N.Riewoldt 12, N.Dal Santo 26
F: A.Saad 21, S.Ross 6, J.Saunders 35
Foll: B.McEvoy 5, J.Steven 3, L.Montagna 11
I/C: T.Dennis-Lane 8, T. Lee 9, J.Koschitzke 23, B.Murdoch 30
Emerg: A.Siposs 2, T.Hickey 1, F.Ray 22

In: Koschitzke, Dempster, Lee, Murdoch, Saunders
Out: Milne (suspension), Maister (hand), Simpkin, Milera, Ray

SYDNEY

B: D.Rampe 43, H.Grundy 39, N.Smith 40
HB: M.Mattner 29, T.Richards 25, N.Malceski 9
C: K.Jack 15, R.O'Keefe 5, L.Jetta 32
HF: J.Bolton 24, S.Reid20, D.Hannebery 4
F: M.Pyke 38, A.Goodes 37, B.McGlynn 21
Foll: S.Mumford 41, J.Kennedy 12, J.McVeigh 3
I/C: T.Armstrong 19, C.Bird 14, A.Everitt 13, L Parker 26
Emerg: J.White 18, T.Walsh 17, M.Morton 10

In:Bird, Everitt
Out: L. Roberts-Thomson (knee), Morton

Fremantle v Richmond, Patersons Stadium, Friday night

Fremantle
B: L.Spurr 34, Z.Dawson3, M.Johnson 37
HB: C.Pearce 46, L.McPharlin 18, P.Duffield 41
C: T.Mzungu 13, R.Crowley 15, D.Pearce 6
HF: H.Ballantyne 1, K.Bradley 26, N.Fyfe 7
F: J.Hannath 38, C.Mayne 23, M.Walters 10
Foll: J.Griffin, 12, D.Mundy 16, S.Hill 32
I/C: M.Barlow 21, L.Neale 27, M.De Boer 9, G.Ibbotson 5
Emg: H.Crozier 17, A.Silvagni 36, N.Suban 8

In: L.McPharlin, G.Ibbotson, J.Hannath
Out: N.Suban, C.Sutcliffe, Ta.Smith (hamstring)
New: J.Hannath

Richmond
B: J.Batchelor 11, A.Rance 18, B.Helbig 32
HB: D.Grimes 2, R.Petterd 13, B.Houli 14
C: C.Newman 1, T.Cotchin 9, M.White 35
HF: B.Deledio 3, S.Edwards 10, D.Jackson 23
F: L.McGuane 16, J.Riewoldt 8, T.Vickery 29
Foll: I.Maric 20, D.Martin 4, N.Vlastuin 31
I/C: B.Ellis 5, J.King 28, S.Grigg 6, C.Knights 15
Emerg: A.Edwards 27, R.Nahas 26, M.Dea 7

In: M.White, J.Batchelor, B.Helbig, N.Vlastuin
Out: S.Tuck (rested), T.Chaplin (calf), S.Morris (suspension), R.Conca (foot)
New: N.Vlastuin

Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast, Manuka Oval, 1.45pm Saturday

GWS
B: A.Kennedy 40, T.Mohr39, L.Plowman 30
HB: N.Haynes 19, P.Davis 1, S.Reid 23
C: T.Scully 9, C.Ward 8, L.Whitfield 6
HF: R.Palmer 7, J.Cameron 18, A.Tomlinson 20
F: D.Smith 10, S.O'hAilpin 37, Z.Williams 51
Foll: J.Giles 26, A.Treloar 17, D.Shiel5
I/C: S.Coniglio 3, T.Greene 4, T.Bugg 14, B.Thornton 46
Emg: C.Hampton 2, J.Townsend 31, S.Frost 48

In: B.Thornton, D.Smith, A.Tomlinson, L.Plowman, Z.Williams
Out: S.Gilham, A.Miles, J.Townsend, L.Sumner, S.Frost
New: Z.Williams

Gold Coast
B: T.McKenzie 18, S.May 17, J.Hutchins 34
HB: T.Murphy 29, R.Thompson 16, G.Broughton 36
C: M.Rischitelli 35, G.Ablett 9, J.Harbrow 5
HF: D.Stanley 25, TJ.Lynch 19, A.Hall 33
F: Z.Smith 2, S.Day 12, B.Matera 32
Foll: C.Dixon 23, K.Hunt 7, D.Swallow 24
I/C: D.Prestia 10, J.O'Meara 1, J.Brennan 3, M.Shaw 26,
Emerg: K.Horsley 42, L.Russell 8, T.Sumner 39

In: D.Stanley, T.McKenzie, TJ.Lynch
Out: M.Warnock (arm), L.Russell, J.Wilkinson (ankle)

Carlton v Adelaide, MCG, 4.40pm Saturday

Carlton
B: C Yarran 13, M Jamison 40, L Henderson 23
HB: Z Tuohy 42, D Armfield 27, B Gibbs 4
C: K Simpson 6, A Carrazzo 44, M Robinson 12
HF: C Judd 5, A Walker 1, J Garlett 38
F: E Curnow 35, S Hampson 22, S Rowe 17
Foll: R Warnock 11, M Murphy 3, B McLean 14
I/C: E Betts 19, K Lucas 9, H Scotland 29, S White 43
Emerg: L Casboult 41, D Ellard 46, A Joseph 45

In: E Betts
Out: A Joseph (omitted)

Adelaide
B: L Brown 16, B Rutten 25, A Otten 22
HB: D Mackay 14, D Talia 12, B Reilly 3
C: R Douglas 26, S Thompson 5, B Smith 26
HF: S Kerridge 29, J Jenkins 4, J Petrenko 23
F: T Lynch 27, T Walker 13, M Wright 11
Foll: S Jacobs 24, P Dangerfield 32, R Sloane 9
I/C: M Jaensch 10, B Vince 17, R Henderson 45, R Laird 46
Emerg: J Lyons 31, S McKernan 35, J Porplyzia 40

In: B Vince, B Smith
Out: J Porplyzia (omitted), B Crouch (hamstring).

Western Bulldogs v Geelong, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm

Western Bulldogs
B: B Goodes 44, J Roughead 23, T Young 31
HB: J Johannisen 39, D Morris 38, A Cooney 17
C: N Lower 33, M Boyd 5, T Liberatore 21
HF: J Tutt 15, J Stringer 9, L Dahlhaus 6
F: L Picken 42, L Jones 19, J Macrae 11
Foll: W Minson 27, C Smith 14, M Wallis 3
I/C: D Cross 4, P Veszpremi 8, K Stevens 25, M Austin 47
Emerg: D Pearce 20, C Howard 30, L Markovic 37

In: M Austin, P Veszpremi, C Smith
Out: A Cordy, R Griffen (shoulder), D Giansiracusa (shoulder)

Geelong
B: T Hunt 19, T Lonergan 13, C Enright 44
HB: J Corey 11, J Rivers 25, A Mackie 4
C: M Duncan 22, J Bartel 3, J Kelly 9
HF: A Christensen 28, H Taylor 7, S Motlop 32
F: T West 12, T Hawkins 26, J Podsiadly 31
Foll: M Blicavs 46, J Selwood 14, M Stokes 27
I/C: G Horlin-Smith 33, J Caddy 23, S Johnson 20, B Smedts 2
Emerg: M Brown 1, J Murdoch 21, C Guthrie 29

In: James Kelly
Out: Paul Chapman

Port Adelaide v West Coast, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 7.45pm
Port Adelaide
B: T. Jonas 42, A. Carlisle 27, C. Heath 3
HB: J.Pittard 29, J.Trengove 12, D.Cassisi 25
C: K.Cornes 18, T.Boak 1, Bra.Ebert 7,
HF: P.Stewart 14, J.Westhoff 39, M.Broabent 5
F: R.Gray 9, J.Schulz 28, C.Wingard 20
Foll: B.Renouf 4, O.Wines 16, H.Hartlett 8
I/C: M.Lobbe 23, A.Monfries 6, J.Neade 32, C.O'Shea 13
Emg: S.Colquhoun 30, L.Stevenson 15, M.Thomas 21

In: P Stewart
Out: L Stevenson

West Coast
B: S.Hurn 25, D.Glass 23, J.Brennan 14
HB: B.Waters 8, E.Mackenzie 16, S.Butler 26
C: C.Masten 7, M.Priddis 11, A.Gaff 3
HF: J.Cripps 15, J.Kennedy 15, M.LeCras 2
F: C.Sinclair 22, J.Darling 27, D.Kerr 4
Foll: D.Cox 20, S.Selwood 10, L.Shuey 13
I/C: AS.Hams 43, B.Dalziell 18, M.Brown 1, J.Hill 33
Emg: M.Hutchings 34, As. Smith 28, W.Schofield 31

In: B Waters, M Brown
Out: A Selwood, W Schofield

Brisbane Lions v Melbourne, Gabba, 3.15pm Sunday
Brisbane Lions
B: J.Adcock 7, D.Merrett 21, E.Yeo 26
HB: J.Patfull 24, J.Clarke 42, M.Golby 41
C: J.Polkinghorne 31, B.Moloney 3, S.Mayes 32,
HF: M.Paparone 22, J.Brown16, R.Bewick 8
F: J.Green 6, A.Cornelius 44, D.Zorko 15
Foll: M.Leuenberger 23, A.Raines 29, J.Redden 30
I/C from: S.Docherty 1, B.Longer 5, A.McGrath 9, P.Karnezis 28, R.Lester 35, J.Crisp 47, T.Rockliff 38

In: J.Polkinghorne , A.Cornelius , P.Karnezis , R.Lester , B.Longer , E.Yeo , J.Crisp , J.Clarke
Out: P.Hanley (suspension), D.Rich (shoulder), S.Martin (ankle) , R.Harwood (omitted) , N.McKeever (omitted)

Melbourne
B: J.Watts 4, J.Frawley8, D.Terlich 46,
HB: J.Grimes 31, T.McDonald 25, C.Garland 20
C: J.Trengove 9, C.Sylvia 12, S.Blease 17
HF: R.Bail 44, C.Pedersen 21, J.Howe 38
F: D.Rodan 15, M.Gawn 37, S.Byrnes 10
Foll: M.Jamar 40, M.Evans 32, N.Jones 2
I/C from: J.McKenzie 13, J. Strauss 19, D.Nicholson 26, L.Tapscott 35, A.Davey 36, J.Spencer 42, M.Jones 45,

In: D.Rodan, J.McKenzie, J.Spencer, S.Blease, J. Strauss, D.Nicholson
Out: N.Jetta (suspended), J.Viney (rested), M.Clark (foot).

Hawthorn v North Melbourne, MCG, 4.40pm Sunday

Hawthorn
B: J.Gibson 6, B.Lake 17, L.Hodge 15
HB: G.Birchall 14, B.Stratton 24, S.Burgoyne 9,
C: I.Smith 16, S.Mitchell 5, B.Hill 10
HF: L.Breust 22, L.Franklin 23, P.Puopolo 28
F: L.Shiels 26, J.Roughead 2, D. Hale 20
Foll: M.Bailey 39, J.Lewis 3, C.Rioli 33
I/C from: J.Gunston 19, M.Spangher 27, S.Savage 21, M.Osborne 7, B.Guerra 18, J.Kelly 34, K.Cheney 13

In: B.Guerra, B.Lake, M.Spangher, K.Cheney, J.Kelly
Out: R.Schoenmakers (knee), T.Duryea (corked thigh)

North Melbourne
B: S.McMahon 42, S.Thompson 16,M.Firrito 11
HB: A.Mullett 41, N.Grima 17, J.Macmillan 34
C: D.Wells 8, S.Atley 18, S.Wright 19
HF: R.Bastinac 3, B.Cunnington 10, T.Hine 26
F: L.Thomas 12, D.Petrie 20, L.Adams 13,
Foll: T.Goldstein 22, A.Swallow 9, J.Ziebell 7
I/C from: B.McKenzie 2, L.Anthony 4, L.Hansen 6, W.Sierakowski 28, A.Black 35, M.Daw 38, S.Gibson 43

In: W.Sierakowski , A.Black, B.McKenzie New: W.Sierakowski

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Bombers here to stay

Essendon claim ANZAC Day honours with massive 46-point win over Collingwood.

Jobe Watson celebrates a goal with Essendon fans. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Travis Cloke misses a shot at goal. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON left the MCG with a clear statement: It is a serious contender.

Not might, or will, or could be - is.

The Bombers dismantled Collingwood with a 12-goal second half, the final quarter a six-goal to three blitz which came after the Magpies kicked the first two goals of the term.

They were challenged at the end of the first quarter, through the middle of the second and third quarters and at the start of the final quarter.

Each time, they responded with a run of goals, including a run of four in the third quarter, and five to finish the game.

That would be disturbing for Magpies coach Nathan Buckley.

His team was opened up by Hawthorn at the same venue in Round 3 and again yesterday.

When it happens once it can be an aberration. When it happens twice inside three weeks it is a concerning trend.

LiveHQ: Full stats, SuperCoach points and more

Just like the Hawks game, the Pies were overran in the final quarter, which means it is either a fitness issue or they aren't good enough.

The final score was 18.13 (121) to 10.15 (75).

The Bombers put Scott Pendlebury under pressure. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Bombers coach James Hird praised the overall team defence yesterday, but also singled out a back group which has held steady throughout the five-zip start.

Yesterday, Jake Carlisle contained Travis Cloke (six marks, two goals), Michael Hibberd and Courtenay Dempsey created off the flanks, Mark Baguley subdued Jamie Elliott (nine touches, one goal) and Kyle Hardingham and Cale Hooker were steady enough.

Everyone's talking about our offence, but not giving us enough credit for our defence. Look at the stats. Look at them.

Overall, the Bombers are defensive demons.

It is the No.1 improvement from last year to this.

Hird admitted yesterday his midfield needed a ''change of mindset'' and Heath Hocking agreed.

Pendlebury turns torch on 'cheating' Pies

Hocking took Pendlebury yesterday and, although beaten, he was part of a midfield which had more depth of contribution than Collingwood.

Ron Reed: A salute to James Hird

Hocking, who was restricted last year because of a shoulder injury which needed surgery at the end of the season, epitomises what is required in intensity, while Brent Stanton epitomises how much Essendon has improved.

Hird praises steely defence

''I like our team defence,'' Hocking said.

''We've worked on it which was one of the coaches' aims, just be a better accountable footy team which means we can compete with the better sides."

Scott Gumbleton celebrates a goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

He says his teammates ram home the point at every opportunity.

''Last year there were times when it was not so consistent, but right now it's there, we're red hot. If someone is not manning up, we're tough on them. And it's contagious. If you're mate's doing it, you do it, and it lifts you.''

Brendon Goddard transferred from the one of the most miserly team defences in the history of the game, and when asked last night how big a difference defence makes, he said: ''It's between winning and losing.

''Everyone's talking about our offence, but not giving us enough credit for our defence. Look at the stats. Look at them.''

For the Pies, Steele Sidebottom had 22 disposals at the half and 31 for the game, and stats show he had Dempsey for much of the first quarter, when he racked up 13.

As the game continued, Pendlebury became Collingwood's most threatening player, while Dane Swan had 30 touches.

The next best mid in terms of numbers was Marty Clarke with 21.

Dale Thomas crashes over Courtenay Dempsey. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

No wonder Pendlebury talked about cheats, because the Essendon midfield was able to run rampant several times.

In the first quarter the Pies laid just four tackles. That improved to 15 in the second quarter, 18 in the third and 13 in the final-quarter capitulation.

A critical period of the game was the first 11 minutes of the third quarter. The Bombers had a 7-0 clearance differential and kicked four goals.

The game might've been tighter, perhaps, if the Bombers big men, Tom Bellchambers and Scott Gumbleton, didn't receive free kicks - and goals - for two contentious decisions late in the third quarter.

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

As it was, the Bombers had too many winners.

Jason Winderlich kicked three goals and had five score assists and was a menace in the forward line, Alwyn Davey's tackling pressure is first rate, and Bellchambers is far better than anyone ever thought.

On the flip side, Buckley will ask questions about Jordan Russell in defence, and he didn't get enough out of his three smalls, Dwyer, Blair and Elliott, just to name a few.

Picture gallery: All the action and emotion from the MCG

Herald Sun Player of the Year votes
3. David Zaharakis (Ess)
2. Jobe Watson (Ess)
1. Michael Hibberd (Ess)

Best players
Essendon: Zaharakis, Watson, Hibberd, Stanton, Carlisle, Goddard, Winderlich, Baguley, Bellchambers. Collingwood: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Reid, Shaw, Swan.
 

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Pendles turns torch on "cheating" Pies

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

Bombers midfielder David Zaharakis claims the ANZAC Medal.

Scott Pendlebury accused his teammates of not working hard enough in Collingwood's Anzac Day loss to Essendon. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD acting captain Scott Pendlebury last night accused his team of "cheating" at vital stages of yesterday's Anzac Day loss to Essendon, a defeat compounded by the likely season-ending knee injury to defender Alan Toovey.

The Magpies came within 11 points of the Bombers early in the final term, but were no match when it mattered most as Essendon stormed home to win by 46 points before the third highest home-and-away crowd in VFL-AFL history.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley also blamed work-rate for the way in which the Bombers were able to overpower his team with six of the last seven goals - mirroring the Magpies' last term collapse to Hawthorn in Round 3.

A frustrated Pendlebury said: "They (Essendon) burnt us pretty badly by playing honest football. We started cheating."

"In the last 15 minutes the forwards and mids ... left our backs with guys everywhere and six guys can't defend nine.

"The alarming thing is how quickly we can get blown out of the water once the game seems to be over."It is not just this year, it was last year in the finals (against) Sydney and Hawthorn."

Mark Robinson: Bombers are here to stay

Buckley agreed with Pendlebury, saying the final-term fadeouts were a "disturbing" trend that would be addressed.

"It looked like work-rate to me," Buckley said.

"If you isolate that last quarter and just looked at the numbers around the contests, at pivotal times when the ball went Essendon's way, we just didn't have enough numbers there.

"We would have had two or three blokes spectating and not working hard enough to get across."

Buckley denied that Collingwood had been too Travis Cloke-centric with their delivery into attack.

But he said the power forward, who kicked 2.3 and had little impact, needed to find a better balance between his best and worst performances.

"I think 'Clokey' spilled probably five or six opportunities that he gobbled up last week," Buckley said.

"You are not going to have career-best games every week, but you have got to find an elevated minimum level."

Travis Cloke misses a shot at goal. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Buckley lamented the loss of Toovey, who went down after attempting to turn with only five minutes left on the clock.

"Anyway you cut it, he is going to be a loss for us ... the docs are saying it is a likely ACL rupture," he said.

"'Toovs' is a fantastic competitor. Against our values, he would nearly stand No.1 amongst his peers as the guy who is most dependable."

Buckley would not be drawn on two free-kicks to Tom Bellchambers and Scott Gumbleton late in the third term that  resulted in goals to Essendon, quelling some of the Collingwood momentum before three-quarter time.

"They were pretty close one-on-one contests that could have gone either way. We lost them - so be it," he said.

Buckley said he would not make decisions about possible inclusions for Friday night's game against St Kilda until after tonight's VFL game against Bendigo.

The Magpies' VFL side will include the likes of Darren Jolly, Luke Ball (in his comeback game), Andrew Krakouer, Ben Johnson and Alan Didak.

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Proud Watters lauds beaten Saints

Scott Watters beams about his Saints despite loss to Swans.

Sydney claim the first overseas AFL win, beating the Saints in Wellington.

Saints coach Scott Watters with his players after the loss in Wellington. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters last night lauded the fighting spirit of his defeated side, after Sydney held off a hard-charging Saints outfit in Wellington's Anzac Day contest.

The Saints dragged the margin back within ten points in the last term after being 29 points down, and while Sydney steadied for a 16-point win the inexperienced St Kilda kept fighting.

Watters was frustrated at the close-checking tactics of Sydney's key defenders, labelling as ''interesting'' their continual blocking of his forwards well off the ball.

But while that might result in several days of scrutiny for Ted Richards and Heath Grundy, Watters' over-riding emotion was excitement his batch of raw kids and veterans nearly pulled off a fighting win.

LIVE HQ- All the stats and SuperCoach scores here

'(I am) really proud. I hate losing, we hate losing as a club, but I am really proud of their efforts. And if they continue to give that, win, lose or draw, the club moves forward,'' he said.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt ran himself to a standstill with 27 possessions and two goals, while Lenny Hayes (28 possessions, eight tackles, 11 clearances) was also exceptional.

''(We had) ninety seven tackles, plus two in contested ball against arguably the best contested ball side over the last three or four years,'' Watters said.

Match report- Saints show plenty in loss

''(There was) great leadership - I thought Nick's game today just reeked of one of the great captains. He knows he's got to lead a lot of our younger players and be a really strong role model.

"We had four or five kids that came in and none of them look out of place"

St Kilda had five players under three games experience, with debutantes Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders both looking at home at times.

Sydney went to 4-1 and rebounded strongly from their last-start defeat against Geelong, with Dan Hannebery winning the Anzac Day Medal ahead of worthy contenders Luke Parker, Riewoldt, Hayes, and Jarrad McVeigh.

Watters believes the St Kilda fans are coming along for the journey despite his recent concession the club's premiership window was likely slamming shut.

Jon Ralph- 'Cake tin' serves up soggy dish

The Saints face Collingwood, Carlton and Adelaide (away) in the next three weeks in a testing run.

''I hope the (supporters) enjoy the strong performances of both our younger and our older players,'' Watters said.'\

'That's the great part of supporting a footy club. We all want to win, mark my words we don't put the time in and the players don't train their guts out to lose, that's not what we're about.

"There's value in effort, there's value in courage under pressure.''

Unprompted, Watters questioned whether Sydney's defenders were infringing their opponents too far from the ball.

''I think they block off the ball better than any defensive group in the league. We need to have a really good look at the way they block from 10 or 15 metres away off the ball and see if we can bring some of that into our game.

"Some of their blocking, yeah, was pretty interesting, but we will learn from it.'

'We need to have a good look at the way they block 10 or 15 metres off the ball and don't get infringed against.''
 

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Swans hold sway over Saints

Sydney claim the first overseas AFL win, beating the Saints in Wellington.

The AFL video review system is in the spotlight again after a close call in New Zealand

Sydney's Mike Pyke and St. Kilda's Ben McEvoy lock horns. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

ST KILDA made history last night. Unfortunately their season has now been consigned to the same status.

The Saints broke new ground as the first team to host an international premiership match, and they used the occasion to display heart and determination in short supply at times this year.

First they beat the AFL's in-and under specialists at their own game early on, then they kick-started a last term comeback that captivated the crowd of 22,546 Wellington fans.

Yet by the end of a night in which Sydney just did what they do best - stop an opponent in their tracks, surge, and stifle a late charge - the Saints were still 1-4 and out of the finals race.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

This was not quite the game to showcase everything that is glorious about the AFL, with the game at times more rugby than the aerial pinpong non-converts have accused it of resembling.

Still, with Wellington abuzz to the sounds of the AFL for a week and Westpac Stadium two-thirds full last night, it was a mighty promising start.

'Proud' Watters lauds beaten Saints

For the first and last quarters St Kilda showed everything coach Scott Watters had demanded, out Sydney-ing Sydney through the efforts of Nick Riewoldt (27 touches) and Lenny Hayes (eight tackles, 11 clearances).

Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh and St. Kilda's Clinton Jones go in hard. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Then just as Sydney and Anzac Medallist Dan Hannebery seemed certain to lock down the game as they have so often at their SCG fortress, the Saints came alive again.

From 26 points down at the last break, the kids finally began matching the work ethic of the older brigade.

By the time Leigh Montagna's silky goal from deep in the pocket had reduced the margin to ten points, the Westpac Stadium crowd was rocking for the first time.

Jon Ralph - 'Cake tin' serves up soggy dish

Shane Mumford's goal in time on iced the contest for Sydney, but given the fleet of kids the Saints carried in their line-up there was no disgrace in the loss.Not only did the Saints fight to the end, they did it with a side including first-gamers Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders, as well as Tom Lee (one game), Seb Ross (two) and Nathan Wright (two) all playing last night.

All of them showed glimpses at times, and while Riewoldt (31), Hayes (33) and Montagna (29) clearly the club's best three players, it seems St Kilda supporters are prepared to come along for what could be a rocky ride.

Sydney's Adam Goodes fends off St. Kilda's Nathan Wright. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

The good news was those elder statesman led from the front all night, Riewoldt running himself to exhaustion and inspiring fellow veterans in Sam Gilbert into some rousing first-half action.

Sydney just absorbed St Kilda's best blows, then got on with the job of rebounding from that humbling loss to Geelong last week.The old stagers took time to warm to the contest, but soon midfield stars Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebury and Jarrad McVeigh were dominating the clinches.

Luke Parker belied the slippery conditions to kick two critical goals in a low-scoring match, and Kieren Jack's 13 tackles showcased his rugby childhood.

St Kilda had the first five inside 50s and all the momentum, and could so easily have led by three goals in an inkling.

Yet an interchange infraction to Ahmed Saad gifted Josh Kennedy a long-rang goal and then Jarryn Geary's long bomb seemed to have crossed the goal line before video reviews from a shocking TV angle handed Ted Richards the mark.

Sydney's Mike Pyke crunches Justin Koschitzke after taking strong mark. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Yet with such inexperience in this St Kilda side - and Sydney containing so many flint-hard matchwinners, the Swans inevitably too control.

They would pile on the pressure - and 28 of the next 41 inside 50s - through a combination of brilliance, luck and St Kilda mistakes.

Ben McGlynn was gifted a goal-line goal when Gilbert could not force the ball through, a controversial push-in-the-back call on Tony Armstrong won Kieren Jack another, and the brilliant veteran Jude Bolton capped off another sure-handed display with a third.

From the main break, with St Kilda ten points down and battling, it looked like getting ugly.But St Kilda's rousing finish ensured that even if they remain locked on only win, nearly everyone went home happy last night.

VOTES

3. Lenny Hayes
2. Daniel Hannebery
1. Luke Parker

BEST

ST KILDA: Hayes, Riewoldt, Montagna, Gilbert, Geary, Fisher, Roberton

SYDNEY: Hannebery, Parker, McVeigh, Jack, Kennedy, 

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Teams: No Joe for Anzac Day

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

A further blow for St Kilda with Stephen Milne set to miss Thursday's Anzac Day match against Sydney in Wellington.

Justin Koschitzke could play his first match for the year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has made three changes but resisted the temptation to play Joe Daniher against Collingwood on Anzac Day.

Stewart Crameri, Kyle Hardingham and Travis Colyer have been promoted to the Bombers' line-up.

Michael Hurley is out with an ankle injury suffered against St Kilda last week while defender Tayte Pears and midfielder Jake Melksham were dropped.

Dustin Fletcher has not recovered from a groin injury in time to play.

Daniher, who has been starring at VFL level, did not even make the emergencies.

But his father Anthony is not concerned.

"It's all about the right time and the right environment to bring him in, and everyone is different," he told 3AW.

"I think tomorrow could have been just a bit too early.

See the full team line-ups below and in LiveHQ

"The critical thing is to make sure he's ready to play and Joe has missed a lot of footy over the past few years.

"He's just motoring along really nicely at the moment.

"Theres absolutely no hurry to rush him into that senior team."

Collingwood made just one change, bringing in Tyson Goldsack at the expense of youngster Josh Thomas.

Meanwhile, Justin Koschiztke will resurrect his AFL career in New Zealand tomorrow.

Koschitzke, who has been bumped from the Saints' best side this year, is one of five inclusions for St Kilda's historic clash against Sydney - the first match for premiership points outside Australia.

St Kilda will be boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Sean Dempster, while draftees Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders will make their AFL debuts.

The pair were selected with picks 40 and 43 in last year's national draft.

The Swans have lost Lewis Roberts-Thompson to a knee injury and dropped Mitch Morton.

Craig Bird and Andrejs Everitt are their replacements.

Champion Data SuperCoach formguide

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD, Thursday 2.40pm at the MCG

ESSENDON

B: M.Hibberd 1, C.Hooker 26, M.Baguley 46
HB: B.Stanton 5, J.Carlisle 22, B.Goddard 9
C: D.Heppell 21, J.Watson 4, C.Dempsey 15
HF: J.Merrett 20, D.Hille 19, S.Gumbleton 3
F: K.Hardingham 34, S.Crameri 12, A.Davey 29
Foll: T.Bellchambers 2, B.Howlett, 40, J.Winderlich 8
I/C: D.Zaharakis 11, D.Myers 23, H.Hocking 39, T.Colyer, 32
Emerg: N.Lovett-Murray 42, J.Melksham 17, T.Pears 16

In: Hardingham, Colyer, Crameri
Out: Hurley (ankle), Pears, Melksham

COLLINGWOOD

B: N.Brown 16, A.Toovey 34, B.Reid 20
HB: M.Clarke 9, H.Shaw 39, H.O'Brien 8
C: S.Sidebottom 22, D.Swan 36, D.Thomas 13
HF: J.Elliott 19, T.Cloke 32, Q.Lynch 21
F: B.Sinclair 28, T.Goldsack 6, S.Dwyer 41
Foll: B.Hudson 25, S.Pendlebury 10, J.Blair 11
I/C: A.Fasolo 1, J.Russell 2, B.Macaffer, 3, P.Seedsman 40
Emerg: J.Witts 15, J.Thomas 24, B.Kennedy 27

In: Goldsack
Out: J.Thomas

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Thursday 5.50pm in Wellington

ST KILDA
B: N.Wright 34, S.Fisher 25, D.Roberton 17
HB: S.Dempster 24, R.Stanley 28, S.Gilbert 19
C: L.Hayes 7, C.Jones 4, J.Geary 14
HF: D.Armitage 20, N.Riewoldt 12, N.Dal Santo 26
F: A.Saad 21, S.Ross 6, J.Saunders 35
Foll: B.McEvoy 5, J.Steven 3, L.Montagna 11
I/C: T.Dennis-Lane 8, T. Lee 9, J.Koschitzke 23, B.Murdoch 30
Emerg: A.Siposs 2, T.Hickey 1, F.Ray 22

In: Koschitzke, Dempster, Lee, Murdoch, Saunders
Out: Milne (suspension), Maister (hand), Simpkin, Milera, Ray

SYDNEY

B: D.Rampe 43, H.Grundy 39, N.Smith 40
HB: M.Mattner 29, T.Richards 25, N.Malceski 9
C: K.Jack 15, R.O'Keefe 5, L.Jetta 32
HF: J.Bolton 24, S.Reid20, D.Hannebery 4
F: M.Pyke 38, A.Goodes 37, B.McGlynn 21
Foll: S.Mumford 41, J.Kennedy 12, J.McVeigh 3
I/C: T.Armstrong 19, C.Bird 14, A.Everitt 13, L Parker 26
Emerg: J.White 18, T.Walsh 17, M.Morton 10

In:Bird, Everitt
Out: L. Roberts-Thomson (knee), Morton.
 

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Unity key to Pies' game

James Hird says he's wary of Dane Swan's form against Essendon.

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley declared Essendon skipper Jobe Watson "basically untaggable" as he plotted a positive strategy for the Anzac Day clash.

Buckley said it would be pointless to individually target Watson, Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard and Dyson Heppell.

"It's pretty hard if you're going to trailer and caravan them around," Buckley said.

"We believe we can defend well as a unit, reinforce our strengths and blunt the opposition's at the same time. We back the way we play, we back the way we defend."

GALLERY: See the Pies prepare for Anzac Day

The Pies made one change to the team that defeated Richmond last Saturday, bringing back versatile Tyson Goldsack at the expense of Josh Thomas.

Essendon resisted the temptation to hand father-son recruit Joe Daniher, 19, an Anzac Day debut.

Stewart Crameri comes back from a knee injury, as well as Kyle Hardingham and Travis Colyer. Tayte Pears and Jake Melksham are on the sidelines with the injured Michael Hurley.

The Buzz: How Pies hit the jackpot with Quinten Lynch

Coach James Hird said this year's Bombers were better placed to take on the Pies than last year's, despite a 4-0 record going into Anzac Day yet again.

"We've certainly got a better injury list, we've got more players available and we're playing better football than this time last year," Hird said.

"We may have been 4-0 last year, but if you look back on the games that we were playing, we were just beating sides and probably lucky to win a couple of those games.

The Barometer: Injury latest from every club

"Collingwood is an outstanding team and it's going to be a very tough game."

Essendon yesterday signed key defender Jake Carlisle for two more years.

"It means a lot to recommit to the club that gave me the opportunity and drafted me," Carlisle said.

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Scene, not Hird on Anzac Day

ANZAC day match is more than just a game for James Hird.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Essendon coach James Hird. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

James Hird after winning his third Anzac Day medal in 2004. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ANZAC Day is not about James Hird - he just knows plenty about it.

He grew up in Canberra, two torpedoes from the War Memorial, and every year as far back as he can remember, he would be outside watching people old and young march to the heartbeat of Australia.

Hird's grandfather and great uncle fought in World War II.

Both returned.

So, when Hird arrived at Bomberland and began playing in the annual blockbuster against Collingwood, the importance of Anzac Day was already entrenched.

That he won three won three Anzac Medals (2000, 2003-04) is beside the point.

He played some magical football on the revered occasion, but if you ask him his favourite moment of Anzac Day, he would say it was the birth of his first daughter, Stephanie, on this day in 1999.

"Anzac Day has always been a big day," he said.

"My house in Canberra was the closest house to the War Memorial, so Anzac Day was always huge. You had the big march, and from a young kid, you went and watched the march up Anzac Parade.

"Then, when I think back to '95, we played footy on Anzac Day.

"It has always meant a lot because I've been around it all my life.

"But it wasn't a football game that changed my thinking about Anzac Day."

The Bombers on Anzac Day last year. Source: Getty Images

Today is his third Anzac Day as coach and he says it remains as important to him as the first occasion as a player.

"It's an historic day where we remember people who have done so much for our country - it's as simple as that,"

Hird said. "It's very important for our young players and all players of our football club to remember those people."

Yesterday was about the Anzac message.

Hird wouldn't go into detail about what was said, and by whom.

On Monday, several players visited the Shrine of Remembrance.

This morning, those players not playing will attend the dawn service.

"We'll speak about what it means to Australia and how the young people of Australia have carried the day on," Hird said.
This is where Hird and Magpie coach Nathan Buckley are so important - at their respective teams, they carry the torch of responsibility.

They follow on from Kevin Sheedy and Mick Malthouse; men who understood the messages of life - not just football.

Hird and Buckley are there to talk to their young players.

They are also there to show leadership to young people.

Hird never tires of Anzac Day.

"There are always different stories to tell, different occasions, different parts of the story ... it's not a story I get sick of telling," he said.

"Our country was built on hard work, and part of the our history is the men and women who served and sacrificed, and who served in other countries to protect people.

"When you think of all the people who sacrificed part of their life to go to war, you just have huge pride and respect."

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Players must step up: Watters

Swan Kieren Jack and St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt in Wellington. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters has channelled legendary coach Mick Malthouse by urging his players to prove their character in today's historic Anzac Day clash.

The Saints enter the game against Sydney with a precarious 1-3 record.

Big man Justin Koschitzke will play his first game of the season as one of five changes, with All-Australian defender Sean Dempster (wrist) another inclusion.

St Kilda will field two debutants - Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders - while Tom Lee is back in.

Sydney recalled Craig Bird and Andrejs Everitt for Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) and forward Mitch Morton (dropped).

This game is shaping as St Kilda's line in the sand moment - playing the Swans on a foreign ground with key absentees and at a ground guaranteed to provide flukey winds.

For Watters, an assistant with Collingwood on previous Anzac Days, this is a chance for his players to prove their mettle.

"What we are looking for is real honesty in the contest. On this particular day, this particular stage, so many people watching, it's an opportunity for players to show what they stand for, on both sides, I guess," Watters said.

"You've got to take those opportunities whether you're a young player or an older player, to make a statement on what type of player you are.

"It's not a final, but these sort of games have that sort of feel to it.

"You've got to win games to stay in the hunt, we don't shy away from that. It's a big game, as last week was.

"You've just got to take your chances when they're there if you want to stay relevant and push yourself up the ladder."

Of debutant Saunders, Watters said: "He is a terrific kid, he's got great courage over the footy.

"He has good pace, good endurance, a developing player."

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt said yesterday he remained quietly optimistic about the club's season.

"At the end of the day, it's a game of football for four points and we are on the hunt for a win." he said.

"We have been thereabouts this season without getting over the line and are clearly playing an opposition that we respect, but I think we match up really well. Last year we had a couple of really close games against them so we are quietly confident about our chances and looking forward to a really tough struggle."

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We took the drug: Essendon

Essendon have admitted to drug investigators some of its players took anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last year. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has admitted to drug investigators some of its players took the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last year.

The Bombers said they relied on a document purported to have been issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency approving use of the substance, which WADA confirmed this week was banned.

It is believed Essendon's former sports scientist Stephen Dank showed a document to Bombers club doctor Bruce Reid.

Essendon does not have the letter, and believes Dank has the only copy.

Several Essendon officials are aware of the letter's existence.

Dank was not available to respond to questions about the document yesterday.

It has been reported "half a dozen" Bombers took the drug as part of the supplements program at Essendon last year, the subject of a joint Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority-AFL investigation.

While AOD-9604 is not banned under category S2 of the WADA code - which lists specific substances - it is prohibited under category S0, which states substances not approved for human use are prohibited at all times.

Reid has been interviewed by ASADA investigators and is believed to have told them of the letter of authorisation.

Essendon coach James Hird also has been interviewed, with other coaches and players to follow.

Dank has not yet agreed to talk to ASADA.

Given he is not employed by an AFL club, he is not compelled to submit to interview.

Asked about an AOD-9604 "authorisation letter" last night, an Essendon spokesman said: "The club has launched an AFL-ASADA investigation and an internal review and we will not be commenting until the investigations are completed."

If charged with doping, players would be expected to defend themselves under 'exceptional circumstances' provisions in the WADA code and the AFL Anti-Doping Code, which can have two-year bans cancelled.

WADA's rule 10.5.1 discusses the principle of "no fault or negligence", and is based on athletes proving they did not know what they were being given by sports scientists or doctors.

If an athlete can prove "in an individual case that he or she bears no fault or negligence, the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility shall be eliminated".

The Australian Crime Commission said yesterday it had relied on information from ASADA in compiling its report on drugs in sport, which stated several times AOD-9604 was not prohibited.

Melbourne has also been linked to "AOD" in text exchanges between Dank and Demons club doctor Dan Bates revealed last week.

Bates, who has been stood down by Melbourne, was interviewed by ASADA and AFL officers last week.

He said yesterday: "I wish to point out that I will be open and transparent and I look forward to continuing to fully assist ASADA and the AFL in their investigations."

with Eliza Sewell

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Teams: Kosi, Dempster bolster Saints

A further blow for St Kilda with Stephen Milne set to miss Thursday's Anzac Day match against Sydney in Wellington.

Justin Koschitzke could play his first match for the year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

JUSTIN Koschitzke is a chance to return from the football wilderness in Thursday's historic Anzac Day match against Sydney in New Zealand.

Koschitzke, who has been bumped from the Saints' best side this year, was named on an extended interchange bench and was rested from Sunday's VFL match to remain fresh for the trip across the Tasman.

The 30-year-old is stranded on 195 games but a strong chance to remain in the final side when it is trimmed to 22 tomorrow with forwards Beau Maister (hand) and Stephen Milne (suspension) ruled out.

The Saints have also dropped goalsneak Terry Milera and Tom Simpkin ahead of the maiden match played for premiership points off Australian shores.

St Kilda will be boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Sean Dempster, while Geelong Falcons hardnut Josh Saunders is certain to make his AFL debut.

Saunders, who was plucked at pick No. 43 in last year's draft, was named in a forward pocket.

The Swans have lost Lewis Roberts-Thompson to a knee injury, with Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt and former Saint Tommy Walsh in the mix to replace the swingman.

Essendon and Collingwood will announce their Anzac Day sides tomorrow.

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Thursday 5.50pm in Wellington

ST KILDA
B: N.Wright 34, S.Fisher 25, D.Roberton 17
HB: S.Dempster 24, R.Stanley 28, S.Gilbert 19
C: L.Hayes 7, C.Jones 4, J.Geary 14
HF: D.Armitage 20, N.Riewoldt 12, N.Dal Santo 26
F: A.Saad 21, S.Ross 6, J.Saunders 35
Foll: B.McEvoy 5, J.Steven 3, L.Montagna 11
I/C from: T.Dennis-Lane 8, A.Siposs 2, T.Hickey 1, T.Lee 9, J. Koschitzke 23, F.Ray 22, B.Murdoch 30

In: J.Koschitzke, S.Dempster, T.Lee, A.Siposs, T.Hickey, B.Murdoch, J.Saunders
Out: S.Milne (suspended) B.Maister (hand), T.Milera (omitted), T.Simpkin (omitted)

SYDNEY

B: D.Rampe 43, H.Grundy 39, N.Smith 40
HB: M.Mattner 29, T.Richards 25, N.Malceski 9
C: K.Jack 15, R.O'Keefe 5, L.Jetta 32
HF: J.Bolton 24, S.Reid20, D.Hannebery 4
F: M.Pyke 38, A.Goodes 37, B.McGlynn 21
Foll: S.Mumford 41, J.Kennedy 12, J.McVeigh 3
I/C from: T.Armstrong 19, M.Morton 10, L.Parker 26, C.Bird 14, A.Everitt 13, J.White 18, T.Walsh 17

In: J.White, A.Everitt, T.Walsh
Out: L. Roberts-Thomson (knee).
 

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Kelly in for the Cats

Geelong midfielder James Kelly will line up against the Dogs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG is set to welcome back midfielder James Kelly for Saturday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs, but he won't be the only comeback this weekend.

Athletic tall Nathan Vardy will play his first game of the year after overcoming a groin injury that has hampered him since before the start of the NAB Cup.

Kelly has missed the past two games with an achilles injury, but is set to return against the Dogs at Etihad Stadium.

"He should be right. It was quite an innocuous issue with his ankle, achilles area," Geelong coach Chris Scott said yesterday. "We didn't think he'd miss at all, and now he's missed two. That's more a reflection of our conservatism than the seriousness of that injury.

A shoulder injury in the VFL halts Geelong young gun Nathan Vardy's return to senior ranks. Picture: Leanne Churchill Source: Herald Sun

 

"We'd be staggered if he didn't play this week."

Vardy, who played two games late last year after returning from serious hip surgery, will play in the VFL on Sunday.

"It's really exciting to get Vards back. He needs to get some football under his belt. We're not going to rush him back at all," Scott said.

"In fact, he could have played the last couple of weeks, but we decided to be ultra-conservative with him and we'll continue that through the next few weeks with his VFL program.

"I expect it's going to be difficult because he'll play well at VFL level, but we will resist the temptation to get him back into the AFL system because we'd rather be safe than sorry.

"Some of the feedback we're getting is that it's just too conservative, but if that's a mistake we make then I can live with that."

Josh Walker will return after injuring his shoulder in the first VFL game of the season four weeks ago, while Josh Hunt, who has battled back from glandular fever and a shoulder issue, will spend more time in the VFL.

"(Hunt) has got some more footy at VFL level. He played very well on the weekend, he was clearly one of the best players on the ground, but he's coming off a very limited preparation," Scott said.

"Josh is going to be important for us, certainly in the last half of the season. Similarly to our younger players, we've got to make sure he's well and truly ready to play his best before he steps up to AFL level."

Ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who is battling an achilles injury after having pre-season knee surgery, is still at least a couple of weeks away from a return.

"Dawson Simpson's the other one who's not too far away. We'd love to have Simpson, Vardy, McIntosh available, Walker will play this week as well, so we're slowly getting those (tall) guys back into the system," Scott said.

"We very much see those guys as a unit that works together. We certainly won't be deciding on our best two and sticking with them every single week.

"It's healthy for our group that we're starting to get some of those guys backs into our system."

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Lynch ready for 'G force

Quinten Lynch puts his hand near his 2006 West Coast premiers tattoo during recovery. Picture: Petch Colleen

QUINTEN Lynch used to enjoy quiet training sessions at an empty MCG as an Eagle.

He was happy at West Coast but, as a keen student of the game, he knew that there could be nothing better than playing week after week in front of packed stands at the home of footy.

Lynch played 18 of his 209 games for the Eagles at the 'G. Tomorrow will be his first Anzac Day clash against Essendon.

It won't be the biggest crowd he's played in front of - 97,431 attended the Eagles winning Grand Final in 2006 - but it could well be the best atmosphere.

Lynch used to be at peace on a quiet MCG, now he's revelling playing in front of the massive Magpie army.

"We used to get to train there every now and then when I was at the Eagles. We'd only play there once a year and maybe finals," Lynch said.

"When we'd train, it'd be empty, so it was always nice to get out on to the ground and walk around when it was quiet.

"Now that I'm a part of Collingwood, it's exciting to be able to get out there and play real games all of the time. I'll probably play there more this year than I did for the rest of my career.

"I love running out there, I get a bit of a buzz every time I do. It's the home of footy and it seems to be every week that we're playing in front of massive crowds."

Lynch, an off-season free agency acquisition for the Magpies, has been a revelation this year, particularly since Darren Jolly went down with a rib injury against Carlton in Round 2.

But there is one source of frustration this year - his lack of goal-scoring prowess.

He has netted three goals for the Pies, two of which came in Round 1 when he played predominantly as a forward with Jolly still fit and firing.

"I'm just really enjoying my footy at the moment," he said. "I've been given a fresh start, a clean slate. I've come in to a real good team and a real good club.

"It's exciting for me, probably the back end of my career. I'm just trying to make every post a winner.

"When I came to the club, one of the things that excited me was being able to play a little bit in the ruck.

"I've enjoyed that bit of freedom up the ground as well as getting back and helping Trav (Cloke) out as much as I can.

"I'd just like to hit the scoreboard a little bit more. At the moment, that's probably the one area I've let myself down. It's not a technique thing. I've just got to get in some better spots.

"I've just had opportunities that I haven't finished off. As a forward, you've got to kick goals."

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Judd ready to sign for another year

Carlton superstar Chris Judd confirms he'll play on into the 2014 AFL season, despite not yet having signed a contract extension.

Carlton star Chris Judd is ready to re-sign. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON superstar Chris Judd has put aside retirement plans, telling the club he wants to play next season.

A decision to relinquish formal leadership duties has helped rejuvenate the 29-year-old who admitted he was appreciating football more this year than he had in some time.

There has been speculation the brilliant midfielder may make a sudden exit from football after delaying contract talks with the Blues until mid-season.

But the Brownlow medallist has made it clear he wanted to re-sign a deal to play a 13th AFL campaign in 2014.

"I've already expressed I will be keen to play on again next year and the club has said they're keen to have me," Judd said.

"We haven't penned a deal yet, but I'm sure that will get done at some stage during the season."

After signing a six-year deal to come to Carlton in late 2007, Judd said he would likely take it year by year from now on.

Former teammate Dean Cox told the Sunday Herald Sun he would also likely commit only for one season.

"That's the case for most blokes who get to 30 years old and I think that works for the club and it works for the individual as well," he said.

The West Coast premiership midfielder told 6PR radio the realisation he was in the final stages of his career had helped him enjoy his football more this season.

"Once you start to approach 30, more so, you realise it is going to end," he said. "So you sort of get a bit more of an extra kick in a sense, because you have this realisation that it actually it isn't going to last forever.

"I'm probably appreciating footy a bit more than I have for a while."

Judd has previously indicated he would want to leave football after he retires from playing. But the 243-gamer now said there was a chance he could return to the game in some capacity, including potentially coaching, once he hung up the boots.

"At the moment, I will look to explore other opportunities outside of footy, but I acknowledge that I do really love the game," he said.

"I just couldn't tell you how much I'm going to miss it once I stop playing.

"Hopefully, I have got a couple of years before I have to do down that path, we'll just wait and see."

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Saints to double up in NZ

Nick Riewoldt models the Saints' New Zealand strip. They are set to play two games across the ditch next year.

Former Sydney Swan Troy Luff joins Fox Sports News to discuss all the burning issues in the AFL including Daniel Menzel's injury and Majak Daw.

THE AFL will almost certainly grant St Kilda's "bold" bid to play two home games a season in Wellington in the next two years.

St Kilda chiefs hope to use strong Kiwi interest in the historic Anzac Day clash against Sydney to back its case for a second home game in August in 2014 and 2015.

Teams: Kosi, Dempster back for the Saints

Pre-sales point to a crowd of more than 20,000 tomorrow at Westpac Stadium, a 34,000-seat stadium that is home to Super Rugby's Hurricanes.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan said although the Saints' proposal had not yet been approved by the league, the signs were "very promising".

"They've obviously spoken to us about whether we would contemplate two games next year and two games (the year) after," McLachlan said.

"But it's in the context of we'll see how this game goes, and on the crowd and the success of the game, and have a look at it after that.

"It's obviously a very bold play from St Kilda.

"But you certainly get excited when you arrive, as we have today, and there are people in St Kilda and Sydney gear walking the streets and every cab driver wants to talk to you about the game.

"It feels very real."

St Kilda chief executive Michael Nettlefold told the Herald Sun yesterday that benchmarks set by the Wellington Council for continuing support would be met.

Nettlefold urged the AFL to think big.

"It's possible that in 20 or 30 years, you might have a side playing over here," Nettlefold said. "You have seen it work in rugby league, and netball and soccer and rugby union. This is a country which loves its sport and we think it will be taking to Australian rules as well.

"It is three hours door-to-door from Melbourne and Sydney, and there is only a two-hour time difference. It has a very similar travelling profile to Perth."

St Kilda players and coaches arrived yesterday a day later than the Swans.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters knows playing the premier on a small ground in windy conditions may favour Sydney, but he said the support in Wellington would be for St Kilda.

"(Westpac Stadium) is a fantastic ground; it's the same length as the SCG but 17m thinner. It's a cauldron. They call it the Cake Tin for a reason," he said.

Nettlefold said 2500 St Kilda and 1500 Sydney fans were in town.

"Hotels are booked out, Virgin put another flight on to accommodate demand, and there are a lot of Australians in Wellington," he said.

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