Neeld's big picture still unfocused

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has made some interesting recruiting choices in the off-season. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

BILLY Beane never won the World Series.

If you didn't read Moneyball or were too busy gushing over Brad Pitt in the film to notice, this point might have escaped you.

Beane, Moneyball's pin-up boy, found fame and fortune through his controversial baseball recruiting strategy, but the Oakland As are still searching for the ultimate success.

It is a harsh reality worth noting as the dust settles on an AFL trade period in which Melbourne jettisoned 14 players, including four top 15 draft picks.

Melbourne wasn't winning games after its campaign to bottom out, but at least it had a clear point of difference: an extraordinary clutch of high draft picks.

Now the challenge for Beane disciple and Demons coach Mark Neeld is to successfully sell his new methodology, because it now seems a combination of several list management strategies.

Melbourne's fire sale of first-round picks resulted in the exodus of Lucas Cook (pick 12), Cale Morton (4), and Jordan Gysberts (11) only a year after former No.1 pick Tom Scully left for Greater Western Sydney.

In their place come journeymen who either played most of this year in the VFL or were dropped at some stage.

David Rodan, Cameron Pedersen and Shannon Byrnes played 42 state-league games between them, and marquee signing Chris Dawes was dropped by Collingwood in Round 23.

The Demons are pledging to follow the Moneyball theory, bring in underrated talent and have them thrive in a new culture of togetherness and toughness.

Actor Brad Pitt playing Billy Beane in Moneyball. Source: Supplied

But Moneyball was about recruiting cheap, undervalued talent, given Oakland's payroll of $41 million was dwarfed by the New York Yankees' $125 million.

The Demons are the antithesis of Moneyball because they were forced to pay overs for Mitch Clarke and Dawes.

Is the list revamp a concession the Demons are pushing back the window of success three years, given the drafting of kids such as Jesse Hogan (not available until 2014), Jack Viney and the lightly built Dom Barry?

If so, it means Melbourne will run into the emerging expansion teams.

More likely it is Neeld deciding most of those 14 discards did not fit the new culture he wants to instil.

But why recruit Rodan, who has all the frustrating traits you would assume Neeld is trying to eradicate at Melbourne?

He has talent but, to be honest, he plays for himself.

Success has eluded Melbourne, but at least the players were young and talented and rigidly followed a plan they believed in.

Now it is up to Neeld to tell them what their direction is.
 

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Kelly wises up after early lesson

It hasn't been all smooth sailing for Craig Kelly. Source: Herald Sun

ELITE Sports Properties boss Craig Kelly is seen as the ultimate success story - premiership footballer, seminal player manager, and the man who sold his business for $17.5 million and then bought it back for $2 million.

But Kelly says his recent successes have masked his rocky journey with money, one that made him determined to show players there was a better way.

Kelly came from a 1000ha farm an hour north of Adelaide that was the pride of his family.

As his football career was taking off, the family finances were turning pear-shaped.

"We had a beautiful property with two beautiful houses on it, and I came over in 1989," Kelly said.

"By 1990 we had lost the whole farm. Interest rates went from nine to 19 per cent and my mum and dad started a business that went bad. We just went belly up."

Still it wasn't enough of a wake-up call.

"I bought a Ford Maverick 4WD, a house in Charles St, Abbotsford, and I paid $121,000 for it and then interest rates went from 9 to 19 per cent," he said.

Upon his return from a European jaunt after Collingwood's 1990 flag win he was confronted by his bank manager.

"He said, 'What the f--k are you doing', and ripped shreds off me," Kelly said.

Eventually he restructured his finances but said he retired from football having only broken even.

Yet he had a plan - his marketing work with Collingwood helped him segue into the burgeoning sports management business.

Kelly and his player managers now tell players to save hard, invest in bricks and mortar, and plan their exit strategy from footy.

"You have to lose it to appreciate having it," he said.

"You don't want to put yourself in that situation again. It drives you to want to get it right."

Kelly said there was no excuse for AFL players not to get a head start in life.

"Lose the perception of smashing it out of the park," he said.

"You should come out 10 years ahead of the rest, even if you are only 22 years old.

"Lots of people in the AFL have lost their fortunes, but if we are working at a 90 per cent success rate and you come out 10 years ahead, the industry is going OK."

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Another AFL figure departs

AFL football administration manager Rod Austin is the latest senior staffer to exit league headquarters.

The AFL said Austin had resigned after 21 years to "pursue new opportunities".

Saturday's Herald Sun revealed Christina Ogg, footy's first and only female executive, resigned on Friday, while rising star Andrew Catterall announced he was taking long-service leave.

It is understood Catterall, the game's general manager of strategy and marketing, will not be returning to the AFL.

Austin's efforts included formation of the TAC Cup and draft camp programs, list management strategies and the AFL's anti-doping code and illicit drugs policy.

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GWS Giants circle Tippett

GWS Giants chief executive confirms they are looking to select Kurt Tippett in the AFL draft if they can.

Kurt Tippett the Giant? Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GREATER Western Sydney says it is serious about sweeping in before Sydney and taking Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett in one of the upcoming drafts.

Tippett is expected to be forced into either November's national draft or December's pre-season draft pending the AFL's investigation into illegal third-party payments allegedly handed to him by the Crows.

GWS chief executive David Matthews confirmed last night the Giants had the salary cap room and inclination to secure Tippett.

Matthews, who signed for another three years yesterday, backed Giants coach Kevin Sheedy's endorsement of Tippett as an "exciting prospect".

"If he is affordable we would look to select him," Matthews said on SEN radio yesterday.

"Now that it looks like Kurt is going into one of the drafts, clearly it means he is someone we should be discussing and we did that today.

"He is 25 and in the prime of his career and a big player we lack in the ruck."

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Players warned on shonks

Former Crows coach Neil Craig invested a sum of money into a failed investment scheme and he wasn't the only one at Adelaide to do so. Picture: Calum Robertson Source: adelaidenow

AS shonky schemes go, investing in a dental implant business would seem the perfect way to invest in pain.

But the millions of dollars earned by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou through his Ruthinium Group show there is money to be made in all manner of businesses.

The problem is the lack of due diligence by some AFL players.

The end game - Easing the pain for delisted players

Or as AFLPA financial counsellor Brad Wira says, "Do I really need $7 million of trauma insurance for $14,000".

Player manager Paul Connors urges his clients to build a 20 per cent cash deposit for their first house, then pay it off quickly.

Fellow manager Adam Ramanauskas says his clients who are playing regular senior football by their third year can buy their first house, with some adding another to their portfolio by their sixth year.

But there will alway be hair-brained schemes.

Firepower was a failed investment scheme involving fictitious shares in a company that claimed to have invested a revolutionary additive pill for fuel.

Yet it lured in most Adelaide stars, with coach Neil Craig also investing $30,000.

The footy trips - Tripping up on travelling

Some Adelaide figures were involved in the Firepower losses as well as the current betting syndicate, which has lured 50 players.

They aren't particularly bothered, because the same Firepower owner tipped them into a mining stock that boomed from $2 to $60.

West Coast star Nic Naitanui recently was offered a cut of a restaurant for $600,000 then when he rebuffed it, told he could have it for free.

Bottom line: AFL players sell merchandise, add buzz to a venture, and also have expendable cash.

As manager Paul Connors says, it is easy to invest $10,000 in a bar or restaurant but almost impossible to get out if your partners don't want to sell.

AFLPA financial advisers Mark Porter and Brad Wira are sounding boards for players and their investments, with Connors having a financial planner and mortgage broker as part of his services.

Says former Hawk and AFLPA general manager of player development Brett Johnson, "There are a lot of people hanging around the players at clubs. If a product or investment is put in front of them we encourage the guys to take it to 'Ports' or Brad Wira.

The success story - Kelly wises up after early lesson

"If all of a sudden you have three more years of an investment and you are delisted, that is where guys can come unstuck."

Some in the AFL believe members of club coteries should be banned from offering investments to players given the mixed fortunes that come as a result.

But player manager Dan Richardson says it comes down to homework.

"It doesn't matter what type of investment, it's more about the principle. You have to treat every investment on its merits," he said.

"If it's too good to be true, it probably is."

Part One - Sports betting a concern for players? You bet

Essendon chief executive Ian Robson says players are now wising up to ridiculous investments.

"If you meet someone in a bar and he says, 'You should invest in this', get his details and investigate, don't just give him $15,000.

"Those guys have been around since Jesus was a boy."

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Betting rife for AFL players

Former AFL star Brendan Fevola used to frequently gamble in poker games. Picture: Nathan Richter Source: The Daily Telegraph

A CHORUS of leading AFL figures have warned sports betting by players has reached troubling levels.

The combination of easy access to betting websites, 24-hour televised sport and high incomes is blamed for the escalating issue.

Player managers, players and former problem gamblers in the AFL say too many sportsmen are splashing money they cannot afford to lose.

Technology such as smart phones, the mushrooming of corporate bookmakers and high interest levels in international sports from AFL players is a dangerous mix.

Anti-gambling counsellor and former Melbourne midfielder Daniel Ward told the Herald Sun: "There is a lot of it out there at the moment."

Pick Me trailer: Exclusive highlights of your club's next superstar

"I know of several cases (of addiction) and it's not really being spoken about.

" It is spoken about behind people's backs and in whispers," he said.

"It's not a witch hunt and it's not being alarmist, but it is real."

Ward echoed North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, who last year said gambling was a bigger concern for AFL players than alcohol or drugs.

More than 50 players - about 6 per cent of the competition - were lured into a racing syndicate, and were battling to get their money back.

Player manager Paul Connors said he was worried players with hours to kill and money to burn were filling that time with gambling on sports other than AFL.

"I think gambling is an issue. It used to be poker, which led to other stuff," Connors said.

"I have been a manager for 15 years now and I just think it's readily available online and in casinos, and I think it's going to continue to be an issue.

"Players will be bored. And if they are not doing things outside footy they have downtime and they spend money and you just can't stop that." AFLPA player relations general manager Ian Prendergast said the player union was working hard to educate players and limit the number with gambling problems.

"I think we are aware of individual players who have issues with gambling. Generally speaking we have a young playing group who are risktakers with a fair amount of discretionary income available," he said.

"We are trying to stay vigilant and be really proactive with our (anti-gambling and (education) programs."

Recently retired Collingwood and Gold Coast player Josh Fraser said it was easy for young players to follow the lead of wealthier teammates who could afford to drop some money.

"Younger guys can get caught up in it pretty quickly. There are just so many avenues to have a bet these days.

"I am not concerned about football but it is the horses and sports, and the younger guys are so impressionable," he said.

"$500 to a guy who has been in the system for eight to 10 years is not much, but for a guy just in the system, it is."

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Pedersen takes baby steps

Cam Pedersen is now a Demon. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

BABIES and big moments in Cameron Pedersen's football career seem to go hand in hand.

He and wife Sarah had their first child, Charlee, just weeks before he made his AFL debut for North Melbourne last year, while the couple's second child, Ruby, came along three weeks ago - just as the key-position player was weighing up his football future.

A month of speculation led to a last-minute trade deal on Friday in which he moved to Melbourne in exchange for Jordan Gysberts and a swap of draft picks.

Pedersen has endured plenty of ups and downs in recent years.

Dees cull another eight players

He had to fight to get on to an AFL list in the first place, while baby Charlee battled health complications after being born five weeks prematurely last February.

The 25-year-old admitted the speculation about his mooted switch had been tough to deal with.

"It was very stressful, because obviously I wanted the opportunity to play more regular senior footy," Pedersen said.

Pick Me: Exclusive highlights of your club's next superstar

"If nothing had happened, I still would have been happy to stay at North Melbourne as well, but I'm ecstatic I'm at Melbourne."

Pedersen said the chance to play regular football at Melbourne had been too appealing to pass up.

"I'll always be grateful to North Melbourne for picking me up and giving me the opportunity. I loved my time there, but sometimes future plans don't work out and so I'm very happy to be at Melbourne now," he said.

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Mick's Blues given dream draw

Carlton's proposed tough draw has turned out to be an illusion. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is set to be handed the opening seven weeks from hell in next year's fixture, but Carlton's proposed tough draw has turned out to be an illusion.

The defeated grand finalist is expected to be slapped with a draw featuring as many as seven 2012 finalists in the early rounds.

It will be a tough ask for Alastair Clarkson's Hawks, trying to recover from a second straight season of finals disappointment.

But while Mick Malthouse has complained about Carlton's testing start, its lowly finish this year has handed it a dream fixture.

Pick Me trailer: Exclusive vision of your club's next superstar

The Blues are expected to be given a fixture on Wednesday in which they play just one finals side twice.

That side is Collingwood, with the blockbuster status of the rivalry and revenue generated over-riding the issue of a double-up against a top-four side.

Malthouse revealed last week the Blues start the year with games against Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong, West Coast (away) and Adelaide.

But the Blues then have a string of winnable games in the following few weeks, including this year's easybeats Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

"Given what I have just heard about our draw, the (AFL) have done us no favours," Malthouse said last week.

"But I go along with what Andrew Demetriou says - the draw is the draw is the draw, and very rarely does the top four reflect anything but that."

The Blues have benefited from a fixturing formula in which this year's bottom 10 sides are restricted from any more than a handful of double-ups against top-eight sides.

It gives the Blues a chance to leapfrog into the top eight or, given a good run with injury, even top four.

Malthouse has indicated Chris Judd will retain the captaincy if he wants it.

But Judd is known to have told friends he would be happy to give up the role if there was a suitable alternative or if it would help the club's leadership transition.

Malthouse and Judd have not met about the leadership, but the club's Arizona high-altitude camp next month shapes as the perfect chance for the dual Brownlow medallist to discuss his future.

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Crows must sacrifice a player

Richard Tambling could now be delisted due to the Kurt Tippett investigation. Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE will have to cut a wanted Crows player on Wednesday as the pain from the Kurt Tippett scandal turns to list management at West Lakes.

And the Crows will have to gamble on which player to turf into the AFL national draft pool where Adelaide may not get a call until No. 83. That gives Adelaide's 17 rivals 82 chances to claim this contracted Crow in the AFL national draft on November 22.

The main candidates remain out-of-favour midfielder Richard Tambling or any of Adelaide's recent draftees Nick Joyce, Mitch Grigg or Cam Ellis-Yolmen.

Pick Me trailer: Exclusive highlights of your club's next superstar

The Crows cannot - after handing Tippett a contract during the year - simply delist the Queenslander and let him fall into the new field of "delisted free agents".

By Wednesday, when all 18 AFL club must lodge their first player lists for next season, the Crows will need to have open their squad for three new draftees and 17-year-old midfielder Brad Crouch, who was pre-drafted last year.

With the AFL rules demanding Tippett stay on the list, Adelaide has opened just two spots - the net result of trading in Richmond ruckman Angus Graham and losing Michael Doughty (retired), Brad Symes (delisted) and Chris Knights (free agent to Richmond).

A third spot for upgraded rookie Ian Callinan will emerge when Tippett delists himself as an uncontracted player next month. The fourth for Crouch demands one of Tambling, Joyce, Grigg or Ellis-Yolmen be sacrificed on Wednesday.

The cut player can then be re-drafted on November 22 when the draft unfolds on the Gold Coast. Adelaide needs to choose a player who will not be stolen by a rival.

The Crows expect to know as soon as Friday how the AFL Commission has assessed the investigation into Tippett's side deal from his 2009 contract talks. The sanctions are expected to involve a heavy fine and a lockout from the first two or three rounds of the draft.

That would leave Adelaide recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie with the unglamourous picks of 83, 101 and 119 at his first draft.

Tippett's preferred pathway to Sydney in the pre-season draft on December 11 is clouded by Brisbane checking its salary cap to assess if it can call the Queenslander at No. 6 before the Swans at No. 18.

Also in question is if Tippett will be playing next season as the AFL Commission considers deregistering him for draft tampering and taking undisclosed third-party deals underwritten by the Crows. Melbourne-based lawyer, South Australian Paul Ehrlich, says that move carries the "extreme, significant chance" of having the Tippett family take the AFL to court.

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Dogs life beckons for Prismall

Brent Prismall could land at the Dogs. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs have emerged as a chance to revive Brent Prismall's career if he is cut by Essendon.

Prismall, 26, one of the AFL's unluckiest players, will know his fate before Wednesday's list lodgment deadline.

His career interrupted by injury, Prismall remains uncontracted and will consult Bombers coach James Hird, who is due back from overseas, about his future at Windy Hill.

Prismall, who crossed from Geelong to Essendon in a trade at the end of 2008, is likely to be delisted.

The Bulldogs loom as his next club after showing some interest in securing him.

Dees cull another eight

Prismall has managed only 61 games at Geelong and Essendon because of two knee reconstructions.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney worked with him at Geelong and then at Essendon in 2011.

Prismall is hard-working and of exemplary character and the Dogs need more players aged in their mid-20s.

If he is cut by Essendon, the Dogs could secure him in the delisted free agency period, which runs from November 1-13.

Sam Edmund rates how your club fared at the trade table

Essendon backed Prismall after the 2008 season, offering him a three-year deal worth about $900,000, despite him having a knee reconstruction after being injured while playing for the Cats in the qualifying final against St Kilda.

He suffered another serious knee injury in Round 19, 2011, but the Bombers stuck with him, giving him a one-year extension.

Prismall returned this season, but he suffered hamstring injuries and could not break into the seniors.

He is not the only Bomber feeling nervous. A list management meeting set down for Windy Hill today is likely to decide the fate of several other players.

Pick Me: Exclusive highlights of your club's next superstar

Sam Lonergan is in a similar position - out of contract and in limbo - as the Bombers consider refreshing their list.

Melbourne footballer Matthew Bate. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne has made its cuts, with discarded Ricky Petterd likely to spark interest.

Matthew Bate is also determined to secure another chance, but with the Dogs believed to be keen on Prismall, the option of moving to Whitten Oval may dry up.

The Dogs were keen to snare Bate in last year's trade period.

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