Please Explain: Your club's bolter

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Port Adelaide forward Justin Westhoff has become one of the most damaging forwards in the competition. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

The time has come for us to do the explaining.

Every year there are players who jump out of the blocks and surprise us - for various reasons.

Some are massive improvers; others have elevated themselves to a level we weren't sure they were capable of reaching.

Some look to have gone from good to very good.

Here are the guys who have made us sit back and take notice so far in 2013.

ANDY OTTEN (Adelaide)
Almost a forgotten Crow, he has made the most of his opportunities in the final year of his contract. Has even gone forward, which might be helpful in Taylor Walker's absence.

SAM MAYES (Brisbane)

Seamless introduced to AFL footy for the teenager from North Adelaide. Was only overshadowed by Brent Moloney last week.

ANDREW WALKER (Carlton)
We've always known Walker can play, but his re-invention as a free-running defender this season has been one of Mick Malthouse's masterstrokes so far in 2013.

Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott booted five goals to steer the Magpies to victory. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

JAMIE ELLIOTT (Collingwood)
Collingwood insiders have known how good he is for some time. Now the outside world does. Very good overhead and cool in front of goal.

MICHAEL HIBBERD (Essendon)
Injuries cruelled Hibberd last year, but has shown over the past five weeks how important he is to the Bombers. Was enormous on Anzac Day.

JONATHON GRIFFEN (Fremantle)
Is it fair to suggest Aaron Sandilands may spend more time forward than in the ruck when he returns? On Griffen's current form, that's highly possible.

MATHEW STOKES (Geelong)
Stokes said he was disgusted with his performance last season. And some wondered if Allen Christensen and Steven Motlop might edge him out. But Stokes has been back to his best this season, averaging 25 disposals.

CHARLIE DIXON (Gold Coast)
Broke the record for the most goals kicked in a game for the Suns - six against the Giants last week. Was OK last year, but has shown good improvement in his third season.

LACHIE WHITFIELD (Greater Western Sydney)
Sounds weird to have a No.1 draft pick as a surprise-packet. But we've been impressed at how good he has been as early as his first five games. A real jet.

MAX BAILEY (Hawthorn)
One of the feel-good stories of the AFL. Bailey has been able to hold onto the No.1 ruck mantle, while Jarryd Roughead and David Hale have been mainly used forward. Deserved a change of luck.

JEREMY HOWE (Melbourne)
No longer just a marking freak-show, Howe has become one of the Demons' shining light in a year full of gloom.

Lindsay Thomas celebrates a goal against Geelong. Source: Herald Sun

LINDSAY THOMAS (North Melbourne)
If someone had told you a few years ago Thomas would be leading the Coleman Medal - with 21.6 - after five rounds, you might have been certified. Slightly rectified the yips last year, but just can't miss this season.

JUSTIN WESTHOFF (Port Adelaide)
Could easily have been 10 Port players, including the reborn Kane Cornes. But Westhoff has gone from talented but flaky forward with questionable mental toughness to one of the most damaging forwards in the AFL.

LUKE McGUANE (Richmond)
Has showed his late 2012 season switch to attack was no fluke. Originally recruited as a forward and seems to be more at home there.

DYLAN ROBERTON (St Kilda)
Hard to pinpoint Saint surprises, but the former Docker has been serviceable in the absence of Gwilt and others so far.

LUKE PARKER (Sydney)
The sub in Sydney's Grand Final win last season. Judging on his start to 2013, and his outstanding performance in NZ, he has become a key player.

CALLUM SINCLAIR (West Coast)
One surprise has been mature-aged rookie big-man Sinclair, who might have attracted the attention of a few rivals AFL clubs. He's not destined to play a lot of footy this year with Nic Naitanui about to return, but has been OK.

WILL MINSON (Western Bulldogs)
Minson made solid improvement last year, yet didn't finish in the top 10 of the B&F. This year he has taken a bigger leap. No ruckman in the AFL has had as many hit-outs or hit-outs to advantage.

For a variety of reasons, we're sorry we underestimated or undervalued you blokes. You've started 2013 well, keep up the good work.

Yours Sincerely,
Glenn McFarlane

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iCoach Hinkley to stay in touch

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley won't travel with the team to Tasmania after being grounded with a virus. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley remains in hospital under observation but the club is confident he will bounce back enough to make a contribution over the phone in the Power's match against North Melbourne in Hobart on Saturday.

Power director of coaching Alan Richardson will lead the team after Hinkley was admitted to hospital on Wednesday night.

Richardson last night said said he would be following Hinkley's game plan to the letter, and expected to be in touch with him throughout the match.

"I'm just the mouthpiece. It'll certainly be very much still Ken's message," Richardson told Fox Footy.

"If the game was here in Adelaide, he'd be coaching the team. It's just the fact that there's a flight."

Port chief executive Keith Thomas expects Hinkley to make a full recovery but the club would not take any risks with his health.

"He had really severe back pain ... we were thinking it was something like kidney stones," Thomas said.

"They kept him in overnight.

"As it turns out it was a virus, which has caused some inflammation internally.

"It's nothing to be concerned about. He's pain-free today. They kept him overnight and they're monitoring him but he's well."

Thomas predicted Hinkley would be in close contact with his coaching panel up until the first siren.

"After consultation with our club doctor Damian Newberry it has been advised that Ken should not fly this weekend while he overcomes the effects of the virus. We expect Ken to make a full and speedy recovery. In fact, if our game was played in Adelaide this week he more than likely would have coached.''

Four decisions that triggered Port's resurgence

Thomas said Richardson was a logical replacement.

"We've often said Ken and Alan are very similar in the way they think about the game and in terms of their philosophies,'' Thomas said.

"The club has total confidence that Alan can fill in for Ken this week and lead the team well. He has vast coaching experience in his own right and has worked closely with Ken here at Port Adelaide on game style and structures since day one of preseason.

"Most importantly, Alan has the complete respect and confidence of the playing group and coaching staff and we are confident that his transition as senior coach for this week will be seamless.''

Port heads into the contest with an unbeaten 5-0 record. The Kangaroos are 1-4.

Kane Mitchell returns to Port's seniors list

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Swans chairman to stand down

Dermott Brereton and the League Teams panel preview Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions.

Sydney chairman Richard Colless to stand down at the end of the season. Picture: Sam Mooy Source: Herald Sun

Malcolm Colless with Barry Hall after the Swans won the 2005 grand final. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

RICHARD Colless has called it quits after 20 years as Swans chairman and will finish at the end of this season.

It will be hard to imagine the Red and Whites without the colourful and competitive figure driving the club.

Colless arrived at the SCG the year after I'd done my best as a player to run it into the ground - there's three consecutive wooden spoons (1992, 1993 and 1994) to prove it.

My teammates and I gave the bloke from Western Australia a massive challenge. The place was broke and friendless.

But two decades on the Sydney Swans are one of the country's great sporting brands and have a winning culture the envy of clubs across the land, and across codes.

He also helped the Red and Whites to two premierships in the last seven years and 14 finals appearances in the last 17 seasons.

The AFL's longest serving chairman could easily ride off quietly into the sunset, but that's not his style. He's going out swinging.

In his sights is Melbourne's AFL establishment and in particular Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

McGuire's campaign to have Sydney's cost of living allowance removed has been a constant source of aggravation between the pair since the grand final.

"I wish Eddie would produce some facts rather than the emotional and unsubstantiated rubbish he goes on with," Colless said.

Colless and McGuire have been trading barbs for more than a decade.

The Swans chairman infamously said, "up yours, Eddie" on ABC's Four Corners in 2002. He also provided a gesture to go with the words.

Malcolm Colless on Four Corners in 2002. Source: No Source

Eleven years on Eddie is still getting under Colless's skin and he is still giving Eddie the bird.

McGuire's commentary during Fox Sports coverage of Saturday's Carlton-Adelaide match ignited another clash.

"For Eddie to say in the Carlton-Adelaide match after Taylor Walker went down it's a pity their other key forward (Kurt Tippett) isn't playing is because of the cost of living allowance is really tacky," Colless said.

"My comment to Eddie is you're better than that you don't need to run a propaganda campaign. I think it's cheap shot stuff and Eddie is a smarter person than to have to resort to that sort of behaviour."

Malcolm Colless with victorious Swans players after they beat the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco in 2006. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Fighting for the Swans right to be in the competition and to be competitive is something Colless has been doing from the day he arrived at the club in 1994.

Three consecutive wooden spoons meant Sydney earned three number one draft picks.

Anthony Rocca, Shannon Grant and Darren Gaspar all played the mandatary two seasons in the Harbour City before packing their bags and heading to Melbourne to complete highly successful careers at other clubs. Rocca went to Collingwood, Grant to North Melbourne and Gaspar went to Richmond.

Today players want to stay at the Swans and be part of the now famous Bloods culture and others like Tippett want to be part of it.

"The Tippett thing gave Eddie a great opportunity to play the emotional card," Colless said.

"I wish he would deal in facts rather than selling this as an unfair bonus the Swans get.

"The cost of living difference is much greater than the allowance."

Meetings between presidents and CEOs are another source of frustration for the Swans chairman

"What frustrates me is we have meetings of presidents and CEOs and we talk about a united front and about equalisation and within minutes of the meeting finishing suddenly cost of living is a major issue," Colless said.

Colless will leave the Swans in great shape.

"I think the really good organisations are the ones that carry on regardless," Colless said. "With Andrew Ireland we have as good a CEO at club level as anybody in Australian sport.

"John (Longmire) is an outstanding coach.

"Nothing goes on forever you don't want to become the little old man of the AFL."

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LIVE CHAT: Round 6 AFL teams

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Andrew Krakouer gets the nod for the Pies. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD forward Andrew Krakouer is among four Magpie inclusions for tomorrow night's match against St Kilda.

Krakouer, 30, hasn't played at the top level since last year's preliminary final loss to Sydney.

The mercurial forward won his spot back into the Magpies best 22 after a solid month playing in the VFL.

Darren Jolly is set to return after missing two weeks with a rib injury along with debutant ruckman Jarrod Witts.

Scroll down for all the Round 6 teams

ST KILDA has given Stephen Milne a VFL reprieving naming the small forward who missed last week's Anzac Day match on suspension.

Saints coach Scott Watters said Milne would have to earn his spot back in the team after being rubbed out for gouging.

Milne is joined by utility Arryn Siposs in the Saints best 22 missing small forward Trent Dennis-Lane.

Mature-aged recruit Tom Lee has been sidelined with an achilles.

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite returns for the Blues after a lengthy stint on the sidelines batting a nagging calf strain.

David Ellard, Tom Bell and hard-nosed young gun Jordan Cachia have all been included in the 25-man squad.

ESSENDON has dropped a bombshell with in-form young gun Dyson Heppell (groin) to miss Saturday's match against Greater Western Sydney.

Veteran forward Jason Winderlich has been rested while defender Jake Carlisle (ankle) is also out.

Jake Melksham, Tayte Pears and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer will line up against the injury-ravaged Giants missing co-captain Phil Davis (back), Setanta O'hAilpin (calf) and Lachie Whitfield (soreness).

GEELONG welcomes back Tom Hawkins and Paul Chapman for Saturday night's match against Richmond.

Jarrad Rivers (knee) and Josh Caddy (omitted) come out of the side looking for their sixth consecutive win.

WEST COAST has named a star-studded squad including Nic Naitanui, Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Rosa for Sunday's match against the Western Bulldogs.

Replay our SuperCoach and teams chat below:

 On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

Collingwood v St Kilda

Collingwood

B: N.Brown, B.Reid, B.Macaffer
HB: M.Clarke, H.Shaw, H.O'Brien
C: S.Sidebottom, D.Swan, D.Thomas
HF: J.Elliott, T.Cloke, Q.Lynch
F: B.Kennedy, T.Goldsack, S.Dwyer
Foll: D.Jolly, S.Pendlebury, J.Blair
Int: A.Krakouer, J.Witts, J.Thomas, P.Seedsman
Emg: A.Fasolo, J.Russell, M.Williams

In: A.Krakouer, D.Jolly, J.Thomas, J.Witts, B.Kennedy
Out: A.Toovey (Knee), B.Hudson (Leg soreness), J.Russell (Omitted), A.Fasolo (Omitted), B.Sinclair (Omitted)
New: B.Kennedy, J.Witts

St Kilda

B: N.Wright, S.Fisher, S.Gilbert
HB: S.Dempster, D.Roberton, J.Geary
C: N.Dal Santo, L.Hayes, B.Murdoch
H: D.Armitage, R.Stanley, L.Montagna
F: J.Saunders, N.Riewoldt, J.Koschitzke
Foll: B.McEvoy, C.Jones    4, J.Steven
Int: S.Ross, A.Saad, S.Milne, A.Siposs
Emg: T.Hickey, J.Newnes, J.Webster

In: S.Milne, A.Siposs
Out: T.Dennis-Lane (Omitted), T.Lee (Achilles)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
Scott Pendlebury has dominated against the Saints since 2011, averaging 126 points a game – ranked No.1 at the club. Ben McEvoy has led St Kilda's charge with an average of 127 a game.

Essendon v GWS Giants

Essendon

B: M.Hibberd, T.Pears, C.Dempsey
HB: K.Hardingham, C.Hooker, B.Goddard
C: M.Baguley, J.Watson, D.Zaharakis
HF: J.Merrett, S.Crameri, J.Melksham
F: A.Davey, S.Gumbleton, B.Stanton
Foll: T.Bellchambers, B.Howlett, N.Kommer
Int: H.Hocking, L.Jetta, D.Hille, D.Myers               
Emg: E.Kavanagh, N.O'Brien, N.Lovett-Murray

In: L.Jetta , T.Pears , J.Melksham , N.Kommer
Out: J.Winderlich (Rested) , T.Colyer (Omitted) , D.Heppell (Groin) , J.Carlisle (Ankle)

GWS

B: A.Kennedy, T.Mohr, J.Bruce
HB: A.Corr, S.Gilham, T.Greene
HF: R.Palmer, J.Cameron, A.Tomlinson
F: D.Smith, S.Frost, T.Adams
Foll: J.Giles, A.Treloar, D.Shiel
Int: C.Hampton, S.Coniglio, S.Reid, Z.Williams               
Emg: T.Bugg, S.Edwards, T.Downie

In: S.Gilham, C.Hampton, J.Bruce, T.Adams, J.Townsend, S.Frost, A.Corr
Out: B.Thornton (Omitted), S.O'hAilpin (Calf), P.Davis (Back), T.Bugg (Omitted), L.Whitfield (Soreness) , L.Plowman (Omitted), N.Haynes (Omitted)
New: A.Corr

SUPERCOACH NOTES
David Zaharakis' ANZAC Day heroics earned him a $20,800 price rise after his 140 points against Collingwood. Despite scoring 113 points against Gold Coast, Callan Ward's price still fell, albeit by only $300.

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

North Melbourne

B: S.McMahon, S.Thompson, M.Firrito
HB: A.Mullett, N.Grima, J.Macmillan
C: D.Wells, S.Atley, S.Wright
HF: A.Black, M.Daw, T.Hine
F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, L.Adams
Foll: T.Goldstein, A.Swallow, J.Ziebell
Int: R.Bastinac, B.Cunnington, S.Gibson, W.Sierakowski
Emg: D.Currie, L.Anthony, L.Hansen

In: W.Sierakowski
Out: L.Anthony (Omitted)
New: W.Sierakowski

Port Adelaide

B: C.Heath, A.Carlile, L.Stevenson
HB: C.O'Shea, T.Jonas, D.Cassisi
C: Bra.Ebert, T.Boak, H.Hartlett
HF: C.Wingard, J.Westhoff, P.Stewart
F: J.Neade, J.Schulz, R.Gray
Foll: M.Lobbe, O.Wines, K.Cornes
Int: B.Renouf, M.Broadbent, A.Monfries, K.Mitchell
Emg: S.Colquhoun, J.Butcher, A.Moore

In: K.Mitchell
Out: J.Trengove (Foot)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Wells ranks No.1 at North Melbourne for points scored since Round 3, averaging 123 a game. Hamish Hartlett has been Port Adelaide's most prolific scorer in this period, averaging 134 points a game.

Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn

Adelaide

B: B.Rutten, D.Talia, A.Otten
HB: L.Brown, B.Reilly, D.Mackay
C: S.Kerridge, S.Thompson, B.Smith
HF: R.Douglas, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
F: J.Porplyzia, T.Lynch, J.Jenkins
Foll: S.Jacobs, P.Dangerfield, R.Sloane
Int: M.Jaensch, M.Wright, B.Vince, R.Henderson
Emg: R.Tambling, L.Johnston, J.Petrenko

In: J.Porplyzia, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
Out: J.Petrenko (Omitted), T.Walker (Knee), R.Laird (Thigh)

Hawthorn

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, L.Hodge
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, B.Guerra
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: S.Burgoyne, L.Franklin, P.Puopolo
F: L.Breust, J.Roughead, J.Gunston
Foll: M.Bailey, J.Lewis, B.Sewell
Int: L.Shiels, D.Hale, J.Simpkin, M.Osborne
Emg: T.Duryea, K.Cheney, M.Spanghe

In: B.Sewell , J.Simpkin
Out: C.Rioli (Hamstring) , S.Savage (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Rory Sloane's average of 112 points a game at AAMI Stadium this season ranks him No.1 at the club. Sam Mitchell has been Hawthorn's best scorer at the venue since 2011, averaging 115 points a game.

Richmond v Geelong

Richmond

B: S.Morris, A.Rance, T.Chaplin
HB: D.Grimes, R.Petterd, B.Houli
C: C.Newman, T.Cotchin, M.White
HF: B.Deledio, S.Edwards, D.Jackson
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, T.Vickery
Foll: I.Maric, D.Martin, N.Vlastuin
Int: B.Ellis, J.King, S.Grigg C.Knights               
Emg: J.Batchelor, S.Tuck, R.Nahas

In: T.Chaplin, S.Morris, J.King
Out: R.Nahas (Omitted), J.Batchelor (Omitted), B.Helbig (Hamstring)

Geelong

B: A.Mackie, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: J.Corey, H.Taylor, T.Hunt
C: M.Duncan, J.Bartel, S.Motlop
HF: A.Christensen, S.Johnson, B.Smedts
F: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins, J.Podsiadly
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Kelly
Int: C.Guthrie, G.Horlin-Smith, T.West, M.Stokes           
Emg: M.Brown, J.Murdoch, J.Thurlow

In: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins
Out: J.Rivers (Knee), J.Caddy (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Despite receiving plenty of attention last week from Ryan Crowley, Brett Deledio still managed to get reach three figures. Jimmy Bartel was one of three Geelong players to crack the ton against the Bulldogs, finishing with 109 points.

Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle

Gold Coast

B: T.McKenzie, T.Murphy, D.Prestia
HB: D.Stanley, R.Thompson, G.Broughton
C: M.Rischitelli, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: H.Bennell, TJ.Lynch, A.Hall
F: Z.Smith, S.Day, B.Matera
Foll: C.Dixon,  K.Hunt, D.Swallow
Int: J.Lonergan, J.O'Meara, J.Brennan, M.Shaw
Emg: D.Gorringe, J.Hutchins, T.Sumner

In: H.Bennell, J.Lonergan
Out: S.May (Hamstring), J.Hutchins (Omitted)
New: J.Lonergan

Fremantle

B: L.Spurr, Z.Dawson, M.Johnson
HB: G.Ibbotson, L.McPharlin, C.Pearce
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, N.Suban
HF: M.Barlow, C.Mayne, H.Ballantyne
F: H.Crozier, J.Hannath, M.Walters
Foll: J.Griffin, D.Mundy, M.De Boer
Int: D.Pearce, P.Duffield, C.Sutcliffe, A.Silvagni
Emg: L.Neale,  T.Sheridan,  Ta.Smith

In: P.Duffield, A.Silvagni, C.Sutcliffe, H.Crozier
Out: K.Bradley (Knee), S.Hill (Quad), N.Fyfe (Suspension), L.Neale (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Jared Brennan has averaged 103 points a game at home this season, ranked third at the club. Chris Mayne starred when he last played at Metricon Stadium in Round 6 last season, booting three goals straight on his way to 127 points.

Sydney v Brisbane

Sydney

B: N.Malceski, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: M.Mattner, T.Richards, J.McVeigh
C: L.Jetta, R.O'Keefe, B.McGlynn
HF: D.Hannebery, S.Reid, K.Jack
F: A.Goodes, M.Pyke, J.Bolton
Foll: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, L.Parker
Int from: T.Armstrong, C.Bird, J.Lamb, M.Morton, D.Rampe, T.Walsh, J.White   
                       
In: M.Morton, J.White, J.Lamb, T.Walsh
Out: A.Everitt (Omitted)
New: J.Lamb

Brisbane

B: J.Patfull, D.Merrett, A.McGrath
HB: E.Yeo, J.Clarke, J.Adcock
C: P.Hanley, T.Rockliff, M.Golby
HF: J.Polkinghorne, J.Brown, D.Zorko
F: S.Mayes, M.Leuenberger, A.Cornelius
Foll: B.Longer, B.Moloney, J.Redden
Int from: J.Green, R.Bewick, M.Paparone, J.Lisle, A.Raines, R.Lester, J.Crisp               
                                       
In: P.Hanley, J.Lisle, R.Lester, J.Crisp
Out: S.Docherty (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Hannebery's average of 107 points a game this year is the fourth-most of any midfielder at the club. Brent Moloney's average of 103 points is the second-most of any midfielder at the club behind Tom Rockliff.

Carlton v Melbourne

Carlton

B: C.Yarran, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, D.Armfield, S.White
C: K.Lucas, M.Robinson, K.Simpson
HF: C.Judd, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F: E.Curnow, S.Hampson, J.Waite
Foll: R.Warnock, M.Murphy, B.McLean
Int from: H.Scotland, A.Carrazzo, T.Bell, E.Betts, S.Rowe, D.Ellard, J.Cachia               
                                           
In: J.Waite, D.Ellard, J.Cachia, T.Bell
Out: B.Gibbs (Hamstring)
New: J.Cachia

Melbourne

B: L.Dunn, J.Frawley, D.Terlich
HB: J.Grimes, T.McDonald, C.Garland
C: J.Trengove, J.Viney, M.Jones
HF: J.Howe, C.Sylvia, D.Kent
F: R.Bail, M.Gawn, S.Byrnes
Foll: J.Spencer, J.McKenzie, N.Jones
Int from: S.Blease, J.Strauss, C.Pedersen, D.Nicholson, M.Evans, L.Tapscott, A.Davey               
                                           
In: L.Dunn, J.Strauss, J.Spencer, J.Viney, D.Kent, D.Nicholson
Out: M.Jamar (Groin), D.Rodan (Omitted), J.Watts (Hamstring)
New: D.Kent

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Chris Judd has averaged 26 disposals and 127 points a game against Melbourne since 2010. Colin Sylvia has been a solid performer in this period, averaging 21 disposals and 94 points a game.

West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs

West Coast

B: M.Brown, D.Glass, S.Hurn
HB: B.Waters, E.Mackenzie, S.Wellingham
C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, B.Dalziell
HF: J.Hill, J.Darling, C.Masten
F: N.Naitanui, JJ.Kennedy, M.LeCras
Foll: D.Cox, S.Selwood, L.Shuey
Int: J.Brennan, A.Hams, D.Kerr, C.Sinclair, M.Rosa, W.Schofield, As.Smith

In: M.Rosa, W.Schofield, S.Wellingham, As.Smith, N.Naitanui
Out: S.Butler (Calf), J.Cripps (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs

B: D.Morris, J.Roughead, L.Picken
HB: J.Johannisen, M.Austin, T.Young
C: J.Macrae, M.Boyd, A.Cooney
HF: J.Stringer, D.Addison, K.Stevens
F: L.Dahlhaus, L.Jones, J.Tutt
Foll: W.Minson, N.Lower, T.Liberatore
Int: M.Wallis, D.Cross, P.Veszpremi, C.Smith, D.Pearce, C.Howard, L.Markovic

In: D.Addison , L.Markovic , C.Howard , D.Pearce
Out: B.Goodes (Suspension)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Josh Kennedy booted four goals straight in the first half last week against Port Adelaide, finishing with 124 points for the match. Liam Jones booted four goals of his own against Geelong, finishing with 107 points.

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Jack must work both ways: Hardwick

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt leaves the field after their one-point loss. to Fremantle Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says it is Jack Riewoldt's defensive game rather than his on-field attitude that needs adjusting after last week's loss to Fremantle.

Riewoldt's on-field behaviour in the one-point loss to the Dockers has been put under the spotlight, with commentator Mark Maclure labelling him a "prima donna".

But Hardwick said today his biggest concern with Riewoldt's game last week was that his defensive play was not up to the standard he expected.

"We spoke on Monday about his game and he was disappointed,'' Hardwick said.

"Offensively he is always going to have ups and downs. He played on a quality opponent, Luke McPharlin. We were disappointed with his defensive aspects of his game.

"We felt, and Jack would be the first to admit, that he didn't chase hard enough and his defensive efforts weren't to his usual standard.

"I thought he had a below standard game on the weekend and he would be the first one to agree with that.''

Hardwick said Riewoldt's passion was one of his great attributes as a player, but admitted the Tigers would like to harness it at times.

"He is a passionate individual and that's part of the reason that makes him a great player,'' Hardwick said.

"You look at most strikers across the league and within the AFL, they're passionate players.

"Travis Cloke, Buddy Franklin...all these type of players...they play with passion and Jack is no different.

"Do we want him to harness that passion at times? Of course we do...that is something he has to work on and he accepts that.''

Hardwick said the Tigers had moved on quickly from the narrow loss to the Dockers and were focused on their challenge against Geelong on Saturday night at the MCG.

"They are a formidable outfit, we are looking forward to the opportunity to play them,'' he said.

"We certainly think it will bring out our best footy and we think we are capable of getting a result.''
 

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More Dons doping pain

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou responds to a Herald Sun report that a leaked document shows some Essendon players were prescribed banned drugs.

Herald Sun journalist Michael Warner says Essendon players were prescribed weekly injections.

Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank. Picture: James Croucher Source: The Daily Telegraph

SOME Essendon players were prescribed weekly injections of the banned anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 for all of last season.

They were regularly injected with thymosin, another substance banned by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

News Limited has seen documents handed to ASADA that reveal Essendon's drugs program.

The dossier shows some players were prescribed weekly injections of the banned anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 for the duration of the 2012 season/

There are variants of Thymosin - some permitted for use - and Essendon is hopeful, but uncertain, of the version its players were administered by sacked sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Dons furious at Dank drug letter

Thymosin Beta 4, which is commonly used for horses, is the banned drug allegedly administered to Cronulla Sharks NRL players in 2011.

Thymosin was mentioned in leaked text messages between Dank and Bombers coach James Hird.

Documents handed to ASADA reveal some Bombers players were given one Thymosin injection a week for six weeks and then one injection a month for the remainder of the AFL season.

Other supplements prescribed to Essendon players and detailed in consent forms signed by players and club officials include colostrum and Tribulus Forte. Colostrum and Tribulus, which are not injected, help with building strength and recovery but are not banned under the anti-doping code.

"The players were effectively being used as human guinea pigs," one figure close to the investigation said last night.

Responding this morning in Adelaide, AFL boss Andrew Demetriou called for patience.

"We need to await the outcome of the ASADA report," he said.

"I know that's frustrating to people, but they haven't even begun interviewing players yet.

"They will start that process as I understand within the next week or so.

"At the moment, they are currently finishing interviews with coaches and other officials.

"None of that has been made public, so I do think people should be very careful about some of the commentary.

"Particularly in light of the fact that we haven't even had one player interviewed yet."

Read the rest of Demetriou's comments here

A central concern of the ASADA-AFL investigation is the lack of independent analysis of the supplements administered to the Essendon players.

Lawyer sets out a defence for Dons

It means ASADA cannot verify what the players were given.

Essendon has not been able to provide an independent assessment of the long-term health effects of some of the substances, some of which are not approved for human consumption.

It emerged yesterday the Bombers have engaged a public relations expert, Elizabeth Lukin of Essential Media Communications, to help manage the crisis at Windy Hill.

James Hird's own legal team is also being advised by leading spin doctor Ian Hanke.

"I run Media and Political Counsel and I have been advising Mr Hird's legal advisers, Ashurst, on media and communications strategy over the past weeks," Hanke said yesterday.

Lukin has been linked to Essendon since the drugs scandal erupted in February, helping shape the messages coming out of the stricken club.

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Dockers brace for Gaz, Suns

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon expects Gold Coast to come out firing on Saturday. Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has labelled looming rival Gary Ablett as "almost untaggable", as he labelled the Gold Coast clash as a game of "opportunity" for both sides.

The Dockers fly out to the Gold Coast tomorrow ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Suns and will do so minus several of their key players.

The guilty verdict and two game suspension handed down to Nat Fyfe last night added the ball winner to an unavailable list that already included captain Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands and forward Kepler Bradley, while Zac Clarke and Paul Duffield are listed as "test".

It could leave Fremantle vulnerable in the longest trip in the AFL and Lyon said Gold Coast would see the game as an opportunity.

"With Nathan Fyfe out, we need to step up," Lyon said. "They'll see us as an opportunity; we see it as an

opportunity as well.

"I think the first point (is that) we acknowledge Gold Coast have really developed and improved.

"They're on two wins, they're looking to go to three wins, third year development, they've got a lot of their senior players back.

"Last year, we went up there without a deep understanding of them and, really, almost got beaten.

"They'll have belief they can beat us, it's their home turf, they've really grown.

"For us, it's a red alert and we've got to handle the travel well – which we do – but we've got a lot of improvement
in us."

A plucky Gold Coast threatened a boilover against Fremantle in the same round last season, with the Suns holding a 17-point lead at halftime.

The side then closed within a point, before Tendai Mzungu grubbered a goal in the final seconds to secure the seven point win.

West Australian Harley Bennell ran amok in that clash and is in line to return this round after recovering from a minor hamstring strain, while Ablett, who missed last year's game, will also threaten an understrength Dockers midfield.

The game will undoubtedly throw up the showdown between Ryan Crowley and Ablett, the latter of which sparked a furore last season after tweeting, "Crowley is a joke! Play the ball, not the man!".

Lyon refused to confirm the matchup and said the Suns ball-magnet was "almost untaggable".

"I think a lot of teams don't even tag him anymore, he's almost untaggable," he said.

"Do we look to give him some offensive headaches, is he the one we go to, but, then, does Bennell come back for them? They've got (David) Swallow.

"I've been in the business a little while and everyone has an opinion and Gary is entitled to his.

"We really value Ryan, I think he strikes a balance and I think he kicked 18 goals last year, Ryan Crowley.

"He can get forward, he's quite tall, so whoever he goes to, we see Ryan as an offensive threat."

Meanwhile, Lyon said Bradley had recovered well from surgery in Melbourne yesterday, while Anthony Morabito had made it through his first full training with the team.

"It was his (Morabito's) first re-introduction (yesterday)," he said.

"He's been doing a lot of one-to-one and we're keen, at the right time, that Anthony will update you.

"His diet is immaculate, he's looking a million bucks, he's got all his strength and power back and now he's just graduating his footy.

"But it's important that Anthony talks to where he's at, I really don't feel comfortable (talking for Anthony)."

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Tiger's heart on his sleeve

Jack Riewoldt makes a point at Richmond training. Source: Getty Images

JACK Riewoldt insists no one at Richmond has a problem with his attitude or the way he behaved during Friday's loss to Fremantle.

Riewoldt spoke yesterday of his disappointment in his own performance against the Dockers, in which he kicked one goal and collected just 10 possessions.

A story in yesterday's Herald Sun questioned Riewoldt's body language, while triple premiership forward Mark Maclure labelled the forward a "prima donna".

The 24-year-old said the fact he wore his heart on his sleeve could "definitely" be misconstrued.

"I'm an emotional person ... I play with emotion and I reckon I'd be a pretty boring person and a pretty boring player if I didn't do that," Riewoldt said at Etihad Stadium, where he was announced as an ambassador for "Mac Pack", a McDonald's program that encourages participation in junior sport.

"It's a double-edged sword (in the) AFL. There's definitely cries for players to have a bit more personality, but if you show a bit of personality, you can be shot down pretty quickly.

"I'm an easy target, I know that."

This is not the first time Riewoldt's attitude has been questioned.

Premiership coach Paul Roos said last year Riewoldt would be testing Tigers boss Damien Hardwick's patience with his on-field behaviour.

In Round 2, 2011, he argued with club officials for substituting him out of a game because of concussion and a week later he gave the "bird" to the Hawthorn bench.

That prompted Hawks legend Jason Dunstall to publicly warn Riewoldt he risked being remembered for all the wrong reasons.

"I might be being pigeon-holed a little bit like that I reckon," Riewoldt said yesterday when asked if his attitude issues remained.

 "But I'm always trying to work to become a better leader. I'm in the leadership group, I try to go out there and lead the football club that I love as best as possible.

"How someone in the media portrays what I'm doing to how I'm portraying it is obviously completely different."

The two-time Coleman medallist said he had not been spoken to by Hardwick or captain Trent Cotchin about his attitude on Friday night.

And he said comments from anyone outside of the club did not resonate with him. "You've got cameras and reporters all around you and you learn to become pretty thick-skinned about what's said about you," he said. "But it can definitely affect your family and I think that's where people have got to be really careful about what they are saying."

Riewoldt, out of contract at season's end, said he hoped to sign a new deal with the Tigers soon.

He said the sudden departure of former football manager Craig Cameron before the season had put back negotiations between the club and his manager Liam Pickering.

"I think any player wants to get their contract over and done with and their future set in stone as quick as possible," Riewoldt said.

"That will happen as soon as it happens. It's definitely no distraction for us."

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Roos' goal to shake yips

Lindsay Thomas celebrates a goal against Geelong. Source: Herald Sun

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott at the MCG against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FORWARD Lindsay Thomas's program to rid himself of the yips when kicking for goal is being used as motivation for North Melbourne to fix its scoring woes.

Coach Brad Scott supervised technical adjustments with drills at training yesterday in a bid to improve the players accuracy.

"I keep coming back to Lindsay Thomas. People say what has been the turnaround? Well, it's hard work," Scott said.

"It's like most things in life, you've got to work hard to achieve those things. I've got no doubt we'll fix them and, when we do, I've got no doubt we'll be up there with the good sides.

"We've just got to tighten up our game and be clear on the things that we have to fix and spend an enormous amount of time on the track."

Thomas is the AFL's leading goalkicker with 21 from 27 attempts in five games, an admirable conversion rate and considerably improved on his 38.19 tally last season.

Scott said inconsistency was often related to inexperience. "I think we're scoring OK. Could we do it better? For sure and we'll continue to work on that," he said.

"I think we've got dangerous forwards and we like to kick the ball to them. We've got to strike a balance between capitalising on our key forward strength and using other options going forward. But it has been a strength rather than a weakness."

Tall forwards Robbie Tarrant (leg) and Lachie Hansen (knee) were assessed after yesterday's main training session on whether they return for Saturday's game against unbeaten Port Adelaide in Hobart.

"Unless I'm comfortable with the level of training they've done and how they perform in the main session, they won't play," Scott said.

"We're in the fortunate position of having good key position players who can replace them. The combination of Aaron Black, Majak Daw, Lachie Hansen, Robbie Tarrant, we've just got to keep selecting players in form and who have full fitness."

Scott also implored fans to continue to be vigilant about racially abusive behaviour following the off-field taunts directed at Daw, Thomas and Daniel Wells in the match against Hawthorn.

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Agreement on round one Oval clash

Andrew Demetriou with Port Adelaide Football Club CEO Keith Thomas. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

SOUTH Australia's two AFL clubs have endorsed the league's promise of a round one Showdown at the re-developed Adelaide Oval next year.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou yesterday rejected an earlier suggestion by Adelaide chairman Rob Chapman that it wait until at least round three for a Showdown, to deal with any issues that may arise with the new 50,000-seat stadium.

"It is absolutely true there will be a Showdown for the first game at Adelaide Oval and, all things being equal, it will be a Friday night," said Demetriou, who met the Crows and Power as part of his nationwide club tour.

Yesterday, Chapman agreed, saying a round one Showdown would be ideal.

''When I was talking about perhaps waiting for round three or four it was purely about ironing out the inevitable bugs we could get with ticketing, transport, food and drink," Chapman said.

"While I have complete confidence in the people responsible, it is a big logistical beast.

Andrew Demetriou checks his watch outside Adelaide Football Club headquarters. Picture: Sarah Reed.

"But the ideal time for a Showdown is round one because that's when we'll be showcasing it (the stadium)."

Chapman said no matter which two sides played the first game at the new Adelaide Oval, he would anticipate a sell-out crowd.

"If that's a Showdown it would be a grand spectacle and I think it is feasible," he said.

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said a Showdown was the only way to mark what would be "a moment of real historical significance".

"You don't get these moments very often and it would be a real shame if both clubs couldn't share in it," Thomas said.

Now it seems the only matter for debate is who gets hosting rights to the match.

Thomas said the issue had been "bandied around" in public but the clubs were yet to have any serious discussions.

Chapman yesterday said while he had previously stated that he didn't care who hosted the first Showdown because there would be another later in the season, his club "definitely wants" the first hosting rights.

Demetriou said he would not weigh in on that decision.

"I'm not going to be here to toss the coin to see who's going to get the home game because I like my life and I'll leave others to do that task," he said.

Before yesterday's club briefings, Demetriou told the media:

CONCERNS the Adelaide Oval's Stadium Management Authority may impede a fair deal for the two AFL clubs was unfounded.

"I'm aware of the talk about it (and) I don't think it's valid," he said.

"We've met with both clubs on the issue and I think that issue has been blown out of proportion.

"There is constant dialogue about getting the best return for the SMA, for cricket, the SANFL and the two clubs and I think Adelaide Oval is going to be a fantastic thing for all stakeholders and the South Australian public."

THE handover of both club licences from the SANFL remained on track.

"It would be fair to say all that is proceeding very well," he said.

"There's goodwill from the SANFL, the Crows and Port Adelaide.

"The AFL is assisting if it's required and all things being equal I don't see any major issues or impediments to that occurring in due course."

THE AFL would have nothing to do with the Crows and Power's current push to field their own reserves teams.

HE was "absolutely thrilled" with Port Adelaide's resurgence which has it second on the ladder after round five.

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