Clubs protest cut to rookie list

Champion Dockers ruckman Aaron Sandilands is one of many players who have gone on to outstanding careers after being elevated from the rookie list. Picture: Daniel Wilkins. Source: PerthNow

CLUBS have called on the AFL to revisit a drastic cut to the rookie list, which will see almost 40 players miss out on being drafted this year.

The league will reduce each club's rookie list from six to four players, after allowing clubs extra rookies in the expansion era.

It means the hopes and dreams of two additional players at each club will not be realised in December - some teams will retain all four existing rookies and not bring in any new 18-year-olds.

Essendon chief executive Ian Robson said clubs would lobby the AFL to allow the additional players, given the success of the rookie list.

Many of the stars of the game, including Shane Mumford, Aaron Sandilands and Dean Cox started from rookie lists.

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Cooney's cutting-edge treatment

Western Bulldogs are hoping Adam Cooney can return to his best with the help of radical surgery in Germany. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

BROWNLOW Medallist Adam Cooney is set to undertake cutting-edge treatment in Germany on the troublesome cracked patella that has jeopardised his career.

Cooney will fly out to the club's European training camp on Sunday, October 28,  to visit a specialist in Dusseldorf.

The Dogs are highly encouraged by the progress Cooney made with his knee this year and his form in the last weeks of the season.

The treatment is worth several thousand dollars but will not involve surgery and has the club hoping it might further allow Cooney to train and play to his undoubted potential.

He will join the Dogs after his three-day treatment process at their London base, as they train there before their exhibition game against Port Adelaide.

Cooney is not attending Munich's Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, the controversial specialist who injects calf blood into patients.

He has helped Geelong's Max Rooke and Richmond's Mark Coughlan and Dylan Grimes with their soft-tissue problems.

The 27-year-old has battled for years with the effects of the cracked patella, which limits his ability to train regularly.

"The treatment has been used by elite athletes around the world in basketball and gridiron and other sports, so we have explored it," football manager James Fantasia said.

"Adam is very keen to have a go at it. He has got himself into this particular treatment and we go over to London on Tuesday so he will leave two days early and join the group over there."

Meanwhile, the Dogs are hopeful of satisfying West Coast's demands after 21-year-old midfielder Koby Stevens nominated them as his club of choice.

The former Gippsland Power inside midfielder chosen the Dogs ahead of Essendon and St Kilda, and while he has real potential despite an injury-plagued start to his career Brendan McCartney's side has the whip hand.

They hope to satisfy West Coast with a second or third round pick for Stevens, but have the fourth selection in the pre-season draft should West Coast play hard ball on a trade.

It is a boon for the Dogs to be chosen ahead of more highly-fancied Victorian rivals, and with five picks inside 50 they should be able to satisfy West Coast.

His decision, revealed by superfooty.com.au yesterday, comes after he managed only 11 games in his three seasons at West Coast because of their midfield depth and his injuries.

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Riley replaces Hinkley at Suns

Carlton assistant coach Mark Riley, who is heading to the Gold Coast, talks to Ed Curnow and Andrew Carrazzo during Blues training. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Carlton assistant Mark Riley will coach at Gold Coast next year.

Riley has agreed to a two-year contract at the Suns and will fill the void left by Ken Hinkley, who has been appointed Port Adelaide senior coach.

Riley reached a financial settlement with Carlton, which last week said his position had been made redundant.

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Cats looking beyond 2013: Scott

Geelong coach Chris Scott has defended the club's decision to sign two 28-year-old players. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has not compromised its long-term future by re-loading with experienced pair Hamish McIntosh and Jared Rivers for a shot at next year's flag.

While many see the recruitment of the two 28-year-olds plus the introduction of Gold Coast midfielder Josh Caddy as a sign the Cats are positioning for another premiership run, coach Chris Scott says it's not a short-term fix.

"We were keen to look at things that would help improve us in the short-term without compromising the long term at all which is what these three things do," he said.

"Caddy is a top-10 pick from two years ago so he's still years away from his best footy but he's going to help short-term and long-term.

"The other two I think help our best team but they also help our depth as well and the ability to transition young players into our team without depending on them completely.

"The only way bringing in old players comprises you long term is if you give up too much for them and we have given up very little. The other thing is if you pay them too much and we're certainly not doing that either."

The Cats gave up theirs second round pick (No.36) to the Kangaroos for McIntosh while Rivers came as an unrestricted free agent from Melbourne on a two-year deal.

Scott said he understood there was an element of risk in the Cats' trade strategy.

"Hamish at his best is a very good player, we know he comes as a 28-year-old who hasn't played much footy in the last couple of years and he's got a significant injury history so there are risks associated with that and if it doesn't work, we are prepared, we can accept the worst case scenario there," he said.

"It's a little bit the same with Jared Rivers, he comes as a free-agent who basically takes up the last spot on our list if you want to look at it that way.

"He is a pretty well credentialed player but he and Hamish understand that we also have got some pretty good players that play in the same position as them."

Importantly, Geelong has retained its first-round pick, No.15, but will have only one other live pick in next month's national draft given the Cats already committed to upgrading rookie Jessie Stringer.

After a shock exit to Fremantle in the first week of the finals this year, Scott is confident that despite the loss of club great Matthew Scarlett the Cats will be a contender again.

"We know it's going to be difficult for us and history suggests that we shouldn't be one of the premiership favourites next year but that's an outsiders point of view," he said.

"We don't think that the players we brought in are the answer. We think they are going to help a little bit but more we think it satisfies multiple objectives."

Rivers described as "ridiculous" any suggestion that he came to Simonds Stadium as Scarlett's replacement.

"To be compared to, or to try and play a similar role, to Matthew Scarlett is just ridiculous," he said.

"He's going to go down as one of the best full-backs of all time. I'm just grateful for the opportunity Geelong has given me.

"It was a massive decision (to leave Melbourne). The last two years have definitely been more challenging mentally than physically.

"I can't wait to have some success at Geelong as I still think they are a real chance of winning a premiership."

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Tiger signs new deal

David Astbury celebtrates a Tigers goal. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

KEY-position prospect David Astbury has returned Richmond's faith by signing a two-year contract extension.

Astbury, 21, has shown promise at both ends of the ground since making his debut in 2010.

But his development was stalled by a serious knee injury midway through 2011 that kept him out of action until the final two matches of this season.

"We're very pleased to see Dave re-committing to the club," Richmond football manager Craig Cameron said today.

"He is highly regarded, not only for his football ability, but also his excellent character.

"After a bad run with injury, he's now fit and really looking forward to a full pre-season.

"We expect him to come on in leaps and bounds throughout 2013."

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Tippett deal "a joke"

Sydney ruckman Jesse White could end up being a direct swap for Kurt Tippett. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: The Daily Telegraph

KURT Tippett's move to Sydney is hours away from being sealed.

And if - as expected - the Crows get the Swans' first-round draft pick (No. 22) and out-of-favour forward-ruckman Jesse White, the trade will carry the tag of a "joke'' with former Richmond and Western Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace.

White, who struggled for game time in Sydney in the past two seasons, travelled to Adelaide today for a medical and a meeting with Crows coach Brenton Sanderson, who returns home today after holidaying in the US.

"Adelaide will be ripped off,'' Wallace said on AFL Trade Radio today.

Inaugural Crows coach Graham Cornes has joined the smashing of the prospective trade, saying it is "pathetic".

"Adelaide wants to be seen as a strong club, but it has shown no strength - it has been led by the nose in negotiations," Cornes said on Radio FIVEaa.

"They should stand firm and have Tippett go to the draft rather than roll over."

Winners and losers of trade month so far

But Adelaide's position is not strong in this trade.

If the Crows do not accept Sydney's offer by next Friday's trade deadline, Tippett will fall into the draft pool where Adelaide gets no compensation and Sydney can virtually guarantee drafting the Queenslander by having Tippett nominate a $1 million-a-year salary.

No other AFL clubs can contemplate paying Tippett such a fee.

Department of Trades

Swans boss Andrew Ireland said last night the negotiations to bring Tippett to the Harbour City were progressing well.

"We think it's getting closer and hope there is some news by the end of the week," Ireland said.

"David Noble (Crows list manager) and Kinnear Beatson (Swans list manager) have been working through the issues and there are some things that need to be ticked off.

"Brenton Sanderson arrives back in Adelaide tomorrow and that will allow some of the things that need to be finalised to be done."

Sydney bound? Kurt Tippett has spoke in glowing terms of the Sydney Swans football culture. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE SWANS will play the first two matches of their premiership defence in Sydney, starting with an ANZ Stadium derby against the GWS Giants.

The Round 1 match will be a Giants' home game, with the Swans to unfurl their premiership flag at the SCG in Round 2 against an unknown opponent.

The return derby against GWS will be played at the SCG.

Yesterday, the AFL also revealed the top four teams from 2012 (Sydney, Hawthorn, Collingwood, Adelaide) would all only play the bottom four teams of 2012 (Greater Western Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs) on one occasion in 2013, with the single exception of the Swans and Giants' cross-town rivalry.

The 10 non-finalists from 2012 will all be scheduled to have a maximum of two return meetings with top eight sides from 2012.

- with Jon Ralph, Neil Cordy

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The winners and losers so far

Hamish McIntosh has joined the Cats, along with Josh Caddy and Jared Rivers. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

SEE exactly what your club has gained and lost in the off-season in our club-by-club guide and vote on the big winners and losers so far.

2012 Trade and Free Agency period

ADELAIDE
IN: -
OUT: Chris Knights (Richmond)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Jesse White (Sydney)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Kurt Tippett
DRAFT PICKS: 19, 40, 59, 77, 95, 113, 131

BRISBANE
IN: Brent Moloney (Melbourne)
OUT:
STILL COMING (MAYBE):
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Pat Karnezis
DRAFT PICKS: 8, 23, 30, 49, 67, 85, 103, 121

CARLTON
IN: -
OUT: -
STILL COMING (MAYBE): -
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Jordan Russell, Bret Thornton
DRAFT PICKS: 11, 33, 52, 70, 88, 106, 124

COLLINGWOOD
IN: Quinten Lynch (West Coast)

OUT: Chris Dawes (Melbourne), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast), draft pick 58
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Stefan Martin (Melbourne)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): -
DRAFT PICKS: 17, 18, 20, 39, 45, 76, 94, 112, 130

ESSENDON
IN: Brendon Goddard (St Kilda), Joe Daniher (father-son), draft pick 48
OUT: Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide), draft pick 10
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Koby Stevens (West Coast)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Scott Gumbleton
DRAFT PICKS: 10, 32, 48, 51, 69, 87, 105, 123

FREMANTLE
IN: Danyle Pearce
OUT: -
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Scott Gumbleton (Essendon)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): -
DRAFT PICKS: 16, 37, 56, 74, 92, 110, 128

*Adelaide, Geelong, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, St Kilda and West Coast will also receive compensation picks for players lost in free agency*

GEELONG
IN: Josh Caddy (Gold Coast), Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne)
OUT: Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne), Ablett compensation pick, pick 36, 55
STILL COMING (MAYBE): -
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Mitch Brown, Tom Gillies
DRAFT PICKS: 15, 55, 73, 91, 109

Carlton v Melbourne. MCG. Jared Rivers clears by hand Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GOLD COAST
IN: Tom Murphy (Hawthorn), Jack Martin (mini-draft), Ablett compo pick, draft pick 55
OUT: Josh Caddy (Geelong), draft pick 2, 63
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Stephen Gilham (Hawthorn)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Tom Hickey, Taylor Hine, Josh Toy
DRAFT PICKS: 25, 44, 81, 99, 117

GWS GIANTS
IN: Draft picks 2, 3, 12, 13, 63
OUT: Draft picks 20, 24, 43
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Bret Thornton (Carlton)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): -
DRAFT PICKS: 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 62, 63, 80, 98, 116

HAWTHORN
IN: Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), draft pick 27
OUT: Tom Murphy (Gold Coast), draft picks 21, 41
STILL COMING (MAYBE): -
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Clinton Young
DRAFT PICKS: 27, 60, 78, 96, 114, 132

New Hawthorn signing Brian Lake is all smiles at a press conference with Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson on Tuesday morning. Picture: Bronwyn Ward Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE
IN: Chris Dawes (Collingwood), Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), Jack Viney (father-son pick), Jesse Hogan (via 17yo mini-draft), Dom Barry, draft pick 58
OUT: Jared Rivers (Geelong), Brent Moloney (Brisbane), draft picks 3, 13, 26, 45
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Scott Gumbleton, Cam Pederson
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Jordan Gysberts, Cale Morton, Stefan Martin
DRAFT PICKS: 4, 58, 64, 82, 100, 118

*Draft picks are subject to change after compensation picks are awarded by the AFL*

Melbourne training at Gosch's Paddock. Jack Viney Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH MELBOURNE
IN: Draft pick 36
OUT: Hamish McIntosh (Geelong)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Cam Pedersen, Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett
DRAFT PICKS: 14, 35, 36, 54, 72, 90, 108, 126

PORT ADELAIDE
IN: Angus Monfries
OUT: Danyle Pearce (Fremantle), Troy Chaplin (Richmond), draft pick 48
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Stephen Gilham (Hawthorn)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Ben Jacobs
DRAFT PICKS: 7, 28, 66, 84, 102, 120

RICHMOND
IN: Chris Knights (Adelaide), Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide)
OUT: -
STILL COMING (MAYBE): David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Matt Thomas (Port Adelaide)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): -
DRAFT PICKS: 9, 29, 31, 50, 68, 86, 104, 122

ST KILDA
IN: Tom Lee (Claremont), draft picks 24, 43
OUT: Brendon Goddard (Essendon), draft pick 12
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Tom Hickey (Gold Coast), Koby Stevens (West Coast)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Jamie Cripps
DRAFT PICKS: 24, 34, 43, 53, 71, 89, 107, 125

Geelong are now looking at St Kilda star Brendon Goddard. Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY
IN: -
OUT: -
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Kurt Tippett (Adelaide)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Jesse White
DRAFT PICKS: 22, 42, 61, 79, 97, 115, 133

WEST COAST
IN: Sharrod Wellingham (Collingwood)
OUT: Quinten Lynch (Collingwood), draft pick 17
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Jamie Cripps (St Kilda)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Koby Stevens
DRAFT PICKS: 38, 57, 75, 93, 111, 129

WESTERN BULLDOGS
IN: Lachie Hunter (father-son), draft picks 21, 41
OUT: Brian Lake, draft picks 27, 46
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Scott Gumbleton, Koby Stevens
STILL GOING (MAYBE): -
DRAFT PICKS: 5, 6, 21, 41, 47, 65, 83, 101, 119

Western Bulldogs father-son selection Lachlan Hunter will his dad Mark at Etihad Stadium today. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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North score Pie blockbuster

North Melbourne will host Collingwood at Etihad Stadium in Round 1 next year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL has released its full Round 1 fixture for next year with North Melbourne handed a blockbuster opening against Collingwood.

The opening round, which will be played over two weekends, will also include a western derby and a Monday showdown between bitter rivals Hawthorn and Geelong.

Adelaide and Essendon will open the 2013 season on the Friday night at AAMI Stadium.

They have bumped Richmond and Carlton, who will clash at the MCG on the Thursday night in the second week of the split round.

It will be the first game in Melbourne for the season.

The Kangaroos will be rubbing their hands together after scoring a home game against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 31.

St Kilda will head north to the Gold Coast while the Bulldogs host the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Premiers Sydney will open their account with a cross-town derby against the GWS Giants.

While forward Chris Dawes will play his first game for Melbourne against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

ROUND 1, 2013

Friday, March 22
Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium

Saturday, March 23
Fremantle v West Coast at Patersons Stadium

Thursday, March 28
Carlton v Richmond at the MCG

Saturday, March 30
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium
Gold Coast v St Kilda at Metricon Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Sydney Swans at ANZ STadium

Sunday, March 31
Melbourne v Port Adelaide at the MCG
North Melbourne v COllingwood at Etihad Stadium

Monday, April 1
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG

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SuperCoach 2013 - Have your say

Injuries to star players including Hawk Lance Franklin caused big headaches for SuperCoaches in 2012. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL has settled on its new rules for 2013 - here's your chance to have a say on possible changes to SuperCoach for next season.

The AFL's Laws of the Game committee spent months compiling recommendations for changes to the rules, most of which were accepted by the league yesterday.

Meanwhile, planning is underway to make next year's SuperCoach competition the biggest and best ever.

Fans often feel left out of the AFL's decision-making process - but here is your chance to have a say in potential changes to Australia's biggest fantasy sports game.

One innovation likely for 2013 is a new and improved version of SuperCoach Pro - a new game that you can play for free alongside your traditional SuperCoach side.

Already hugely popular in major leagues such as the NFL and NBA, the draft-style game is focussed on head-to-head competition with your mates including on a league draft in which each player can be selected only once - if you take Gary Ablett with your first draft pick, none of your mates can select him.

The draft-style game would include a host of other innovations including mid-year trade deals with other players in your league.

In the main game, the boffins at SuperCoach HQ are closely examining the number of trades each team will have next season.

Many coaches were caught short during the three-week bye period in 2012, which is set to be repeated in the 2013 fixture, while injuries to key players forced many to use up their trades far earlier than they would have liked.

Another growing frustration for SuperCoaches is the large number of late team changes.

Forcing clubs to tell the truth seems a long shot, so options to ease the stress for SuperCoaches include an extra emergency on the bench to cover for late withdrawals, and a rolling lockout all weekend for every round of the season.

A partial rolling lockout is already in place for rounds featuring Thursday matches, and extending it would allow coaches to change their side up to the bounce of every match across the weekend - with players who have already taken the field progressively off-limits.

Tell us what changes you would like to see by voting in the polls and leaving a comment below.
 

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Dawes to keep Watts in defence

Jack Watts is likely to spend more time in defence next season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Chris Dawes has been traded from Collingwood to Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

NEW Melbourne signing Chris Dawes will play as a second tall target option to Mitch Clark.

Coach Mark Neeld said the pair had been recruited specifically as the cornerstones of the Demons' forward set-up.

And there could be more tall forwards to come as Neeld said the Demons would continue to talk with possible trade targets Scott Gumbleton and Cameron Pederson, but would be unlikely to recruit both.

He said the arrival of Dawes - picked up in a trade deal with Collingwood that cost the Demons picks 20 and 45 in the draft - was likely to see Jack Watts spending more time in defence.

"It's terrific for Mitch Clark (recruited from Brisbane last season) and the rest of the team to have a second big body down there,'' Neeld said today.

"Dawesy has been brought in to play as a key forward. He won't be doing the 'key forward who goes into the ruck' role with us. We think he's really suited to play as a key forward.''

Neeld said the young Demons will benefit from the premiership experience of Dawes and Geelong forward Shannon Byrnes.

"We talk about the long-term aspect that Chris brings to the club. He's 24 and he also brings a lot of experience coming out of a good culture, the way the Pies go about it, the way they play and the way they train,'' he said.

"He has also managed to play in the last five finals series. Include the drawn Grand Final, he has played in three Grand Finals and cracked it for a flag. We're certainly not underestimated what that brings to our group.

"And we've added Shannon Byrnes as well. Between them, there's a lot of experience at great clubs and the knowledge they can pass on to our boys of what it's like to play at the pointy end.''

Department of Trades

Neeld and assistant coach Leigh Brown, both key members of Collingwood's 2010 premiership, had a chat at Dawes' home recently to convince him that his future was with Melbourne.

"We've got a fair handle on the type of person he is and what he brings to our club,'' the coach said.

"I would describe Dawesy as a really solid citizen. He's very serious about his footy, he's very intelligent, he's studying law off the field. He's an aggressive trainer and plays an aggressive brand of footy. All the things that he wants.

"We did all those medical checks that you need to do (on Dawes' knee). He's already running, so he's over that. He has done the little bit of rehab that you need to do.''

Neeld said the inclusion of Dawes and Clark's recovery from an ankle injury will allow them to continue to develop Watts as part of the backline set-up.

And he's confident the Demons have the midfield to get quick and clean delivery to the big forwards.

"Mitch wasn't playing and we had half our backline playing in the forward line for various reasons,'' Neeld said.

"For the boys in the midfield, like (Jack) Grimes and (Jack) Trengove and (Nathan) Jones, to look up and see two big targets, that's the way we want to play.''

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Rule changes leave clubs in limbo

The substitute will remain, while it is expected a cap on interchanges will be introduced for the 2014 season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CLUBS are growing frustrated at the constant rule changes the AFL is implementing, forcing them to change their drafting and list management strategies on the fly.

The AFL yesterday changed two rules affecting ruckmen, opting to penalise big men who initiate contact before the ball leaves the umpire's hand at stoppages.

The league also hinted it would cap interchange rotations at 80 for the 2014 season after trialling it in next season's NAB Cup.

One club's national recruiting manager said the radical and repeated changes were making the game - and the type of athletes required - impossible to predict.

"We need to know if (the bench rules) are going to stay in for 2-3 years or is it going to change again," he told SuperFooty.

Congestions like under 9s: KB

"That's the main thing. We're looking four years in advance when drafting these kids, so that's the challenge.

"The game changes enough by itself without having many rule changes as significant as (a cap on rotations)."

Another club said its recruiting division had already met with conditioning staff to discuss drafting strategies in anticipation of an interchange cap.

A recruiter confirmed that of all the events at the AFL draft combine, the endurance tests were now the most telling.

"We already know if they can play the game or not, so I get the most out of the (beep test and 3km trial)," he said.

Asked if an interchange cap of 80 would kill off big, cumbersome ruckman, the recruiter said: "Yeah, they're in trouble.

"You'd want to be having a major impact with your hitouts to advantage and your stuff around the ground.

"If they can't run endurance-wise then you have to take that into account.

Bounce to get the toss

"If they're a standout player then you hope in a full-time system their running capacity can be improved, so it's just finding that balance."

If the interchange cap is introduced in 2014 it would suit Melbourne's latest recruits.

The Dees secured 17-year-old power forward Jesse Hogan and explosive wingman Dom Barry last week, with both featuring high in the beep test and 3km trial.

Barry finished third in the run, while both players scored 14-2s in the beep, ranking them equal ninth.

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Dogs 'as important as GWS'

Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon announces he will hand over power to former club president Peter Gordon in a press conference at Whitten Oval. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

NEW Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon says he inherits a club in a much better position than when he left - and which now has the full support of the AFL.

As revealed exclusively on SuperFooty last night, David Smorgon's 17-year reign will end at the club's annual general meeting in December.

In a shock move, Smorgon, 65, last night agreed to hand power to former club president Gordon for the 2013 season.

Smorgon took over the top job at Whitten Oval in 1996 - from anti-merger hero Gordon.

Smorgon is standing down a year earlier than planned after he was swayed by a succession report tabled at a lengthy Bulldogs board meeting yesterday.

The shake-up, to be confirmed by the club today, will see wealthy Dogs director Susan Alberti named as vice-president.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone that has been involved with the Bulldogs and assisted the Bulldogs during my time here. It's been a real team effort," Smorgon said today.

"Being a part of the red, white and blue has been a central part of my life – and while it is sad to depart – I do so with confidence that the Bulldogs have never been better placed to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges that lay ahead".

Smorgon said he was "thrilled" the board had endorsed Gordon as the preferred candidate to succeed him as president.

"Peter Gordon is one of Australia's best known and respected lawyers and a man with a track record of success in whatever he gets involved in," Smorgon said.

"He is a man with great and innovative ideas looking at a fresh approach and who is going to add on to the base that has been built.

"We know we have got the right man and we have got a man whose got the track record, the credentials and the passion and love for this club to do a great job'".

Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon is confident coach Brendan McCartney can rebuild the club. Picture: Ellen Smith Source: Herald Sun

Gordon said he inherited a club in a much stronger position than when he handed over power to Smorgon in 1996 - "and of course it's in an exponentially better position than it was in 1989".

Gordon was encouraged by what he heard from AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, CEO Andrew Demetriou and chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan during a meeting today.

"The irony of it was not lost on me that I was welcomed into the AFL headquarters by a management that not only values and recognises the Western Bulldogs football club franchise, but also its vital importance to the competition as a whole - in particular because of its roots and its work in the western suburbs of Melbourne,'' said Gordon, the director of Gordon Legal.

"And that was not a philosophy, frankly, that seemed to be a priority 25 years ago.

"In a sense we are greater western Melbourne and greater western Melbourne is as important to the future of the competition as (new franchise) Greater Western Sydney.''

Gordon said he wanted to play a central role in how the AFL dealt with the growing gap between rich and poor clubs.

Gordon will speak further with outspoken former player and now successful restaurateur Paul Dimattina in coming weeks about his bid for a seat on the board.

Dimattina had been an increasingly vocal critic of Smorgon in recent years, but Gordon said he came into the job with an open mind.

"All Bulldogs will be welcomed back to the kennel,'' Gordon said.

"And all Bulldogs will be asked, and in some ways expected, to contribute what they can.''

Western Bulldogs President David Smorgon (centre) with past presidents Nick Columb (left) and Peter Gordon. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

Smorgon will stand down from the board at the club's annual general meeting on December 20.

Bulldogs members will then be asked to vote Gordon on to the board, which would confirm his presidency.

A Bulldogs board committee, headed by outgoing Dogs director Ian Veal, has spent several months exploring succession options for the popular Smorgon.

The committee recently settled on the pairing of Gordon and Alberti, a recommendation approved by the board.

The quality of the candidates was enough to convince Smorgon that the time was right to step aside.

Gordon, a successful lawyer, became Bulldogs president in 1989 after leading the fight against a merger with Fitzroy.

His board stood aside for the Smorgon administration in 1996.

Smorgon is the second-longest serving president in the AFL behind Sydney Swans chairman Richard Colless.

 - with AAP

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Bassett likely to sign with Suns

Former Crow and current Norwood coach Nathan Bassett could land at the Suns. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: AdelaideNow

NORWOOD premiership coach Nathan Bassett is expected to join the Gold Coast Suns within the next 48 hours.

Bassett, who has met with Suns coaching director Malcolm Blight, is expected to fill one of the vacancies left by new Power coach Ken Hinkley and and former Magpie Shane O'Bree, who has returned to Melbourne.

"There's nothing to report yet - we'll see what happens," Bassett said today.

On Monday, Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft confirmed the Suns' were interested in the former Crows defender.

"We've had brief chats with Nathan," Ashcroft said.

"We think Nathan has got a lot to offer. We're still looking for another assistant coach."

With few AFL clubs searching for assistant coaches, Bassett's path to the Suns became more certain once the Redlegs broke their 15-year SANFL premiership drought on October 7.

Bassett's strength of being able to communicate, and develop, younger players is viewed as a good fit for the Suns.

The 35-year-old - who played 210 AFL games between 1998 and 2008 - has previously expressed his willingness to move his family interstate should an ideal opportunity arise.

"I have got to go to a club where I am going to learn some stuff and that is the main thing," Bassett told The Advertiser last month.

"I want to be a better coach and I want to be around people I think I can learn the most from."

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Campbell may join Port Adelaide

North Melbourne speedster Matt Campbell is looking for a new home and could find it at Port Adelaide. Picture: Stuart Walmsley. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne goalsneak Matt Campbell could be a part of Port Adelaide's compensation for promising defender Ben Jacobs.

With North hopeful of luring Jacobs to Arden Street, Campbell looms as a likely candidate to return to South Australia after he was yesterday put on the trade table by the Kangaroos.

"Matty is looking for a new home," North Melbourne football manager Donald McDonald confirmed.

"Both Matt and the club have agreed this is the best path forward.

"Like the other players, we will have to wait until the trade period is over before we confirm anything."

After delisting David Rodan and Simon Phillips last week, Port is left with just one - injury-prone Cameron Hitchcock - genuine small forward on its senior list.

Knee-victim Robbie Gray and No.6 draft pick Chad Wingard are other options but both are likely to spend more time in the midfield under new coach Ken Hinkley next season.

Campbell, who has played 82 AFL matches since being rookie-listed in 2006, would not only add valuable goalscoring ability for the Power but also great leg speed.

The former North Adelaide forward is extremely quick and has been used by Roos coach Brad Scott as an explosive substitute off the interchange bench.

This need becomes more pressing for Port after losing the pace of Phillips, Rodan and free-agent Danyle Pearce, who will play for Fremantle next season.

While Campbell has battled hamstring issues at various stages throughout his career, at 25, the pint-sized forward - 170cm and 72kg - should have plenty of football left in him.

As Campbell presented himself as an option yesterday, former Port Magpie Levi Greenwood was officially ruled out by the Kangaroos.

Despite speculation Greenwood - originally from Whyalla - is homesick, McDonald declared the 23-year-old was a required player at North.

"Very much," McDonald told the AFL website when asked if Greenwood was still wanted by coach Brad Scott.

"He's the first to admit he had a disappointing season and will do everything to improve."

Another potential Port target, Hawthorn defender Stephen Gilham, could follow his Hawks team-mate Tom Murphy to the Gold Coast.

Seen as a likely replacement for Troy Chaplin - who has joined Richmond as a restricted free-agent - Gilham is seeking more opportunity now Western Bulldogs backman Brian Lake has joined the Hawks.

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No easy ride for top teams

The easy ride is over for the good teams, except the Sydney Swans who will get to meet the GWS Giants twice in 2013. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

THE top four teams from 2012 will all play the bottom teams only once next season, the AFL has announced.

The AFL, who have been publicly drip feeding information about next year's fixture, revealed the decision tonight along with some other new initiatives for 2013.

It revealed that:

1.The top four teams from 2012 (Sydney Swans, Hawthorn, Collingwood, Adelaide Crows) would all only play the bottom four teams of 2012 (Greater Western Sydney Giants, Gold Coast Suns, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs) on one occasion in 2013, with the single exception of the Swans/Giants cross-town rivalry;

2.The 10 non-finalists from 2012 will all be scheduled to have a maximum of two return meetings with top eight sides from 2012.

3. Where possible the eight finalists from 2012 will all be programmed to have a maximum of two return meetings with bottom-10 sides from 2012.

"A standard round, as part of our agreement with the Seven Network and Foxtel/FOX FOOTY, will continue to feature one Friday night match, two Saturday afternoon matches, one Saturday twilight match, two Saturday night matches, one early Sunday match, one Sunday afternoon match and one Sunday twilight match," AFL executive Simon Lethlean said.
 
The AFL will play four Thursday matches in 2013 across Round One, Anzac Day Round (two matches on Thursday April 25) and Round 14, along with two Monday night matches in Round Seven (Melbourne) and Round 10 (Perth) respectively.

The South Australian (Port Adelaide) and West Australian (West Coast) clubs that travelled in round 23, 2012, will be fixtured to be at home in the final round in 2013.

While the final round will again be listed as a 'floating round', to enable the best-possible fixture options for the AFL in the lead-up to finals.
 
"For the period where clubs have their byes between rounds 11-13, the AFL will again schedule three rounds of six matches to provide as much continuity as possible for fans, and with the goal of a team from each state competing in a match in each week through that period," Lethlean said.

Lethlean said it was expected the fixture would be completed by the end of October.

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Dawes the Demon

Bye Bucks- Forward Chris Dawes is now a Demon. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has landed Collingwood key forward Chris Dawes in a trade deal struck tonight.

The paperwork will be lodged with the AFL tomorrow after the Dees and Magpies agreed on a swap of picks.

Melbourne has agreed to hand over pick No.20 and No.45 to the Magpies.

Completing the deal, the Magpies will hand their pick No.58 to the Demons.

More to come...

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Contracted Ray could stay put

Melbourne is hoping to lure St Kilda midfielder Farren Ray to the club during this week's trade period. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FARREN Ray could continue at St Kilda next season despite languishing in the VFL this year and fielding interest from aggressive trade player Melbourne.

The dashing wingman floated in and out of new coach Scott Watters' side this year, finishing with just 11 games, but remains contracted at Seaford in 2013.

Ray's manager Marty Pask today said as it stood "at the moment", Ray was expected to stay a Saint.

The former No. 4 draft pick was traded to St Kilda at the end of the 2008 season after falling out of the best 22 at the Western Bulldogs.

A quiet qualifying final sealed Ray's fate under then-Dogs coach Rodney Eade, but he rebounded strongly under Ross Lyon, adding a harder edge to his game.

Ray, 26, played 50 of a possible 51 games in 2009-10, including all three Grand Finals.

"Nothing has changed, he's contracted at St Kilda Football Club. That's how it remains at this point in time," Pask told the AFL's Trade Radio.

"I do at the moment (think he'll stay put), most definitely. He's got that one year to go for next season."

Dees coach Mark Neeld is believed to be hot on the ball carrier after already securing young guns Jack Viney, Dom Barry, Jesse Hogan and Geelong premiership veteran Shannon Byrnes.

They also won Chris Dawes' nomination as his preferred club after requesting a shift from Collingwood.

Pask said while Ray was often out of the Saints 22, he remained in their best 25 and with some key exits already he could expect greater opportunities next year.

Live chat: Ask our experts what will happen at the trade table

St Kilda lost the biggest free agency fish this month with star Brendon Goddard walking to Essendon as a restricted free agent.

It is also bracing to lose homesick midfielder Jamie Cripps, while the Saints remain confident of luring Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey, who wants to spend more time with his Melbourne-based girlfriend.
 

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Bassett could replace Hinkley

Former Crow and current Norwood coach Nathan Bassett could land at the Suns. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: AdelaideNow

NORWOOD premiership coach Nathan Bassett may get his preferred entry to an AFL coaching apprenticeship with Gold Coast.

The former Norwood defender has met the Suns' coaching director, Malcolm Blight, as Gold Coast looks to fill the vacancy created in Guy McKenna's staff by Ken Hinkley's move to Port Adelaide.

Suns football chief Marcus Ashcroft said today: "We've had brief chats with Nathan. We're still looking for another assistant coach."

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No footy in Vic for AFL Round 1

Richmond and Carlton will retain their traditional MCG opener on Easter Thursday next season. But two matches will be played the weekend before, both outside of Melbourne. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

VICTORIA will be devoid of AFL for the first weekend of next year's season with Adelaide and Fremantle set to host Round 1 matches.

Round 1 will be fixtured as a split round, with the MCG still contracted to cricket obligations for the first weekend.

The Blues and Tigers will still host the first match to be played in Melbourne on their traditional Thursday night time slot at the MCG.

The Bombers will open the season against the Crows at AAMI Stadium on a Friday night before a Dockers-West Coast derby as a stand-alone match the next day.

The remaining seven Round 1 games will be played the following weekend and across five days due to the Easter holidays.

There will again be no Good Friday match, but runner-up Hawthorn will get an early crack at snapping its Geelong hoodoo with the pair set for an Easter Monday Round 1 clash.

The Hawks have not beaten the Cats since their Grand Final triumph in 2008.

Should the Dons or Crows advance to the NAB Cup decider it will be staged on a Friday night to give both sides a seven-day break before their Round 1 encounter.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is set to get first crack at departed superstar Brendon Goddard in Round 4 when it plays Essendon.

Goddard, the biggest fish to defect via free agency, joined the Bombers on a lucrative four-year deal this month.

The Dons and Saints are expected to play each other twice next year.

Carlton has requested an early home match against Collingwood to show off its coaching coup Mick Malthouse against the side he led to the 2010 premiership.

The powerhouses are expected to be handed a Friday night battle at the MCG, most likely in Round 2.

ROUND 1
Friday, March 22: Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium
Saturday, March 23: Fremantle v West Coast at Patersons Stadium
Thursday, March 28: Carlton v Richmond at the MCG
Monday, April 1: Geelong v Hawthorn at the MCG

KEY 2013 FIXTURE DATES

Round 1: Thursday 28 March 2013 - Monday 1 April 2013
ANZAC Day - Round 5: Thursday 25 April 2013
Queen's Birthday match: Monday 10 June 2013
Round 23: Friday 30 August - Sunday 1 September 2013
Week 1 of finals: Friday 6 September 2013
AFL Grand Final: Saturday 28 September 2013

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Giant offer for right price

Last year's GWS first-round draft picks, including No.1 selection Jonathon Patton (far left). The Giants say they are prepared to part with four of their first five picks in this year's draft for the right price. Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney has lobbed a curve ball into the AFL's stalled trade period, declaring that four of its prized first-round draft picks are up for grabs.

The Giants have five of the top 13 picks and were widely expected to welcome a second wave of star teenage talent in next month's draft.

But the Herald Sun can reveal the Giants are now prepared to part with picks 2, 3, 12 and 13 in a bid to add some top-line senior players to their fledgling side.

However, the coveted No.1 choice, which has been reserved for sublime Dandenong utility Lachie Whitfield, is off-limits to rivals.

With almost $2 million extra in its salary cap, including the controversial cost of living allowance, the Giants are believed to eyeing off some of the biggest names in the game before next Friday's trade deadline.

The club has identified a key defender as a priority to help beef up its young backline.

The Giants also confirmed they have inquired about contracted Carlton ruckman Robbie Warnock.

GWS list manager Stephen Silvagni said he had already begun fruitful talks with other clubs about deals involving its top selections.

"Other than our first pick, we are certainly happy to discuss potential trades with those picks," Silvagni said.

"We would like to bring another key position player into the mix, but having said that, they are hard to find and clubs are reluctant to shift them.

"If something did come across the table that we did value, we would certainly entertain a trade."

Unlike the uncontracted player compensation selections, which have taken a year to activate, a straight trade with the Giants over the next nine days will result in immediate compensation at the national draft on November 22.

The move could give a Victorian club access to a top-three pick in the draft for the first time since Melbourne claimed Tom Scully and Jack Trengove with the No.1 and 2 choices in 2009.

After snaring 11 of the top 14 picks last year, the Giants surprise trade ploy could also help break the deadlock, or have a major influence, on other deals at a standstill around the country.

Adelaide is chasing an early pick or quality player for spearhead Kurt Tippett, who wants to go to Sydney.

Collingwood has demanded a higher selection than Melbourne's No. 20 pick in exchange for forward Chris Dawes.

With some bumper talent at the top end of this year's draft, including classy midfielder Jimmy Toumpas, and combative ruckman Brodie Grundy, Silvagni said the Giants would not let go of its golden early choices cheaply.

"What needs to be offered up needs to be equivalent to those potential players who are going to play that (high) number of games," he said.

"The value for those picks needs to be right."

GWS yesterday re-signed No.1 ruckman Jon Giles for three years, despite expressing an interest in Blues fringe big man Warnock, who recently penned a new deal to remain at Carlton for another three seasons.

"We certainly inquired about him (Warnock) but having said that, he has obviously committed to Carlton, and that's where it (interest) stopped," he said.
 

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