2012 countdown: Top 10 surprises

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

MELBOURNE'S shock win over Essendon, Carlton's demise and Brock McLean's tanking bomb rank among the top 10 surprises of 2012.

As we count down the rest of the week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We've well and truly kicked off the countdowns with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades, the top 10 individual performances and the top 10 recruits of 2012. Yesterday, it was the top 10 departures.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 surprises of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Brett Duncanson's teary resignation

Former Port Adelaide president Brett Duncanson caught everyone by a surprise when he wept during his final address at the helm of the embattled club. The Power boss resigned a day after coach Matthew Primus was sacked in the fall out of the club's shock loss to Greater Western Sydney. Duncanson broke down when he came to thank his family during the press conference at Alberton. He said the board had asked him to continue but he wanted to give the club "clean air". "To continue as president of this football club would lead to constant speculation about its leadership and would not be in the best interests of the club," he said at the time.

9. Andrew Demetriou's mid-season holiday

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou copped flak when he jetted off for a mid-season family holiday to Europe including a flying visit to the London Olympic Games. Former Hawthron president Jeff Kennett branded the northern summer sojourn as an "abuse" of his position. "I think six weeks is beyond the pale…," he told SEN radio. "I can understand having a holiday…six weeks mid-season I think that is an abuse of the employment that you currently occupy." Demetriou was absent during the AFL's handling of a number of incidents including Magpie Sharrod Wellingham's high bump on Blue Kade Simpson, goal review blunders, the unveiling of Essendon's grey strip and pitch invaders at Etihad Stadium.

8. Adelaide's rise

Adelaide made the most of its much publicised "easy draw" to rocket up the AFL ladder under rookie coach Brenton Sanderson. The Crows pounced early, winning the NAB Cup, before going on to snare the four points in eight of the first 10 games of the season proper. Emerging star Patrick Dangerfield led the Crows early-season domination along with Rory Sloane, power forward Taylor Walker and veteran Scott Thompson. But it was in defence where Adelaide improved drastically during 2012 with the unveiling of Rising Star winner Daniel Talia and Sam Shaw. Adelaide's meteoric rise ended in a thrilling preliminary final loss to Hawthorn at the MCG.

7. Gold Coast stuns Carlton/Blues finals flop

Carlton had everything to play for. A finals berth, Brett Ratten's job and the opportunity for a much needed percentage boost leading into September. But the Tom Lynch and Gary Ablett led Gold Coast had other ideas with the Suns charging to a 38-point half time lead when the two sides met at Carrara in Round 22. The rattled Blues rallied in the third quarter outscoring the Suns five goals to one but it was not to be enough to avoid an embarrassing 12-point loss. Lynch starred up forward with four goals while Ablett collected 23 disposals. But the damage was already done, with injuries to key players derailing Carlton's campaign. The Blues launched 2012 in style with three wins from as many starts including a10-goal annihilation of Collingwood in Round 3. But fast forward seven weeks and the Blues, rocked by injuries to Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy, copped an eight-goal hiding at the hands of AFL straggler Port Adelaide. Carlton won just five of its last 13 games to finish a disappointing 10th on the AFL table.

6. Swans win flag

Sydney took the AFL by storm in 2012, flying under the radar, on its way to a fifth flag. The Swans burst out of the blocks with five successive victories to propel to "flag favouritism". But losses in Rounds 6 and 7 put the Swans back on the outer at the Hawthorn, Collingwood and Essendon juggernauts continued to run amok. The Swans responded after losing three in four weeks to put on a nine-game win streak ended by Collingwood in a thriller at ANZ Stadium. Despite losing their last two games of the home and away season, the Swans rallied in September to see off Adelaide, Collingwood and finally Hawthorn with the likes of Ryan O'Keefe, Josh Kennedy, Lewis Jetta and Dan Hannebery at the forefront.

5. Kurt Tippett saga

Show me the money Kurt Tippett found himself in hot water at the end of the season when his backroom contract negotiations was revealed. Tippett, who had set himself on a move back to his home state of Queensland, was all of a sudden the centre of trade talks after Sydney's late multi-million dollar bid for the 200cm forward. Tippett's interest in the Swans' big bucks bid soured relations at AAMI Stadium which he only fuelled with break up text message to Crows players. "Have absolutely loved playing alongside you all. You are all friends for life! I'll be in touch. Love KT." Tippett's text prompted Patrick Dangerfield to respond on Twitter with: "The club did absolutely everything it could. But you have to want to be apart (sic) of the footy club." The saga took a turn during the AFL's trade period when it was revealed Tippett's last contract with Adelaide, signed in 2009, included a $200,000 bonus outside the salary cap. Tippett was handed a 22-game ban – 11 suspended for the next five years – and fined $50,000 for his role in the deal. Tippett joined Sydney in the pre-season draft.

4. Brock McLean drops tanking bomb

Outspoken Carlton midfielder Brock McLean reignited the 'tanking' debate revealing Melbourne was "experimenting" in 2009, losing games to win draft picks. McLean told Fox Footy's On the Couch program that he left the Demons because he suspected the club was deliberately losing games. "Circumstance in the second half of the year never sat well with me", McLean said. When quizzed further he said: Well, they don't call it tanking…We would call it experimenting or whatever it was." McLean's admissions prompted a full-scale AFL investigation which included interviews of past and present Melbourne players, coaches and administrators. The AFL's five-month probe continues with Melbourne pledging to vigorously defend any charges laid against the club.

3. Lenny Hayes' heart condition

The football world was shocked when it was announced St Kilda champion Lenny Hayes had undergone surgery to repair a leaky valve in his heart. Hayes slipped into the Epworth Hospital in September for what the 263-game veteran described as a "simple heart procedure" despite walking out with a 24cm scar from the top of the chest plate to below the sternum.

2. Fremantle's first quarter blitz against Geelong in Elimination Final

Fremantle did the unthinkable in taming feared September beast Geelong in a stunning elimination final at the MCG. The Matthew Pavlich led Dockers piled on five unanswered goals in one of the games of the season. Pavlich slotted six goals – including three of the first five – to set up the "anyone, anytime, anywhere" Dockers 16-point victory after mini final-quarter Cats fight back. The result sent the Cats, who had won three of the past five flags, packing in what would be the club's worst result since 2006.

1. Melbourne triumph over Essendon

It was the upset of the season. Essendon, brimming with confidence after an 8-1 start, was expected to brush a winless Melbourne aside when the two sides met in Round 10. But the Demons had other ideas in front of 42,987 fans outlasting the Bombers in a gruelling four-quarter performance. Melbourne trailed by eight points going into the final change when coach Mark Neeld pulled off a masterstroke in sending defender Colin Garland forward. The switch paid instant rewards with Garland slotting two last-quarter goals as the Demons held on for a thrilling six-point victory.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Billie keen to give 2012 the boot

Billie Smedts finished the 2012 season playing 14 games for Geelong. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: Geelong Advertiser

IN A strange sort of way Billie Smedts just wants 2012 to be over.

After missing the entire 2011 season because of injury, Smedts made his debut in Round 1 this year before experiencing so many things football has to offer.

He dealt with highs: the excitement of playing his first game, the thrill of playing a big part in Geelong's epic win over Hawthorn in Round 19 and the pride of seeing his mates win the VFL grand final.

But also plenty of lows: being dropped, missing a final through injury and, most significantly, intense pressure.

This time last year Smedts was all the rage at Simonds Stadium.

Players and coaches spoke of how he was training the house down, while the media had him pinned as the competition's next big thing.

And Smedts didn't know why.

He was 19 and he hadn't even made his debut.

"I actually took it pretty tough," Smedts said. "I wanted to put pressure on myself to perform, but I thought it was just a lot of extra pressure - I hadn't played a game yet and I already felt like I had big shoes to fill.

"I feel as though there was too much hype, definitely a little bit too much for my liking. All I wanted to do was play footy and I felt like my first game was already going to be big enough and I felt like in the back of my head, 'Oh, I've had this said, so I've got extra pressure on top of me'."

He insists he didn't read his own press.

"But other people told me about what was said and a lot of other people read it," he said.

"I knew it was there and I didn't handle it very well because it sat there in the back of my head. When I did walk out on to the park I was thinking that people were expecting things and probably expecting bigger things than what I was capable of doing.

"That stuff was written so I felt like I had to play for the media sort of, they were pumping me up, so I felt like I had to go out there and have 30 touches straightaway."

He sought, and received, the advice of senior teammates who had been through it all before, which helped.

"They've obviously gone through a lot of media written and said about them, so just to hear about what they'd gone through, either good reports or bad reports, I just spoke to them about how they dealt with that pressure. They were really good to talk to and they did help me out."

Whether he was dealing with it well or not, March came around quickly and Smedts was named to take on Fremantle in Round 1.

"It's a big road trip for us. We got over there and I was pretty nervous. My family flew over and I was excited but at the same time very scared," he said.

"I ran out there, the crowd was very loud. It was a disappointing loss and a tough initiation."

THE utility played seven of the Cats' first 10 games, moving in and out of the side a couple of times for team balance reasons, before the call came.

He was dropped.

"I took it pretty tough. I knew that I was struggling with a bit of form and I had no confidence going into games," he said.

"I remember Chris Scott coming up on my phone and I knew what was coming. I asked him what I needed to do to get back and he said, 'You play your best footy on confidence and so we just want to take you back to the VFL, hopefully you'll play well, get a kick and get some confidence back and we'll play you'.

"I went back to the VFL and worked on a few little areas of my game, got some confidence up and started playing some decent footy. I got my chance in the senior team again and in a different position as well (half-forward). I enjoyed my new role when I got put back in the seniors." 

GOOD times followed. He had a career-best 20 disposals on his return against Port Adelaide in Round 14, 17 against Gold Coast a week later and then, after playing a personal-best six straight senior games, was involved in the Cats' thrilling two-point win over the Hawks, in which Tom Hawkins kicked six goals.

"I handballed it to Tommy for his second-last one," Smedts said.

"It was incredible. It's everyone's dream to win a game after the siren, you're always in the backyard putting pressure on yourself to win the Grand Final after the siren. I've never been a part of something like that.

"For 'Hawk' to kick that goal after the siren, it was a pretty special night for everyone at the Geelong Football Club. It was massive.

"Me and 'Scarlo' were standing on the goal line and the ball got kicked over our heads. I jumped on Scarlo and he pretty much piggy backed me to 50m out where Hawk was and we all pretty much jumped on each other. It was a pretty good feeling."

But as Smedts was finding his feet and the Cats were seemingly on the verge of making an unlikely assault on a fourth flag in six years, there was to be one final twist in his roller-coaster season.

"I broke my finger into about a thousand pieces in the second-last round," he said.

"We originally thought it was just going to be the one week, so I went in to surgery and got plates and screws put in there, but it didn't get right for the next week (Round 23).

"Then I was actually going to come through the VFL the following week when we played Freo in the elimination final. On the Saturday night the boys were playing the Dockers and I was meant to play in the twos the next day in a final out at Casey.

"But as soon as we lost to Freo I got the call from the doc who said, 'You can't qualify for VFL finals now so your season's done'.

"It was really weird. I was sitting at home getting ready to play footy the next morning and then all of a sudden I get the call saying your season's over. I couldn't really get my head around it. One minute I'm sitting on the couch eating pasta and hydrating and then the next minute the season's over." 

AT LEAST it was for him. Most of his mates had played enough reserves games to qualify for the VFL finals and they went on to defeat Port Melbourne in the grand final to win the premiership.

"I was absolutely pumped for them. I wish I could have been a part of it, but the boys were rapt," Smedts said.

"We pushed back our end-of-year celebrations because we're one team, it's not as if we were going to go out and celebrate without them while they're still playing. Every week we were there for their finals and it was a bonus winning the granny, so we celebrated pretty hard." 

AT THE start of this year, Smedts set himself a goal of playing eight games.

"Any game after that was a bonus," he said.

He finished with 14.

Assessing his first proper season as an AFL player, Smedts described it as "up and down".

"I've experienced the highs and the lows even in my short career to date," he said. "It was an up-and-down year, but it's given me a bit of a taste of what it's going to be like along the way."

Smedts said he doesn't want to forget the lessons he learnt in 2012.

"But in a way I want to put (the year) behind me," he said. "I want to learn from what I did wrong and what I did right last year, so I will put it behind me. But I don't want to forget it totally. I want to take everything I can from this year and put it into next year.

"Next year's a different year and we'll see what happens when we get there."

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Prismall to play VFL with the Dogs

Brent Prismall trained with the Dons, Port and Dogs without luck at the drafts. Now, he'll play at Williamstown. Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT'S finally official: Brent Prismall will use the Western Bulldogs' VFL affiliate as a platform to try and relaunch his AFL career.

The delisted Essendon midfielder visited Williamstown headquarters today to finalise his playing contract for 2013 and is set to start pre-season training in January.

Prismall, 26, trained at three clubs in the lead-up to the pre-season and rookie drafts but was overlooked by the Bombers, Dogs and Port Adelaide.

Last week he signed at the Dogs as their full-time player-welfare, a role vacated by Brett Goodes after he beat Prismall to the final place on Brendan McCartney's list.

"He still sees himself as someone who can get picked up in the future, so it was important for him to come into a good environment," Seagulls football manager Chris Dixon told SuperFooty today.

"Obviously it's a good fit with the role at the Western Bulldogs. But it's funny, when we first sat down with Brent he indicated he was looking to play for Williamstown regardless of what happened.

"He's going to be a very good player at VFL level and who knows, in 12 months you'd like to think the door is still open for him, especially with more mature-age players getting picked up."

Prismall played under McCartney at Geelong and Essendon during his 61-game AFL career.

Prismall lives in the western suburbs and came through the Western Jets in the TAC Cup.

He has battled knee and hamstring injuries throughout his career and was restricted to eight AFL matches this season, but last year Essendon coach James Hird backed him to recover.

"There's a lot of football left in Brent Prismall," Hird said after Prismall's knee setback last year.

He joins delisted Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood as bumper signings at Williamstown, with both hopeful their AFL days are not over.

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2012 countdown: Top 10 departures

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Corey Enright consoles retiring Geelong veteran Matthew Scarlett after the loss to Fremantle - his final match. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE Kurt Tippett saga seemed to rip apart rainforests this off-season. But did million-dollar man Israel Folau's defection cause a bigger stir? Or what about Liam Jurrah?

As we count down the rest of the week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We've well and truly kicked off the countdowns with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances. Yesterday, it was the top 10 recruits of 2012.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 departures of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. BRENT PRISMALL (Essendon)

Well, sort of departed. The unlucky former Bomber and Cat went through clubs like Tiger Woods in the lead-up to the pre-season draft. First he stayed on at Windy Hill and was told by James Hird he'd be redrafted, then it was over to train at Alberton where he was reportedly offered a one-year deal, and finally Prismall decided "nah, let's stay in Victoria" and headed back home to train with the Dogs. But in a cruel twist, the Bulldogs signed Nick Lower and then handed their final position on their list to 28-year-old player welfare manager Brett Goodes. With Goodes' former job open and Prismall suddenly unemployed, the Whitten Oval powerbrokers had little hesitation opting for him over a Seek ad. What a whirlwind two months for Prismall, who is stranded on 61 AFL games. And in yet another twist the 26-year-old is expected to sign at Dogs affiliate Williamstown and play there, with Goodes, next season. This was a pretzel of a story.

Brent Prismall trains with the Bombers at Windy Hill. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

9. JASON GRAM (St Kilda)

One of the more bizarre exits from the AFL system we've seen. Gram's career came to a sudden, public and dramatic end in October. The St Kilda line-breaker had his contract terminated after he was arrested and charged before being convicted and fined $5000 on six criminal charges. The 28-year-old played 152 games in red, white and black threads after crossing from the Brisbane Lions. His exit effectively allowed the Saints to sign Dylan Roberton at the death of delisted free agency. With football gone, fingers crossed Gram gets his life on track in 2013. Right now he's enjoying some sun in Thailand… a nice change of pace after 10 sweltering pre-seasons.

Jason Gram has been sacked by St Kilda. Source: Herald Sun

8. MATTHEW PRIMUS (Port Adelaide)

How unlucky is this bloke? Does his knee and misses playing in Port's inaugural flag in 2004 and sacked from the same club after just 47 games at the helm as senior coach. Not sure Primus is all for the AFL's expansion plans… of the 34 losses he coached the two against the baby clubs seemed to haunt him dearly. The Power was the first club to go down to the Suns last year, as serious pressure to retain his job mounted, before they became the first established club to go down at the hands of GWS this season. That was the death knell. So, what's next? If you can't beat them join them – Primus is the new midfield coach at the Suns.

Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus during a Power training session. Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

7. BRETT RATTEN (Carlton)

Much like Primus, Ratten's "coach killer" came against the AFL newbies. After a spirited fightback to crawl into top-eight contention, all the Blues had to do was travel north and eclipse the Suns to keep their season alive. They failed. Miserable. And a prickly Ratten presser after the match pointed to the fact he knew this season would be his last. Ratten decided to coach the final game of the year after being told he was axed and the Mick Malthouse lure materialised. Ratts is off to Glenferrie next year to aid the Hawks. It's been a quiet addition, but that could be one of the recruits of the year.

6. LIAM JURRAH (Melbourne)

Talk about a turbulent year. Jurrah battled an injury curse, was charged over an alleged machete attack, walked out on the Dees and was overlooked by Port Adelaide after a brief training stint at Alberton. Now, he's set to play under Port's eyes in the SANFL with the possibility of reigniting his AFL career in 2014. The mercurial forward was seemingly set for a promising stint at the Dees after being handed Russell Robertson's No. 24 jumper and thumping home 40 goals last year. He could get on the park just once this season – in a 101-point loss to premiers Sydney. Ouch.

Sydney Swans v Melbourne Demons, SCG - Demons Liam Jurrah on a lead. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: Herald Sun

5. ADRIAN ANDERSON (AFL)

The AFL lost one of its heavyweights when Adrian Anderson suddenly resigned this month. In his nine years as football operations manager, Anderson handled a lot of big issues he must have at times wanted to handball off. Check this list to see what he put up with. But, he left highly respected for his dealings both with the media and at AFL House after entering a faceless 31-year-old handpicked by Andrew Demetriou.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson. Source: Herald Sun

4. MATTHEW SCARLETT (Geelong)

Seriously, how good was this bloke? Three flags, a best-and-fairest and a mortgage on the full-back post in the All-Australian side. Eight times Scarlett made the team of the year, while after 284 games stopping the league's gorillas he is firmly entrenched among the greats. Scarlett will leave a massive hole in Chris Scott's defence and was hands-down the biggest star to depart the game after 2012. Six times this man collected at least 30 touches, showing his ability to kill sides on the rebound, while like many former Cats he's off to the Dogs in 2013 – as a part-time coach under Brendan McCartney.

3. BRENDON GODDARD (St Kilda)

Day one of free agency and one of St Kilda's marquee men packs up and shifts to Essendon for mega bucks. Bang. The BJ defection kick-started the new age of AFL. A No. 1 draft pick and Grand Final star walking was big, especially with talk Goddard could have captained the Saints if he had stayed. In fairness he wasn't coming off an outstanding season and the system did adequately reimburse St Kilda, with Goddard winning it the No. 13 draft pick, used to help secure exciting ruckman Tom Hickey.

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard models the 9 jumper he will wear next year Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

2. ISRAEL FOLAU (GWS Giants)

Gave up? Mercenary? Did his job? Lacked the ability? Everyone had their say when Izzy walked out on the Giants after just 13 games at the top level. He never kicked more than one goal, picked up more than five kicks in a game and averaged just 1.4 tackles a match, but, gee, his pay cheque would've been handsome. The biggest shock was when Folau snubbed the NRL, instead opting to play with the NSW Waratahs in 2013. Yep, that's three codes in four years for the one-time league great. And it didn't take long for comedians on social media to link him to Melbourne Heart, Sydney Sixers and synchronised swimming at the next Olympics following his defection.

Israel Folau has been visiting prisoners at Parklea prison. Source: Getty Images

1. KURT TIPPETT (Adelaide)

Oh boy. Where do you start? Nearly the preliminary final hero. Now the all-time greatest villain for Adelaide fans. The Crows lost draft picks, Tippett for nothing, huge fines and a spread of embarrassment unlikely to be topped. An uglier departure could not be scripted, and all because Adelaide was hell-bent on keeping the key forward at the end of 2009. But Tippett got to the Swans, will earn about $70,000 a game next season and walked away with his registration in hand and just an 11-game suspension to serve. Thank heavens that two-month saga is done and dusted.

Where to? Kurt Tippett has a big decision to make. Source: Herald Sun

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

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Young Pie faces assault charges

Collingwood rookie Marley Williams charged with assault following an alleged incident a night club in Western Australia. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

YOUNG Collingwood midfielder Marley Williams has been charged with assault in Western Australia.

Williams, 19, is set to appear in court at a later date following an alleged incident at a night club in Albany last night.

Police allege Williams was one of two men at the club who were allegedly involved in an argument around 1.30am (WST) this morning.

The other man, 29, was ejected from the venue and when Williams left, he saw the man outside.

Williams is then alleged to have punched the man who was taken to Albany Regional Hospital with a broken jaw.

Collingwood this afternoon confirmed charges had been laid in a statement.

"As this is a police matter the club will be making no further comment at this time," the statement read.

Williams was taken with pick No.35 in the 2011 rookie draft.

But he was promoted to the senior list after the Magpies lost enforcer Luke Ball to a season-ending knee injury.

Williams played six games in 2012 after making his debut against Adelaide in Round 9.
 

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2012 countdown: Top 10 surprises

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

MELBOURNE'S shock win over Essendon, Carlton's demise and Brock McLean's tanking bomb rank among the top 10 surprises of 2012.

As we count down the rest of the week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We've well and truly kicked off the countdowns with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades, the top 10 individual performances and the top 10 recruits of 2012. Yesterday, it was the top 10 departures.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 surprises of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Brett Duncanson's teary resignation

Former Port Adelaide president Brett Duncanson caught everyone by a surprise when he wept during his final address at the helm of the embattled club. The Power boss resigned a day after coach Matthew Primus was sacked in the fall out of the club's shock loss to Greater Western Sydney. Duncanson broke down when he came to thank his family during the press conference at Alberton. He said the board had asked him to continue but he wanted to give the club "clean air". "To continue as president of this football club would lead to constant speculation about its leadership and would not be in the best interests of the club," he said at the time.

9. Andrew Demetriou's mid-season holiday

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou copped flak when he jetted off for a mid-season family holiday to Europe including a flying visit to the London Olympic Games. Former Hawthron president Jeff Kennett branded the northern summer sojourn as an "abuse" of his position. "I think six weeks is beyond the pale…," he told SEN radio. "I can understand having a holiday…six weeks mid-season I think that is an abuse of the employment that you currently occupy." Demetriou was absent during the AFL's handling of a number of incidents including Magpie Sharrod Wellingham's high bump on Blue Kade Simpson, goal review blunders, the unveiling of Essendon's grey strip and pitch invaders at Etihad Stadium.

8. Adelaide's rise

Adelaide made the most of its much publicised "easy draw" to rocket up the AFL ladder under rookie coach Brenton Sanderson. The Crows pounced early, winning the NAB Cup, before going on to snare the four points in eight of the first 10 games of the season proper. Emerging star Patrick Dangerfield led the Crows early-season domination along with Rory Sloane, power forward Taylor Walker and veteran Scott Thompson. But it was in defence where Adelaide improved drastically during 2012 with the unveiling of Rising Star winner Daniel Talia and Sam Shaw. Adelaide's meteoric rise ended in a thrilling preliminary final loss to Hawthorn at the MCG.

7. Gold Coast stuns Carlton/Blues finals flop

Carlton had everything to play for. A finals berth, Brett Ratten's job and the opportunity for a much needed percentage boost leading into September. But the Tom Lynch and Gary Ablett led Gold Coast had other ideas with the Suns charging to a 38-point half time lead when the two sides met at Carrara in Round 22. The rattled Blues rallied in the third quarter outscoring the Suns five goals to one but it was not to be enough to avoid an embarrassing 12-point loss. Lynch starred up forward with four goals while Ablett collected 23 disposals. But the damage was already done, with injuries to key players derailing Carlton's campaign. The Blues launched 2012 in style with three wins from as many starts including a10-goal annihilation of Collingwood in Round 3. But fast forward seven weeks and the Blues, rocked by injuries to Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy, copped an eight-goal hiding at the hands of AFL straggler Port Adelaide. Carlton won just five of its last 13 games to finish a disappointing 10th on the AFL table.

6. Swans win flag

Sydney took the AFL by storm in 2012, flying under the radar, on its way to a fifth flag. The Swans burst out of the blocks with five successive victories to propel to "flag favouritism". But losses in Rounds 6 and 7 put the Swans back on the outer at the Hawthorn, Collingwood and Essendon juggernauts continued to run amok. The Swans responded after losing three in four weeks to put on a nine-game win streak ended by Collingwood in a thriller at ANZ Stadium. Despite losing their last two games of the home and away season, the Swans rallied in September to see off Adelaide, Collingwood and finally Hawthorn with the likes of Ryan O'Keefe, Josh Kennedy, Lewis Jetta and Dan Hannebery at the forefront.

5. Kurt Tippett saga

Show me the money Kurt Tippett found himself in hot water at the end of the season when his backroom contract negotiations was revealed. Tippett, who had set himself on a move back to his home state of Queensland, was all of a sudden the centre of trade talks after Sydney's late multi-million dollar bid for the 200cm forward. Tippett's interest in the Swans' big bucks bid soured relations at AAMI Stadium which he only fuelled with break up text message to Crows players. "Have absolutely loved playing alongside you all. You are all friends for life! I'll be in touch. Love KT." Tippett's text prompted Patrick Dangerfield to respond on Twitter with: "The club did absolutely everything it could. But you have to want to be apart (sic) of the footy club." The saga took a turn during the AFL's trade period when it was revealed Tippett's last contract with Adelaide, signed in 2009, included a $200,000 bonus outside the salary cap. Tippett was handed a 22-game ban – 11 suspended for the next five years – and fined $50,000 for his role in the deal. Tippett joined Sydney in the pre-season draft.

4. Brock McLean drops tanking bomb

Outspoken Carlton midfielder Brock McLean reignited the 'tanking' debate revealing Melbourne was "experimenting" in 2009, losing games to win draft picks. McLean told Fox Footy's On the Couch program that he left the Demons because he suspected the club was deliberately losing games. "Circumstance in the second half of the year never sat well with me", McLean said. When quizzed further he said: Well, they don't call it tanking…We would call it experimenting or whatever it was." McLean's admissions prompted a full-scale AFL investigation which included interviews of past and present Melbourne players, coaches and administrators. The AFL's five-month probe continues with Melbourne pledging to vigorously defend any charges laid against the club.

3. Lenny Hayes' heart condition

The football world was shocked when it was announced St Kilda champion Lenny Hayes had undergone surgery to repair a leaky valve in his heart. Hayes slipped into the Epworth Hospital in September for what the 263-game veteran described as a "simple heart procedure" despite walking out with a 24cm scar from the top of the chest plate to below the sternum.

2. Fremantle's first quarter blitz against Geelong in Elimination Final

Fremantle did the unthinkable in taming feared September beast Geelong in a stunning elimination final at the MCG. The Matthew Pavlich led Dockers piled on five unanswered goals in one of the games of the season. Pavlich slotted six goals – including three of the first five – to set up the "anyone, anytime, anywhere" Dockers 16-point victory after mini final-quarter Cats fight back. The result sent the Cats, who had won three of the past five flags, packing in what would be the club's worst result since 2006.

1. Melbourne triumph over Essendon

It was the upset of the season. Essendon, brimming with confidence after an 8-1 start, was expected to brush a winless Melbourne aside when the two sides met in Round 10. But the Demons had other ideas in front of 42,987 fans outlasting the Bombers in a gruelling four-quarter performance. Melbourne trailed by eight points going into the final change when coach Mark Neeld pulled off a masterstroke in sending defender Colin Garland forward. The switch paid instant rewards with Garland slotting two last-quarter goals as the Demons held on for a thrilling six-point victory.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Patton hits power button on track

GWS Giants' 2011 No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton is revelling in his first full pre-season. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

GWS Giants' No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton is thriving in his first full pre-season after revealing how far knee surgery disrupted his first season in the AFL.

In an open reflection of his first year at the Giants, Patton revealed he wasn't fit enough at any point in 2012, carrying pain and swelling in his knee. He was also unhappy being away from teammates while training on his own.

He did not start training with teammates until March, when they had been training as a full squad for five months already.

He also admits to wincing every time he landed on the injured knee during their round 19 win over Port Adelaide - his seventh and last game of the season.

"You do really question yourself a few times in the rehab group," Patton said.

"It's just so taxing. Early mornings every day. You're not with the group, you're watching them train. You're sort of thinking, 'When are you going to play? When are you going to train?' All that adds up. But it makes you mentally stronger."

Now, having completed every task assigned to him by the GWS strength and conditioning staff during the eight weeks since they returned from their end of season holidays, Patton says he feels the fittest of his career.

"You don't really understand it until you're doing it," he said.

"Now that I've done all of this pre-season I can tell so much of a difference."

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Goldstein No.1 and aiming higher

Singular style: North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein wants to stamp his authority on the job. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein says he is ready to stamp his authority on the Kangaroos' No.1 ruck role after Hamish McIntosh's departure.

While Goldstein has carried the Kangaroos' ruck division in McIntosh's injury-enforced absence in the past two years, the 24-year-old said he needed to step up and "make the most" of his new seniority.

McIntosh joined Geelong via this year's trade period after seven years at North.

"It was sad to see 'H' go, we were all very good mates with him," Goldstein said.

"But I think we have got to move on now and try and stamp our own authority on the game and our own footprint at the club.

"Probably in the last two years with his (McIntosh's) horrible injury run that he's had, I did have to step up and take that role. I enjoy it. I think every player wants to be the No.1 in their position.

"It's definitely a role that I take on. Coming into my seventh year now, I do really need to step up and make the most of it."

With McIntosh restricted to just seven games for 2012, Goldstein attended the most ruck contests in the competition and was ranked third for total hit-outs.

While eager to progress he also wants to see other ruck prospects develop.

"I think we've got a pretty good group of ruckmen now with Daniel Currie being brought on board, Majak (Daw) and Ben Mabon really starting to lift up," Goldstein said.

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2012 countdown: Top 10 recruits

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Mitch Morton and Adam Goodes celebrate a goal. Morton featured in the Top 10 recruits. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

IVAN Maric was unlucky not to be All-Australian in his first season at Tigerland, but did Mitch Morton's Grand Final cameo boost him into the top 10 recruits of the season?

As we count down the rest of the week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series last week with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 recruits of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. MITCH CLARK (Melbourne)

The big fella didn't come cheaply – and the Dees moved heaven and earth to convince him to join – but Mark Neeld's fascination with the former Lion was quickly justified. Clark was a rare shining light for the Dees this season, up until his nasty foot injury. The spearhead jagged 29.18 from just 11 matches and repeatedly gave it his all in big floggings. Remember the Round 2 debacle against the Eagles? The Dees kicked nine goals for the day in a 108-point belting – and five came from Clark's boot. He straightened the Dees up and with Chris Dawes alongside next year and Jesse Hogan in 2014, Clark should continue to produce gold for the red and blue.

9. MITCH MORTON (Sydney)

"What? Mitch who?" you say. Yep, Morton, didn't make his Swans debut until Round 21. Yep, he had just 42 disposals for the season. Yep, he bagged five goals in 2012. But the livewire sneaks in because without him the Hawks could well be premiers. In the titanic struggle that was the Grand Final, the Tiger discard booted two crunch goals in the second term to spark his side. He justified John Longmire's decision then and there to gamble on him and now he'll forever be remembered as a premiership player. For sheer importance to the season, it's hard to leave this bloke out, as strange as that might just seem.

The 2012 AFL Grand Final at the MCG in Melbourne. Hawthorn vs. Sydney. Mitch Morton and Adam Goodes celebrate a goal Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

8. JEREMY CAMERON (Greater Western Sydney)

Cameron crept into the system as one of the faceless 17-year-old GWS signings, sparing him draft day anxieties, and you suspect he could've rivalled Jon Patton for No. 1 status if not for that. He burst onto the scene with five goals against the Dogs in Round 5, while his contested marking and clutch kicking against Richmond in the wet showed maturity well beyond his years. Cameron had 12 score assists to complement his 29 goals and clunked a staggering 26 contested marks. Goal-wise, he had a better debut season than Franklin, Pavlich, Brown, Nick Riewoldt and Cloke. Wayne Carey warmed to him quickly, declaring Cameron could wind up the AFL's best player. Cameron provided 20 per cent of GWS goals before being booked in for surgery and the Giants believe he and Patton can tear opposition defences to shreds as a one-two punch for the next decade. A shrewd find from the remote town of Dartmoor, western Victoria.

Jeremy Cameron celebrates a goal against the Tigers on Saturday. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: Herald Sun

7. JOSH HILL (West Coast)

The Eagles snapped up Hill on the cheap – traded for just pick No. 49 – and it turned out to be a shrewd acquisition. With Mark LeCras, Mark Nicoski and Josh Kennedy missing most of the season, Hill's liveliness and goal power became an instant asset. The goalsneak turned his career around – only 18 months ago Chris Grant said he shouldn't wear the Dogs jumper again after a spiritless effort manning the mark – to produce his best-ever season. Hill bagged the most goals and behinds of his career, while turned his tackle numbers up to 69 from 22, showing his ability to apply pressure. Now the challenge is there to remain in the best 22 in 2013.

6. STEVE MORRIS (Richmond)

The mature-age defender added a layer of resilience to Richmond's leaky defence this year. Morris boasts raw pace and a knack for closing key opposition players out of matches – just ask Cyril Rioli. The dashing defender blanketed the Hawks star as the Tigers steamrolled the minor premier in Round 9, even burning free up forward and kicking a memorable goal. Morris also has the scalp of Steven Milne, who he shut down on the Friday night stage, with his closing speed, tackling and pressure acts quickly transforming him into one of the coaches' favourites. Morris's ability to spark teammates with his selfless style has become a highlight of the Tigers this year. You'd now back the son of Richmond premiership great Kevin Morris to advance and become a 100-game strong defender at Punt Rd.

AFL Round 6 - West Coast Eagles vs North Melbourne Kangaroos, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Eagle Josh Hill celebrates a goal in the final term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

5. SAM GIBSON (North Melbourne)

When North Melbourne was equal 15th on the ladder after Round 10 and fresh from a 115-point hiding at the hands of Hawthorn, coach Brad Scott decided to give Gibson a chance. It would prove to be a decision which helped the Roos spin their season around. In Gibson's first 11 games, just two were losses. Significantly, he was held to just 14 touches in both those defeats, highlighting how important he is to North's success. Gibson hit a five-week purple patch as the Roos' hot streak peaked, racking up 24, 36, 26, 26 and 28 possessions to officially transform into a key part of Scott's engine room. Gibson, 26, averaged 28 touches for Box Hill last year and his leadership, work-rate and gut running have already impressed at Arden St. Not bad for a very late rookie pick who is already on the 2013 senior list.

Mature age recruit Sam Gibson is making his presence felt as the Kangaroos enjoy a late-season form rivival. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

4. TOBY GREENE (Greater Western Sydney)

The Rising Star would have been a mighty tussle if Greene had remained eligible. After Round 11 Greene's lowest disposal count was 29, while he gathered 38 touches and booted two goals against Melbourne to show his dazzling potential. As a midfielder he's lightly-framed but incredibly gifted both on the inside and outside. His white-hot form prompted Kevin Sheedy to suggest he might be the best ball magnet he has coached in the past three decades. Greene wins his own ball and knows how to damage the opposition, while his average of 28 touches a game ranks him in the AFL's top 10 and above names including Cotchin, Dangerfield, Sidebottom, Mitchell and Judd. Not bad for a teenager who 18 months ago couldn't cement a place at Oakleigh Chargers. When the 2011 draft is revisited in years to come, expect Greene to rocket in from No. 11 – where he was chosen.

GWS midfielder Toby Greene is ineligible for the Rising Star award despite his outstanding debut season. Source: Getty Images

3. JON GILES (Greater Western Sydney)

The Power reject was a revelation for GWS this season. At 201cm and 99kg Giles was ready-made and showed his worth immediately, picking up 88 SuperCoach points from 12 touches and 26 hit-outs in the season-opener. Giles, 24, was integral in the Giants' maiden win, kicking three late goals to sink Gold Coast, while he obliterated Port Adelaide with 23 touches, two goals and 26 hitouts in their second victory this year. A glance at his numbers shows when Giles plays the Giants can bank on two tackles, 22 hitouts, a goal and 14 disposals a game. Those figures stack up with all of the game's elite ruckmen. After some conjecture, he's signed on and ready for a bigger 2013.

2. DAYNE ZORKO (Brisbane Lions)

The quick, gutsy midfielder finally got his AFL chance after winning an incredible four-straight best-and-fairest awards at Broadbeach and captaining Queensland's under-21 side. Zorko became an instant AFL revelation for his cult-figure name and natural ball-winning ability after debuting in Round 7 against Collingwood. In just his fifth game he racked up 24 touches, laid seven tackles and booted three goals to be his side's best player in the loss to Hawthorn. His star continued to shine from there, torching the Dogs with 29 classy touches as he and Tom Rockliff set up a memorable win on the road. Zorko, 23, cracked the 30-touch milestone against Sydney and stood up when it counted against Port Adelaide, booting two late goals from 23 touches as the Lions came from the clouds to win. He finished with 163 SuperCoach points and has cracked the ton nine times, highlighting his deadly efficiency. The Suns had the chance to zone-list him and didn't. Big mistake.

SPORT. BCM. 1/7/12. Dayne Zorko of the Lions during the AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons at the Gabba. Pic Darren England. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

1. IVAN MARIC (Richmond)

It was the big man's mullet that grabbed our attention in the NAB Cup when the Tigers unveiled their star recruit. Not long after, it was his football that did all the talking. The former Crow dragged the Tigers home several times during their early win bonanza, with Damien Hardwick clapping his hands red at Maric's ruck dominance and work around the ground. It was no wonder new Crows coach Brenton Sanderson tried to keep Maric, who fell out with Neil Craig, with the lion-hearted 26-year-old racking up 652 hit-outs. He'll play his 100th game in Round 2 and based on 2012 Tigers fans have a lot to get excited about looking towards his next 100.

Fans reach for Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric's mullet as he leaves the field. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: AdelaideNow

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

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Kreuzer backs Judd quitting

A champion runner whose stocks soared this year when he lowered the colours of top AFL Draft prospect Lachie Whitfield.

Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer backed Chris Judd's call to step down as captain. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON big man Matthew Kreuzer has backed Chris Judd's decision to step down as captain for next season.

"It was his call in the end,'' Kreuzer said.

"He's a terrific player so I don't think it will matter too much whether he's captain or not, he's still going to do the exact same thing and lead on the field.''

>> VIDEO ABOVE: See exclusive Pick Me video of a Blues draftee

After months of speculation, Judd officially announced his decision to hand over the reins earlier this month.

A new skipper is not expected to be named until February, but Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy are said to be the leading candidates for the job.

"There are a few guys that are ready to step up,'' Kreuzer said.

"And it's probably a good thing to do it now because Juddy's still going to be there to guide them and help them out along the way. It'll be good I reckon.''

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Nowhere to hide for GWS players

Spare a thought for Greater Western Sydney players before you dig into your slice of Christmas pudding this year. You might be able to rest up on the couch afterwards, but not the Giants who each have a detailed training schedule they must adhere to irrespective of where they happen to be in Australia. Source: Herald Sun

THE GWS Giants have taken Big Brother to a new level. Gone are the days when a Christmas break meant a real holiday for elite footballers.

Gone are the days when players could slacken off from training on holidays and get away with it. There is no hiding it any more.

Giants players will be wearing state-of-the-art GPS watches at all times when they train during their two-week Christmas break with every detail of their training recorded into a program that can be seen by coaches and teammates.

Heart rate, speed, distance, terrain and weather are measured by the Garmin GPS watches that are now all but standard in the AFL.

"This year I was travelling around the world. I was in Delhi and I was watching what our players were doing in training," GWS head of performance John Quinn said.

"I could send them an email saying, 'How come you haven't done this?' It's keeping them honest.

"I guess what we've been able to do with the Giants is make that world a bit smaller. Even when the players go away, to keep track of them and keep them motivated to keep working.

"We have a system where everybody is held accountable."

So before you tuck into your Christmas Day feast, spare a thought for the Giants with no way of getting out of training on their holiday.

They each have a detailed personal exercise routine and they are expected to follow it.

Long distance running, sprints, weights and football skills. Memberships at Fitness First gyms across the country have been organised for them. There are no excuses.

Just because most of the players are still teenagers doesn't mean they are allowed to act like it.

The coaching staff see them as professional footballers and professionalism is demanded.

Equally important as the accountability is being able to monitor the players' training loads.

The Giants' sports science team will speak to every player two or three times over the next two weeks to give them feedback on how they are meeting their targets, saying they had to tell players to stop training too hard during their end-of-season breaks.

"We have to tell them, 'Don't get carried away', because they do," Quinn said.

"They're professional athletes, but at the end of the day they are also people and they've got to have balance in their life.

"We've pushed them as hard as we could possibly push them and now we get two weeks where the intensity comes off and then we build it up again when they get back.

"We're only about 90 days away from our first game so it's not that far to go and we've got to get them ready for it.

"They've certainly all lifted to a new level and I think they're more settled in Sydney. So yes, I am excited about what we're doing and I can see that we're only going to be going forward."

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Hurting Roos to relish spotlight

North Melbourne players after the 96-point elimination final loss to West Coast. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has urged his troops to step into the AFL spotlight with confidence next year, despite the lingering hurt of a savage finals loss.

The young Roos arrived as a future force last season, but were smashed by West Coast in a first-round finals thrashing at Patersons Stadium.

Scott said the 96-point elimination final loss was a "devastating" finish after powering into the finals by winning nine out of 10 games late in the year.

Showing they could play pulsating corridor football, the Roos were rewarded by the AFL with three primetime Friday night games next year -- their most since 2006.

While it comes with a nightmarishly tough draw, Scott said his team should relish the chance to shine on the big stage in 2013.

"If you want to be the best you have got to beat the best and I think if we are really competing well into September we certainly will have earned our spot," Scott told the Herald Sun.

"We won't shy away from that, and, the game is bigger than just the football side of things.

"As a club, I think it's great for us. Our fans are going to see us on at least three Friday nights and there is a chance we play Collingwood in the last round of the year (floating fixture) on a Friday night, too.

"If we get good exposure and it exposes our players to the best teams in the competition, that's got to be a good thing."

Once regarded as a dour, one-paced side, a young crop of outside runners led by linebreaking defender Shaun Atley added a slick edge to the Roos last season.

The club also bolstered its centre line with the addition two former first round draft picks, Port Adelaide's Ben Jacobs (No.16, 2010) and ex-Demon Jordan Gysberts (No.11, 2009).

The new recruits have helped the Roos move on from their first-round finals failure last season, as West Coast buried them under a 43-point quarter-time lead in sweltering heat.

Scott said his squad had the mental resilience to rebound from the finals lashing.

"It was a devastating result, particularly after going some ways to showing that we can compete against the good sides," he said.

"What gives me great heart is that we've had some of those horrible losses over the last three years, but we've responded to each one of them.

"We'll learn the lessons out of it and delve really deeply into why and then go about working really hard on fixing it."
 

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Catch 22: Footy Christmas

Tony Shaw meets a Santa seemingly dressed by Collingwood fans. Source: Herald Sun

IT'S THE ONE time of year when even the AFL and the footy clubs are happy to put the feet up and let cricket take the spotlight.

It's the time of year when football slips out of the media and is replaced by a Test cricketer sitting on Santa's knee asking for Boxing Day Test win. Or a touring English cricketer celebrating the festive season by donning a fancy dress outfit. Or a veteran Aussie batsman cuddling his daughter as he hands her a present from under the Christmas tree.

But fear not, for all you footy tragics who get withdrawal symptoms at this time of year, we've delved into the vault and collated 22 photographs with a Christmas-football theme.

Have yourselves a very footy Christmas.

Click HERE to see the gallery.

If you have any names you think should be there, post a suggestion to twitter.com/wgreenheraldsun

 

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Nowhere to hide for GWS players

Spare a thought for Greater Western Sydney players before you dig into your slice of Christmas pudding this year. You might be able to rest up on the couch afterwards, but not the Giants who each have a detailed training schedule they must adhere to irrespective of where they happen to be in Australia. Source: Herald Sun

THE GWS Giants have taken Big Brother to a new level. Gone are the days when a Christmas break meant a real holiday for elite footballers.

Gone are the days when players could slacken off from training on holidays and get away with it. There is no hiding it any more.

Giants players will be wearing state-of-the-art GPS watches at all times when they train during their two-week Christmas break with every detail of their training recorded into a program that can be seen by coaches and teammates.

Heart rate, speed, distance, terrain and weather are measured by the Garmin GPS watches that are now all but standard in the AFL.

"This year I was travelling around the world. I was in Delhi and I was watching what our players were doing in training," GWS head of performance John Quinn said.

"I could send them an email saying, 'How come you haven't done this?' It's keeping them honest.

"I guess what we've been able to do with the Giants is make that world a bit smaller. Even when the players go away, to keep track of them and keep them motivated to keep working.

"We have a system where everybody is held accountable."

So before you tuck into your Christmas Day feast, spare a thought for the Giants with no way of getting out of training on their holiday.

They each have a detailed personal exercise routine and they are expected to follow it.

Long distance running, sprints, weights and football skills. Memberships at Fitness First gyms across the country have been organised for them. There are no excuses.

Just because most of the players are still teenagers doesn't mean they are allowed to act like it.

The coaching staff see them as professional footballers and professionalism is demanded.

Equally important as the accountability is being able to monitor the players' training loads.

The Giants' sports science team will speak to every player two or three times over the next two weeks to give them feedback on how they are meeting their targets, saying they had to tell players to stop training too hard during their end-of-season breaks.

"We have to tell them, 'Don't get carried away', because they do," Quinn said.

"They're professional athletes, but at the end of the day they are also people and they've got to have balance in their life.

"We've pushed them as hard as we could possibly push them and now we get two weeks where the intensity comes off and then we build it up again when they get back.

"We're only about 90 days away from our first game so it's not that far to go and we've got to get them ready for it.

"They've certainly all lifted to a new level and I think they're more settled in Sydney. So yes, I am excited about what we're doing and I can see that we're only going to be going forward."

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Catch 22: Footy Christmas

Tony Shaw meets a Santa seemingly dressed by Collingwood fans. Source: Herald Sun

IT'S THE ONE time of year when even the AFL and the footy clubs are happy to put the feet up and let cricket take the spotlight.

It's the time of year when football slips out of the media and is replaced by a Test cricketer sitting on Santa's knee asking for Boxing Day Test win. Or a touring English cricketer celebrating the festive season by donning a fancy dress outfit. Or a veteran Aussie batsman cuddling his daughter as he hands her a present from under the Christmas tree.

But fear not, for all you footy tragics who get withdrawal symptoms at this time of year, we've delved into the vault and collated 22 photographs with a Christmas-football theme.

Have yourselves a very footy Christmas.

Click HERE to see the gallery.

If you have any names you think should be there, post a suggestion to twitter.com/wgreenheraldsun

 

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2012 countdown: Top 10 rivalries

Geelong players mob Tom Hawkins after the power forward steered the Cats to victory against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

GEELONG and Hawthorn played out two classics but was the feud between former Collingwood allies Eddie McGuire and Mick Malthouse the biggest rivalry of the season?

Over the next 10 days we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series last week with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 rivalries of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Mullet Wars: Maric v Walker
What started as a bit of fun between ex-teammates quickly turned into one of the most talked about do's in the game. The Mullet Wars, featuring Tiger Ivan Maric and Crow Taylor Walker dominated the headlines, the former claiming line honours with his more rugged, wild man mullet. Big Ivan also fired a shot across Walker's bow during the season, claiming the Crow forward had spent a bit of time "grooming" his look. Maric said his mullet was a long-term proposition. "It hasn't crossed my mind to cut it off…my plan is long term," he told SEN in May.

9. Tom Scully v Melbourne
Melbourne fans did little to hide their disappointment when Demon defector Tom Scully suited up for the first time against his old side as a GWS Giant. Scully was welcomed back onto the hallowed MCG turf with fans holding up money bags and "$cully" and "Juda$" emblazoned banners for the Round 13 clash. But the No.1 draft pick handled himself with aplomb, helping himself to 19 disposals including five tackles in the Giants 78-point loss.

8. Alastair Clarkson v MCG coaches box wall
Frustration got the better of Clarkson when he slammed an open hand through a wall in an MCG coaches box after Hawthorn leaked a late goal to nemesis Collingwood in Round 17. Clarkson was responding to an error which Magpie Chris Tarrant seized upon to cut the margin to 16 points at the first break. The premiership coach put his hand through the wall, leaving a chunk of plaster missing and a gaping hole in his wake. Channel 7 cameras captured Clarkson's wild moment of madness but Mick Malthouse defended the action, saying only those in the caper understood the frustration some player errors caused. Clarkson agreed to fork out the cost of repairs.

FoxSports Source: Fox Sports

FoxSports Source: Fox Sports

7. Clarkson v junior football umpire
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson copped a reality check in July when he was banned for four weeks after verbally abusing a junior football umpire. The ban stemmed from an incident in which it was alleged Clarkson, who was acting as the runner for his son's U9 team, told a 19-year-old umpire's adviser to "F--- off" when the official told him to stop coaching players on the ground. Clarkson accepted full responsibility and said he had been left humiliated and disappointed by his actions at the South Metro Junior Football League game. "I got myself involved in a situation, with my profile and experience from the game, that I should have known better," he said at the time. "I should have pulled myself out of that situation or handled myself better in that situation." Clarkson will miss the first four games of his son's 2013 SMJFL season.

6. Mick Malthouse v Brett Ratten
Brett Ratten was confident of keeping his job. Mick Malthouse was happy being a media commentator. That was until Carlton did the unthinkable and lost to Gold Coast. The Suns pounced on the Blues, kicking the first six goals of the match, to set up a memorable 12-point victory at Metricon Stadium in Round 22. The shock loss sparked Blues chiefs into a round-table at the Malthouse residence. Days later, Ratten oozed class during his Visy Park swansong, thanking the club for the opportunities it had given him as a player and coach. Two weeks later and Malthouse was endorsed as Blues coach at an at-times fiery press conference. Malthouse remained adamant his first met with the Blues hierarchy after the loss to the Suns, despite speculation the takeover had been on the cards for some time. "There are going to be those naysayers saying that (the first meeting) happened before (last Monday)," he told the media scrum. "I have no doubt there are doubts about that."

5. Hawthorn v Sydney
Hawthorn drew first blood. But Sydney landed the knock out blow as the Swans went on to secure a fourth flag. Ryan O'Keefe starred in both games (Round 22 and Grand Final) with a combined total of 58 disposals, 27 tackles and five goals. Lance Franklin (seven goals in two games) and ball magnet Josh Kennedy (61 possessions, three goals) also made the most of their opportunities. Hawthorn leads the head-to-head ledger 6-4 over the past 10 matches.
4. The Weapon v Essendon player's hamstrings
The Weapon was the talk of Windy Hill during 2012 when the bulk of Essendon's list was cut down by soft-tissue injuries. The Bombers struggled to field their best side for much of the season, with Michael Hurley, Nathan Lovett-Murray and David Zaharakis among the worst affected by hamstring and quadriceps strains. The Bombers had more than 25 soft-tissue injuries for the season, Hurley tweaking his hamstring on three separate occasions.  Despite the apparent crisis, Essendon stuck by its man - the Weapon – writing off the injuries to heavy pre-season workload aimed at preparing the young Bombers for a tilt at the flag.

3. Travis Cloke v Collingwood
It was one of the longest contract negotiations in AFL history. But Collingwood got its man when power forward Travis Cloke inked a new four-year deal worth an estimated $4m. The negotiations coincided with Cloke's dramatic form slump and caused coach Nathan Buckley to accuse the forward of damaging his and the club's "brand". Cloke was sought after by as many as six clubs including Fremantle, Adelaide and Carlton.

2. Hawthorn v Geelong
As far as rivalries go, it doesn't get any bigger than Hawthorn and Geelong. The Hawks have lost nine on-the-trot to the Cats since their shock win in the 2008 Grand Final. Big Cat Tom Hawkins was the difference in 2012. The power forward slotted six against the Hawks in Round 19, including one after the siren for a thrilling two-point victory. Tomahawk was again prominent in Round 2, kicking three goals as the Cats went on to record another two-point win despite trailing the Hawks going into the final change. James Podsiadly stood tall with five goals, while skipper Joel Selwood almost knocked himself out crashing into Hawk Brendan Whitecross' legs late in the game. Kennett's Curse, hoodoo, call it what you like… watch out when these two renew pleasantries in Round 1, 2013.

1. Malthouse v McGuire
Hard to see Mick Malthouse getting a Christmas card from Eddie McGuire after a series of 2012 tongue-lashings between the former Collingwood allies. Malthouse re-ignited the feud after the Magpies Round 3 loss, claiming the players weren't responding to Nathan Buckley's style. McGuire hit back, urging Malthouse to "move on" and "give Bucks a go". The pair also butted heads during the Travis Cloke saga and Brett Ratten's departure from Carlton.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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We'll always be the Dockers

Matthew Pavlich celebrates a goal. Freo says it won't be changing its name from the Dockers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE president Steve Harris has promised the club will continue to be known as the Fremantle Dockers despite announcing it is shifting its training base to Cockburn.

In conjunction with the City of Cockburn, the Dockers will build a $107 million training base on a 26,000-square metre greenfields site in Success. They hope to move there in 2016 or 2017.

"It's only two years ago that we successfully completed lengthy negotiations with Levi Strauss to have the legal right to call ourselves the Fremantle Dockers, and we have absolutely no intention of changing our name from the Fremantle Dockers either now or in the future," Harris said.

''We are and will always be known as the Fremantle Dockers."

The City of Cockburn will fund most of the project, with contributions from the Dockers, the AFL and the state and federal governments also expected.

The club has spent this year weighing up whether to redevelop its current base at Fremantle Oval or create a new base in Success, at a site known as Cockburn Central West.

In the face of a backlash from some members over abandoning their traditional home, the Dockers said it would take a compelling case to move.

The move has been seen as a fait accompli for months and club's board formally resolved this week that compelling case had been sustained.

"Given our club's traditional and historical links to Fremantle Oval, there is no question about the significance of the decision to locate our core operations away from Fremantle Oval, and this was carefully considered throughout the decision-making process," Harris said.

"In addition to the club's operating costs at Cockburn Central West being less when compared to redeveloping at Fremantle Oval, the Cockburn Central West option allows for our club to have access to a bigger indoor training facility, bigger and better aquatic facilities and provides for access to a second oval.

"It is a green field site, so there is likely to be less planning uncertainty and there will be no facility transition costs or interruption to club operations as there would be under the Fremantle Oval master plan options.

"Operating costs at the Cockburn Central West site will also be lower because we are sharing the City of Cockburn's sporting and aquatic facilities with the community. This is also a great result for the community."

Harris said the new facility presented an outstanding opportunity for the Dockers to gain an advantage over their rivals.

"When the club opened its current training and administration facility at Fremantle Oval in November 2000, the facilities were regarded as one of the better club facilities in the AFL," he said.

"However, given the advances in the past decade nationally and internationally in technology and sports science, and an increase in the competitive landscape of the AFL, the club's current facilities are now well behind the AFL benchmark.

"In addition to the Cockburn Central West site allowing for the development of a world-class training and administration facility not seen previously in Australia, the site, which is within the greater Fremantle region, provides greater prospects for future expansion, community engagement and supporter interaction."

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Roos find new CEO

Carl Dilena (second from left) is North Melbourne's new CEO. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne's 199-day search for a new chief executive is finally over.

The Roos today announced they had hired with Carl Dilena, with the former North player set to start in February.

North Melbourne narrowly missed on poaching Geelong boss Brian Cook and was linked to Adrian Anderson after his sudden departure from the AFL this month.

Dilena, 45, was a former senior partner at KPMG and is on North Melbourne's board.

"We were looking for someone with great leadership skills, senior management experience, a comprehensive understanding of the football industry and someone who also appreciates the unique culture of our club," Roos president James Brayshaw said.

"Carl has been a senior partner with one of the world's biggest professional services firms, played football at the highest level, has been a member of our Board for the past five years and has chaired the club's finance and audit committee.

"He comes to us with an impressive skill-set and we couldn't be happier to announce his appointment."

Dilena played 33 games with the Roos and Fitzroy between 1989-92.

The Roos have been searching for a new chief executive since Eugene Arocca resigned in June.

Cameron Vale, the Roos chief financial officer, has been serving as interim chief executive but was told last month he would not be handed the permanent position.

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Meet the new, improved Karmichael

Gold Coast Suns player Karmichael Hunt is the slimmest he's been in three AFL pre-seasons. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SPECIAL K has become Shrinking K.

Gold Coast Suns midfielder and code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is the lightest he has ever been in his well-travelled professional football career, with the 26-year-old tipping the scales at 87kg this week.

When he played rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia he was 93kg.During his stint in French rugby Biarritz in 2009/2010, he nudged the 100kg mark.

But the trademark treetrunk legs are now gone, with Hunt halfway through his third AFL pre-season training program.

A leaner Hunt no longer looks like a rugby league player built to withstand multiple front-on high-speed collisions.

He appears every bit like an AFL on-baller who is required to cover vast distances over four quarters.

Gold Coast strength and conditioning coach Chris Gaviglio said Hunt's significant body shape transformation was a result of his single-minded determination.

"Karmichael needed to make those changes to survive and succeed in the AFL," Gaviglio said.

"He is a highly-driven athlete and he has been prepared to do what it takes to meet the demands of the sport. That is what has underpinned his success across all three codes.

"He is an inherently gifted athlete and he has really bought into our strength and conditioning program as well as working closely with our dietician Benita Lalor.

"You could tell he was cooked by the end of his first season but he would have run out last season if not for a shoulder injury. His legs were willing and able to go the full distance."

After an understandably indifferent first season in 2011, Hunt had a break-out year in 2012 with a shift from defence to the midfield.

The high point was his match-winning goal after the siren against Richmond in Cairns to hand the Suns their first victory of the season, but his on-ball work throughout the year also caught the eye.

He also produced a number of bone-rattling bumps on opponents to become a genuine enforcer.Gaviglio said Hunt would still pack a punch in 2013 despite shedding the weight.

"He is stronger than ever. He is bench pressing 145kg, which is more than what he was doing at the Broncos," he said.

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Hunt's leaner appearance was inevitable.

"Karmichael has been training well and is in great shape at the moment but you can't not lose weight given the amount of running he has had to do," the triple premiership player said

"Especially in his new role in the midfield, he has covered a lot of kilometres.

"He has had a season in the VFL and two seasons in the AFL so it was only a matter of time before his body shape became more suited to the demands of our game."

The Suns had their last pre-Christmas training session yesterday  and will resume on January 7.

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Bone shaved from Cat's hips

James Kelly battled a hip injury during the 2012 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG midfielder James Kelly has revealed he had bone shaved from his thighs during post-season surgery after a pain-stricken 2012 season.

Kelly yesterday declared himself on track to play in Geelong's NAB Cup campaign after a successful recovery from an arthroscope on both hips.

The operation involved having bone shaved off both femurs.

The 28-year-old has been on a modified program this pre-season and will return to full training early in the new year, confident his hip troubles are behind him.

"I will be training more heavily over the coming days and it's all going pretty good," Kelly said.

"I'll be back to full training on January 1.

"It's clearing up really well."

Despite having a strong season, in which he was Geelong's leading tackler and still picked up 470 touches, Kelly revealed he had a weekly struggle with hip pain.

But he is confident of a pain-free season next year in a major boost to Geelong's top-four ambitions.

"The hips were more painful during the year than they are now. I'm relying on the physios a lot and they're helping out but I've still been able to do a fair bit of training recently," he said.

"I've been going through the rehabilitation program well and everything is going as planned.

"I'll be 100 per cent ready to go come next season."

Pic gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos last week said Kelly and Jimmy Bartel (foot) were making strong progress in their recoveries from post-season operations.

"They've been conditioned, they're doing their weights, they're just being nursed back into the football side," Amos said.

"I would be surprised if they didn't play (NAB Cup). The plan is for them to be ready for Round 1, so you'd imagine they'd play (NAB Cup) at some stage.

"They've been doing their running inside and their conditioning inside and now they're starting to do the work outside, so I think after Christmas we expect to see them a bit more.

"They'll be integrated back in after Christmas. I'm not totally sure when they'll be totally unrestricted, but they're well and truly on track and they should be right amongst it by the time we get back after Christmas.

"We've been patient with them. You want to progress those guys as quickly as you can without pushing them too much."

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