Corey to miss Hawks clash

Geelong veteran Joel Corey will sit out Monday's clash against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG veteran Joel Corey will sit out the Cats' Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn after an interrupted pre-season.

As revealed in the Panic Room yesterday, Corey is expected to be eased back into the Cats' best 22 following minor setbacks in his preparation.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn is set to unleash young gun Jed Anderson in Monday's clash at the MCG.

The Northern Territory local has been named on the interchange bench alongside Shave Savage, Liam Shiels and defender Ryan Schoenmakers.

Former Olympics aspirant Mark Blicavs will lead the Cats' short-handed rucks division with Trent West starting on the pine.

HAWTHORN

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, S.Burgoyne
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: C.Rioli, L.Franklin, L.Breust
F: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, P.Puopolo
Foll: D.Hale, B.Sewell, J.Lewis
Int: J.Anderson, S.Savage, L.Shiels, R.Schoenmakers
Emerg: M.Bailey, K.Cheney, J.Simpkin

GEELONG

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: T.Hunt, H.Taylor, T.Varcoe
C: A.Mackie, P.Chapman, M.Stokes
HF: J.Murdoch, S.Motlop, B.Smedts
F: J.Podsiadly, T.Hawkins, M.Duncan
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Bartel
Int: T.West, J.Caddy, A.Christensen, G.Horlin-Smith
Emerg: J.Corey, J.Walker, J.Stringer

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REPLAY: Giants v Swans

Swans co-captain Kieren Jack celebrates a goal in the second quarter. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Swans defender Ted Richards looks to dish off the ball upfield against GWS Giants. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

All eyes will be on Lachie Whitfield as the top draft pick makes his debut against Sydney. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

7.20pm: Swans 106 - 76

SYDNEY survived a second quarter scare to overcome GWS Giants by 30 points at ANZ Stadium.

The plucky Giants kicked five goals in a hurry to take a one-point lead before the Swans hit back, almost instantly with five goals of their own to kick clear by half time.

The Swans played bursts throughout the match outlasting the young Giants who fought hard to stay within striking distance.

Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack (three goals) and Ryan O'Keefe were the pick of the Swans with Jon Patton leading the Giants with three majors of his own.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Adam Treloar collected 27 disposals in the match.

Tom Scully was solid throughout but was reported during the first quarter for tripping Swan defender Rhyce Shaw.

7.02pm: Swans 87 - Giants 63

THE sting has gone out of the Battle of the Bridge with Sydney leading cross-town rivals GWS Giants by 24 points late in the final quarter.

Giants coach Kevin Sheedy activated Taylor Adams in the term replacing Will Hoskin-Elliott.

The Hyphen is stiff to be handed the red vest after collecting 19 disposals while clunking seven marks in a handy start to his 2013 campaign.

Sydney too used its substitute with local hope Dane Rampe making way for small forward Tony Armstrong.

AFL - Sydney Swans v GWS Giants at ANZ Stadium. The Giants Jeremy Cameron handballs ahead of Ted Richards and Lewis Roberts-Thompson. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

6.50pm: Swans 81 - Giants 51

SYDNEY looks to have the GWS Giants' measure heading into the final quarter at Etihad Stadium.

The Swans edged 31 points clear of their cross-town rivals in a tight term where the likes of Josh Kennedy, Jude Bolton and Kieren Jack stood tall.

Giants young gun Lachie Whitfield left the field of play late in the term with tightness in his leg.

6.22pm: Swans 61 - Giants 42

LIAM Sumner has given the Giants a sniff with his first goal early in the third quarter against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

But the Josh Kennedy-led Swans hold a 19 point buffer despite the plucky Giants best efforts.

Kennedy has 19 disposals including 17 contested and a goal.

5.55pm: Swans 61 - Giants 34

SYDNEY is starting to assert its authority over a plucky GWS Giants outfit at ANZ Stadium.

The reigning premiers jumped to a 27-point lead after being headed midway through the term.

Kieren Jack and Mike Pyke have done most of the damage with two goals apiece while Josh Kennedy leads allcomers with 17 disposals.

The Giants controlled the first 10-15 minutes of the second quarter but faded as the Swans drove home five unanswered goals to close out the first half.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh (13 disposals) got busy in the second quarter kicking a goal after being well held.

Giants captain Phil Davis left the field late in the second quarter with what appeared to be a hip/back injury.

Meanwhile, Tom Scully was reported in the first quarter for tripping Swans defender Rhyce Shaw.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Phil Davis of the Giants lies on the ground after injuring his hip during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

5.38pm: Swans 35 - Giants 34

JUDE Bolton has steadied the ship for Sydney after GWS Giants surged to the lead with a five-goal burst in the second quarter.

The Giants burst out of the blocks after the break with Jonathon Patton (two goals) and Jeremy Cameron (one goal) doing most of the damage.

But Sydney responded through Bolton who marked strongly 40m out on a slight angle.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Dylan Shiel of the Giants breaks the tackle of Mike Pyke of the Swans during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

5.27pm: Swans 29 - Giants 16

The Giants are mounting a fight back with goals to Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron cutting the margin to 13 points.

The Swans dominated the first quarter but the Giants exploded after the break at ANZ Stadium with back-to-back majors within a couple of minutes of play.

Greene's goal was the best of the game so far, threading a drop punt between the big sticks from deep in the right forward pocket.

Swans magnet Josh Kennedy has nine disposals and a goal to his name while Giants young gun Adam Treloar leads allcomers with 12 possessions.

Sydney star Adam Goodes leads to the ball. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

5.07pm: Swans 23 - Giants 1

UNLIKE Brisbane, Sydney is experiencing no premiership hangover putting paid to GWS Giants in the first quarter at ANZ Stadium.

Mike Pyke opened the scoring with a goal before back-to-back majors made it 22-1 scoreline nearing quarter time.

Josh Kennedy kicked the Swans second swooping on the pack and snapping his first goal for 2013.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Shane Mumford added to the Giants woes converting a set shot from about 40m on a slight angle.

The ruckman has been solid up forward taking four marks.

Earlier today, NAB Cup champions Brisbane was hammered by 68 points by the Western Bulldogs.

Adam Treloar has been the pick of the Giants early with Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio busy in the clinches.

Top draft pick Lachie Whitfield is yet to touch the ball.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Dylan Shiel of the Giants breaks the tackle of Mike Pyke of the Swans during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

4.45pm: Swans 6 - Giants 0

RUCKMAN Mike Pyke has given the Swans the ideal start kicking a goal within 30 seconds of the opening bounce at ANZ Stadium.

The Canadian won soft a hands in the back free kick running with the flight of the ball and made no mistake from the set shot.

The Swans will be out to get their premiership defence off on the right foot after having their colours lowered by the Giants during the NAB Cup.

Giants top draft pick Lachie Whitfield started on the ground.

Adam Treloar has the job on Swans ball magnet Josh Kennedy.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Taylor Adams (Giants) and Tony Armstrong (Swans) are the substitutes.

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Dogs maul Lions by 68 points

Western Bulldogs recruits Nick Lower, Koby Stevens, Brett Goodes and Tom Young sing the song with gusto. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Lions defender Matt Maguire leaves the field with ice wrapped around his leg. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

SOMETIMES a long wait can be well rewarded.

If scriptwriters were searching for a theme for the Western Bulldogs' 68-point mauling of NAB Cup champions the Brisbane Lions in an extraordinarily one-sided Round 1 clash at Etihad Stadium, it wouldn't have been hard to locate it.

Just ask the Bulldogs' players - and their long-suffering fans - who have waited and waited to finally win a match for premiership points again.

Before today, the last time it had happened was way back in Round 12 last season and what followed was a miserable streak of 11 losses that had doomsayers fearing what 2013 might hold in store for Brendan McCartney's team.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Yet what the Bulldogs served up at their first offering for this year offered hope for the present, as much as the future, and it showed some vindication of the path on which McCartney is offering up for his young side.

Given the wait the Western Bulldogs had experienced, you could understand why they looked so elated at the final siren, given they were missing their captain Matthew Boyd, and were coming up against the form side of the pre-season competition.

But the simple equation was that the Bulldogs wanted it more. And the Lions were desperately disappointing.

There were stories of reward for effort and redemption for reward everywhere you looked for the Bulldogs, and you could understand why some of the players in the winning side celebrated long and hard on the final siren.
 
Just ask Brett Goodes who finally made his AFL debut at the ripe age of 29, and performed so well that it's almost an indictment on the competition that he was forced to wait so long.

He might do something that his brother Adam couldn't do - win a Brownlow Medal vote in his first game. Adam had to wait until his third season to poll votes off the umpires.

Goodes was outstanding off the half-back line - something which allowed acting captain Robert Murphy the chance to play forward - and he used the ball like a wily veteran that he is in age terms, but not in terms of AFL games played.

Just ask Dale Morris, who played his first game in Bulldogs colours in a home-and-away match in 595 days after a career-threatening broken leg, and who importantly got through the match with confidence in his game and in his leg.

He attacked the ball hard when he went anywhere near it, and led the backline, offering up confidence and support to key defender Jordan Roughead, who outpointed Jonathan Brown.

Just ask Nick Lower, who this time last year was struggling to adapt to life under Ross Lyon at Fremantle.

Lower completely shut-out Michael Tuck medallist Daniel Rich, restricting him to an almost inexplicable eight possessions.

He was a worthy inclusion to the Bulldogs' midfield that overwhelmed a much-hyped Lions engine room that looked as flat as the look on coach Michael Voss' face.

Lower worked well with ruckman Will Minson, who played one of his best games for the club, and the likes of Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis.

Just ask Koby Stevens and Tom Young, who were bit players for their respective clubs West Coast and
Collingwood last season, but who slotted nicely into McCartney's team to suggest they might play nice roles this season.

And maybe ask Adam Cooney, who started the week in hospital due to an infection to his troublesome right knee, but finished it singing the Bulldogs' theme song for the first time since Round 12 last year.

Brisbane was nothing like the team that won the NAB Cup only a few weeks ago.

They were denied the ball early by the ferocious Bulldogs and nothing seemed to go right for them.

The Dogs now face Fremantle next Saturday, while Brisbane finally returns to the Gabba to meet Adelaide on the same day.

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LIVE: Suns v Saints

Gold Coast star Harley Bennell celebrates after kicking the first goal of the match. Picture: Getty

8.31pm: Suns 26 - Saints 31

ST KILDA has kicked back-to-back goals to snatch the lead off Gold Coast early in the first quarter.

Beau Maister started the fight back slotting the Saints first goal of the term before skipper Nick Riewoldt chimed in with one of his own to turn an 11-point deficit into a one-point lead.

Terry Milera made it five points after the Suns hit back with a couple of behinds to reclaim the lead in the see-sawing affair.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Jaeger O'Meara of the Suns looks to kick in his first AFL game during the round one AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the St Kilda Saints at Metricon Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

8.17pm: Suns 24 - Saints 13

GOLD Coast leads St Kilda by 11 points at quarter-time at Metricon Stadium.

Charlie Dixon was the star of the term without punishing the Suns in front of the big sticks.

Dixon provided a strong marking target inside the arc collecting clunking three for a 1.1 return.

Gary Ablett was quiet at the start but worked into the term collecting 11 disposals.

Harley Bennell opened the scoring with a goal early in the first quarter. Dixon and Luke Russell chimed in with majors of their own to extend the lead.

Jack Steven, matched up against Ablett, kicked the Saints' only goal of the quarter.

David Armitage collected nine disposals as did Nick Dal Santo who spent time off the ground with medicos assessing tightness in the star midfielder's groin.

8.10pm: Suns 23 - Saints 10

JAEGER O'Meara missed a golden opportunity to join the club of players to kick a goal with their first kick in league footy.

O'Meara won himself a free kick about 40m out directly in front.

But the man child, 19, never looked comfortable going back looking to dish off to a teammate.

O'Meara sprayed his set shot for goal and hasn't touched the ball since.

Gold Coast has made all the early running but only leads the Saints by 13 points.

Meanwhile, Suns skipper Gary Ablett is working off rival Jack Steven collecting seven possessions.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Luke Russell of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round one AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the St Kilda Saints at Metricon Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

7.58pm: Suns 13 - Saints 9

GOLD Coast has started the better at Metricon Stadium with Harley Bennell and Aaron Hall dominating the play.

Bennell opened the scoring with the first goal of the match after taking a strong mark about 20m from goal.

Meanwhile, Hall has helped himself to five early possessions providing a spark around the contest.

Not to be outdone, St Kilda responded through Jack Steven waltzing in for the Saints first goal midway through the term.

Steven also has the job on Suns skipper and ball magnet Gary Ablett. Tough times ahead.

Boom youngster Jaeger O'Meara is yet to touch the football in his AFL debut.

Pre-game: Late changes

St Kilda has replaced Tom Simpkin with Trent Dennis-Lane for tonight's match against Gold Coast.

The Saints have wheeled a late change with Simpkin coming out of the side to face Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium tonight from 7.45pm (AEDT).

Former Swan Dennis-Lane comes into the side and will start as the substitute.

The Gary Ablett-led Suns must fancy themselves against a St Kilda outfit missing key playmakers Sam Fisher and Leigh Montagna.

Livewire Brandon Matera has been named as the Suns' substitute.

Meanwhile, big-bodied midfielder Jaeger O'Meara is set to make his debut after an impressive NAB Cup campaign.

The 19-year-old priority draft pick spent last year dominating in the Suns' reserves.

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10 things we learnt last night

Richmond buck poor opening round trend to beat Carlton.

Ty Vickery on a lead. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Trent Cotchin clears out of the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

DON'T write off Chris Judd, Mick rethinks game plan, Cotchin takes charge and the MCG's magnetic goalposts. Here are 10 things we learnt from Richmond v Carlton.

1. JUDD STILL GOING STRONG

Anyone who thought the former Carlton skipper was a spent force should fast-forward the replay to the 20-minute mark of the third quarter. With the Blues looking for a spark, Judd put on a three-minute master class, kicking two goals and almost snagging a third with a snap that sailed wide. He finished the night with 27 disposals and 14 score involvements, the most on the ground.

2. MAGNETIC POSTS

The goalposts at the Punt Rd end couldn't stay out of the action all night. Three Tigers - Jack Riewoldt, Shane Tuck and Shane Edwards - slammed the footy into the woodwork in the first quarter, then Dennis Armfield did the same after the Blues switched ends. Chris Yarran also hit the post - at the same end - in the fourth quarter and some would argue his running goal in the second brushed the padding as it skidded through. A video review was inconclusive and the goal stood.

LiveHQ: Full match stats, SuperCoach points and more

3. MEET THE REAL BRYCE GIBBS

The 2006 No.1 draft pick has been tagged as an outside player with neat skills, but last night he showed what he could do when thrown into the guts. Gibbs was the top-ranked player on the ground with a huge 150 SuperCoach points from 34 disposals including 16 contested possessions - the equal most in the match with Trent Cotchin. What did Brett Ratten leave him down back for so long?

4. CAPTAIN COTCH

Cotchin showed why the Tigers handed him the captaincy before his 23rd birthday with a match-saving final quarter. Twice Cotchin came from nowhere to intercept what appeared certain Carlton goals and in the dying minutes, with the Tiger lead disappearing and most players out on their feet, he took the responsibility of the behind kick-ins. Richmond needed a bit of luck to get home but the leadership that was lacking in the closes losses last year was there for all to see.

Trent Cotchin clears out of the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

5. MICK BINS GAME PLAN ... BUT FOR HOW LONG?

There has been plenty of discussion over the summer about how the Blues would adapt to Mick Malthouse's long kicking, stick to the boundary game plan. On the evidence last night, the answer was not well. Carlton appeared stagnant and without Travis Cloke to bomb the ball to in attack, the Tigers - notably Jake Batchelor, doing a good Joel Bowden impression in the No.11 jumper - cut off repeated forward forays with easy marks. After halftime Mick released the shackles and let the Blues play the run-and-gun style favoured under Ratten - and they almost pinched an unlikely win. Not that Mick was all that pleased. "By working one way you do rob yourself of some defensive play and we took that gamble so I'm not too sure where I actually sit with that. It got us back in the game, but I'm not 100 per cent sure you can keep having shootouts with sides," he said post-match.

Carlton coach Michael Malthouse talks to his players. Source: Getty Images

6. GREAT GAME, JACK

The reigning Coleman medallist finished with 0.4 for the night but don't be surprised if he earns votes in the Tigers' best-and-fairest award. Damien Hardwick was delighted with Riewoldt's team-first attitude, dragging opponent Michael Jamison - and often one or two other defenders - up the ground and creating space for unlikely heroes Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. "I think it's one of the best games he's played for 12 months," Hardwick said of Riewoldt. Vickery showed his importance to the Tigers with nine marks and three goals, while McGuane chimed in with two and laid the game-saving tackle on Josh Bootsma in the final 30 seconds - just reward for a player who has been on the end of plenty of beltings in his 93 matches over eight seasons.

Blues say KO'd Robbo will play next week

7. KARATE KID

We're not sure what's in Vickery's DVD collection at home, but after last night we're betting Bruce Lee makes an appearance. Vickery channelled the martial arts legend when he protected himself while waiting for a looping handball on the wing in the first term. With Brock McLean closing rapidly, the Tiger big man extended his leg to basically fly-kick McLean in the face. But there was no free kick and Richmond swept the ball forward.

Picture gallery: All the action from the MCG

8. TEFLON JACKSON

Daniel Jackson has been run down more than once in his AFL career and Tiger fans had a sense of deja vu as Jackson waltzed into the goalsquare early in the third term only for Marc Murphy to latch onto him. But instead of pulling Jackson down, Murphy somehow slid right off allowing Jackson to drill the goal, seemingly oblivious to what had just happened. Won't be one for the "how to tackle" DVD.

Jack Riewoldt flies for a mark. Source: Getty Images

Daniel Jackson breaks a Marc Murphy tackle to kick a goal in the third quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

9. 50-50 CALL

The Blues were mounting a charge in the third quarter before they shot themselves in the foot, giving away goals with consecutive 50m penalties. Michael Jamison was a bit stiff to be penalised for crossing into the protected area as he walked past Luke McGuane after the Tiger marked 45m out. The second 50m was more clear-cut after a filthy Nick Duigan noted his displeasure with a push in the back free kick to Jake King at the top of the goalsquare. Richmond kicked three goals from 50s, with Bachar Houli nailing a long shot in the second term after a late spoil by Shaun Hampson at centre half-back.

10. RIP HOODOO

Richmond's win snapped a nine-match losing streak against Carlton, the longest sequence since the Tigers lost their first 24 clashes to the Blues from 1908-1917. The two teams have played at the MCG in Round 1 every season since 2007 and before last night Richmond had won only one of those matches (2008), losing the other five by an average of 44 points. The next hoodoo on the Tigers' agenda is trying to play finals for the first time in 12 years. Their last September appearance was a preliminary final loss to Brisbane at the Gabba 4207 days ago.
 

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Robbo right for Round 2

Mitch Robinson comes off the MCG after getting knocked out. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HWT Image Library

CARLTON hard nut Mitch Robinson is almost certain to play next week, despite being knocked out in the Round 1 loss to Richmond.

Robinson was smashed in a marking contest by Tigers forward Tyrone Vickery in the second quarter and lay motionless on the MCG turf for several seconds.

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But Blues football manager Andrew McKay said the club was confident the midfielder would recover in time to face Collingwood next Sunday.

Richmond v Carlton, MCG, Mitch Robinson comes off the mcg, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HWT Image Library

McKay said that Robinson, despite being rendered unconscious, passed a concussion test on the interchange bench not long after.
"He's got to be able to pass the test during the week, but I don't see a problem because he actually pulled up really well even though he was knocked out,'' McKay said.

"He's alright, he's not too bad. The doctors were a bit concerned because he was knocked out. Just the fact he was out of it the doctors ruled him out.

"There was a period of time where he was unconscious and as soon as the docs were aware of that they weren't keen to put him back on.''

Jeremy Laidler will come under consideration next week after being surprisingly overlooked for the Blues' season-opener.

10 things we learnt from Tigers v Blues

McKay confirmed the defender wasn't injured, but may be suffering from a lack of match practice.

"He played the early NAB Cup games with a bit of indifferent form and he's one of the 25 vying for 22 positions next week,'' he said.

"We're in a fortunate position at the moment where most of the guys are fit and raring to go and 'Laids' is a quality player and I'm sure he'll be back in the team at some stage.''

But it's the philosophy rather than the personnel which is causing the club some early headaches.

Tigers say Tyrone time is coming

Malthouse admitted on Thursday night that he was wrestling with finding the right balance between his defensive principles and Carlton's attacking instincts.

"I learned a lot, they'll probably learn a lot. Just the methodology, the things you can do that work and things that don't work and you've got to start to get the balance right,'' Malthouse said.

"By working one way you do rob yourself of some defensive play and we took that gamble so I'm not too sure where I actually sit with that. It got us back in the game, but I'm not 100 per cent sure you can keep having shootouts with sides.''

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The Panic Room: Cooney cured

Matt Windley and Glenn McFarlane name the rookies and left-field picks to give you the SuperCoach edge.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Adam Cooney of the Bulldogs boxes during a Western Bulldogs AFL training session at Whitten Oval on March 26, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

DOGS fans don't fear, Adam Cooney has made a stunning comeback.

Word out of the Kennel is that Cooney absolutely brained them at Thursday's main training session, just days after coming out of hospital because of an infected knee.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

He was zipping around like he hadn't missed a beat which had been the case throughout the pre-season until the mishap following the final practice match.

At today's open session at Etihad Stadium, Cooney did some cross-training and boxing but don't be alarmed as that's what he does the day before a game given the history with his troublesome knee.

And don't think he will be eased into proceedings tomorrow, watch for him to start either wing or in the middle and play 70-80 per cent game time.

Down Geelong way there are two premiership heroes very much under the microscope - Trent West and Joel Corey.

Cats ruckman Trent West has undergone knee surgery. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: Geelong Advertiser

West had minor knee surgery last month and hasn't played in the pre-season. While he's increased his training loads over the past couple of weeks it would be a very un-Geelong like risk to throw him straight into Round 1 despite the depletion of the club's ruck stocks.

Steeplechaser Mark Blicavs has already been named and expect fellow rookie Josh Walker to be his back-up.

Corey has had a number of minor setbacks over the summer and didn't play in the final practice match. Word has it he's not quite right and will be eased into the season.

SUPERCOACH ALERT:

There are dilemmas everywhere but Collingwood have thrown a couple of curve balls at us by naming upgraded rookies Jack Frost and Sam Dwyer on interchange. Both appeal given we're all desperately seeking cheap defenders (Frost) and forwards (Dwyer - also mid) at the luxury price of $96,200. Frost appeals as the one more likely to get over the three-game mark although don't expect big scores as he's an old-fashioned see-ball hit-ball defender.

Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dwyer's problem is he's a half-forward flanker who is clearly only treading water until Dale Thomas, Andrew Krakouer and Alex Fasolo return from injury which could be as soon as next week.

MONEY MATTERS:

All week we agonised over whether to go for the big upset with the Gold Coast. If ever St Kilda are ripe for the picking it's tomorrow with a shot defence, no Leigh Montagna and playing in the humid conditions at Metricon Stadium.

In the end, one conversation changed my mind when I was reminded that the Saints have torched the Suns by 90-plus on both occasions and Nick Riewoldt loves playing against them. So the tip didn't go the Suns way but the line bet of +22.5 ($1.82) is gold.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt catches his breath. Source: Getty Images

Throw in GWS at +50.5 ($1.90) - because the Swans historically take a while to get up and running - and Geelong ($2.25) to win on Monday and we end up with odds of $7.78.

Hawk Jarryd Roughead joins the panel to provide inside SuperCoach info on the Hawks.

ON NOTICE:

North Melbourne.

The Roos keep saying they want to play with the big boys and be considered a legitimate top eight team. Well, Sunday is a perfect opportunity to do that given they are taking in a full-strength team - minus veteran Brent Harvey only - against an injury-hit Collingwood outfit who they beat by five goals at Etihad when they met in Round 21 last year.

North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow is a proven SuperCoach star. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Teams: Demons leave out Davey

Matt Windley and Glenn McFarlane name the rookies and left-field picks to give you the SuperCoach edge.

SuperFooty delivers the best live match news to your phone

Aaron Davey shows the strain of pre-season training. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Jack Viney tries to evade James Frawley at Melbourne training. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has left veteran Aaron Davey out of the team to face Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Melbourne cut its bench this afternoon, with Davey named as an emergency alongside mature-age South Australian recruit Dean Terlich.

Davey, 29, has played 158 games.

The Melbourne bench for its clash against Port Adelaide on Sunday is Sam Blease, Luke Tapscott, former Kangaroo Cam Pederson and 25-year-old Matt Jones, who will play his first AFL match after being recruited from VFL side Box Hill.

Port Adelaide named top draft pick Oliver Wines on the bench, setting up a head-to-head match-up with his best mate, Demon Jack Viney.

Last year's Sandover medallist Kane Mitchell is also on the bench.

It was a good day at the selection table for mature-age recruits, with Collingwood selecting 26-year-old Sam Dwyer on its bench for Sunday's clash against North Melbourne.

Dwyer was recruited from VFL side Port Melbourne in last year's rookie draft and was promoted to the senior list yesterday.

Former Carlton defender Jordan Russell is also on the bench, alongside Marty Clark and Ben Johnson.

Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas and elevated rookie Jack Frost are emergencies.

The Kangaroos decided not to play Majak Daw, leaving Todd Goldstein as the Roos' only ruckman.

The final benches for Monday's Geelong v Hawthorn game will be named tomorrow.

Scroll down for Round 1 teams

SuperCoach Round 1 formguide: Captain picks, lockout info and more!

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 1.40pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB: Jason Johannisen, Tom Young, Brett Goodes
C: Adam Cooney, Nick Lower, Koby Stevens
HF: Tory Dickson, Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Rob Murphy, Ayce Cordy, Luke Dahlhaus
Foll: Will Minson, Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore
I/C: Mitch Wallis, Daniel Cross, Shaun Higgins, Clay Smith
Emg: Jason Tutt, Lukas Markovic, Tom Campbell

NEW: Tom Young (Collingwood), Brett Goodes, Nick Lower (Fremantle), Koby Stevens (West Coast)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Elliot Yeo, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jed Adcock, Matt Maguire, Pearce Hanley
C: Patrick Karnezis, Tom Rockliff, Mitch Golby
HF Dayne Zorko, Stefan Martin, Josh Green
F: Rohan Bewick, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
Foll: Billy Longer, Daniel Rich, Brent Moloney
I/C: Claye Beams, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne, Aaron Cornelius
Emg: Sam Docherty, Andrew Raines, Ryan Lester

NEW: Brent moloney (Melbourne)

GWS v SYDNEY, ANZ Stadium Saturday 4.40pm

Panic Room: Cooney good to go, Cats in trouble

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
B: Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Stephen Gilham
HB: Tomas Bugg, Phil Davis, Curtly Hampton
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Scully
F: Liam Sumner, Jonathon Patton, Devon Smith
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene
I/C: Taylor Adams, Dean Brogan, Lachie Plowman, Dylan Shiel
Emg: Sam Frost, Rhys Palmer, Nathan Wilson

NEW: Lachie Whitfield, Lachie Plowman

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Ben McGlynn, Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Ryan O'Keefe
F: Mike Pyke, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Tony Armstrong, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Emg: Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb, Jesse White

NEW: Dane Rampe

Hawk Jarryd Roughead joins the panel to provide inside SuperCoach info on the Hawks.

GOLD COAST v ST KILDA, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 6.45pm

GOLD COAST
B: Joel Wilkinson, Matthew Warnock, Tom Murphy
HB: Dion Prestia, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, Brandon Matera
F: Luke Russell, Sam Day, Steven May
Foll: Zac Smith, Karmichael Hunt, David Swallow
I/C: Aaron Hall, Jaeger O'Meara, Jared Brennan, Michael Rischitelli
Emg: Maverick Weller, Jack Hutchins, Kyal Horsley

NEW: Jaeger O'Meara, Greg Broughton (Fremantle)

ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, James Gwilt, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jarryn Geary, Tom Simpkin, Sam Gilbert
C: Jack Newnes, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Aaron Siposs, Nick Riewoldt, Terry Milera
F: Stephen Milne, Beau Maister, Rhys Stanley
Foll: Ben McEvoy, David Armitage, Jack Steven
I/C: Ahmed Saad, Tom Hickey, Clinton Jones, Farren Ray
Emg: Nathan Wright, Trent Dennis-Lane, Tom Lee

NEW: Dylan Roberton (Fremantle), Tom Hickey (Gold Coast)

Melbourne v Port Adelaide, MCG Sunday 1.10pm

MELBOURNE
B: Lynden Dunn, Tom Gillies, Daniel Nicholson
HB: Jack Watts, James Frawley, Colin Garland
C: Jack Viney, Jack Grimes, Jimmy Toumpas
HF: Jeremy Howe, James Sellar, Colin Sylvia
F: Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, David Rodan
Foll: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
I/C: Sam Blease, Cam Pederson, Luke Tapscott, Matt Jones
Emerg: Aaron Davey, Dean Terlich, Jake Spencer

NEW: Tom Gillies (Geelong), Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas, Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Cam Pederson (North Melbourne)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Tom Jonas, Jackson Trengove, Campbell Heath
HB: Jasper Pittard, Cameron O'Shea, Lewis Stevenson
C: Matthew Broadbent, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes
HF: Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart, Angus Monfries
F: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, Jake Neade
F: Jarrad Redden, Hamish Hartlett, Travis Boak
I/C: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Andrew Moore, Kane Mitchell
Emerg: Aaron Young, Daniel Stewart, Jack Hombsch

NEW: Campbell Heath (Sydney), Lewis Stevenson (West Coast), Angus Monfries (Essendon), Jake Neade, Oliver Wines, Kane Mitchell, Jack Hombsh (GWS)

North Melbourne v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium Sunday 4.40pm

COLLINGWOOD
B: Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell, Ben Reid
HB: Alan Toovey, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Jarryd Blair
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams
I/C: Martin Clarke, Sam Dwyer, Ben Johnson, Jordan Russell
Emerg: Jack Frost, Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas

NEW: Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Sam Dwyer (Port Melbourne), Jordan Russell (Carlton)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Jamie Macmillan, Nathan Grima, Ben Jacobs
C: Aaron Mullett, Ryan Bastinac, Kieran Harper
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robbie Tarrant, Daniel Wells
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Liam Anthony, Leigh Adams, Sam Wright, Sam Gibson
Emerg: Taylor Hine, Will Sierakowski, Majak Daw

NEW: Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide)

Hawthorn v Geelong, MCG Monday 3.20pm

HAWTHORN
B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Luke Breust
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
I/C (from): Jed Anderson, Shane Savage, Luke Shiels, Max Bailey, Ryan Schoenmakers, Kyle Cheney, Jonathan Simpkin

NEW: Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Jed Anderson, Jonathan Simpkin (Geelong)

GEELONG
B: Jared Rivers, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Taylor Hunt, Harry Taylor, Travis Varcoe
C: Andrew Mackie, Paul Chapman, Joel Corey
HF: Jordan Murdoch, Shannon Motlop, Billie Smedts
F: James Podsiadly, Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan
Foll: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
I/C (from): Trent West, Josh Caddy, Mathew Stokes, Allen Christensen, George Horlin-Smith, Josh Walker, Jake Stringer

NEW: Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy (Gold Coast) 

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Pies rookies get their chance

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Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Jack Viney tries to evade James Frawley at Melbourne training. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has been forced to name two rookies in his squad set to take on North Melbourne on Sunday.

Rookies Sam Dwyer and Jack Frost are on the extended bench along with Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman, Marty Clarke and former Carlton fringe player Jordan Russell.

The Magpies injury list includes star playmaker Dale Thomas (ankle), Andrew Krakouer, Alex Fasolo and Luke Ball.

Former West Coast Eagle Quinten Lynch has been named at half forward while Tyson Goldsack looks to have overcome his ankle injury and will play out of the goalsquare.

Scroll down for Round 1 teams

NORTH Melbourne has opted for No.1 ruckman Todd Goldstein ahead of Daniel Currie and Majak Daw.

But excitement machine Daw, the league's first Sudanese-born player, has been named on the extended bench.

Ben Jacobs will make his debut for the Kangaroos after moving to Arden St from Port Adelaide in the pre-season draft.

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney has shrugged off a knee infection and will play against Brisbane on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.

The Brownlow medallist, who was hospitalised during the week, has been named in the midfield alongside recruits Koby Stevens and Nick Lower.

The Bulldogs will be without captain Matthew Boyd (knee).

GREATER Western Sydney No.1 pick Lachie Whitfield will make his debut against Sydney in Saturday's Battle of the Bridge.

Meanwhile, the Swans have named Shane Mumford in the ruck ending speculation of an injury concern.

As expected, rookie Dane Rampe comes into the side replacing Alex Johnson (knee) across half back.

GOLD Coast will unveil big-bodied midfielder Jaeger O'Meara against St Kilda on Saturday.

ST KILDA has left Justin Koschitzke out of its team to play Gold Coast on Saturday.

Instead, opting for Beau Maister. Rhys Stanley and Aaron Siposs in the forward line alongside Nick Riewoldt and smalls Stephen Milne and Terry Milera.

MELBOURNE will unleash father-son draft gun Jack Viney against Port Adelaide on Sunday

The Dees said today Viney, picked up under the father-son rule in last year's national draft, would play alongside the club's top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas.

Mature-age draftee Matt Jones will also be part of the Demons' team when it is named tonight.

Jones, 25, played suburban football in Melbourne and Queensland before impressing with the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL last season. He was given an AFL lifeline by the Demons with pick 52 in the draft.

SuperCoach Round 1 formguide: Captain picks, lockout info and more!

The Demons will play seven club debutants against the Power, with former Cats Shannon Byrnes and Tom Gillies to join ex-Kangaroo Cam Pederson and former Port Adelaide midfielder David Rodan in the Dees' line-up.

Chris Dawes hasn't recovered from a calf injury in time and won't play.

It appears mature-age South Australian recruit Dean Terlich has also missed the cut.

Please Explain: Demons moneyball mayhem

To see all the Round 1 teams as they are named join the live chat below from 5.30pm.

LIVE HQ: Join Gilbert Gardiner from 5.30pm for AFL Round 1 teams and Nissan SuperCoach chat below:

On a mobile? Click HERE for a better chat experience. 

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 1.40pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB: Jason Johannisen, Tom Young, Brett Goodes
C: Adam Cooney, Nick Lower, Koby Stevens
HF: Tory Dickson, Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Rob Murphy, Ayce Cordy, Luke Dahlhaus
Foll: Will Minson, Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore
I/C: Mitch Wallis, Daniel Cross, Shaun Higgins, Clay Smith
Emg: Jason Tutt, Lukas Markovic, Tom Campbell

NEW: Tom Young (Collingwood), Brett Goodes, Nick Lower (Fremantle), Koby Stevens (West Coast)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Elliot Yeo, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jed Adcock, Matt Maguire, Pearce Hanley
C: Patrick Karnezis, Tom Rockliff, Mitch Golby
HF Dayne Zorko, Stefan Martin, Josh Green
F: Rohan Bewick, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
Foll: Billy Longer, Daniel Rich, Brent Moloney
I/C: Claye Beams, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne, Aaron Cornelius
Emg: Sam Docherty, Andrew Raines, Ryan Lester

NEW: Brent moloney (Melbourne)

GWS v SYDNEY, ANZ Stadium Saturday 4.40pm

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
B: Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Stephen Gilham
HB: Tomas Bugg, Phil Davis, Curtly Hampton
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Scully
F: Liam Sumner, Jonathon Patton, Devon Smith
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene
I/C: Taylor Adams, Dean Brogan, Lachie Plowman, Dylan Shiel
Emg: Sam Frost, Rhys Palmer, Nathan Wilson

NEW: Lachie Whitfield, Lachie Plowman

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Ben McGlynn, Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Ryan O'Keefe
F: Mike Pyke, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Tony Armstrong, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Emg: Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb, Jesse White

NEW: Dane Rampe

GOLD COAST v ST KILDA, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 6.45pm

GOLD COAST
B: Joel Wilkinson, Matthew Warnock, Tom Murphy
HB: Dion Prestia, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, Brandon Matera
F: Luke Russell, Sam Day, Steven May
Foll: Zac Smith, Karmichael Hunt, David Swallow
I/C: Aaron Hall, Jaeger O'Meara, Jared Brennan, Michael Rischitelli
Emg: Maverick Weller, Jack Hutchins, Kyal Horsley

NEW: Jaeger O'Meara, Greg Broughton (Fremantle)

ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, James Gwilt, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jarryn Geary, Tom Simpkin, Sam Gilbert
C: Jack Newnes, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Aaron Siposs, Nick Riewoldt, Terry Milera
F: Stephen Milne, Beau Maister, Rhys Stanley
Foll: Ben McEvoy, David Armitage, Jack Steven
I/C: Ahmed Saad, Tom Hickey, Clinton Jones, Farren Ray
Emg: Nathan Wright, Trent Dennis-Lane, Tom Lee

NEW: Dylan Roberton (Fremantle), Tom Hickey (Gold Coast)

Melbourne v Port Adelaide, MCG Sunday 1.10pm

MELBOURNE
B: Lynden Dunn, Tom Gillies, Daniel Nicholson
HB: Jack Watts, James Frawley, Colin Garland
C: Jack Viney, Jack Grimes, Jimmy Toumpas
HF: Jeremy Howe, James Sellar, Colin Sylvia
F: Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, David Rodan
Foll: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Sam Blease, Cameron Pederson, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Davey, Dean Terlich, Jake Spencer, Matt Jones

NEW: Tom Gillies (Geelong), Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas, Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Cam Pederson (North Melbourne), Dean Terlich (Norwood)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Tom Jonas, Jackson Trengove, Campbell Heath
HB: Jasper Pittard, Cameron O'Shea, Lewis Stevenson
C: Matthew Broadbent, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes
HF: Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart, Angus Monfries
F: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, Jake Neade
F: Jarrad Redden, Hamish Hartlett, Travis Boak
I/C (from): Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Andrew Moore, Kane Mitchell, Aaron Young, Daniel Stewart, Jack Hombsch

NEW: Campbell Heath (Sydney), Lewis Stevenson (West Coast), Angus Monfries (Essendon), Jake Neade, Oliver Wines, Kane Mitchell, Jack Hombsh (GWS)

North Melbourne v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium Sunday 4.40pm

COLLINGWOOD
B: Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell, Ben Reid
HB: Alan Toovey, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Jarryd Blair
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams
I/C (from): Martin Clarke, Sam Dwyer, Jack Frost, Ben Johnson, Jordan Russell, Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas

NEW: Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Sam Dwyer (Port Melbourne), Jack Frost (Williamstown), Jordan Russell (Carlton)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Jamie Macmillan, Nathan Grima, Ben Jacobs
C: Aaron Mullett, Ryan Bastinac, Kieran Harper
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robbie Tarrant, Daniel Wells
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
I/C (from): Liam Anthony, Leigh Adams, Sam Wright, Taylor Hine, Will Sierakowski, Majak Daw, Sam Gibson

NEW: Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide), Majak Daw, Taylor Hine (Gold Coast)

Hawthorn v Geelong, MCG Monday 3.20pm

HAWTHORN
B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Luke Breust
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
I/C (from): Jed Anderson, Shane Savage, Luke Shiels, Max Bailey, Ryan Schoenmakers, Kyle Cheney, Jonathan Simpkin

NEW: Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Jed Anderson, Jonathan Simpkin (Geelong)

GEELONG
B: Jared Rivers, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Taylor Hunt, Harry Taylor, Travis Varcoe
C: Andrew Mackie, Paul Chapman, Joel Corey
HF: Jordan Murdoch, Shannon Motlop, Billie Smedts
F: James Podsiadly, Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan
Foll: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
I/C (from): Trent West, Josh Caddy, Mathew Stokes, Allen Christensen, George Horlin-Smith, Josh Walker, Jake Stringer

NEW: Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy (Gold Coast)

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10 things you'll see tonight

It doesn't matter how well Daniel Jackson plays tonight. He's still unlikely to win any Richmond fans over. Source: Getty Images

WILL a player drop dead from jumper asphyxiation? Will Chris Judd be a shadow of his former self? We predict tonight's big stories.

1 - Richmond supporters light a membership card bonfire

The eternal optimism that Tigers fans bring to Round 1 every year never ceases to amaze us.

That's despite Richmond losing its last nine games against Carlton, including every season-opener since 2007, so don't be surprised to see fans looking for the nearest flame to torch their plastic.

Carlton's current winning streak against the yellow and black is its longest since they went 24 games without dropping one between 1908 and 1917.

2 - Same Mick, different shirt

The moustached one will be extra prickly tonight, with the Carlton faithful expecting the earth but the coach not necessarily having the greatest list at his disposal.

It might not be the best night for a young journo to chance his arm with a curly one in the press conference.

Then again, maybe Mick will just lose the plot again and talk about bread...

Jake King might be too big for his own good this year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

3 - Medical emergency due to overly tight jumper

At some point this year a player is going to lose circulation to their brain after going one size too small in the jumper department.

From what we've seen, St Kilda are the biggest "spray-on" offenders, but there's a little man at Punt Rd who might just trump them and pass out if he flexes a bicep a little too vigourously at any point against Carlton.

If Jake "the push-up" King has been doing the kind of reps we know he can in the off-season, there's every chance he might never get out of the jumper he puts on tonight.

4 - SuperCoaches bemoaning their Cotchin/Deledio decision

Can you squeeze both Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio into your squad?

Unlikely, with Deledio no longer a backline option. So who do you pick?

Cotchin will probably have Andrew Carrazzo going Siamese on him for large chunks of the game, which could spell trouble for the Tigers captain.

With the Blues also having to think about Dustin Martin and Reece Conca, not to mention Shane Tuck, Deledio may once again be left to do as he likes.

Better go with Brett.

Ultimate SuperCoach Round 1 formguide

5 - Traffic armageddon

There's rain around today, which means average motorists become mobile road blocks as they slow down by 30km/h, halve that speed again if there are tram tracks and generally freak out for no apparent reason.

With tomorrow's public holiday making tonight effectively a Friday, expect to see traffic gridlock around the 'G from now until about May.

You'd suggest taking public transport would be a better bet, but with the temperature straying outside of the 22C-24C window at which Melbourne's system can run without going into meltdown, you might be better to dust off your bike.

6 - Action Jackson to be a hated man

Daniel Jackson is the man Richmond fans love to hate.

It's hard to understand why a bloke who sees himself as a bit of an intellectual doesn't endear himself to the rabid crew behind the Tigers' goals, but for some reason he (and let's not forget Tyrone Vickery) cops most of the wrath from the stands.

Maybe it's the red hair.

Maybe it's his disposal efficiency that usually hovers somewhere around mid-60 per cent.

Maybe it's his two suspensions last year, one of which was for striking Chris Knights, who is now his teammate.

Either way, Jackson (pictured, top) could have 35 disposals and kick five goals and he'd still find manure in his locker on Monday morning.

Carlton fans will be hoping Levi Casboult will be the missing link up forward tonight. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

7 - Excuses about Carlton's game plan

We've heard Malthouse making a rod for his own back all pre-season, talking about needing more time to implement Carlton's new style.

But will Blues fans buy what the boss is selling?

Geelong revamped their game plan in 2011 under new coach Chris Scott and won a premiership.

Yes, their list was superior to Carlton's, but the shift to a kicking game from the Cats' handball-heavy style was the cornerstone of their third flag in five years.

Other coaches to turn their team around in quick time ... try Sydney's premiership-winning second year under John Longmire?

Cometh the man. Cometh the mullet. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

8 - More of Maric's mullet

Surely that thing is alive.

The Richmond big man had a breakout season in 2012, while carrying the ruck duties almost solo for the entire year.

But was he alone?

The marsupial growing on the hulking Tiger's head must surely be ready to spring forth and don a jumper of its own.

Expect the running bouffant battle between Maric and Taylor Walker to continue deep into September.

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9 - Nothing to look forward to

Anyone else noticed there's been a surprising lack of the usual bleating about a footy-free Good Friday?

Thankfully the NRL and the A-League have scant respect for the sanctity of religious holidays.

Tomorrow night we'll settle in with fish 'n' chips and turn our attention to the white ball to see the Storm take on the Broncos up north, and the round ball as Newcastle take on Western Sydney.

Probably the only time all year that the AFL will lose the cross-code battle - though Channel 7 will be doing some solid work with the Good Friday Appeal - but it's still an annual sporting downer.

This could be the year that former Blues captain Chris Judd finally crashes back to earth. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

10 - A shadow of the former Judd?

Just three quarters of pre-season action, diminishing pace and a battery of quick opponents set to come at him.

Tonight could be the beginning of a tough year for former Blues captain Chris Judd, and SuperCoach boffins agree.

Just 3.6 per cent of SuperCoaches have Judd in their team this year - a  far cry from years gone by when he'd be a walk-up start in most squads and an almost guaranteed 100+ points each week.

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LIVE: Blues v Tigers

Carlton veteran Chris Judd will be looking to start his season on a winning note against Richmond tonight. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's Carlton-Richmond blockbuster at the MCG. Live chat from 7.30pm.

Aaron Joseph is the sub for Carlton, while goalsneak Robin Nahas will wear the green vest for Richmond.

There are no late changes to either side.

Star onballer Marc Murphy steps out for the first time as Carlton captain as the Blues look to inflict their tenth-straight win over Richmond.

Mick Malthouse yesterday said the Blues were ready to go after a solid pre-season fine-turning a new game plan.

But the Trent Cotchin-led Tigers will be out to erase the memories of seasons' past in front an 80,000-strong crowd at the MCG.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and live chat

Are you having trouble linking your SuperCoach team to Live HQ? Fear not, simply log out and back into your Herald Sun Digital Pass to see all the live scores as they drop.

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Thomas emerges unscathed

Collingwood star Dale Thomas collected 25 disposals in the Magpies reserves match against AIS-AFL Academy squad. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

DALE Thomas emerged from his first match hitout of the season unscathed.

Thomas, as planned, played just three quarters of the Collingwood reserves team's practice match against the AIS-AFL Academy team at the MCG tonight, piling up about 25 disposals.

He had ice packs on his right calf and upper left thigh after the match as a precaution, but showed no signs of the ankle injury that has delayed his start to the season.

Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh said Thomas, who played mostly on the wing and booted one goal, had been "pretty lively".

"Things went to plan under the program we have for him and he got a bit of the ball, so we're happy with that," Walsh said of Thomas.

"It's his first real hitout for the year, so I'm sure he's in need of the run, but we don't expect any problems (in the wash-up)."

The Pies also got two goals in an impressive effort from the returning Andrew Krakouer and won the match 15.15 (105) to the AIS's 9.9 (63).

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Steven Baker cops life ban

Former St Kilda hard man Steven Baker has been banned from playing football for life.

Former St Kilda hard man Steven Baker. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

FORMER St Kilda hard man Steven Baker has been banned from playing football for life.

Baker was last night found guilty of unduly rough conduct by the Mornington Peninsula Football League after just one practice match with new club Sorrento.

Baker, who played 203 games for the Saints, was called before the MPNFL tribunal after an incident that left Red Hill player Blake Thompson with a broken jaw on March 9.

The former AFL tagger was found not guilty of striking and not guilty of charging, but was found guilty of a rough conduct charge despite a lack of video evidence. The three field umpires also told the hearing they didn't see anything.

Baker is strongly protesting his innocence and is understood to be shattered by the decision. He last night told the tribunal it was the only time in his career that he wished he had been caught on camera.

"I ran to intercept the Red Hill ball carrier, but a couple of seconds before I got there I noticed another Red Hill player (Thompson) was moving to shepherd his ball carrier,'' Baker said in his statement.

"I braced myself and we made contact. We clashed heads and we both went to ground. I did not raise my arm or fist.''

Baker was given a six-week suspension, but because that ban took him beyond a nationwide 16-week career suspension limit he was told he coudn't play football again at any level.

Baker was suspended for a total of 28 weeks in his controversial AFL career, but that total is halved at amateur level - placing him on a career total of 14 weeks when he joined Sorrento.

Baker copped several big suspensions during his time at St Kilda, including a seven-match ban for striking Fremantle forward Jeff Farmer and a nine-match ban on four separate charges after a stoush with Geelong's Steve Johnson in 2010.

Sorrento has already lodged an appeal.

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Who is your Most Important Player?

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Scott Pendlebury is one of the best players in the AFL. But is he the most important player at Collingwood? Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

WHO is the player your club could least afford to lose?

Here is your chance to vote for the most important player on every team's list.

Keep in mind that "most important" and "best" aren't necessarily the same thing.

While you could make a good case that Gold Coast would be in huge trouble if Gary Ablett wasn't in the side, it isn't so clear-cut when it comes to the likes of Scott Pendlebury or Chris Judd.

Those guys are genuine stars, but how crucial are they to their team's fortunes?

The answer comes down to the role they play in the side - and that word you hear so often from coaches: "structure".

When Pendlebury broke his leg in Round 10 last season, the Magpies didn't rush him back - because they didn't want to risk one of their best players, and also because they had plenty more midfielders who could do his job while he was out. The Pies lost just one of the five matches Pendles missed.

Covering Nick Maxwell in defence isn't so easy. He has three career Brownlow votes (compared to Pendlebury's 81), but of the five matches he was missed last season through injury and suspension, Collingwood won two and lost the other three.

So who gets your vote?

Another way to look at it is to consider opposition teams - which player would you like to be missing when they play your side?

Have your say on every club by clicking the team logo on the interactive above.

Read our quick profiles of the four candidates for each team selected by SuperFooty writers and click on the green button to cast your vote - then see how your vote compares to all the other SuperFooty readers.

We may have got some wrong. If we have, feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

So tell us, who is each club's Most Important Player?

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Buddy's not on our radar: Lyon

RULED OUT: Ross Lyon says Lance Franklin is not on Fremantle's radar. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has fired back at claims the Dockers are chasing Lance Franklin, labelling claims as"a beat-up" and saying he had personally approached Hawthorn to quell the speculation.

Lyon said he approached Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson at a recent meeting to insist there was no truth to rumours the Dockers would approach Franklin, who has put off contract talks until the end of the season.

"This will clear it up and probably puts a really fine point on it; I went to a coaches association sub-committee meeting and Alastair Clarkson was there and we have a professional relationship," Lyon said.

"I sought him out, because this was bubbling around - unlike (Travis) Cloke last year, we were clearly in that - and this is totally different.

"I sought out Alastair and said, 'This is not us. Just to be really clear, just to let you know so you don't have to worry, it is not us'.

"That's on the public record.

"I think that really puts that article (into perspective); lack of rigor, lack of substance and just sensationalism in its true context.

"It should clarify for the whole industry and I can't be more clear than that."

Lyon said Fremantle had two priorities in its list management - retaining its burgeoning talent base and servicing its veterans - and those would be the areas it would focus on.

"That's a clear message to our player group, that they're the priority for us, and a clear message to anyone that wants to write stories that have no basis," he said.

"It eradicates that.

"It's an opinion business and, I mean, when Taylor Walker came through, did anyone know he was going to be a power forward? And (Kurt) Tippett and young (Sam) Reid from the Swans?

"Sometimes, people occur and grab opportunities and you think, 'Gee, where did he come from'.

"I think that just suited the red herring, or the kite being flown or, I'm not sure what it's called in this profession."

Lyon's comments come the morning after the club's 20-year-old Jayden Pitt was announced to have a heart condition that could result in the premature end of his career.

An irregular heartbeat discovered by medical screenings resulted in Pitt's career being immediately suspended for health reasons.

"We're really supportive of Jayden and he's been working behind the scenes with our medical staff (along with) his parents Greg and Jenny," Lyon said.

"It's been the result of a strong welfare program for our players, it's not mandatory screening, although it probably should be.

"A number of clubs do it and it's thrown up this, which is a big risk for Jayden and his career.

"He's had to put his AFL career on hold and, personally, as a senior coach with 45 players on our list, (I have) genuine care for all of them and this is a unique situation that I haven't come across before."

Follow Glen Foreman on Twitter: @glen_foreman
 

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Chappy to make Tigers debut

Shane Crawford reveals his bargain ruck strategy and why Brett Deledio is a better SuperCoach pick than Trent Cotchin

Troy Chaplin at Richmond training. Source: Getty Images

FORMER Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin will be the only new face when Richmond and Carlton face off at the MCG tomorrow night.

Chaplin was picked up by the Tigers as a free agent at the end of last season. The 27-year-old played 140 matches for Port.

"He's a very good player, but he's also got outstanding leadership qualities and will further help guys such as Alex Rance, Ben Griffiths, Jake Batchelor, all these types of players around him," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.

Another free agent Chris Knights was named as an emergency, while former Demon Ricky Petterd was ruled out by groin soreness.

The Tigers' first round draft pick Nick Vlastuin is also an emergency.

Carlton couldn't find a spot for forward Sam Rowe, who was pushing for selection after recovering from testicular cancer.

The Blues also left out experienced defender Jeremy Laidler.

Both have been named as emergencies.

TEAMS

Carlton
B: Chris Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Nick Duigan, Bryce Gibbs
C: Kade Simpson, Andrew Carrazzo, Mitch Robinson
HF: Chris Judd, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Eddie Betts, Levi Casboult, Shaun Hampson
R: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Brock McLean
Inter: Dennis Armfield, Josh Bootsma, Aaron Joseph, Kane Lucas
Emerg: Tom Bell, Jeremy Laidler, Sam Rowe

Richmond
B: Steve Morris, Alex Rance, Troy Chaplin
HB: Jake Batchelor, Chris Newman, Bachar Houli
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Reece Conca
HF: Brett Deledio, Shane Edwards, Daniel Jackson
F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Robin Nahas
R: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Shane Tuck
Inter: Ben Griffiths, Jake King, Tyrone Vickery, Brendon Ellis
Emerg: Matt White, Nick Vlastuin, Chris Knights

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Jack Frost set for fairytale debut

Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost is set to make his AFL debut against North Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

EIGHT months ago Jack Frost was at the football crossroads, having not played a senior VFL game for nearly a year.

Eight days ago, the 21-year-old was still on Collingwood's rookie list.

On Sunday he may make his AFL debut.

The Barometer: Selection latest at every club

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said yesterday the key defender was in line for an unlikely first-team foray as his side searches for ways to combat North Melbourne's tall forward trio of Drew Petrie, Lachie Hansen and Robbie Tarrant.

Frost had two rounds of surgery on his hips in late 2011 that left him virtually bedridden for three months.

He played the best part of last season in Williamstown's seconds before a call-up to the seniors for the final home-and-away game in August.

The Sandringham TAC Cup product proved his class by starring against Geelong's Nathan Vardy, then claimed the scalps of VFL stars Matthew Little (Bendigo) and Dean Galea (Port Melbourne) during the finals.

"We got him two years ago and could see plenty of talent in him, but he had crook hips," Williamstown coach Peter German said yesterday.

"We obviously knew how good he was, but to show the rest of the football world those qualities was just great for him.

"He ended up winning our best finals player award.

"He's a good size and has speed for a player of his height (194cm).

"He's ultra-competitive, has all the attributes.

"He just had to get his body right."

Buckley said the emergence of some of Collingwood's rookies had been one of the major positives of the pre-season.

"Jack Frost has been elevated on to the senior list and has proven his ability to shut down tall (forwards) with the absence of Nathan Brown and Ben Reid at times," Buckley said.

"He adds to our depth there and it becomes important, shutting down North's talls -- they generally play that three tall forwards set-up. "They're very agile and fit players as well, so that's something we're definitely looking at."

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Judd doesn't miss captaincy

Chris Judd expects to play 80 per cent of the Blues' Round 1 clash against Richmond. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Judd says he has been reinvigorated after relinquishing the Carlton captaincy.

Judd described himself as now "one of the soldiers" following Marc Murphy's elevation to the role at their AFL club.

He says there are parts of the leadership role he will not miss.

"It's just a nice thing to do later on in your career where you can really just focus on playing footy and not be distracted by some of the administrative duties that go with being in a leadership position," Judd said.

"It's not that I won't have a say at the club or won't be fully engaged, but I certainly feel like I'm enjoying the purity of just worrying about playing footy."

Judd admitted he had to make a choice and decided concentrating solely on playing was his preference.

"It's one of those things, you can't be half pregnant and you can't be half a captain," Judd said.

"There's a lot of parts of being captain that I loved and really enjoyed and probably some other parts that I grew tired of.

"You can't pick and choose with a job like that, so the time was right to hand it over and Murph has already done a terrific job."

Cancer survivor Sam Rowe pushes for Round 1 spot

Judd said he would mentor some of the younger players but made it clear he would not try to influence the leadership.

"Murph's the boss, him and the rest of the leaders are making the rules and I'm one of the soldiers, and that's sort of refreshing as well," he said.

Judd has been troubled by hamstring issues and said he "didn't have a great pre-season" but said he was now almost back to full fitness.

The Barometer: Updated injury list at every club

The Blues open their AFL campaign against Richmond this week and Judd said he expected to play up to 80 per cent of the game.

"Not having that (NAB Cup) rotation cap, it will be easier just to play in six-minute bursts," he said.

He said he planned to play on next season but there would be no more lengthy contracts at Carlton in his future.

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Stevie J out indefinitely

Geelong star Steve Johnson will miss the start of the season. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG has not put a timeframe on Steve Johnson's return after minor knee surgery today.

The Cats said they made the call to have a knee arthroscopy now in the long-term interests of Johnson, who was already set to miss Monday's Round 1 clash against Hawthorn due to suspension.

Football manager Neil Balme said Johnson's knee had "caused him aggravation" over the past week.

"There was a possibility that Steve could manage the issue through the season, but we all felt it was a better course of action to have the procedure now so that Steve will be at 100 per cent when he returns," Balme said.

"We think that by having the knee cleaned up he will be fully fit when he starts to play rather than the possibility that the knee will slowly deteriorate over time forcing the surgery later in the year."

The Cats enter Round 1 with several big names on the injury list, most of them ruckmen.

The club announced today it had promoted young talls Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker from the rookie list.

Meanwhile, Geelong's Round 1 opponent Hawthorn today placed knee victims Matt Suckling and Alex Woodward on the long-term injury list. No replacements have been named at this stage.

The Barometer: Updated injury list for every club

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Hardwick says Tigers must pounce

Richmond coach Damian Hardwick at Richmond training today. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says it's time for the Tigers to step up, as the club embraces the increased expectation before tomorrow night's season-opening MCG blockbuster against Carlton.

The Tigers have not beaten the Blues since Round 1 in 2008 and have not played finals since 2001.

"The best place to be is when expectations are high, that's where you get your best results," Hardwick said. "We've put the pressure on our guys this year to march their way up the ladder as have probably 17 other clubs.
 
Tame Tigers: A brief history of Round 1 heartbreak

"We certainly look forward to rising to the challenge ... I think there's some 14 sides that are going to be challenging for that final eight position and we're going to be one of those."

Richmond defender and former skipper Chris Newman told Melbourne radio this week Richmond feared no side when it was playing at its best, and Hardwick was buoyed by that attitude.

"The thing that we've seen this year is we have not played well over the course of the pre-season, but still got the results we were after," he said.

"And that's what good sides do and that's what we're starting to become. The guys just have to deliver that on a consistent basis...I think that's something our guys are starting to deliver, that steely resolve about getting over the line.

"I'm really glad Chris put that on the agenda because it's time to step up."

Hardwick said the Tigers were better placed than when they were trounced by 44 points by the Blues in Round 1 last season.

"Our list has improved again, they've got further experience, we think we're better prepared so look, overall we think it's going to be a good result for us going into Round 1," he said.

The fourth-year coach said the Blues were a completely different side under new coach Mick Malthouse.

"You look two years ago how Collingwood played, as Mick said, it's probably going to take them a little bit of time to come up to the standard that he had the Collingwood sides, but we've got no doubt they're going to be a formidable outfit," he said.

"Mick coaches, very,very well. They're very much a down the line side now as Collingwood have been years previous.

"He's had great success with that game plan over the course of what, two decades, there's no doubt he won't divert much from that plan and why would he with that success rate."

Hardwick said first round draft pick Nick Vlastuin and former Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin were a chance to debut for the Tigers tomorrow night.

Pic gallery: Tigers tune up for Carlton clash

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The Barometer: Round 1

SuperFooty delivers the best live match news to your phone

Mitch Clark has lacked match fitness. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

SOME crunch decisions for Melbourne, a heavy Collingwood injury list and Matthew Leuenberger a 50-50 chance to face the Bulldogs.

Read on for the latest injury and selection news a

ADELAIDE

Nick Joyce (groin) TBA
Ian Callinan (knee) test
Brodie Smith (collarbone) 3 weeks
Luke Brown (foot) test
Ricky Henderson (concussion) test

Luke Brown will be available for selection after scans cleared the young defender of any bone damage despite finishing Friday night's game against Essendon on crutches. Ricky Henderson copped a knock to the head but should be right to go. Ian Callinan will be pushing for selection as will fringe midfielder Richard Tambling, who impressed in an SANFL trial with 22 disposals, five marks and four tackles. Sam Shaw had a light run with Glenelg and could come into consideration. Substitute Brodie Martin might struggle to keep his spot while defender Andy Otten could miss for Shaw. Jared Petrenko should improve after a lacklustre effort against Essendon.

- Gilbert Gardiner

BRISBANE LIONS

Simon Black (knee) Indefinite
Matthew Leuenberger (calf) 1 week
Jesse O'Brien (groin) 1 week
Brent Staker (knee) 3 weeks
Stephen Wrigley (knee) TBA

Lions coach Michael Voss today rated Matthew Leuenberger a 50-50 chance to play against the Bulldogs after a limited pre-season. The big ruckman emerged unscathed after playing a half for the Lions reserves last week but Brisbane will take no risks on Leuey, given the sharp improvement in Billy Longer's game. Utility Brent Staker is still two weeks away while Simon Black remains a longer term proposition.

- Gilbert Gardiner

CARLTON

Jaryd Cachia (hamstring) TBA
Andrew Collins (ankle) TBA
David Ellard (hamstring) TBA
Andrew McInnes (knee) 14 weeks
Jarrad Waite (calf) 3-4 weeks

Jarrad Waite remains the only selection headache for Mick Malthouse with the key forward still some weeks away. Waite, who has struggled with a niggling calf strain, is not expected back in navy blue until Round 3. Hard-nosed midfielder Jaryd Cachia will be monitored after experiencing some hamstring tightness during the pre-season. No sweat on veteran Chris Judd despite his limited pre-season - 72 minutes of match practice. Reigning best-and-fairest winner Heath Scotland will miss the first two matches serving his club-imposed suspension.

- Gilbert Gardiner

COLLINGWOOD

Alex Fasolo (hamstring) test
Jackson Ramsay (groin) test
Ben Richmond (leg) test
Dale Thomas (ankle) test
Ben Reid (knee) test
Andrew Krakouer (match fitness) 1-2 weeks
Luke Ball (knee) 1-2 weeks
Alan Didak (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Corey Gault (groin) 4-5 weeks
Brodie Grundy (back) 6-7 weeks
Lachie Keeffe (knee) 6-7 weeks)
Tim Broomhead (glandular fever) indefinite

A mega injury list, but the stars are at the right end of it in some relief to Nathan Buckley. Strangely enough, Dale Thomas could play the curtain-raiser to Blues-Tigers when the VFL Pies tackle the AIS-AFL Academy. Fasolo is expected to face the Roos, as will Tyson Goldsack, while Ben Reid, Luke Ball and Andrew Krakouer aren't too far away. With Reid and Keeffe sidelined, watch for stingy VFL recruit Jack Frost - a $96,200 SuperCoach steal - to debut against North's tall-timber attack

- Sam Landsberger

The Magpies have not put a time frame on negotiations with Dale Thomas. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON

Jason Winderlich (groin) test

The top-of-the-table Bombers (enjoy it while it's there) have just one player from its entire squad unavailable. That's a serious improvement on last year. Stewart Crameri has been cleared of any damage to his hip following last Friday night's win at AAMI Stadium. Football operations manager Steve Alessio expects the forward to be right to go for Round 2. David Zaharakis is expected to build on his match fitness with another VFL practice match this week, while the rest of the Dons now have two weeks to prepare for their Round 2 showdown with bogey side Melbourne.

- Sam Landsberger

FREMANTLE

Anthony Morabito (knee) Indefinite
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Matthew Pavlich (hand) test
Hayden Ballantyne (leg) TBA

Matthew Pavlich should be right to go despite going into hospital after last Saturday's match to repair split webbing on his left hand. X-rays cleared the skipper of any breaks. Hayden Ballantyne is set to miss the Dockers' next assignment on suspension. But it could be a blessing in disguise after the antagonist left the game early with tightness in his hamstring and lower leg. Expect the small forward to be restricted to light duties this week. Aaron Sandilands is still a month away, at best.

- Gilbert Gardiner

GEELONG

Hamish McIntosh (knee) TBA
Josh Hunt (glandular fever) TBA
Daniel Menzel (knee) 2-3 weeks
Dawson Simpson (back) Indefinite
Trent West (knee) 1-2 weeks
Jed Bews (foot) TBA
George Burbury (foot) TBA

When Hamish McIntosh was traded to Geelong it was a matter of where do you play all these talls. Now, it's who's left to ruck after injuries to Trent West (knee), Dawson Simpson (back) and McIntosh (knee). Former steeplechaser Mark Blicavs will have first crack at the Hawks after impressing in the NAB Cup. Josh Walker, also a rookie, will be added to the senior list to help out at the stoppages. Steve Johnson and James Kelly will sit out Monday's blockbuster against Hawthorn serving one-match bans from last year's elimination final. Luckless forward Daniel Menzel is expected to return through the VFL.

- Gilbert Gardiner

GOLD COAST:

Tom Lynch (foot) 3-4 weeks
Jesse Lonergan (wrist) 4-5 weeks
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite
Liam Patrick (hamstring) TBC

Handy names on the Suns' injury toll, which is a bit of a concern. Lonergan, Gold Coast's top draft pick last year, was on track for a Round 1 debut before breaking his hand, while Tom Lynch's absence weakens the attack.

- Sam Landsberger

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Matthew Buntine (lung) 5 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) Indefinite
Jonothan O'Rourke (leg) 2 weeks
Dom Tyson (knee) 8 weeks
Nathan Wilson (shoulder) test

Matthew Buntine and Dom Tyson aside, the Giants have a full list to pick from ahead of Saturday's Battle of the Bridge against cross-town rivals Sydney. Chad Cornes' career appears at the crossroads with no date set for his return from shoulder/knee injuries. Jono O'Rourke needs another couple of weeks after twinging a hamstring in his NAB Cup debut.

- Gilbert Gardiner

HAWTHORN

Josh Gibson (ribs) test
Cyril Rioli (ankle) test
Brian Lake (calf) doubtful
Luke Hodge (knee) doubtful
Alex Woodward (knee) indefinite
Brendan Whitecross (knee) indefinite
Matt Suckling (knee) indefinite

Back Gibson and Rioli to play despite pre-season niggles. The extended break – the Hawks don't front up to face Geelong until Easter Monday – will help, but Lake and Hodge lack match conditioning. That pair was expected to seek fitness in a lower grade, although Shaun Burgoyne today forecast they all could be surprise inclusions. If not expect the Hawks to roll out Lake against a well-rested West Coast side on the rebound in Perth come Round 2 while Hodge let slip on radio this morning that his return to the top level might be a week or two later.

- Sam Landsberger

Strauggling Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge yesterday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE

Rohan Bail (concussion) 1 week
Max Gawn (hamstring) 2 weeks

THE unavailable list is thin but that doesn't translate into the Dees having little to worry about. Super boots Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes have combined for just 100 minutes of football this pre-season, placing them in extreme doubt for Sunday's duel with Port Adelaide, while co-captain Jack Trengove is in a similar boat. That trio donned Casey colours in a VFL scratch match on Saturday in the desperate search for match fitness, and coach Mark Neeld faces some tough dilemmas on whether to pick his underdone stars this week. But father-son star Jack Viney is expected to debut after overcoming a neck injury and impressing for the Scorpions.

- Sam Landsberger

NORTH MELBOURNE

Nil

The Kangaroos boast a clean bill of health a full list to choose from ahead of Sunday's match against Collingwood. Scott McMahon will miss on suspension as will veteran Brent Harvey, who is not eligible for selection until Round 7. Nathan Grima was the big improver in the NAB Cup after battling a back problem during the pre-season.

PORT ADELAIDE

John Butcher (hand) doubtful
Nick Salter (foot) 6-8 weeks

A healthy list after a fruitful summer. The major bonus is the speedy return of Robbie Gray. The freakish goalkicker is AFL-ready after two SANFL hitouts and could line up against the Dees. Watch for midfield beast and top draft pick Ollie Wines to debut, while former Eagle Lewis Stevenson and Jake Neade could also feature.

- Sam Landsberger

Port Adelaide key forward John Butcher at training. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

RICHMOND

David Astbury (foot) 1-2 weeks
Nathan Foley (Achilles) 4-6 weeks

Dylan Grimes (hamstring) and Brad Helbig (foot) each played a half for VFL affiliate Coburg on the weekend and came through unscathed. Matt Arnot (28 disposals), Chris Knights (28 touches in three quarters) and Orren Stephenson (45 hitouts) all put up impressive numbers but are unlikely to break into the Round 1 line-up after a four-day break. Nick Vlastuin is likely to make his debut on Thursday night and former Demon Ricky Petterd is a strong chance after an impressive NAB Cup.

- Al Paton

ST KILDA

Rhys Stanley (knee) doubtful
Sam Fisher (foot) doubtful
Sean Dempster (hamstring) 1 week
Jackson Ferguson (knee) 5 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) indefinite

The Saints' injury list seems to be confined to their defensive mix. Stanley, Fisher and Dempster could all miss the Gold Coast clash, which is suddenly shaping as a danger game. But, all things going well, they should boast a full-strength side when they take to the Friday night stage against Richmond in Round 2.

- Sam Landsberger

SYDNEY

Alex Johnson (knee) season
Gary Rohan (leg) indefinite

Alex Johnson is the only injury concern in the Harbour City with the Swans expected to upgrade Sydney-raised rookie Dean Rampe as his replacement. Kieren Jack's younger brother, Brandon, could also be added to the senior list.

- Gilbert Gardiner

WEST COAST

Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 8 weeks
Matt Rosa (quad) 6-8 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Nick Naitanui (groin) 3-4 weeks
Daniel Kerr (knee) 3-4 weeks
Adam Carter (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Mark LeCras (arm) 4-6 weeks
Eric McKenzie (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Coach John Worsfold says he is optimistic LeCras could return within a month after having a plate inserted in his arm yesterday, but everything would have to go right for that to happen. McKenzie limped off with a low-grade hamstring injury in the third quarter on Saturday night but a week off next week gives him a strong chance of playing against Hawthorn in Round 2. Big names Naitanui and Kerr have rejoined the main training group but seem a few weeks off at least. Possible reinforcements are a class below those names - the Eagles' emergencies against Freo were Jacob Brennan, Mitch Brown and Bradd Dalziell.

- Al Paton

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Adam Cooney (knee) test
Easton Wood (hamstring) test
Tom Williams (foot) 1-2 weeks
Matthew Boyd (calf) 2-3 weeks

Captain Matthew Boyd is out after scans confirmed a calf strain following the Dogs' practice match against Richmond on March 16. Boyd will miss at least three weeks. The intrigue centres around Adam Cooney, who was hospitalised last week with an infection in his knee. But the Brownlow medallist is out and, if he can train this week, could face the Lions. Easton Wood is also racing the clock as he overcomes a hamstring problem, with Tom Williams the only definite non-starter. The Dogs could boast a clean bill of health come their Round 2 encounter against Fremantle.

- Sam Landsberger

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 15: Adam Cooney of the Western Bulldogs runs with the ball away from Andrew Lovett-Murray during the round one AFL NAB Cup match between the Essendon Bombers and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on February 15, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source:

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Thomas to play in curtain-raiser

Collingwood star Dale Thomas will line up in a reserves game against an AFL-AIS Academy team. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dale Thomas' overdue first game could be, strangely, in front of rival fans at the MCG.

Thomas is likely to start back with the Magpies' VFL team in a practice match before Thursday night's Carlton-Richmond game.

The Pies ace hasn't played a game since summer ankle surgery, but he stepped up the delayed preparation with match simulation work at training last Friday.

Thomas and several other underdone teammates will be monitored during the curtain-raiser match against an AIS-AFL Academy team.

Injuries: Club by club analysis in The Barometer

Flexible rules for scratch matches means senior players like the creative midfielder can be given specific game time depending on their workloads.

Forward Tyson Goldsack and ruckman Ben Hudson are other candidates to benefit from the practice match.

Goldsack, who didn't start full training until late January following ankle surgery, is near the required fitness levels after another VFL practice match at Visy Park last Friday night.

This week would be his fourth run with the VFL team to bring him into consideration for the Round 2 clash with Carlton.

Forward Andrew Krakouer, with only one NAB Cup game, is another candidate for the early game later in the week.

Young forward Jackson Paine may have to be rested after being concussed in the trial game against VFL team Northern Blues last Friday.

Selectors are likely to wait until Saturday before finalising the team to open the AFL season against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium the next night.

The match committee meeting this week will decide which players can benefit from another run with the VFL team at the MCG.

Already ruled out of the team to play the Kangaroos are Luke Ball (knee), Alan Didak (hamstring), Alex Fasolo (hamstring), Thomas and Krakouer.

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