AFL discards: Where are they now?

Former Bomber Kyle Reimers will line up for Perth in the WAFL this year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FROM Perth to the Uni Blues in the Victorian amateur league, find out where axed and retired AFL stars will be playing in 2013.

Players fresh from the elite facilities of the AFL are about to report for pre-season training at lower leagues around the country - some lower than others. Here's a run-down of who's playing where.

Retired Geelong champion Matthew Scarlett announced last year he would line up for South Barwon this season in the Geelong Football League.

The 284-game Cats champion said one of his career dreams (presumably behind playing in three AFL premierships) to finish his career at the Swans.

"I feel like I've made the right decision (to retire) and really excited that I'm joining a great club, going from one great club to another, so I'm just excited and ready to jump into it," Scarlett said.

The bad news for opponents is Scarlett says at 33 his body feels great.

Newly-appointed co-coach Casey Tutungi joked Scarlett "might be the swingman for us" while fellow coach James Garvey added: "What's he done, he's played 15 years down at full back? We might throw him forward and see how he goes."

Matthew Scarlett after being announced as a new recruit for South Barwon Football Club. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Geelong Advertiser

Scarlett will combine his playing duties with a part-time assistant coaching role at the Western Bulldogs - where he'll work with Cam Mooney, Ben Graham and Brad Johnson. Other retirees who will stay in the AFL system as assistant coaches include Brad Green (Carlton) and Josh Drummond (North Melbourne).

Delisted Melbourne forward Matthew Bate and overlooked Gold Coast utility Josh Toy have not given up on their AFL dream, signing with Essendon's VFL side.

But others are happy to pull on the boots in a more relaxed environment.

Lindsay Gilbee, who played 206 games from the Western Bulldogs, knocked back an offer from Wangaratta Rovers to line up with University Blues in the VAFA.

His former Dogs teammates Brodie Moles and James Mulligan will play for Hoppers Crossing out west while Ryan Hargrave has signed with Hillside, a division two side in the Essendon District Football League.

In the top division of that star-studded comp are 2004 All-Australian Adam McPhee (Greenvale), sacked Richmond defender Daniel Connors (Aberfeldie) and delisted Tigers ruckman Andrew Browne (Keilor).

Other former Tigers playing the suburbs next year include Brad Miller (Heidelberg) and Jayden Post (below), who will pull on the Altona Vikings' purple strip.

Former Richmond footballer Jayden Post is returning to his home club Altona in the WRFL. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Herald Sun

And there are unconfirmed reports retired Magpie Chris Tarrant has joined Deer Park.

Other players will stick with the main feeder comps in Victoria and interstate in bid to stay on the AFL radar.

Brent Prismall trained with Essendon, Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs in the lead-up to the rookie draft, but didn't get picked.

He'll be under the noses of Dogs coaches at Williamstown, alongside former Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood. Also in the VFL are former Collingwood and Gold Coast midfielder Sam Iles (Box Hill) and ex-Giant Steve Clifton (North Ballarat).

Cruize Garlett walked out on the Kangaroos in the hope of a new start at another AFL club. He'll be playing for Perth in the WAFL in 2013 ex-Bomber Kyle Reimers - who opted to return home despite an offer to train with Carlton in draft week - and retired Hawk Chance Bateman.

Kyle Reimers celebrates a goal for Essendon. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Also in the Perth comp are axed Saint Brett Peake, who has signed a two-year deal with his former club East Fremantle, delisted Carlton defender Paul Bower (Peel Thunder), former Eagle and Swan Mark Seaby (Claremont) and Brendan Lee, who will line up for East Perth after playing two matches for Essendon late last season.

Ben McKinley is also expected to play for the Royals, while Jay van Berlo (delisted by Fremantle) and Andrew Strijk (West Coast) will stay at West Perth.

Paul Medhurst has come out of retirement (again) and will line up for Claremont.

Across the border in South Australia, former North Melbourne forward Matt Campbell has signed with North Adelaide along with former rookies Daniel Archer (North Melbourne) and Nathan Gordon (Sydney), best known for dropping the F-bomb on live TV after his AFL debut.

Axed Bomber Henry Slattery will play for the Port Adelaide Magpies alongside Jacob Surjan and Liam Jurrah, who Port's AFL cousin has committed to helping through his off-field issues.

Liam Jurrah training with Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Matthew Panos will play for Norwood after failing to crack a senior appearance at the Bulldogs in 2012 and luckless Gold Coast defender Michael Coad has signed with Sturt.

Tasmanian Football League Clarence has won the race for the signature of former Richmond wingman Jeromey Webberley.

"I was really surprised by all the offers," Webberley told The Mercury.

"It was actually hard to make a decision.

"Because I've played at Clarence before -- and all the players there -- that helped me make my decision and was something that got me over the line in the end."

But the prize for the biggest career move goes to Shae McNamara.

The American was playing for Collingwood in the NAB Cup last year. This season he'll play for Sandringham Sabres in the South East Australian Basketball League.

Have you heard of any other ex-AFL players at a local team near you? Let us know by leaving a comment below or contact us on Twitter @superfooty. Here's some early additions:

From @elenib76: @superfooty delisted Hawk Tom Schneider announced on Twitter yesterday he'll be playing for the Vermont Eagles.

@FraserBrierly: @superfooty David Wojcinski signed to play for the Newtown and Chilwell Football Club in the Geelong Football League

@cammudge: @superfooty former collingwood gun Sean Rusling will line up for Adelaide university in its return to division 1 amateur league this season

- with Sam Landsberger, Michael Washbourne, Chris Cavanagh, Matt Turner

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Daisy in moonboot as Pies hit track

Collingwood train at Gosch's Paddock today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood star Dale Thomas at training today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD hit the training track for the first time this year this morning with Dale Thomas sporting a moonboot.

Thomas joined his teammates on Gosch's Paddock, but was restricted to stationary skills.

The star Magpie has had a very interrupted pre-season, which has hindered his fight to get himself in the best shape possible for 2013.

But Magpies backline coach Ben Hart said Thomas would return to full training in two weeks.

"(We) expected (Thomas) to be in the boot for two more weeks then will return to full training."

The midfielder, who carried the injury through the latter half of last season, underwent surgery on his right ankle late last year.

It meant he was one of a handful of players to miss the club's high-altitude training camp to Utah.

It is a setback as he looks to return to his damaging best this year following a topsy-turvy 2012.

Meanwhile, star midfielder Scott Pendlebury left the training track early today after speaking with coaching staff.

See our gallery of the Magpies in action at Gosch's Paddock today here.

Injury curse: Morabito hurt again at Dockers training

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Essendon signs Toy and Bate

Exciting young talent Josh Toy will play with Essendon's VFL side. Picture: Stephen Harman, Source: HWT Image Library

AFL discards Matthew Bate and Josh Toy will use Essendon's new reserves side as a launching pad as they strive to reignite their stalled careers.

The pair are the Bombers' marquee signings ahead of their inaugural season as a stand-alone VFL club, after senior coach James Hird lit the fuse to break away from the alignment with Bendigo.

Toy, 20, knocked back a one-year contract extension from Gold Coast to return to Victoria, but was overlooked in the draft.

It was revealed in October he had battled congenital heart block, a condition limiting his aerobic capacity.

AFL discards: Where are they now?

The powerful defender was rated as a top-five draft choice before he was snapped up by the Suns as a pre-listed 17-year-old, but he was unable to reach his dazzling potential.

Essendon ran stress tests on Toy during trade period, while he trained with Richmond in the lead-up to the pre-season draft.

"There's no reason why someone of his ability and at his age he couldn't get back in the system," Essendon's VFL general manager Matthew Little told SuperFooty.

"He's got a lot of upside and plenty of time to get back into the system and we think we can help him do that."

Bate, 25, briefly trained with the Western Bulldogs after he was delisted by Melbourne as part of Mark Neeld's major list overhaul.

delisted Demon Matthew Bate. Picture: Loughnan,paul Source: Herald Sun

Little said the Dons targeted the lead-up forward due to his outstanding leadership on and off the field.

"He's going to be really influential for us, developing our culture as a new stand-alone club," he said.

"He's a fantastic player, there's no reason why he shouldn't get back into the AFL system next year and we think we've got the program to help him do that."

The Dons have also snared classy midfielder and former Bendigo captain Ben Duscher as a playing-assisting coach, looking after the onball brigade, and boom 206cm Sandringham ruckman Michael Sikora.

Little said signing a ruckman was a priority, while Duscher is again expected to push for a fairytale AFL listing.

"We're expecting (Duscher) to have a really good year after the pre-season he's had with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs," he said.

SuperFooty Fixture special: We rate Essendon's 2013 draw

The Dons have followed the premiership model set by Geelong and Collingwood in fielding a stand-alone VFL side, a venture which costs about $400,000 but gives total control over player development.

Little said the benefit for the Bombers would be flexibility with the playing list, but stated developing a winning culture would be a key focus.

"Having your own side means you can make decisions on players in terms of positional changes and it also gives you that recruiting aspect, where you can develop players within your own program to see if they can get drafted," he said.

"It offers the Essendon list flexibility and time to play them in a variety of roles and from a VFL perspective, that program of being able to develop them to your game style and to your game plan and with the same facilities AFL players get to use."

The VFL Bombers will play nine home games at Windy Hill this year under the guide of highly-rated development coach Hayden Skipworth.

The Dons are hoping fans will attend double-headers, with a handful of early VFL matches preceding twilight AFL matches in Melbourne.

Richmond and the Western Bulldogs will follow suit and field reserves sides in an expanded VFL competition next season.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter at @SamLandsberger

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Third knee reco for Morabito

It could be more heartbreak for Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito after suffering a knee injury at the Dockers' first training session of 2013.

Anthony Morabito injures his knee at Fremantle training. Picture: FOXSPORTS Source: Supplied

HURTING: Fremantle's Anthony Morabito (left) will require a third knee reconstruction after suffering a fresh setback this morning. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE says midfielder Anthony Morabito is devastated after learning he will require a third reconstruction of his left knee.

Scans this afternoon confirmed the club's worst fears after Morabito was hurt in an innocuous incident at training this morning.

Morabito was driven from Fremantle Oval by coach Ross Lyon in dramatic scenes after he injured the knee when attempting to tackle new recruit Tanner Smith.

A distressed Morabito grabbed at his left knee before slumping to the ground on all fours and put his head in his hands.

>>> VIDEO: See the injury in the video player above

Scans revealed the 21-year-old had torn the graft on his repaired left anterior cruciate ligament.

The Dockers have yet to decide on the type of reconstruction Morabito will undergo, but are likely to strongly consider the merits of the controversial LARS surgery, which would allow him to play in the first half of this season if successful.

Melbourne sports doctor Peter Larkins tweeted his fears for Morabito's career.

"Major concern for career of morabito now that second ACL graft rupture confirmed," Larkins wrote.

"I'm sure Freo will support him but he will be gutted."

There were words of sympathy and support from other AFL clubs and stars.

Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury tweeted: "Feeling for Anthony Morabito, such bad luck for a young star."

GWS co-captain Phil Davis added: "Sad news for Anthony Morabito with his knee again. Terrible luck!! Never good seeing good players injured."

Anthony Morabito injures his knee at Fremantle training. Picture: FOXSPORTS Source: Supplied

Fremantle is mindful of Morabito's mental state, with his career now at a crossroads.

Football operations manager Chris Bond said the youngster would require "a great deal of support".

"Understandably Anthony is devastated at the moment and the club will be working extremely closely with him and his family," Bond said.

Dockers forward Michael Walters urgently signalled for attention for his stricken teammate when the injury occurred this morning. Morabito was able to walk off the ground unassisted but went straight into the rooms before leaving Fremantle Oval minutes later.

Morabito played 23 games for Fremantle during the 2010 season but has not appeared at AFL level since.

The young Docker had been targeting a return early in the season.

He has been mentored by coaching great David Parkin during his comeback.
 

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2013 club-by-club fixture preview

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard must wait until Round 4 to come up against his old side. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

A mountain of hype is already surrounding Mick Malthouse's showdown with Collingwood in Round 2. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next five days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

Today we add Collingwood, Essendon and Fremantle to the list already includes Adelaide, Carlton and Brisbane.

Tomorrow, we preview Geelong, Gold Coast and GWS.

ADELAIDE:

EASY GAMES:
Seven of Adelaide's away games are against non-finalists, giving the Crows a dream chance to push for another top-four finish. And expect Brenton Sanderson's mob to fire early. They don't meet a 2012 finalist until Round 6 (Hawthorn), and play just one 2012 contender in the first eight weeks. Adelaide also has no return matches against top-four sides.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Crows host grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney at AAMI Stadium. Pencil those in as eight-point games, while a trip to the Gabba to face the Lions in Round 2 – a fixture the Crows threw away last season with a sloppy loss – could also prove pivotal.

TOUGH GAMES:
Two trips to Perth is never easy, especially in the back half of the season. Rounds 18 and 23 the Crows head west, ending their home-and-away campaign against West Coat. Ouch. Trips to the MCG to face Carlton and Collingwood could shape as finals barometers.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Crows will avoid a home-and-away bout with Kurt Tippett, so you can't go past the two showdowns against Port Adelaide.

SUMMARY:
Two Friday night blockbusters, including the season-opener, is a big win commercially. And it seems on the field the Crows have again hit the jackpot. Three MCG games will help come September, while the platform is there early to again

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Essendon (AAMI)
Round 2 v Brisbane Lions (G)
Round 3 v Port Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 4 v Western Bulldogs (AAMI)

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

Crows chairman Rob Chapman has vowed Adelaide will be a big player in the free agent market next year. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE LIONS

EASY GAMES:
The Lions will back themselves to take six wins from six games against the Dogs, Dees and Suns. A stretch of late-season games against the Suns, Roos, Dees, Port, Saints, Tigers, Giants and Dogs will define whether Brisbane is a legitimate finals contender. Only four six-day breaks is an added bonus and should keep Michael Voss's side fresh.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Home games against sides in the bracket one up from Brisbane will prove pivotal. The Lions host North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda and must start winning those encounters to take the next step.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Fremantle in Perth, Geelong in Geelong andSydney at the SCG. The Lions also travel to Tasmania to face Hawthorn and host West Coast and Collingwood at the Gabba. But, Brisbane did knock off the Eagles at home last year and will take confidence from that.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Nothing stands out, but Stefan Martin and Brent Moloney will enjoy their former Dees teammates heading up to the Gabba to square-off in Round 5. The Q-Clashes should step up a gear if Gold Coast can become competitive more often than not.

SUMMARY:
A blow to the old Fitzroy fans with just four games in Melbourne and one in Geelong. Particularly when the Lions requested six games in Melbourne. But a clutch of games against lowly sides and a soft run to the line will please Voss.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 2 v Adelaide (G)
Round 3 v Gold Coast (MS)
Round 4 v North Melbourne (ES)

Sunday Mail - Lions v Suns AFL at the Gabba Photo - David Kapernick Picture: David Kapernick Source: HWT Image Library

CARLTON:

EASY GAMES:
The Blues cashed in seven of their first eight games in Melbourne, although there are some tough opponents in there. Collingwood is the sole 2012 finalist the Blues face twice, while they have doubled-up against Port Adelaide. Carlton also finishes with the Power, Dogs and Suns inside the final six rounds. Here's hoping the late-season trip to Metricon Stadium goes better than last year.

Bold 2013 predictions: Saints to slide, Tigers to rise and a surprise Blues skipper

CRUNCH GAMES:
Plenty, starting with Richmond in Round 1. In fact, the opening five weeks will set the tone for Carlton's debut year under Mick Malthouse. It reads; Tigers, Pies, Cats, Eagles (away), Crows. If the Blues can scramble to a 3-2 start you'd think they'd take it. Duels with Brisbane away and the Richmond-Essendon double late in the year should also help define Carlton's year.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Eagles away in the first month is the first real litmus test for Carlton. A three-game stretch of Hawthorn, Sydney away and Collingwood will also test just how far the new Blues have come.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Round 2. Mick Malthouse v Collingwood. Is there a game the football world is more eagerly anticipating than that? She'll be an absolute corker in front of a packed MCG but, strangely, during the Sunday twilight slot. Imagine Mick walking off a winner and screaming out "we're the old, dark navy Blues" against the side he steered to five Grand Finals and a breakthrough flag? Bring it on.

SUMMARY:
A challenging month early, but as the Blues said when the fixture came out, you may as well get them out of the road early. The Blues kept their 9-8 split of games between Etihad Stadium and the MCG, but will be disappointed the first Mick v Collingwood blockbuster is an away fixture. An even mix with the majority of games against sides in the middle tier.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Richmond (MCG)
Round 2 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 3 v Geelong (ES)
Round 4 v West Coast (PS)

Carlton Training Mick Malthouse lays down the law Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD:

EASY GAMES:
A four-round midseason stretch against the Lions, Dees, Dogs and Power (with a bye tossed in the middle) should give some June relief for Magpie fans. The Pies travel just five times, and three of those are against bottom-eight sides. And their first road trip isn't until Round 7, when they head west to take on the Dockers.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Geelong, West Coast and Sydney all at the MCG will be huge. Throw in the four combined bouts against Carlton and Essendon and those are the games that will make or break Nathan Buckley's side.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Magpies must face the two sides who combined for a one-two knockout punch of the Pies last September twice – Hawthorn and Sydney. That hurts. Should we pencil in Sam Mitchell for six Brownlow votes now? Meanwhile the trip to Patersons to face Fremantle will also be a big test. Six six-day breaks aren't ideal, while the Pies will have just five days off before Anzac Day.
 
ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Again, can't go past the showdown with Mick Malthouse. The Round 2 blockbuster will have the eyes of the football world watching on as the one-time Collingwood hero tries to plot its downfall from the cockpit of its greatest rival. This will be huge, and, for once, edges Anzac Day as the most eagerly-awaited Magpie match.

SUMMARY:
"Balanced" was the word chief executive Gary Pert used when the draw came out and it's hard to argue with. Seven Friday night matches is a typical commercial boom, while the Pies will own a lot of Sunday football this year as the AFL tries to ramp up interest after a swathe of uncompetitive and poorly attended matches to end rounds in 2012.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v North Melbourne (ES)
Round 2 v Carlton (MCG)
Round 3 v Hawthorn (MCG)
Round 4 v Richmond (MCG)

Collingwood players listen to instructions during their pre-season training session. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON:

EASY GAMES:
Only the Giants twice of last year's bottom four in a bit of a blow. But a trio of matches against Port Adelaide, GWS and the Dogs from Rounds 15-17 should provide some late-season wins, a rarity for the Dons in recent years.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts Round 1 with a stand-alone trip to face Adelaide. Geelong in Round 7 will also be a big test, while the Bombers' final three games could prove their most defining. They end with North Melbourne, Carlton and Richmond – three sides who punters think will be fighting for a lower-rung finish in the eight, much like Essendon.

TOUGH GAMES:
Take your pick. Two trips to Perth, Collingwood twice and a duel with premier Sydney at the SCG. The Dons also face West Coast twice, while six six-day breaks will put pressure on "The Weapon" to get the Bombers match-fit.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Lock in Round 4 v St Kilda. The Brendon Goddard match. The Dons pinched the Saints' marquee man in the first major free agency coup and you can expect a bit of spite in this one, at least from over the fence. The Round 11 match against Carlton – marking Essendon's 140th anniversary – will also be one with a big build up.

SUMMARY:
Plenty of tough encounters but a good test for Bombers, who are ready to take the next step, at least according to the punters. Should find the 13 wins needed for finals action if they're good enough.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 2 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 3 v Fremantle (PS)
Round 4 v St Kilda (ES)

Essendon legend James Hird can see change for the better on the horizon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE:

EASY GAMES:
The Dockers host the Dogs, Tigers, Dees, Lions, Roos, Saints, Giants and Power. Hard to see any of those sides heading west and collecting the points. Then when you factor in road trips against lowly sides such as Melbourne, the Suns, Dogs and Saints (who the Dockers beat last year) it makes for a cushy ride. Expect Fremantle to peak midseason. Following the Round 11 bye it plays five of its next six games at home.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Round 1 v West Coast. The stand-alone derby will be a ripper, while the Round 7 duel with Collingwood at home will also help shape the Dockers' year. Away ventures to meet middle-rung sides like Richmond (Round 17) and Carlton (Round 19) will also be big.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Perth clubs hate the long trip to Tasmania, and that's exactly what Fremantle has copped in Round 4 against Hawthorn. Must also travel to Geelong and to the SCG to face Sydney. Hard to see many wins there.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Round 1 derby – a home game for Fremantle – will be a monster clash. These sides hate each other and it'll be great for the entire football world to tune in and see it with no other matches that day. You can bet the coach has also earmarked the two matches against St Kilda as ones he desperately wants to win.

SUMMARY:
A big win off the field with a pair of home Friday night bashes early. The travel schedule isn't ideal but the first four home games, against the Eagles, Dons, Tigers and Magpies should generate a mountain of hype. If the Dockers can continue their momentum from the tail of 2012 they'll be exciting to track on the big stage.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v West Coast (PS)
Round 2 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 3 v Essendon (PS)
Round 4 v Hawthorn (AS)

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich kicked six goals in the elimination final win over Geelong. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

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Suns of anarchy they are not

Gold Coast Suns young gun Harley Bennell arrested and charged over a New Year's Eve brawl in Mandurah.

Suns coach Guy McKenna denies there is a culture problem at his club. Picture: Tim Marsden Source: The Courier-Mail

SUNS coach Guy McKenna insists the club is not developing a culture problem, despite star midfielder Harley Bennell's arrest in the club's Christmas break last week adding to a series of off-field issues.

Bennell was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and failing to obey an order given by a police officer in his home town of Mandurah, south of Perth, on New Year's Eve.

The incident follows veteran Campbell Brown and then first-year players Maverick Weller, Joel Wilkinson and Jacob Gillbee being detained by police after an alleged bar-room brawl in Thailand in 2011, while defender Nathan Bock was suspended by the AFL for his part in a betting scandal in the same year.

Trent McKenzie added to the club's woes when he was suspended for turning up late to a recovery session last season following a night out.

McKenna admits slip-ups off the field were inevitable but is adamant the problem is not out of control.

When asked yesterday if a culture problem was developing at the club, McKenna replied: "Clearly not and it's not an issue whatsoever.

"When the boys go home to have a break and let their hair down, things will happen.

"You are always disappointed when your club gets shown in a bad light but the AFL, the AFL clubs themselves, coaches, senior players and all the playing group have to take responsibility and continue to drive for perfection."

The Suns will wait until Bennell's court case next Tuesday before determining if the incident will receive a club-imposed sanction.

But McKenna revealed Bennell's teammates would get the chance to air their thoughts on the matter as the club strived to be in the news more for the right reasons.

"In the scheme of things (Harley's incident) is not great but our pre-season has been good on and off the field and we will continue to move forward," McKenna said.

"The playing group will (get the chance to) air their grievances and we will come down after the court case and speak to Harley about all that.

"We want to make sure we become a club full of cleanskins and that's what you strive for."

The Suns squad resumed post-Christmas training yesterday under the watchful eye of McKenna, who is not due back from holidays for another week.

"I just wanted to see how they had come back from the break and leading into Christmas we had a really good physical block of training," McKenna added.

"Looking at the shape of them, they look pretty good."

Bock was seen jogging laps around Metricon Stadium as he attempts to keep his ambitious bid to return from a broken leg in round 1 on track.

But McKenzie was kept to light duties as the club continues to monitor his knee injury.

"He will need another one or two weeks to get over his knee injury," McKenna said.

"But round 1 is still a fair way away (March 30) and there is still a lot of time for him to get right."

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AFL guilty in tanking war: Thomas

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has warned anyone found guilty of tanking will "never work in football again". Source: Herald Sun

FORMER St Kilda coach Grant Thomas says tanking charges against Melbourne will blow up in the AFL's face if they end up in court.

Thomas, a vocal critic of league headquarters and CEO Andrew Demetriou, says the AFL is complicit in any rule breaking because it provided an incentive for clubs to lose.

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey and officials Cameron Schwab and Chris Connolly are believed to face charges including draft tampering and bringing the game into disrepute.

The AFL's tanking investigation centres on the 2009 season, when the Demons lost six of their last seven matches to finish the season on four wins and qualify for a priority draft pick.

"AFL is putting themselves into a corner with tanking saga that will eventually expose their own behavior & test their strategies legally," Thomas tweeted today.

"Any decent senior counsel would be able to rip the AFL apart in a witness box. Honorable Andy won't want to get in the box - GUARANTEED!"

Thomas said players always tried to win but officials could make decisions to reduce their chances.

He said it was impossible to prove the real motivation behind selection decisions and calls from the coach's box on game day. But he had little doubt tanking was real.

"If comp manager provides incentive for losing what do u expect? Players try but club realise greater reward is extra draft pick than 5th win."

Melbourne officials are digesting an 800-page document into  tanking allegations - and potential charges - against the club.

The documents were handed to chief executive Cameron Schwab, Chris Connolly and former coach Dean Bailey sometime before December 25.

Lawyers for the club, and Bailey's own personal representation, have been scouring the explosive allegations and must answer to interim AFL football operations manager Gillon McLachlan before the end of January.

The three parties involved must state their reasons why they should not be charged.

If the AFL does lay charges, it is likely to happen late this month, in order to give the Demons time to respond to the evidence and prepare their defence.

It is believed Bailey is facing three allegations which include tampering with the draft, not coaching to his full ability and bringing the game into disrepute in the 2009 season.

Schwab and Connolly however are only facing two charges -  tampering with the draft and bringing the game into disrepute.

At this stage lawyers plan to argue over the definition of tanking.

"The way the investigation has been carried out from a legal point of view is quite extraordinary, with some of the questioning," a source close to the Demons told Fairfax Media.

"There potentially could be a good challenge to the AFL rules. I think it's fairly fraught with danger the AFL going down this path."

The AFL investigation has centred on comments made in a Demons football department meeting run by football operations manager Chris Connolly, pictured with Dean Bailey, allegedly reminding staff about the importance of the extra draft pick. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne is believed to be willing to take the matter further if charged and found guilty of the offences, perhaps even as far as the Supreme Court.

While Melbourne could be hit with heavy fines or loss of draft picks, there is mounting belief the AFL would prefer to penalise individuals, rather than the club, if it is found guilty of deliberately losing games.

Former Melbourne player Brock McLean triggered the AFL investigation when he claimed in July he quit the club because it had set out to lose games in 2009.

"You can't create a good culture by going out and experimenting and trying to get draft picks and losing games of football," McLean said. "It goes against everything you're trying to do."

As revealed by Jay Clark for News Limited last week, the AFL has interviewed and re-interviewed a host of former and current officials who were at the club in 2009.

Some of the interviewees were subsequently told as many as 12 people had provided the AFL's investigators with potentially incriminating details about the club's intent throughout the second half of the 2009 campaign.

Melbourne administrators allegedly held a secret meeting in 2009 to plot their tanking strategy. The end game was to secure the first two picks in that year's national draft.

It is also believed the AFL has inquired about knowledge of a follow-up meeting between Bailey and Schwab at Schwab's house.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou previously warned any person found guilty of manipulating the result of a match would "never work in football again''.

Connolly, however, is at the centre of the storm after it was reported he reminded football officials about the importance of losing matches to improve the club's draft position.

But Robert Shaw, who was Fremantle's football operations manager when Connolly coached the Dockers, said previously that Connolly could not have been "solely responsible''.

Unusual tactical moves in the Dees' losses to Sydney (Round 17) and Richmond (Round 18) have been the subject of intense speculation.

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Roos won't risk Wells

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says Daniel Wells will be ready for round one of the AFL season.

Daniel Wells is battling achilles and calf problems. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott is hopeful star midfielder Daniel Wells will play in Round 1 despite more injury concerns.

Wells is still battling achilles and calf issues that caused him to miss three matches late last season and hampered his output in the Roos' elimination final loss to West Coast.

The 27-year-old has been on a managed pre-season program - including modified training on the club's training camp in Utah - and skipped the first full training session of the new year yesterday.

The rest of the Roos' squad sweated it out in a gruelling three-hour session in 35deg heat.

Coach Brad Scott said the club was taking a safety-first approach with Wells, who missed all of pre-season last season after a life-threatening blood clot.

Scott said he was hopeful Wells' fitness base would allow him to pick up the pace in time for North Melbourne's Round 1 clash against Collingwood on March 31.

"Last year even though he had the blood clot issue he still got a lot of aerobic work in, and the year before he had a terrific pre-season, so we know what he's capable of when he's fully fit," Scott said.

"So our focus is on just getting him fully fit and not taking any risks.

"We know when he's at his best and he's got some continuity he's one of the best players in the competition."

The eye-catcher at yesterday's session was Majak Daw, who is pushing for a senior debut after being promoted to the senior list.

The departure of Hamish McIntosh to Geelong leaves Daw and former Sydney big man Daniel Currie - picked up at No.56 in the national draft - challenging No.1 ruckman Todd Goldstein.

"That's going to be exciting for us and it's a bit of a new era," Scott said.

"Hamish was really important to us but now we've got three young ruckmen who are all going to push each other pretty hard."

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2013 club-by-club fixture preview

A mountain of hype is already surrounding Mick Malthouse's showdown with Collingwood in Round 2. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next five days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

We start with Adelaide, Brisbane Lions and Carlton today.

ADELAIDE:

EASY GAMES:
Seven of Adelaide's away games are against non-finalists, giving the Crows a dream chance to push for another top-four finish. And expect Brenton Sanderson's mob to fire early. They don't meet a 2012 finalist until Round 6 (Hawthorn), and play just one 2012 contender in the first eight weeks. Adelaide also has no return matches against top-four sides.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Crows host grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney at AAMI Stadium. Pencil those in as eight-point games, while a trip to the Gabba to face the Lions in Round 2 – a fixture the Crows threw away last season with a sloppy loss – could also prove pivotal.

TOUGH GAMES:
Two trips to Perth is never easy, especially in the back half of the season. Rounds 18 and 23 the Crows head west, ending their home-and-away campaign against West Coat. Ouch. Trips to the MCG to face Carlton and Collingwood could shape as finals barometers.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Crows will avoid a home-and-away bout with Kurt Tippett, so you can't go past the two showdowns against Port Adelaide.

SUMMARY:
Two Friday night blockbusters, including the season-opener, is a big win commercially. And it seems on the field the Crows have again hit the jackpot. Three MCG games will help come September, while the platform is there early to again

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Essendon (AAMI)
Round 2 v Brisbane Lions (G)
Round 3 v Port Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 4 v Western Bulldogs (AAMI)

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

Crows chairman Rob Chapman has vowed Adelaide will be a big player in the free agent market next year. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE LIONS

EASY GAMES:
The Lions will back themselves to take six wins from six games against the Dogs, Dees and Suns. A stretch of late-season games against the Suns, Roos, Dees, Port, Saints, Tigers, Giants and Dogs will define whether Brisbane is a legitimate finals contender. Only four six-day breaks is an added bonus and should keep Michael Voss's side fresh.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Home games against sides in the bracket one up from Brisbane will prove pivotal. The Lions host North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda and must start winning those encounters to take the next step.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Fremantle in Perth, Geelong in Geelong, Collingwood at the MCG and Sydney at the SCG. The Lions also travel to Tasmania to face Hawthorn and host West Coast at the Gabba. But, Brisbane did knock off the Eagles at home last year and will take confidence from that.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Nothing stands out, but Stefan Martin and Brent Moloney will enjoy heading back to the MCG to face the Dees in Round 5. The Q-Clashes should step up a gear if Gold Coast can become competitive more often than not.

SUMMARY:
A blow to the old Fitzroy fans with just four games in Melbourne and one in Geelong. Particularly when the Lions requested six games in Melbourne. But a clutch of games against lowly sides and a soft run to the line will please Voss.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 2 v Adelaide (G)
Round 3 v Gold Coast (MS)
Round 4 v North Melbourne (ES)

Sunday Mail - Lions v Suns AFL at the Gabba Photo - David Kapernick Picture: David Kapernick Source: HWT Image Library

CARLTON:

EASY GAMES:
The Blues cashed in seven of their first eight games in Melbourne, although there are some tough opponents in there. Collingwood is the sole 2012 finalist the Blues face twice, while they have doubled-up against Port Adelaide. Carlton also finishes with the Power, Dogs and Suns inside the final six rounds. Here's hoping the late-season trip to Metricon Stadium goes better than last year.

Bold 2013 predictions: Saints to slide, Tigers to rise and a surprise Blues skipper

CRUNCH GAMES:
Plenty, starting with Richmond in Round 1. In fact, the opening five weeks will set the tone for Carlton's debut year under Mick Malthouse. It reads; Tigers, Pies, Cats, Eagles (away), Crows. If the Blues can scramble to a 3-2 start you'd think they'd take it. Duels with Brisbane away and the Richmond-Essendon double late in the year should also help define Carlton's year.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Eagles away in the first month is the first real litmus test for Carlton. A three-game stretch of Hawthorn, Sydney away and Collingwood will also test just how far the new Blues have come.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Round 2. Mick Malthouse v Collingwood. Is there a game the football world is more eagerly anticipating than that? She'll be an absolute corker in front of a packed MCG on a Friday evening. Imagine Mick walking off a winner and screaming out "we're the old, dark navy Blues" against the side he steered to five Grand Finals and a breakthrough flag? Bring it on.

SUMMARY:
A challenging month early, but as the Blues said when the fixture came out, you may as well get them out of the road early. The Blues kept their 9-8 split of games between Etihad Stadium and the MCG, but will be disappointed the first Mick v Collingwood blockbuster is an away fixture. An even mix with the majority of games against sides in the middle tier.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Richmond (MCG)
Round 2 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 3 v Geelong (ES)
Round 4 v West Coast (PS)

Carlton Training Mick Malthouse lays down the law Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: HWT Image Library

Tomorrow: We preview Collingwood, Essendon and Fremantle

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Hawks worry for Tassie

A Tasmanian firefighters battles a blaze. Source: Herald Sun

Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox. Source: News Limited

HAWTHORN Football club has made a $10,000 Red Cross donation to help bushfire victims at its second home base in Tasmania.

Captain Luke Hodge was among several players who spoke with chief executive Stuart Fox yesterday to express their concerns.
 
The club will visit regions affected by the bushfires and help assist the recovery effort on its annual community camp in Tasmania next month.
 
The 2008 premiers have played home games in Launceston since 2001 and last year signed up 8700 Tasmanian members. 
 
Fox yesterday expressed his sympathy and support for those affected by the disaster.
 
"The Hawthorn Football Club family wishes to extend its deepest concerns for all those in Tasmania who have been affected by the devastating bushfires," Fox said. 

 
"Many families across the state now face an enormous challenge to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, and we offer our support and encouragement in what is an extremely difficult time for the community.
 
"Our small contribution is the least we can do for a state and a community that continues to support our football club. 
 
"Hawthorn Football Club would also like to acknowledge the brave efforts of the firefighters, emergency service officers and volunteers across the state."

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