Clubs protest cut to rookie list

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cooney's cutting-edge treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Riley replaces Hinkley at Suns

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

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

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

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

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Cats looking beyond 2013: Scott

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tiger signs new deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tippett deal "a joke"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners and losers of trade month so far

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

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

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

Department of Trades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- with Jon Ralph, Neil Cordy

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The winners and losers so far

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

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

2012 Trade and Free Agency period

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

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

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

COLLINGWOOD
IN: Quinten Lynch (West Coast)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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North score Pie blockbuster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROUND 1, 2013

Friday, March 22
Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium

Saturday, March 23
Fremantle v West Coast at Patersons Stadium

Thursday, March 28
Carlton v Richmond at the MCG

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

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

Monday, April 1
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG

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SuperCoach 2013 - Have your say

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dawes to keep Watts in defence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Department of Trades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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