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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Lions boast of clean record

Daniel Rich at training today with the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: The Courier-Mail

RESPECT may still be the ultimate goal for the Brisbane Lions but young gun Daniel Rich reckons they have already ticked one box for 2013.

Rich said the Lions could only make the competition take notice if they ended their four-year finals drought but was not going to make any bold claims at their first day back at training after the Christmas break.

However, Rich thought the Lions had shown the right team mentality to achieve the goal after emerging from the end-of-year interval without any players making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The AFL has been left red-faced by a string of off-season incidents.

Most recently Gold Coast Suns midfielder Harley Bennell was charged during New Year's Eve celebrations in Western Australia after a nightclub fight broke out.

"The good thing has been that we had no issues over the break," Rich said.

"It's been a focus here at the Lions that you train hard and prepare well and when you have a break you don't do anything stupid.

"I can't speak for other clubs but we have had a good attitude over the break, and not got into trouble which has obviously been seen at other clubs.

"And that sort of thing is player-driven.

"You shouldn't have to rely on the coach being like a school teacher - if it is driven by the senior players the younger guys follow."

The Lions took giant strides last season, finishing 2012 with three straight victories to boost their win tally to 10 - six more than the previous year.

Rich believed finals footy was the only way to ensure the former three-time champions gained respect once again.

But he was not going to mention the "f" word - yet.

"It's about putting words into actions," he said.

"I am not sure what other teams think of us to be honest.

"But it's always about earning respect if you are not making finals - that's why we are here.

"These next few months are about achieving those long term goals."

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AFL recruits get reality check

Young Richmond ruckman Liam McBean, centre, listens in during a seminar at today's AFL induction camp. Picture: Andy Drewitt Source: Herald Sun

Former Richmond forward Nathan Brown was one of the guest speakers at today's AFL induction camp for first-year players. Picture: Andy Drewitt Source: Herald Sun

THE newest crop of AFL footballers were told today of the series of setbacks they can expect to encounter during their careers which on average will last only six seasons.

Former Richmond and Western Bulldogs forward Nathan Brown told the 106 first year players at the AFL players' induction camp at Etihad Stadium of the horrific broken leg he suffered with the Tigers in 2005.

The newcomers were shown the sickening replay of Brown's foot facing the wrong way after his leg snapped.

But it just wasn't the broken leg, mended with the help of a metal rod, which Brown said was his only setback but his haste to get back for the opening round of the following season to play against the Bulldogs probably robbed him of 80 or 90 games of footy.

Brown said he suffered on-going problems with the leg after his hasty comeback and admitted he shouldn't have returned for at least 12 months, instead of trying to be a "big man'' so he could line up against the Bulldogs.

Other former and current players, plus AFL Players' Association staff, discussed and conducted workshops on a range of topics relevant to young players and what services and support are available to them.

The players will be taken through the AFL's various respect and responsibility policies today, including illicit drugs and gambling.

AFLPA general manager of player development Brett Johnson said it was important for the players to realise early in their careers that there is life after football.

"It's getting harder and harder for players so it's important that our services keep pace,'' Johnson said.

He said some mature-aged recruits had already worked fulltime or had degrees and had a good understanding of the balance required compared to the majority of new players who had come straight from school.

With 13 per cent of players having multi-cultural backgrounds, and another nine per cent being indigenous last year, Johnson said it was important to cater for everyone.

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Bookies write off Crows' hopes

Kurt Tippett leaving Adelaide will cost the Crows, the bookies say. Source: Herald Sun

KURT Tippett walked out of West Lakes and took Adelaide's premiership hopes with him, according to bookies who have turned their backs on the Crows.

Despite going within a kick of making this year's AFL grand final, Adelaide is at best fourth in the line of betting for the 2013 flag with four online agencies.

TAB lists the Crows sixth favourite behind Geelong and even Carlton which missed the top-eight altogether this season. Adelaide's cross-town rival, the Power is considered a $101 premiership longshot and is fifth favourite to win the wooden spoon at $16 behind Gold Coast, GWS, Western Bulldogs and Melbourne.

But this year's runner-up, Hawthorn, is the undisputed favourite to avenge its grand-final loss to Sydney and claim a second flag for coach Alastair Clarkson.

The underrated Swans continue to fly under the radar at $7.50 with Sportsbet.com.au to go back-to-back.

Collingwood and West Coast are the only other sides considered a remote chance of toppling the Hawks.

At the opposite end, Gold Coast is a $1.36 favourite for the wooden spoon with fellow expansion club GWS at $4.50.

The Power is fifth favourite to finish bottom at $16. However, in some good news for the Suns, their captain Gary Ablett is one of three players alongside Trent Cotchin and Jobe Watson who share Brownlow Medal favouritism.

The Crows feature prominently in other markets, with full forward Taylor Walker second favourite for the Coleman Medal behind Lance Franklin and youngster Brad Crouch third favourite for the Rising Star Award.

With the new year arriving, Sportsbet.com.au has released its forecast for everything sport in 2013.

Adelaide United might sit second on the A-League ladder but is considered third favourite to win the 2013 grand final behind equal fancies Melbourne Victory and Central Coast.

Midfielder Dario Vidosic, who was called into the Socceroos squad this month, is third favourite for the Johnny Warren Medal with Italian superstar Alessandro del Piero considered the man to beat.

The Aussies are a $3.25 long shot to regain The Ashes from England mid-year, while Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador is expected to be the man to beat in next year's Tour de France.

And with the summer of tennis beginning, men's world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is favourite to win the Australian Open in January from Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

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Parkin mentors the comeback kid

David Parkin has helped mentor Anthony Morabito in his comeback.  Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

PREMIERSHIP coach David Parkin has emerged as an unlikely mentor in Anthony Morabito's remarkable comeback from two knee reconstructions.

Fremantle's forgotten No.4 draft pick has not played AFL since a sparkling debut in 2010, after twice tearing his left ACL ligament.Parkin has helped guide the 21-year-old through the emotional despair of two years on the sidelines.

The four-time Carlton and Hawthorn premiership coach praised Morabito's mental fortitude as the 191cm midfielder prepares to return to the Dockers line-up for the NAB Cup and potentially Round 1.

>> SUPERCOACH WATCH: Morabito is a $115,900 midfielder

"I tremble every time I hear his name because you don't want to find out that he has had another setback," Parkin said.

"I'm just hoping and praying he has a half-reasonable chance to prepare himself properly and continue what was an outstanding first year of league football."

In a horror run, the young Docker ruptured the ligament in the 2011 pre-season and then again during a training mishap last July.

Parkin, who has beaten prostate cancer, said Morabito had overcome some dark periods in his rehabilitation.

"I've kept in touch with him and he has had some miserable psychological downs, as you would expect of a kid of his age," Parkin said.

"To be between 18-22 years old and suffer what he did, emotionally you have to deal with that, and it gets you down, to the point where you may not recover physically, let alone emotionally.

"But he's been supported by (assistant coach) Simon Lloyd, who is probably just about the best young man I've dealt with in football, and had wonderful support from the club and his family."

With superstar captain Matthew Pavlich under a fitness cloud after back surgery, Morabito's power-packed game style is looming as a major boost to the Dockers' midfield and forward set-ups.

Priced at $115,900, the man likened to Swans game-breaker Adam Goodes is also looming as a bargain SuperCoach prospect.

The devastating ball-carrier averaged 13 possessions in 23 games in his first season and twice laid nine tackles in games against Geelong and Richmond."He has a big heart, fantastic endurance capacity, he has a strong body and to maintain the form he did through 23 games in his first season is almost unheard of," Parkin said.

"So we know the kid brings the total package."

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Skipper on hold as Glass wavers

CAPTAIN IN WAITING: Beau Waters is seen as the next West Coast skipper should Darren Glass stand aside. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast will delay making a decision on its captain for 2013 until at least next month, and could begin the NAB Cup without having appointed a skipper for the new season.

Darren Glass has led the side for the past five seasons, after taking over following the bombshell resignation of Chris Judd in 2007.

Glass, 31, enjoyed a stellar campaign to win his fourth All-Australian guernsey last year and was named captain of the All-Australian team in one of the greatest individual honours of his career.

The key defender is showing no signs of slowing down as he powers through his 14th AFL pre-season; however, has indicated he is open to handing over the captaincy to a younger player before he retires.

Fearless defender Beau Waters was installed as sole vice-captain two years ago and has been groomed to take over as skipper.

But question marks remain over Waters' durability after another injury setback last month.

The 26-year-old South Australian has recovered from a serious foot injury, suffered in the elimination final mauling of North Melbourne four months ago, but needed hip surgery before Christmas and is in a race against time to be ready for the new season.

Waters, named All-Australian after an excellent season last year, has played just 113 of a possible 164 matches for the Eagles since making his debut in 2004 because of a cursed run with injury.

West Coast football operations manager Neale Daniher said Waters' injury troubles would not count against his chances of becoming captain.

"We know he won't necessarily always play every home-and-away game, but we're confident he'll play the majority of them and play them very well," Daniher said.

"Beau is very professional in his preparation.

"He plays the game as hard as anyone in the league, and his injuries are well documented, but we were rapt with the way he played last year.

"He played a lot of games of football last year and we're  confident he'll be ready to go in Round 1."

Youngster Scott Selwood, whose leadership ability is highly regarded, is the wildcard for the captaincy.

Selwood is only 22, the same age as John Worsfold when he became captain and has been in the leadership group for the past two seasons. He took his game to a new level last year to win the club champion award.

Following the Eagles' semi-final exit to Collingwood at the MCG last September, coach John Worsfold said Glass could play a valuable leadership role, even if he was not the skipper.

"He's an outstanding leader and outstanding captain," Worsfold said.

"If he wasn't actually named captain, it wouldn't mean that his leadership would drop away.

"He would still offer fantastic leadership around our club and possibly in an even stronger role supporting a developing captain."

The Eagles have only had dual captains once in their history.

Veteran Dean Kemp and rising star Ben Cousins shared the job under Ken Judge in 2001.

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Pre-season unlikely for injured Kerr

SIDELINED: Daniel Kerr is set to miss the bulk of the pre-season with a knee injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

ELITE West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr could be thrown straight into the Round 1 Western Derby without playing an NAB Cup game.

Kerr, who had a knee arthroscopy last month, will be carefully managed by the Eagles throughout the pre-season as the club seeks to ready his battle-hardened body for a 13th season.

West Coast football operations manager Neale Daniher said Kerr, 29, would not require pre-season matches to be ready for the derby.

"He'll just slowly build up over January, February, March," Daniher said. "We don't think he needs to have a lot of games in the NAB to be ready to go.

"Given he's such a senior player, and played 24 games last year, all his preparation will be around building up for Round 1 AFL."

All-Australian pair Nic Naitanui (groin) and Beau Waters (hip) are the club's other significant injury worries, with Naitanui likely to miss the start of the home-and-away season.

Daniher could not say when Naitanui would be fit to play, but was confident Waters would be available for Round 1 after having hip surgery last month.

Naitanui, who made a cameo appearance at Friday's training session at McGillivray Oval for some handball drills, is hoping to start running on an anti-gravity treadmill later this month.

The Eagles will launch their season against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in a twilight game on March 23.

Comeback pair Mark LeCras (knee) and Mark Nicoski (hamstring) are back training with the main group and are on target to resume during the NAB Cup.

It is unlikely they will play in the triangular pre-season opener against the Dockers and Geelong on February 16.

Second-year forward Murray Newman, who was thrashed by coach John Worsfold in a 2km time trial in November, is being forced to improve his aerobic capacity before he can join in full training with his teammates.

Newman jogged laps with Jamie Bennell and Blayne Wilson on Friday and was the last to leave the track as he completed a punishing cone-running drill.

The 19-year-old, who is also facing a serious charge over a nightclub incident, is likely to be mostly running for the rest of the month, away from the main group.

Midfielder Chris Masten maintained his title as the club's best runner with a narrow win in the 2km time trial at the WA Athletics Stadium on Thursday.

Masten was one of 16 Eagles who posted personal-best times as they resumed from a two-week Christmas break.

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Bombers backed for flag

Essendon coach James Hird will have plenty to smile about this year if punters are on the money. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has been the best backed team in AFL premiership markets with the Bombers firming from $26 into $17.

"As soon as we opened them at $26 there was solid support and obviously with the signing of Brendon Goddard they are well placed to have a big year," TAB's Adam Hamilton said.

Bigger bets placed with the TAB on the Bombers include $500 at $26 and $1250 at $17.

There has also been strong backing for West Coast at the seemingly generous odds of $7.

"We took a $3000 bet on West Coast at $7 for a potential $21,000 collect right after the announcement that they had recruited classy midfielder Cale Morton so plenty of punters are confident they have the list to go to the next level this season," Hamilton said.

One Sportsbet.com.au punter is predicting Geelong can have another big season.

"We took a $10,000 bet on the Cats for the flag at $21 for a potential $210,000 collect," Sportsbet.com.au's Haydn Lane said.

Geelong is now into $18.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood can sum up his club in one word: evolving. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Coleman Medal

LANCE Franklin has been well backed at $3.25 to win the 2013 Coleman Medal with leading online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au.

"Buddy had the Coleman at his mercy this year before his assault was ruined by injury, he kicks big bags and we expect the money to continue for him at that price," Sportsbet.com.au's Haydn Lane said.

Adelaide forward Taylor Walker is the $5.50 second favourite ahead of this year's winner Jack Riewoldt, who has opened at $6 alongside Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.

One punter is confident that Collingwood forward Travis Cloke will have a big year after staying with the Pies.

"One of the first bets we wrote was a $250 wager on Cloke for a potential $4500 collect," Lane said.

Good news for me - Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

No love for the Saints

ST KILDA has attracted the most money to not make the finals this season.

"Punters are treating the $1.55 on the Saints not playing finals footy as a free kick with bets of $2500 and $1500 on at that price," Centrebet's Michael Felgate said.

The Western Bulldogs are the shortest priced team at just $1.01 not to make the eight with odds not offered for new boys Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

"We also have a most losses market and one punter has had a monster crack on Melbourne at $15 with a bet of $5000 for a potential $75,000 collect," Felgate said.

No loss: St Kilda coach Scott Watters insists he is not bothered star utility Brendon Goddard has quit the club. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Brownlow Medal

FOR the first time in AFL betting history there are four players locked at the top of Brownlow medal markets.

"We can't split Gary Ablett, Dane Swan, Trent Cotchin and Jobe Watson all locked at $9 so we are leaving it up to the punters and there has been solid support for all four of them," Hamilton said.

Rising Star Award

MELBOURNE father-son recruit Jack Viney has been the best backed player to win the NAB Rising Star award.

"We opened Viney at $16 and he was heavily backed at that price and is now into $10 and second favourite,"

Gold Coast rookie Jaeger O'Meara remains the $7 favourite with good money for another son of a champion at long odds.

"Barry Mitchell's son Tom has firmed from $35 into $26, he showed plenty of promise last season and has the advantage of a second season in the system," Eskander said.

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Cats turn up the heat

Jimmy Bartel back training at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: HWT Image Library

GEELONG blew out its festive cobwebs in sweltering conditions at Simonds Stadium yesterday.

As the mercury climbed over 30C by mid-morning, the players sweated their way through a light skills session.

Star midfielder Jimmy Bartel completed some short run-throughs and handballing drills as he recovers from a foot injury.

Daniel Menzel, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after straining it before Christmas, arrived on crutches.

Billie Smedts showed no signs of a nagging hip injury, while ruck recruit Hamish McIntosh was a notable absentee.

Assistant coach Blake Caracella said McIntosh would be ready for Round 1.

"Hamish was a bit sore early on, but before Christmas he was starting to run around and join in training," Caracella said.

"The first NAB Cup game is only six or seven weeks away. There is a program we have set out and we need to complete the modules inside that (to be ready)."

Caracella said Geelong had tweaked its game plan to "stay ahead of the curve" in 2013.

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