Karmichael set to hunt AFL's best

Ready to shine: Gold Coast Suns defender Karmichael Hunt at pre-season training. Picture: Tim Marsden. Source: The Courier-Mail

KARMICHAEL Hunt will be unleashed on the competition's best clearance players as he enters his third season in the AFL with the challenge to kill or be killed.

Suns coach Guy McKenna has a two-year plan to transform Hunt from a bodyguard to an elite ball-winning AFL midfielder that will begin with the 26-year-old assuming the mantle of chief tagger a tactic the Suns have only occasionally employed over their two season in the AFL.

It is a make or break season for the code-hopper who must discover a way to continue to earn a game in a midfield that includes superstar Gary Ablett and three of the brightest young players in the game Harley Bennell, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara.

Hunt's transition from NRL superstar to bona fide AFL player has been a success to date but in 2013 the bar has been lifted.

He has impressed with his ability to win clearances and the bullocking work he does around stoppages but his possession average of a little over 14 a game is no longer enough.

Hunt's biggest possession count was 22 against Fremantle in Rd 6 while twice, against the Kangaroos and Lions, he gathered 21 touches.

Until he can regularly deliver those numbers, he must start delivering some big name scalps.

In a tough opening month Hunt could take on Saint veteran Lenny Hayes, Sydney ball magnet Josh Kennedy and Brisbane's evergreen Brownlow medallist Simon Black.

Hold his own against that esteemed trio and by the time Rd 4 arrives, Port Adelaide might tag him.

"Playing on them and squeezing the life out of them and then learning to work off them, the good taggers end up doing that," McKenna said.

"Eventually, the best way to stop them is to beat them to the ball but that tends to happen over years.

"'It is the evolution."

While McKenna's plan is ultimately all about increasing Hunt's possession count, he will not be judged on his touches during the early days of the new role when his primary focus will be in negating.

"We will look at what his opponent does," he said. "Lenny Hayes averages 27 or 28 possessions and gets seven or eight clearances.

"If we can reduce that by a chunk and make sure the touches he gets are under extreme physical pressure and `K' is responsible we'll be thrilled."

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Dawes, Byrnes join Demon leaders

Former Magpie Chris Dawes joins Melbourne pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE recruits Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes have walked straight into the Demons' leadership group for 2013.

The Dees announced today they would have a nine-player leadership group this season, with youngsters Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove to continue as co-captains.

The other addition to last year's leadership team is 22-year-old midfielder Jordie McKenzie.

The full group is: Grimes (co-captain), Trengove (co-captain), Nathan Jones (vice-captain), Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes, James Frawley, Colin Garland and McKenzie.

Clint Bartram (retired) and ruckman Mark Jamar are the two members of the 2012 leadership group that are not part of this year's group.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Demons' training latest

Coach Mark Neeld said the changes reflected strong competition among the playing group for leadership positions.

Players were chosen based on input from coaches, players and senior staff assessing players on 10 leadership categories including character and competitiveness.

"Jordie McKenzie continues his great story, coming from the rookie list to where he is now. Jordie's work ethic, competiveness and attention to detail have earned him this position," Neeld said.

"We are also pleased at the impact of Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes since their arrival. Their leadership and experience was one of the reasons we pursued them during the free agency and trade periods.

"Both Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove experienced a challenging year in 2012, but in their first year as captains, we were very happy with their development and have full confidence that this will continue in 2013."

Neeld said Jamar was disappointed to miss out on this year's leadership group but "handled it like a professional".

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Power borrows from US playbook

Port Adelaide Power recruit Jack Hombsch is a possible replacement for departed Troy Chaplin. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide will take an NFL-style approach to protecting its goal this season, with new defensive coach Matthew Nicks' portfolio expanded to include opposition ball movement.

In a move away from the traditional model of a defence coach purely focusing on the performance of the back six, Nicks has been charged with directing what the entire team does when the opposition players have possession.

To achieve this Nicks has been given greater access to the forward and midfield groups over summer to ensure all are aware of their roles when Port is trying to get the ball back.

"It's about team defence ... we've gone really big on that this year," Nicks said.

"It's heading more that way into the mould of the NFL. What do we do when we have the football? And what are we doing when we don't have the football?

"The change in our coaching structure has helped in allowing us to work with our forwards and mids.

"It's been a fantastic eye-opener for the group."

We've lost a fair bit of experience ... but I think the guys we've brought in have really stepped up

Port's backline is headed for a transition year after the departures of Troy Chaplin, Danyle Pearce and Jacob Surjan. The trio had a combined 415 games of AFL experience and most of the Power's replacement options are pretty green.

Injury-plagued youngster Jasper Pittard is being given every opportunity to take over Pearce's rebounding role, with recruits Lewis Stevenson and Campbell Heath the competition.

Jack Hombsch is the front-runner to replace Chaplin and join Alipate Carlile and Jackson Trengove in a trio of talls.

"It's quite a different looking backline," Nicks said.

"We've lost a fair bit of experience ... but I think the guys we've brought in have really stepped up."

And the coaching staff have not yet decided whether Domenic Cassisi will spend more time in the midfield or defence this season, while the shutdown role filled chiefly by Tom Logan late last season appears up for grabs.

Nicks, who has replaced Brad Gotch, said new coach Ken Hinkley had stressed the importance of defence since his arrival.

"Ken definitely comes from that mould, in terms of defending being very important, and we've put a real focus on it this off season," Nicks said.

"The opportunity to take the back six was definitely a priority for me and I feel a lot more comfortable working with guys in that area than what I probably would up forward.

"That's purely because of where I come from - the Sydney background. We really valued it up there.

"Back from 2000 to 2005 we didn't have the talent a lot of sides did and we knew if we were going to win games we had to be able to defend."

The six teams that conceded the fewest number of points during the minor round went furthest in the finals, including premier Sydney, which had the stingiest backline.

Port conceded 97 points per game last year, a marked improvement on the previous season (121 points per game) but still well above the league average (92 points per game).

POWER'S AVERAGE SCORE AGAINST

2007: 92 points (ranked 10th)

2008: 100 points (11th)

2009: 102 points (13th)

2010: 97 points (11th)

2011: 121 points (16th)

2012: 97 points (14th)

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KB wants trainers' on-field time cut

Former Richmond champion Kevin Bartlett wants to see AFL trainers spend less time on the field. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander. Source: Herald Sun

KEVIN Bartlett has backed plans to slash the time AFL trainers can spend on the ground during games.

The AFL laws of the game committee and players are at odds over a plan to allow trainers to run drinks on to the field only after goals.

It is understood the league also wants to reduce the number of trainers per team from five to four.

The recommendation was made to help ease congestion on the field and limit instances of interference from water-carriers.

Some players contacted by the Herald Sun have labelled the push "crazy" and "dangerous" because of the risk of dehydration in hot conditions.

Bartlett, a member of the laws committee, said players would have adequate access to water under the new proposal.

The AFL legend said any resistance to the plan was "ridiculous", considering there was an average 26.6 goals scored a game last year, plus continual interchange rotations.

"That's 26 times a game at least where they can access water," Bartlett told the Herald Sun.

"If we look at that over four quarters, that's six times a quarter.

"I don't know whether anyone's going to dehydrate in between quarters, are they? If there was to be (up to) 50 interchanges a quarter as well, any player suggesting he could get dehydrated or collapse is being ridiculous."

AFL game analysis manager Joel Bowden presented the plan to the AFL Players Association in December.

For the second consecutive year, it was rejected.

The AFLPA said there were three key reasons for voting against the proposal.

Among their concerns was the potential for long periods between goals and the hot conditions experienced early and late in the season, especially in Perth and Queensland.

West Coast hosted North Melbourne in 28C in last year's elimination final.

"We do not see how this will contribute significantly to reducing congestion," the AFLPA said.

"There are ramifications from a health and safety/performance perspective due to the importance of hydration in our game."

The AFL has introduced rules such as the substitute system to help ease on-field congestion.

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Watson talks up trim Hurley

Michael Hurley (right) wrestles with Cale Hooker at Essendon pre-season training. Picture: Town Jay Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson predicts that a slimmed-down Michael Hurley could be the key to the Bombers in defence and attack in 2013.

Injuries restricted the 193cm key-position player to only 16 games last year but he has recovered well from wrist surgery and epitomises the new slim-line Bombers, as does Watson, who's set for another big campaign after winning the Brownlow Medal in 2012.

The 27-year-old Watson, who is listed as 190cm and 94kg, is also looking leaner following an endurance-based training load.

It's a far cry from the soft-tissue injury dramas the 11th-placed Bombers endured last year after placing a big emphasis on building body strength.

"A few guys have been conscious about getting a bit lighter as the game is moving a little bit more into an endurance style," Watson said today.

"The most pleasing thing has been the numbers we have training at the moment.

"There's maybe one or two guys who aren't able to complete it and they're only a few weeks away.

Pre-season pic gallery: Bombers fit and firing

"Just to be able to get the work into such a large majority of the group has probably been the biggest difference from 12 months ago.

"It just means they're not coming in under-done and trying to catch up and when you're trying to catch up it means you're pushing harder and that can lead to some injuries that we did have 12 months ago.

"The way 'Hurls' has come back and the way he looks, Michael Hibberd is another guy who came to Colorado (training camp) and it was really beneficial for him."

Summer Barometer: Bombers' training and injury latest

Watson said Hurley was able to do running drills with the the club before Christmas and then had a plaster cast removed from his wrist following surgery.

"He has certainly noticed the difference being lighter. It's noticeable out there on the track," Watson said.

"He'll probably start as a forward. He can play anywhere."

Watson said he felt energised by a November training camp hiking through the snow in Colorado and returned to post a personal-best time in a 2km time-trial.

The Bombers open their NAB Cup campaign with matches against the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on February 15.

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Yarran puts faith in Mick's plan

Carlton defender Chris Yarran is happy with life under new coach Mick Malthouse. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON speedster Chris Yarran has lifted the lid on the Blues' recipe for success under new coach Mick Malthouse.

Yarran hinted a return of Malthouse's boundary at all costs game plan which led Collingwood to premiership glory in 2010.

"Mick is all about everything on the boundary line," Yarran told SEN radio this morning.

"We'll take his game style and hopefully it can take us to the finals."

Click here for Carlton's Summer Barometer

Yarran, grounded by toe injuries last year, revealed his plans of moving further up the ground adding to the Blues' engine room.

"I feel totally fitter this year than what I was last year... hopefully I can try and crack into that midfield next year and help Juddy (Chris Judd) and Simmo (Kade Simpson) out," Yarran said.

The rebounding defender said the Blues had endured a tough, but controlled, pre-season with Malthouse at the helm.

Picture gallery: Blues train in the bay

"Last year Ratts (Brett Ratten) was all about, I think personally, just whacking each other (at training) and guys were getting into little (injury) niggles here and there but Mick's come in now and (brought) really good attitude to look after each other at training but train hard - not tentative - but to get the most out of ourselves."

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Dawes, Byrnes join Demon leaders

Former Magpie Chris Dawes joins Melbourne pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE recruits Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes have walked straight into the Demons' leadership group for 2013.

The Dees announced today they would have a nine-player leadership group this season, with youngsters Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove to continue as co-captains.

The other addition to last year's leadership team is 22-year-old midfielder Jordie McKenzie.

The full group is: Grimes (co-captain), Trengove (co-captain), Nathan Jones (vice-captain), Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes, James Frawley, Colin Garland and McKenzie.

Clint Bartram (retired) and ruckman Mark Jamar are the two members of the 2012 leadership group that are not part of this year's group.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Demons' training latest

Coach Mark Neeld said the changes reflected strong competition among the playing group for leadership positions.

Players were chosen based on input from coaches, players and senior staff assessing players on 10 leadership categories including character and competitiveness.

"Jordie McKenzie continues his great story, coming from the rookie list to where he is now. Jordie's work ethic, competiveness and attention to detail have earned him this position," Neeld said.

"We are also pleased at the impact of Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes since their arrival. Their leadership and experience was one of the reasons we pursued them during the free agency and trade periods.

"Both Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove experienced a challenging year in 2012, but in their first year as captains, we were very happy with their development and have full confidence that this will continue in 2013."

Neeld said Jamar was disappointed to miss out on this year's leadership group but "handled it like a professional".

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Boomer won't sit out NAB Cup

Brent Harvey is suspended until Round 7 of the home-and-away season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SUSPENDED North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey is looking forward to the NAB Cup before a six-week stint on the sidelines.

Harvey, 34, was rubbed out for separate off-the-ball incidents in the Kangaroos' heavy elimination final loss to West Coast last year.

But the wily midfielder entering his 18th season is keen to make amends, in the NAB Cup and in the coaches box, when the Kangaroos begin their 2013 campaign.

"We're pretty keen to get in there and have a good crack, because the way we finished off the season last year, we still got so much to improve on," the 346-game veteran said.

"I reckon this is a really good launching pad to start improving what we really need to work on and put the new stuff that we've been doing at training into games.

"I'm very keen to play in games one and two, definitely.

"I'm not too sure about the last NAB Cup game, knowing (coach) Brad's (Scott) going to want to get his team right for Round 1 and I understand that.

"It will be good going into it knowing that I need to play a lot of game time, normally being older they sit you on the bench for the second half.

"I reckon this year he'll say, 'Off you go, play as long as you want, as long as you can'."

Click here to see the Roos' Summer Barometer

Harvey is set to help out as the assistant coach during his suspension.

"Obviously, it's not a great thing to be out for the first six weeks but I've got to turn that negative into a positive.

"I really enjoyed (mentoring the younger guys when I injured my elbow) so I'm hoping there's a little role there for me on match days.

Boxer Brad Pitt spars with North Melbourne AFL footballer Majak Daw during a training session at Princes Park. Picture: Andrew Henshaw Source: Herald Sun

"I might be an extra set of eyes on the stoppages or watching the small half forwards like Lindsay Thomas and Kieran Harper... as long as it's something I'll be happy to turn that negative into a positive."

Harvey said the early season form of Harper, rebounding defender Shaun Atley and young ruckman Majak Daw gave him confidence the Roos could improve again in 2013.

"(Harper's) got a great tank now, look at him 12 months ago and he's just getting around, look at him now and he's beating most guys in the time trial," Harvey said.

"I'd like to see him playing half-forward because he'll kick you 30 goals a year.

"Majak's a beast. He's so big and strong.

"He just needs an opportunity."
 

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Pies plug leaky defence

Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan get a little rough at a Collingwood training session at Gosh's Paddock. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD wants to stop the bleeding in the back half which undermined its premiership ambitions last season.

After revolutionising the game with its famed "press" tactics in 2010-11, the Pies pressure weakened last season, prompting a thorough review of the team's defensive operations over summer.

According to Champion Data, Collingwood was ranked No.1 for time the ball spent inside forward-50m in 2010 and 2011, but slid to 11th last year, when they were beaten by premier Sydney in the preliminary final.

While the early-season return of key backman Lachlan Keeffe from a knee reconstruction will help defend the back-50m, the Pies have also zeroed in on how they protect the ball up the ground.

Coach Nathan Buckley said yesterday the Pies wanted to put the brakes on the opposition's scoring in 2013.

"We had heavy scores against, especially against good opponents, which we've clearly identified in our review," Buckley said.

"We allowed too many scores per percentage of inside 50s and we allowed too many inside 50s, so it's definitely a focus of ours.

"We need to be able to slow the opposition ball movement down a bit better than we did in 2012.

"Good defensive sides are generally good transition sides - sides that can be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

"We are practicing that and we'll get a chance to practice that in real time in the NAB Cup and early in the season."

Nick Maxwell, who is critical to the defensive setup with the aerial support he provides teammates, is again set to lead the Pies this year.

Summer Barometer: Pies' training and injury latest

Buckley said although the leadership process was still incomplete, Maxwell had his vote.

"Personally, I've got no reason why Maxy wouldn't be (captain)," Buckley said.

Dale Thomas has removed the moon boot from his recovering ankle, but won't train with the main squad for another three weeks.

First-choice ruckman Darren Jolly is continuing an impressive pre-season but Buckley lauded the impact new tall recruits Ben Hudson and Quinten Lynch had had some arriving at Lexus Centre.

"Ben Hudson has been fantastic, he brings a bit of mongrel into the way that our big fellas go about it," he said.

"I think already that's starting to rub off on our younger talls and we're looking forward to that continuing."

Lynch lost his place in the Eagles' side last season but is set to play a key role in attack for the Pies, as a ruck-forward replacement for new Demon Chris Dawes.

Buckley said Lynch's work ethic had been so strong he needed to be "held back" over summer.

"He's been great, he's a work horse and he's everything we thought we were recruiting," Buckley said.

"You need to put a leash on him.

"If you said we've got 20 x 400m and we're only going to give you 15 seconds break in between, he would put his foot on the line and put his head down and get ready to run. There's no questions."

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Chick sues website over Cousins

Eagles premiership player Daniel Chick is suing for defamation. Source: PerthNow

FORMER West Coast Eagle Daniel Chick has launched legal action over claims made in a series of articles last year.

The 36-year-old, who started his career with Hawthorn, is suing the SportsNewsFirst website, a journalist and the AFL for the publication of a series of articles which mention the former footballer.

In a writ lodged in the WA Supreme Court this week, it says Chick, who is representing himself, is seeking a permanent injunction over the articles, which he claims are defamatory.

Jurrah blew five times legal limit

The writ says three separate stories relating to Ben Cousins, a former teammate at West Coast, being admitted to hospital which mentioned Chick were false. They were published between January and February 2012 on the SportsNewsFirst website, SEN Sports Central and the AFL website.

Chick is also seeking damages, aggravated damages, as well as costs for the publication and republication of the offending articles, claiming that he has suffered hatred, contempt and ridicule as a result.

Three years ago the former footballer was fined $7000 after pleading guilty to importing performance and image enhancing steroids from Thailand.

Chick was caught on arrival at Perth Airport with nine vials and a number of pills concealed in his luggage on October 9, 2010.

PerthNow tried contacting Mr Chick but he did not return calls.

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