AFL players busted with bikies

The Herald Sun has been told Australian Federal Police agents have referred intelligence about AFL players to Victoria Police. Picture: Grant Nowell Source: The Advertiser

AFL players have been caught on telephone taps talking with underworld figures, including bikies involved in drug dealing.

The outlaw motorcycle club members, some of whom constantly travel to Asian nations that produce steroids and peptides, have been distributing performance-enhancing drugs in Australia.

It's believed most sales are through gyms.

The Herald Sun has been told Australian Federal Police agents have referred intelligence about AFL players to Victoria Police.

Players have appeared on the radar of the nation's peak law enforcement body over many years. Some are household names and have come to notice when found to be linked to criminals under investigation for dealing in illegal non-performance-enhancing drugs.

Most of the intelligence pre-dates the Australian Crime Commission's year-long investigation into drugs in sport. The release of its findings last week generated unprecedented debate about the nature and extent of the problem.

Australia's elite junior cricketers also have been identified as being at risk of corruption. Sources say young players could be groomed by international bookies who offer gratuities to drag them into their networks to be exploited later.

It is believed a group of bookies was planning to fly to Australia this summer to try to infiltrate elite cricketers aged 15-19.

Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said it had no evidence of the practice within Australia.

Mr Young said the head of CA's anti-corruption unit, Sean Carroll, was aware of grooming practices abroad.

"We are aware of the risk of this happening because it has happened in other sports overseas," Mr Young said. "We do educate junior cricketers on the risks."

At last year's ICC under-19 World Cup in northern Queensland, players received anti-corruption training and matches were overseen by an anti-corruption official.

Players were also banned from carrying mobile phones at matches - a compulsory restriction for senior elite cricketers.

State Sports Minister Hugh Delahunty said match-fixing was "probably the biggest concern" in sport, but he'd be shocked if junior cricketers had been targets.

"I'd be surprised if it gets down to that level, because you've got to have a betting field and it's usually on the major sports that they do that," he said.

Mr Delahunty said it was also a step too far to test TAC Cup footballers for drugs in a bid to stamp out the problem at junior level.

- with Mark Buttler and Peter Rolfe

anthony.dowsley@news.com.au

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Finally it's back to the game

Essendon star Brendon Goddard celebrates after kicking his first goal for the Bombers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE theme of this year's NAB Cup is "Where It All Begins''.

But the off-season controversies made Friday night's first official skirmish of 2013 more a case of "Where We Can All Get Some Welcome Relief'' and lose ourselves in footy for a couple of hours.

Essendon fans might be none the wiser after hours of watching and reading and listening about their summer scandal, but will feel they gained a few clues about their team after seeing them on Etihad Stadium for two 40-minute spells.

There were some insights for Collingwood and Bulldogs fans, too.

So here are a few things we learned when the football finally began:

Essendon could well have one of the most potent forward lines in the league, with Tom Bellchambers and David Hille alternating between ruck and the deep forward post, and Paddy Ryder, Michael Hurley and Stewart Crameri the marking targets who are dangerous pushing up the field.

Gun recruit Brendon Goddard started in the centre square before drifting behind play, marshalling play across half back.

Developing Collingwood ruckman Jarrod Witts is holding his own against young Bulldog Tom Campbell. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

But he also crept forward, where his sure hands and penetrating kick posed a threat. The Dons' best young player, Dyson Heppell, looks ready to spend more time influencing play as an atacking midfielder. lw0

While its best old player, Dustin Fletcher -- the man whose lanky body shape has barely changed in 21 years of senior football -- looks like he can again control play in the back half.

Collingwood often seemed to lack urgency on the night, but managed to come away with two wins.

The second of those came when Travis Cloke goaled after being awarded a controversial free kick in the dying seconds, followed by Dons rookie Luke Davis failing to snatch back victory with a post-siren shot from 55 metres.

There were enough encouraging signs to suggest the Pies have found ways to improve a team that has had four consecutive top-four finishes.

Essendon recruit Nick Kommer is mobbed by teammates after kicking a goal just before the final siren. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Siilky wingman Clinton Young again showed he is the sort of player who can create havoc in a team of quality midfielders.

Jarrod Witts adds depth to the Pies ruck stocks. Brent Macaffer and Jamie Elliott will put pressure on the likes of Alan Didak, Steele Sidebottom and Alex Fasolo. Inside midfielder Kyle Martin made an impressive debut.

Quinten Lynch looks capable of playing the role for which he was recruited, and Jordan Russell can be a handy utility with underestimated pace.

Earlier the Bulldogs showed that they unquestionably have grit, character and a willingness to work. But doubts will again remain about whether there is enough class to lift them from the ranks of the also-rans.

Robert Murphy was returned to a forward role with success, while Nick Lower looks to be another prolific ball-winner who will catch the eye of SuperCoach fanatics. Strong-bodied Jack Redpath showed glimpses on debut, and Jason Johanissen looks a likely type.

But for the Dogs to climb up the ladder, they need more from the likes of Ayce Cordy and Jarrad Grant.

WARWICK GREEN'S BEST

ESS - Goddard, Carlisle, Fletcher, Heppell, Lovett-Murray.
WB - Lower, Cooney, Boyd, Murphy, Johannisen.

COLL - Swan, Young, Martin, Blair, Cloke, Shaw.
WB - Griffin, Giansiracusa, Liberatore, Jong.

COLL - Beams, Pendlebury, Russell, Cloke, Johnson.
ESS - Heppell, Goddard, Jetta, Baguley, Dempsey.

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Footy's back: What we learnt

Essendon coach James Hird heaps praise on his players after they finally played some footy after a tough couple of weeks.

Essendon star Brendon Goddard dishes off a handball in last night's match against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WHAT did we learn from last night's NAB Cup round robin between Collingwood, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs.

ESSENDON

BRENDON Goddard showed us why the Bombers were so keen to snare the big-bodied utility from St Kilda. Goddard was dangerous every time he went near the ball last night against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

PLENTY to like about the way Nick Kommer goes about his football. The mature-aged recruit, who cut his teeth in the WAFL, attacked every contest with vigour.

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AGE shall not weary Dustin Fletcher. The 37-year-old demolished an inexperienced Western Bulldogs forward line in the NAB Cup opener last night. Fletcher denied the Doggies forwards time after time before sitting out the second game.

Picture: Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

DANIEL Giansiracusa is still the most dangerous Bulldog inside 50. And, that's a worry. Despite fielding a full strength side against Collingwood and Essendon the Bulldogs failed to fire a shot inside the arc. Giansiracusa provided a spark against the Magpies but it was short-lived.

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MATURE-aged recruits Brett Goodes and Nick Lower performed admirably in their first runs as Bulldogs. Goodes was solid across half forward while Lower had the football on a string in the midfield.

IT was great to see Dale Morris back in the mix after an 18-month lay off rehabilitating a broken leg. The All Australian defender lowered Essendon sharpshooter Michael Hurley's colours in game one of the triple header. Morris sat out game two against Collingwood.

COLLINGWOOD

NATHAN Buckley put his stamp on the Magpies last night with recruit Clinton Young, the chief destroyer, working the ball through the corridor. Under predecessor Mick Malthouse it was boundary at all costs, but the 2013 Magpies looked dangerous when flirting with danger on the back of pin-point passing out of defence

IT was the Travis Cloke of old last night. The spearhead, no longer troubled by protracted contract negotiations, single-handedly sealed victory against the Bulldogs with back-to-back marks and goals. Cloke ($436,300) is a SuperCoach steal as one of the premier forwards in the competition.

PINT-sized forwards are back in vogue at the Westpac Centre with the Magpies reaping the rewards of Brent Macaffer's and Jamie Elliott's ferocious attack on the contest. Good times to come if these two can make a habit of mopping up Cloke and the Q-Stick while punishing teams on the scoreboard.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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LIVE: Eagles v Cats

Geelong forward Jason Podsiadly marks infront of Eagle Blayne Wilson. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW the Round 1 NAB Cup action between West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong from Paterson's Stadium in Perth.

8.40pm - Cats claw back to snatch victory

West Coast 1.6.2 (47)
Geelong 1.6.4 (49)

GEELONG captain Joel Selwood combined with Jimmy Bartel to deliver the Cats a stunning come from behind victory against West Coast.

Selwood landed the killer blow, a nine-point super goal from 52m, to give the Cats a two-point buffer with just 13 seconds left on the clock.

It was the Cats third successive goal to silence a parochial Paterson's Stadium crowd.

Travis Varcoe was solid off half back before drifting forward to kick a goal and give the Cats a sniff.

Meanwhile, Mark LeCras enjoyed a nice return to football with vintage goal in the second half.

LeCras was the beneficiary of a free kick against Geelong veteran Corey Enright, walking over the boundary line.

He went back and kicked the goal with a right-foot check side to give the Eagles a buffer.

James Podsiadly finished with two goals while Eagles spearhead Jack Darling slotted three of his own.

Eagle Mark LeCras takes a break in his first game back from a knee reconstruction. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

8.17pm - Stokes helped off

West Coast 0.4.1 (25)
Geelong 0.4.1 (25)

GEELONG has been dealt a blow with Matthew Stokes coming off the ground with what appears to be an ankle injury.

Stokes never looked comfortable after being crunched in a heavy tackle early in the second half.

The small forward got to his feet clutching his right ankle before being helped from the ground.

West Coast spearhead Jack Darling kicked his third goal of the match to keep the scores level at 25-all.

8.13pm - Rivers stars in first half

West Coast 0.3.0 (18)
Geelong 0.3.0 (18)

Geelong recruit Jared Rivers was the standout for the Cats chopping off a number of Eagles attacks.

The former Melbourne defender finished the half with five disposals including two marks.

And it was Geelong who opened the second half in style with James Podsiadly kicking his third goal in a hurry to knot the scores before skipper Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins combined for the Cats' fourth major.

Young Cat George Horlin-Smith made a fast start with seven touches and two tackles in an even first half at Paterson's Stadium.

Meanwhile, Eagles spearhead Jack Darling looks the most dangerous forward on the ground, benefiting from good delivery, kicking two goals.

Darling and Mark LeCras, returning from 12-months on the outer with injury, have worked well inside the arc.

7.47pm - Cats strike through Caddy, Podsiadly

West Coast 0.2.0 (12)
Geelong 0.2.0 (12)

JOSH Caddy made the perfect start to life as a Cat opening the scoring with just 22 seconds on the clock.

Caddy moved to the Cattery from Gold Coast during last November's AFL's trade.

Geelong spearhead James Podsiadly made it two in a row with a mark and goal from 40m out.

But the Eagles hit back in game one of the triple header at Paterson's Stadium with Ashton Hams taking a mark in the pocket and converting.

Mark LeCras has made a good start in his comeback match finding a bit of the football early.

The small forward set up the Eagles' second of the match, kicking the ball deep inside 50 for Jack Darling to swoop and kick around the body for goal.

Pre-match: All eyes will be on Eagles sharpshooter Mark LeCras, making his comeback from a knee reconstruction, in tonight's round-robin series.

LeCras missed all of last year after breaking down at training. He last suited up for the Eagles in 2011.

Former Collingwood midfielder Sharrod Wellingham will also be making his debut as the Eagles take on Geelong and then Fremantle in the last game of the night.

But the Eagles will be without stars Dean Cox (finger), Mark Nicoski (hamstring), Matthew Rosa (hamstring) and Nic Naitanui (groin) sidelined with injury.

Meanwhile, Geelong has injury problems of its own with ruckmen Hamish McIntosh (knee), Dawson Simpson (back) and Nathan Vardy sitting out the NAB Cup opener.

Trent West is expected to shoulder the bulk of the load at the stoppages with star midfielders Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey, Steve Johnson and Joel Selwood attacking the contests.

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Demons dodge draft ban

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE looks set to dodge serious charges and any draft penalties from the AFL despite an exhaustive seven-month investigation into tanking claims.

The Demons expect to be handed official penalties early next week that will see a heavy fine and sanctions for some officials, but no draft picks stripped from Mark Neeld's side.

Melbourne has been extremely confident for several months that the draft picks would remain intact and chief executive Cameron Schwab would not be charged.

Insiders said yesterday that Schwab was hardly mentioned in the 1000-page dossier which detailed allegations over a stretch of games from late in 2009.

But while a negotiated settlement still looks a likely outcome, Melbourne sources were defiant last night about accepting penalties.

The club was adamant it would not be bullied, and was determined to protect employees ''both past and present''.

Despite speculation the Demons could accept a fines of several hundred thousand dollars and a short ban, possibly suspended, against former coach Dean Bailey, no agreement has been made.

Chris Connolly also faces a likely ban from the football department, but he has worked away from football in a marketing role for 18 months.

While a heavy fine is likely, Melbourne is handed money from the AFL's disequalisation strategy so would have the league effectively funding their fine.

Bailey has consistently maintained he did nothing wrong, with Connolly is known to believe only four staffers confirmed of his throw-away line about not trying to win in the club's Junction Oval meeting room.

The possibility of a negotiated settlement has grown in recent weeks with the Demons in regular contact with the AFL about the tanking investigation.

The Demons had a arsenal of lawyers led by QC Ray Finklestein ready to unleash on the AFL if they were charged with attempting to lose games.

A Melbourne spokesman said last night the Demons were yet to receive an official set of charges or penalties from the AFL's acting football operations manager Gillon McLachlan.

Melbourne has been told by top legal experts is has an extremely strong legal case, which includes significant doubts about the manner in which interviews were conducted and whether they would stand up in a court of law.

The AFL's burden of proof falls on the club to prove its innocence, while in a court of law Melbourne believes it would be certain to win.

Former Melbourne star David Schwarz yesterday told the Herald Sun a negotiated settlement would save the league from significant fallout.

"This is such a hard decision for the AFL. This would have gone to court. Melbourne doesn't have to pay for legal representatives, because it has more lawyers than supporters.

"This looks like the sensible thing. They are acknowledging there is probably smoke, but not enough proof there was fire. Let it be a lesson to all of us that the rules put in place weren't conducive to sides finishing as high as high as they could. The AFL incentivised mediocrity, and history says we can't go back there.

"Deep down we all felt there were several clubs over eight years that didn't try 100 per cent 100 per cent of the time. The players tried, but I am glad this has come out, so it's not just an untold story hidden under the carpet.

"The AFL would realise if they penalised Melbourne hard they would have to go after other sides, and they don't have the resources or energy to do that."

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Code red at Windy Hill

Former Essendon staffer Stephen Dank said that the players had intravenous injections, not drips or infusions when he appeared on the ABC's 7.30 program. Picture: Channel 2 Source: The Daily Telegraph

Macca Sport cartoon for Herald Sun 15/02/2013T Drip Picture: Mcarthur David Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON seems certain to be found guilty of a breach of the AFL Anti-Doping Code if even one player admits being given legal intravenous infusions at Windy Hill.

Whether those infusions carried legal drugs or banned peptides, it is the manner in which they entered they body that would breach the AFL's code.

The AFL's code makes it clear intravenous infusions are "prohibited except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions or clinical investigations".

Those breaches of the code - "prohibited methods" - are viewed as just as serious as using "prohibited substances", and attract a two-year ban.

It is alleged Essendon players were taken over the road from Windy Hill to a Botox clinic and given intravenous drips.

In his 7.30 TV interview this week, former Essendon staffer Stephen Dank said that the players had intravenous injections, not drips or infusions.

Injections are allowed if the volume of the syringe used is less than 50ml and the substance is legal.

"Oh, look they had intravenous injections for vitamin B and vitamin C, which are quite compliant with the WADA code," Dank said of Essendon's players.

But ASADA will investigate whether players were also given infusions, the use of which has been illegal since 2005 under the WADA code.

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The AFL's Anti-Doping Code refers to the intravenous infusions in the Chemical and Physical Manipulation section.

WADA's own documentation explains the ban on intravenous infusions since 2005, saying athletes can use drips to take steroids.

"IV infusion could provide a potential route for the administration of infused substances," it states.

Integrity officers for all clubs?

WADA's medical information supporting its ban on intravenous drips makes it clear that medical uses for intravenous drips must be "associated with medical emergencies and in-patient care".

One legal expert yesterday said on the condition of anonymity: "It is prohibited to have intravenous infusions. The allegation is they had them all year. It doesn't matter if it's water, or saline, or (steroids), the method being used is the issue."

Little incentive for Bombers to win

Former ASADA boss Richard Ings told the Herald Sun yesterday Essendon could not justify intravenous injections as necessary for medical purposes, because prior approval was needed.

"Any athlete or player or trainer who needs to use a banned substance or banned method must get pre-approval from the Australian Sports Medical Advisory Committee before their treatment, and there is no retrospectivity," he said.

Essendon players training at Windy Hill in 2012. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

While the ASADA and AFL investigation into Essendon and biomechanist Dank could take months, there is some hope for Essendon.

Ings yesterday expressed doubt about the potential for blood from Essendon players to be flown across the world for tests on peptides. And the Australian Crime Commission conceded on Thursday it did not collect any information from wire taps about doping in sport during its 12-month investigation.

It means Dank was not caught in any incriminating evidence during phone conversations, and the players are unlikely to be found taking PEDs through blood tests.

Dank and Essendon continue to deny that any performance-enhancing drugs were used.

Essendon players could hope to use the AFL's own Anti-Doping Code to argue for a full discount, or "elimination" of their potential penalty. The AFL's code, which closely mirrors the WADA code, has a clause that provides for no penalty if the player can prove they bore "no fault" for drugs entering their system.

Both codes state the case must be "truly exceptional", but the AFL's rule 14.4 states the period of ineligibility can be eliminated if an individual "bears no fault of negligence for the violation".

The clause is inserted for players who have their samples sabotaged.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan said last night the league has made contingency plans for a 17-team competition this year should Essendon be unable to compete.

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

"I think it is our responsibility to canvass and plan for every scenario," McLachlan said on Channel Nine.

"There is a technical scenario where, if every allegation was true and you took out and interpretation of the code and you took a certain set of timings then that could be true, so you have to plan for that."

But speaking on Channel Seven league boss Andrew Demetriou stated his confidence that Essendon would play out the 2013 season uninterrupted.

At this stage we've got nothing that indicates otherwise," Demetriou said.

With Matt Windley

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Jurrah speaks: I still dream of playing AFL

Former AFL player Liam Jurrah leaves the Elizabeth Magistrates Court with his grandmother. Picture: Simon Cross Source: adelaidenow

FALLEN AFL star Liam Jurrah has spoken for the first time about his desire to return to top level football and how he hopes to move beyond a year of trouble with the law as he battles to reconnect with his family.

Just hours after he was early today arrested for breaching bail conditions set in Elizabeth Magistrates Court, Jurrah revealed his plan to try to make a return to AFL football on a course that would take him from his Outback community team, through Darwin and back to the big stage.

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But the 24-year-old says his focus now is firmly on beating the police charges against him and reuniting with and helping his family from the Northern Territory Yuendumu community, northwest of Alice Springs

The father of two young boys revealed his quest to be a good dad, how a broken mobile phone sent his life spiralling out of control when he lost contact with his band of Aboriginal brothers, and that his family cannot comprehend why he is one of the biggest stories in the AFL when he no longer plays the game.

"At the moment, my family comes first," he said.

"My two sons are my priority. I'm trying to be as tough as I can be.

"My focus is to get those court cases done ... to get through them.

"It depends what will happen in the court case. If everything goes well, I'll be getting back into footy.

"At the moment it is really hard for me to get back into football. I do love my footy and that will be a focus for me.

"It is easier for me to help my family but it's really hard for me to get into the footy ... I'm going to push through that.

"I'm just going to prove everybody wrong about me ... I'm going to do what Liam Jurrah can do on a footy field again one day," he says.

Jurrah was arrested about 2am for breaching his bail conditions when he was found to not be at the address he was bailed to.

The relative he has been bailed to live with said Jurrah had been at the bail address but had left with friends and did not return by the time he said he would. The relative received a call from Jurrah about 3am from the Elizabeth Police station.

* Read the full interview with the fallen football star tomorrow on superfooty.com.au.

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LIVE: Bulldogs v Magpies

Bulldogs veteran Daniel Morris latches onto Bomber Michael Hurley during a hotly contested first quarter. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Essendon coach James Hird steps out on the Etihad Stadium. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches involving Essendon, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

8.40pm - Super Swan goal

COLLINGWOOD star Dane Swan made his presence felt in a tight second half against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Swan broke the game open, pouncing on Darren Jolly's tap, to kick a super goal and put the Magpies in front.

The goal sparked a black and white surge with Travis Cloke marking unopposed inside the arc before slotting his first.

8.25pm - Giansiracusa the difference

Collingwood 0.3.1 (19)
Bulldogs 0.3.3 (21)

BULLDOGS veteran Daniel Giansiracusa is single-handedly keeping his side in the contest with two goals and an assist in the first half.

Giansiracusa opened the scoring with goal from directly in front before snapping a two-goal Magpies streak with his second at the 14-minute mark.

The veteran was again in the thick of the action dishing off a handball to Tory Dickson, who with seconds left on the clock, dribbled a goal to give the Doggies a two-point buffer at the main break.

Collingwood recruit Big Quinten kicked his side's first goal while Brent Macaffer, returning from a 12-month injury lay-off, slotted the Magpies third running into an open goal.

Bulldog Daniel Giansiracusa, right, pictured chasing Harry O'Brien, has kicked two goals in the first half. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

8.05pm - Pies troubling Dogs early

Collingwood 0.2.0 (12)
Bulldogs 0.1.0 (6)

BULLDOGS veteran Daniel Giansiracusa gave his side the perfect start converting from directly in front early in the first quarter.

Giansiracusa drifted into the forward taking a comfortable mark behind Magpies defender Harry O'Brien.

The veteran made no mistake splitting the middle to open the scoring.

But Collingwood answered when small forward Brent Macaffer, returning from a 12-month lay off following a knee reconstruction, combined with recruit Quinten Lynch.

Lynch ran onto the loose ball soccering the goal for the Pies opener in game two of the triple header.

Collingwood youngster Jamie Elliott extended the Magpies lead when he snapped truly from deep in the pocket midway through the first half.

7.40pm - Dons blitz hapless Dogs

Essendon: 1.5.6 (45)
Western Bulldogs: 1.1.4 (19)

ESSENDON has blitzed the Western Bulldogs in the first game of tonight's NAB Cup triple-header at Etihad Stadium.

The Bombers won by 26 points on the back of late goals to Cory Dell'Olio and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer just seconds before the final siren.

But it was Bombers veteran Dustin Fletcher who stole the show with a dominant display in defence.

The 37-year-old cut off several Bulldogs attacks finishing with 10 disposals including three marks and two rebound 50s.

Dons recruit Brendon Goddard finished with 14 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency in his first hit out in black and red strips.

Goddard chimed in with four marks and two rebound 50s.

The Matthew Boyd-led Bulldogs put up a fight during a hotly contested first half but fell away as the game went on.

Boyd finished with 17 disposals including three clearances.

The Bulldogs could only manage one goal in the second half after having numerous forward thrusts stalled by the tall Bombers' defence.

Liam Jones provided a spark midway through the term kicking a goal from deep in the pocket.

Essendon recruit Nick Kommer is mobbed by teammates after kicking a goal just before the final siren. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

7.22pm - Dogs waste chances

Essendon: 1.3.4 (31)
Western Bulldogs: 1.1.3 (18)

ESSENDON is crucifying the Western Bulldogs' game plan of bombing the ball inside 50 with Dustin Fletcher, Jake Carlisle and Co. halting the Doggies charge.

The Bombers lead by 13 points midway through the second half on the back of a nice goal from Alwyn Davey.

Davey found space directly in front of goal to give the Bombers a three-goal buffer.

But Bulldogs youngster Liam Jones cut the margin to 13 points taking a nice mark and converting from deep in the pocket.

Matthew Boyd is the pick of the Bulldogs with 14 disposals while Dons recruit Brendon Goddard has 10 touches.

Adam Cooney finds space against the Bombers. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

7.12pm - Bombers skip away at half-time

Essendon: 1.2.4 (25)
Western Bulldogs: 1.0.3 (12)

ESSENDON defenders Kyle Hardingham and Alex Browne have given the Bombers some breathing space in tonight's NAB Cup opener against the Western Bulldogs.

Hardingham swooped on the loose ball unloading a mongrel punt for goal with less than three minutes left in the half at Etihad Stadium.

Send your thoughts about the game to Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

Browne made it two in quick succession after being floored in a marking contest on the wing.

The defender was awarded a 50m penalty, making no mistake to give the Bombers a 13-point lead at the main break.

Despite winning the clearance and contested possession counts, the Bulldogs have struggled getting the ball in scoring position.

Bulldogs forward Shaun Higgins kicks a super goal Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

6.55pm - Doggies make fast start

Western Bulldogs 1.0.1 (10)
Essendon 0.1. 0 (7)

Essendon drew first blood but it's the Doggies who lead early in the first quarter at Etihad Stadium.

Bombers ruckman Tom Bellchambers kicked the opener after a strong contested mark.

But it's the Doggies who have started the better, attacking each contest with renewed vigor.

Shaun Higgins made the most of his opportunity early in the quarter slotting  a 50m super goal to give the Doggies the lead.

Veteran Bulldogs defender Daniel Morris, making his comeback after an 18-month injury lay-off, is matched up on Bomber Michael Hurley.

6.35pm - Dons, Dogs ready to do battle

The Bombers go into the match with a strong line up including boom recruit Brendon Goddard, Michael Hurley and Brent Stanton.

But the Dons, embroiled in the supplements scandal, are without skipper Jobe Watson (knee) and playmaker David Zaharakis (quad).

The Bulldogs will back up in the second game of tonight's triple-header against a Collingwood side bolstered with the additions of Clinton Young, Quinten Lynch and Ben Hudson.

Essendon and Collingwood round out the action from Etihad Stadium in the last of the preseason competition consisting of two 20-minute halves.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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Minson: We want to win

Will Minson says the Dogs want to taste success tomorrow night. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

IN THE last 242 days Usain Bolt has won three Olympic gold medals, Black Caviar won at Royal Ascot, the world survived December 21, the Pope resigned and Sydney won a premiership.

Not once in the last 243 days has the Western Bulldogs won a game of footy.

That's why tomorrow night's mini-games against Essendon and Collingwood are important.

"Everyone likes winning games of football,'' ruckman Will Minson said this morning.

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"So we're definitely not going to go out there and do just what we're told. If there's a chance to win a game and a chance to win a contest then the natural instincts take over and we'll be going our hardest.

"We're really looking forward to tomorrow night and we can't wait to play some games of footy.''

Dale Morris will play his first competitive game in 18 months having missed all of last season with complications stemming from a broken leg suffered in late 2011.

Minson said he and his teammates take great heart from seeing the defender fit and firing again.

"It's just spectacular, Dale is such a loved member of the Western Bulldogs footy club,'' he said.

"Up until his unfortunate injury I don't think he'd missed too many games since his debut. He's a valuable player and we're really looking forward to watching his progression over the next couple of weeks and getting him back in to the team where we need him each week.

"He's such a ruthless competitor, he's got a never-say-die attitude. Although he's made his name as a back pocket, we'd be happy with him anywhere on the ground.

"If the ball is there to be won or there's an opponent to beat he'll give it his best shot and that's what we love about Dale - he goes about it quietly, puts a bit of gel in his hair and away he goes.''

The Dogs take on Essendon at 6.45pm before backing up against Collingwood at 7.50pm.

This is the third year of the NAB Cup's triangular format and Minson spoke like a man who is a little bit over the concept.

But the most important thing, the ruckman said, is to just play footy again.

"It's extremely different,'' he said.

"You play one set of players for 20 minute halves and then you have a break and play a different team than the one you started against.

"It's a pretty weird format but that's the way the AFL want to do it and so we'll get out there and play.''

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Reasons to watch the NAB Cup

The Pies, Dons and Dogs will kick off the NAB Cup. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

FOOTY is just one sleep away, with Essendon, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs set to ignite the NAB Cup. So, what should we look forward to from their triangular series?

SuperFooty takes a look.

ESSENDON

How will the Bombers react after their two weeks from hell?

THERE are infinite questions surrounding the Bombers' arrival tomorrow night. What mental state will the players be in following two weeks of front and back page media scrutiny following their drugs scandal?

What reception will Hirdy get? How will the fans react? Will the opposition players get stuck into them? Is this side in the right frame of mind to play footy?

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Will they look to make a statement or use the NAB Cup for what its worth – an experimentation tool?

This will be enthralling to witness. From an on-field perspective, Bomber fans must be disappointed they have to wait for their first look at Joey Daniher, but at least Brendon Goddard will be unleashed.

And for SuperCoaches out there, keep an eye on mature-aged recruits Dylan Van Unen (Frankston VFL) and Nick Kommer (WAFL). Youngster Nick O'Brien has also caught the eye this summer and could impress.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 14: Coach James Hird walks back to the club rooms during a Essendon Bombers AFL training session at Windy Hill on February 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Keep an eye on the young and the old

IT'S all about two players when the Dogs take the stage for their pair of lightning encounters – the youngest in Jackson Macrae and one of the oldest in Dale Morris.

Both are ripping stories for polarising reasons. Macrae, the prized No. 6 draft pick, represents hope and optimism for Bulldog fans after two seasons of pain. Morris, one of the most popular stars at the kennel, will provide a spark when he runs out for his first game in 18 months after horrifically snapping his leg – also against Essendon.

It's a remarkable comeback and a much anticipated debut – even if it only is February.

Watch for a beefed-up Macrae's freakish sidestep and elite vision, while all eyes will also be on Adam Cooney after a faultless summer.

From a SuperCoach perspective, Brett Goodes is the man to zero in on. If he takes another step towards a Round 1 debut, pencil him in.

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Western Bulldogs training at the Whitten oval., Dale Morris during training Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

Q-Stick and the game plan - are they really all the rage?

THE Magpies have chosen an impressive squad and after the buzz surrounding the Q-Stick all summer, keep your eyes glued on the former Eagles spearhead.

Quinten Lynch will partner Travis Cloke in attack for the first time (if they play in the same match) and it will be fascinating to see how the new-look one-two punch attack fires.

Brent Maccaffer and Andrew Krakouer are also fit and firing after a full pre-season following their knee-plagued 2012s, while Collingwood's trio of VFL rookies will be on show.

Jack Frost, a key defender highly rated for his ability to spoil, classy midfielder Sam Dwyer who is a pure footballer and goalkicking onballer Kyle Martin are in the squad and are looking impressive.

If they can fire and ramp up competition for places at the Pies this year it'll add another dangerous ingredient into Nathan Buckley's quest for a premiership.

Players aside, it'll be fascinating to get a glimpse at the revamped game plan under Bucks. Direct, down the guts and rapid ball movement is the word filtering out of the Westpac Centre.

And lastly, Ben Hudson v good mate Robert Murphy and his old mob the Western Bulldogs. Bring on the footy.

Stay tuned for reasons to watch the other triangular series this weekend, featuring Geelong, Fremantle, West Coast on Saturday night and St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Adelaide on Sunday.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Quinten Lynch kicks the ball during a Collingwood Magpies AFL session at Westpac Centre on February 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

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