Thursday, April 17

Full and frank assessment
AFL tells Melbourne to 'face up to the crisis'

The AFL has delivered a stunning broadside to the Melbourne Football Club, informing the Demons' board that its brand was meaningless and that it virtually stood for nothing in 2008, the club's 150th season.

Caroline Wilson in The Age reveals in a full and frank assessment of the club's dire predicament delivered by the competition's governing body three days ago, Melbourne was told it had to face up to its financial crisis and dreadful public image if it had any chance of digging itself out of its black hole.

Not only has Melbourne's debt blown out dramatically in recent months but the club's projected profit has dropped by $1 million thanks to its current perilous state.

The view of Monday's meeting – quarterly talks with AFL financial and commercial heavyweights including Ian Anderson and Andrew Caterall and the Melbourne board – was that the club needed to admit its crisis in a bid for long-term survival ... more – Dees told 'face up to the crisis' ...

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Looking ahead to Round 5
l Venue performances for all matches ... more

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l Leigh Matthews: "I still live with the guilt"
l Hall wrist surgery will take 8 to 10 weeks to heal
l AFL sees no reason for send-off rule
Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews yesterday predicted Barry Hall's toughest sentence would be a lifetime of anguish over what he did to Brent Staker last Saturday night.

Jenny McAsey notes in The Australian, more than anyone else in football, Matthews should know. In 1985, Matthews, then a Hawthorn champion, king hit Geelong rover Neville Bruns and broke his jaw.

"I tell you what, Brent Staker's jaw will feel better in a week. Barry Hall's heart will be heavy for the rest of his life," said Matthews, a four-time AFL premiership coach.

"I still live with the guilt."

Surgery on Hall's right wrist on Monday afternoon revealed a mess – his scaphoid bone was both fractured and dislocated from the force of his collision with ANZ Stadium's steel-bar fence and the injury will take at least eight to 10 weeks to heal.

Club doctor Nathan Gibbs said screws and pins had been inserted in Hall's wrist. "It is a bad injury and the powers-that-be at the Swans, the AFL and ANZ Stadium will need to look at changing things there," Gibbs said.
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Jon Ralph in the Herald Sun highlights the AFL yesterday endorsed the seven-match penalty handed to Sydney star Barry Hall, and dismissed calls for a send-off rule. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the lengthy ban given to Hall by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night over his punch to Eagle Brent Staker was "appropriate".

But while AFL rules committee member Kevin Bartlett and West Australian legend Ron Alexander have demanded the AFL introduce a rule that sees players red-carded, Demetriou disagrees.

He said the AFL's match review and tribunal process had delivered a fitting outcome on the Hall case.

l Tasmanian AFL bid certain to be snubbed
The AFL appears certain to snub Tasmania from its major expansion by reiterating its priorities lie in the north, despite the island state's call for its licence submission to be judged on its merits.

Fox Sports reports Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon on Wednesday formally launched his state's bid for its own side meeting with AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou and asking to be granted either the 17th or 18th team licence within the next four years.

Lennon said Tasmania had the history and support – both emotional and financial – to warrant its own AFL side and that the state's population of about 500,000 and love of Australian football put it on equal footing with the AFL's desired areas of expansion.

The Tasmanian government plans to present a detailed submission – including potential support base for the side, financial backing, game attendances and junior growth areas – to the AFL this year to try to persuade the league.

But Demetriou made it clear the AFL was still eyeing off Australia's major growth areas of south-east Queensland and western Sydney as the regions best-placed to grow the game and issue licences in 2011-12.
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Stephen Rielly noted in The Australian: It requires between $25-30million a year to operate an AFL club, with some turning over in excess of $40m a year. At the moment, Tasmania gets its fix of AFL through a five-year, $15m agreement with Hawthorn that sees the Hawks play five games a season in Launceston.

"You ignore your home base at your peril," said (Tasmanian Premier Paul) Lennon, who argued that the league will never be able to genuinely claim its competition to be national without Tasmania being involved.

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Stab Kicks ...
n On Tuesday we carried the thoughts of Peter Coatman – what's the record for the longest sequence of matches to include only one loss? The longest I know of is Essendon's 33 games in 1949-51, which included 16 wins in a row, followed by a loss, followed by another 16 wins in a row, but I'm not certain if that's the all-time record.

Bruce Kennedy writes – I’m sure Peter Coatman is correct. The next best I could come up with was Essendon’s 1999-2000 effort of 28 on the trot, broken only by that dreadful defeat to Carlton in the 1999 Preliminary Final. My check has not been exhaustive, but I did top and tail all the major winning runs.

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l Footy Works updates now available
Please direct software questions to Sorensen Technologies

The ultimate fan site
where passionate supporters gather!

Worth noting ...
n NAB Cup 2008 Match Review and details – more
n Tribunal 2008 – more
n Traded, Retired, Delisted, Acquired – more
n 2007 financial forecasts and results – more
n Footystats Classifieds – more

Wednesday, April 16

AFL Tribunal
Barry Hall suspended for seven matches
Mooney and Dodd escape with reprimands

Sydney full-forward Barry Hall has been suspended by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday for seven matches for striking West Coast's Brent Staker.

He pleaded guilty to striking Staker but said the incident was the result of a mind snap.

ABC News Online reported Hall's punch was described by the AFL's tribunal counsel Jeff Gleeson as one which would make Rocky Balboa blush.

Hall told the tribunal he intended to strike Staker, but he did not intend to put him out of the game.

Sydney argued that the incident was a serious example of a serious offence, but not a worst-case scenario.

The tribunal heard evidence from West Coast club medical officer Gerrard Taylor who says Staker has concussion, suffers headaches and is only a 50-50 chance to play on Sunday.

The tribunal jury was instructed to give a 25 per cent reduction of the penalty due to the guilty plea.

Hall says the ban is fair and he has again apologised to Staker for the blow. He also apologised to the AFL and Swans fans during the hearing.

In other cases, Geelong's Cameron Mooney has had a tripping charge downgraded and is free to play against the Swans on Saturday.

Fremantle's Steven Dodd also escaped with a reprimand, after successfully arguing that his contact with Richmond's Jack Riewoldt was reckless, not intentional.
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The Age noted that Hall's punishment took him to a career total of 23 matches in suspensions, one more than Carlton enforcer David Rhys-Jones and Robert "Mad Dog" Muir in the AFL's gallery of rogues.

The jury handed Hall 790 demerit points, which meant the seven games plus effectively another match hanging over his head for the next year in carry-over points should he re-offend.

It was the first time since 2002 that Hall had received a suspension.
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Charges and verdicts from Round 4 –

ESSENDON v WEST.B'DOGS
Sam Lonergan (Ess) and Brad Johnson (WB) were cited for making negligent contact with umpires in Q3. The MRP offered both players fines of $1950 each with an early plea. Both Lonergan and Johnson accepted guilt and the fines imposed.

ST KILDA v GEELONG
l Cameron Mooney (Gee) was cited by the MRP for tripping Leigh Montagna (StK) in Q3. The incident was judged as intentional, of low impact and to the body, which drew five activation points. An early plea would reduce that to 140.63, but it would not be enough to beat a suspension. Geelong sought the adjudication of the Tribunal. On Tuesday night the Tribunal downgraded its guilty verdict to a reprimand.
l Ryan Gamble (Gee) was cited for striking Nick Dal Santo (StK) in Q2. The incident was judged as intentional, low impact and high contact. Gamble was offered a one match suspension with an early plea. The player accepted guilt and the MRP judgement.

NORTH MELB v MELBOURNE
Brad Miller (Mel) was cited for rough conduct against Daniel Pratt (NM). Even with an early plea a one-match suspension from his prior record was inevitable. Miller accepted guilt and the MRP judgement of suspension for one match.

SYDNEY v WEST COAST
Barry Hall (Syd) was cited for striking Brent Staker (WCE) in the first quarter. The MRP viewed the incident as intentional, high contact, causing severe impact. The matter was referred to the AFL Tribunal. Hall pleaded guilty at the Tribunal on Tuesday night where the player was suspended for seven matches. Hall also carries 790 demerit points, effectively another match for the next year in carry-over points should he re-offend.

CARLTON v COLLINGWOOD
Nick Maxwell (Col) was cited for intentionally striking Marc Murphy (Car) in Q1. The incident drew a three-match suspension, reduced to two by the 25 per cent good behaviour discount and ending as one game with an early plea. The player accepted guilt and the MRP suspension of one match.

FREMANTLE v RICHMOND
Stephen Dodd (Fre) was cited for tripping Jack Riewoldt (Rch). The MRP offered Dodd a one-match suspension with an early plea. Fremantle sought the adjudication of the Tribunal. On Tuesday night the Tribunal downgraded its guilty verdict to a reprimand.

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l AFL 2005 grand final terror plot
A home-grown terror group planned to attack the MCG during the 2005 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles, a court in Melbourne heard on Tuesday.

Katie Brice reported in the Herald Sun: When ASIO and police raids forced the plotters to shelve the MCG plan, they switched targets to the 2006 NAB Cup or Crown casino during Grand Prix weekend, the Supreme Court was told.

The allegations were made by Izzydeen Atik, a former associate of 12 men on trial in Australia's largest terrorism case.

Mr Atik said the group's alleged leader, Abdul Nacer Benbrika – also known as Abu Bakr -- named the targets.

"Abu Bakr told me of the targets that he intends to attack," Mr Atik said.

"The AFL Grand Final was the original target and because of the raids and because of security reasons and funding they were to be off until the following year."

ASIO raided the group just two months before Sydney beat the Eagles by four points in front of 91,898 fans.

Under cross-examination from defence lawyer Remy van de Wiel, QC, Mr Atik admitted he had suffered from schizophrenia but was now free of anti-psychotic medication.

On trial are: Mr Benbrika, 48, of Dallas; Abdullah Merhi, 22, of Fawkner; Shane Kent, 31, of Meadow Heights; Majed Raad, 23, of Coburg; Aimen Joud, 23, of Hoppers Crossing; Ahmed Raad, 24, of Fawkner; Fadl Sayadi, 28, of Coburg; Ezzit Raad, 26, of Preston; Hany Taha, 33, of Hadfield; Shoue Hammoud, 28, of Hadfield; Bassam Raad, 26, of Brunswick and Amer Haddara, 28, of Yarraville.

The trial before Justice Bernard Bongiorno continues.

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Martin Windsor-Black
l North struggling to finish off matches
When Melbourne won their first quarter after a club record 17 consecutive quarter losses (which started against Carlton in Round 22 last year), they have highlighted the fact that North Melbourne are struggling to finish off matches.

North Melbourne have won just 1 of their last 7 final quarters - in which they have scored just 18.19 and conceded 41.19 - losing all four this year.
2007-1QF-MCG – Gee 7.2-48 v Kan 2.1-13
2007-1SF-MCG(n) – Kan 5.2-32 v Haw 2.4-16
2007-2PF-FP PA – 13.3-81 v Kan 1.6-12
2008-R1-Dok – NM 2.4-16 v Ess 4.3-27
2008-R2-MCG – Rch 3.1-19 v NM 2.2-14
2008-R3-Dok – NM 1.0-6 v Haw 6.3-39 (lost the game after leading at 3-qtr time)
2008-R4-MCG – NM 5.4-34 v Mel 6.3-39
Total NM 18.19-127 v 41.19-265
Total 2008: NM 10-70 v 19.10-124

This is in contrast to North's opening quarters for the season in which they have kicked 19.21-135 and conceded only 7.4-46 and winning all four.
2008-R1-Dok – NM 4.3-27 v Ess 2.0-12
2008-R2-MCG – Rch 3.1-19 v NM 7.4-32
2008-R3-Dok – NM 4.6-30 v Haw 1.3-9
2008-R4-MCG – NM 4.8-32 v Mel 1.0-6

Melbourne's poor start to the season has impacted their crowd numbers and they have the lowest attendance for the year so far with just 114,959 from 4 matches. So where are their supporters?

Despite the Blues initial poor start to the season, the fans are flocking with a average crowd of over 64,550 - mainly due to their blockbusters against Richmond (72,552), Essendon (64,388) and Collingwood (77,873).

However the AFL would be happy with the season average crowd attendances exceeding 40,500 fans per game

In addition to the 3 undefeated teams (Hawthorn, Geelong and Bulldogs), Sydney, Adelaide and Collingwood have not lost a home game whilst Richmond and North Melbourne have not lost an away game.

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l Tiger great Jack O'Rourke passes
Richmond's leading goalkicker from 1951 and 1952, Jack O'Rourke, passed away at Warrnambool last Friday, aged 79.

From St Ignatius, The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers noted his spectacular play created a sensation and only injury stopped him from greater fame.

He played 44 games between 1949-53 and represented Victoria in 1951.

O'Rourke returned to play in the Hampden League where he remained a prolific goalkicker and was a well-known publican at South Warrnambool.

He was the son of Jack O'Rourke snr who played 63 VFL matches with St Kilda (1920-24) and Fitzroy (1925-27).

Stab Kicks ...
n Correction to correction – The crowd for the Port-Brisbane match last Saturday night was 25,205, not *24,205* as recorded somewhere – total for the round remains as 315,414 ...

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Tuesday, April 15

MRP refers Hall judgement to Tribunal
The Match Review Panel has referred the striking charge against Sydney's Barry Hall against West Coast's Brent Staker to the AFL Tribunal.

Fox Sports reports: Hall's left hook to the head of the West Coast defender on Saturday night at Stadium Australia was ruled as intentional, high contact, causing severe impact. That grading lifted it above the number of activation points which equates to a set penalty.

It means Hall can not gain a 25 per cent reduction for an early guilty plea, although the tribunal can still take an admission of guilt into account.

Staker underwent scans but the Eagles were yet to determine the full extent of his injury and he has not been ruled out of playing in Sunday's match against Port Adelaide.

Meanwhile, Hall had surgery on his right wrist, which he broke when he ran into advertising hoardings late in Saturday night's match at Homebush.

The injury would normally be expected to sideline him for up to six weeks, but that timeframe will probably be irrelevant, given his looming suspension is likely to be at least that long.

Hall's actions also disappointed Sydney, as co-captain Leo Barry said it would take the forward some time to earn back respect from his teammates.

The AFL expected the hearing to take place on Wednesday night, although it is open for Sydney to apply for a postponement if they do not believe Hall has recovered sufficiently from his operation to make the trip to Melbourne.

It would be up to the tribunal chairman to decide whether to grant that application.

The last player to be referred directly to the tribunal was St Kilda's Steven Baker, who was charged after an AFL investigation for rough conduct on Fremantle's Jeff Farmer in round 20 last season.

Baker was handed a seven-match ban, although it would only have been four games if not for a heavy penalty loading for prior offences.

l Several other charges from Round 4
In other charges from Round 4, Geelong's Cameron Mooney has earned a one-game suspension for tripping. A guilty plea will not save Mooney from being suspended from this weekend's game against Sydney after he stuck his leg out and tripped St Kilda's Leigh Montagna at Docklands. The MRP viewed Mooney's offence as intentional, of low impact and to the body, which drew five activation points. An early plea would reduce that to 140.63, but it would not be enough to beat a suspension.

Mooney's teammate Ryan Gamble also faces a week on the sidelines, after he was hit with a one-game ban for striking St Kilda's Nick Dal Santo in an incident judged as intentional, low impact and high contact. Gamble would be suspended for two games if he challenged at the tribunal and lost.

The Cats will announce Tuesday whether they challenge or accept the panel's verdicts.

Three other players face one-game suspensions from the weekend.

Melbourne's Brad Miller could miss this weekend's game against Carlton for engaging in rough conduct against North Melbourne's Daniel Pratt, Collingwood's Nick Maxwell is likely to miss the Magpies game against the Kangaroos for striking Carlton's Marc Murphy, and Fremantle's Steven Dodd could miss this weekend's game against Adelaide for tripping Richmond's Jack Riewoldt.

Miller crashed into the back of Pratt at the MCG on Saturday, but could also pay for a bad record, as he cannot avoid a one-game suspension with an early guilty plea.

Maxwell's strike at the MCG was considered more serious and drew seven activation points (intentional, medium impact, high contact), but he can reduce a potential three-game suspension to a one-game ban by accepting a guilty plea.

Dodd was reported for tripping Riewoldt at Subiaco Oval, and was also penalised for a bad record, which means the only way he can avoid a ban is by successfully challenging.

The Demons, Dockers and Magpies will all announce their decisions on Tuesday.
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Sportal reported later on Tuesday: Six players have accepted penalties handed down by the MRP.

Essendon's Sam Lonergan was fined $1950 lighter for his negligent contact with an umpire during last Friday night's loss to the Western Bulldogs at Docklands while Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson has accepted the same penalty for the same offence.

Melbourne's Brad Miller has accepted a one-match sanction for his heavy bump on North's Daniel Pratt and one-match penalties have been agreed to also by Geelong forward Ryan Gamble and Collingwood's Nick Maxwell, both for striking.

Veteran Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett has accepted a reprimand and 60 points towards his future record for striking Hawthorn's Rick Ladson at York Park on Sunday.
 

In other charges, Adelaide's Nathan Bassett can accept a reprimand by pleading guilty to a minor strike on Hawthorn's Rick Ladson in Launceston

Essendon's Sam Lonergan and the Western Bulldogs' Brad Johnson can both accept $1950 fines for making contact with an umpire at Docklands.

The AFL webpage also reported: Other incidents that were assessed but dismissed by the MRP were Carlton's Nick Stevens for striking Collingwood's Alan Didak, Essendon's Nathan Lovett-Murray for making contact with Bulldog Ryan Hargrave, Geelong's Trent West for making contact with St Kilda's Xavier Clarke, Collingwood's Dale Thomas for making contact with Carlton's Stevens and Fremantle's Chris Tarrant for making contact with Richmond's Kelvin Moore.

Dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes was also cleared for a clash with West Coast's Tyson Stenglein in the third quarter of Saturday night's match.

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l Richard Pratt expects AFL clarification
Carlton president Richard Pratt has issued the AFL with an ultimatum – to either back his leadership of the Blues or come out and tell him they no longer want him in control of the club.

Pratt, one of Australia's richest men, says he is tired of the speculation surrounding his suitability to remain Carlton president since his company Visy received a record $36 million fine last November from Australia's competition watchdog the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) after being found guilty of price-fixing.

Since then, Pratt, a former Carlton under 19's player who was asked to take over as club president in 2007 as the Blues battle through the most difficult period both on and off the field in their history, has been subject to constant criticism that he should stand aside as Blues' president.

But speaking on Sunday at the official president' lunch before Sunday's clash with arch-rivals Collingwood at the MCG, Pratt said it was up to the AFL to either back him or tell him to step aside as Blues' president.

"For me it is a privilege to serve Carlton and I will continue to serve the club as long as the members want me to and my health, my family and my other commitments allow." – Herald Sun

Stab Kicks ...
n Regular reader Peter Coatman responded yesterday – Bruce Kennedy's view that "Geelong's effort in winning 23 of its past 24 matches is more impressive than the 1952-53 team's record 23 in a row" – we all know the records for the longest winning sequences, but what's the record for the longest sequence of matches to include only one loss? The longest I know of is Essendon's 33 games in 1949-51, which included 16 wins in a row, followed by a loss, followed by another 16 wins in a row, but I'm not certain if that's the all-time record.

Will look deeply into FootyWorks for what you seek Peter, and get back to you.

n Thank you to reader Dale Kerr who wrote – There's an error in that article with the numbers. It states "Port Adelaide became the 11th grand finalist and the first club in 25 years to lose its first FOUR games of the following season". The article clearly points out that Port are the 11th grand finalist to lose the first THREE games of the following year. Otherwise, they are the FIFTH grand finalist to lose the first FOUR games of the following year. And if they lose again in Round 5, they will be the THIRD grand finalist to lose the first FIVE games of the following year.

n Official AFL crowds of Round 4 topped 315,414 for a progressive total of 1,297,678 – see wider detail in *Match Review* and *Attendances* ...

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Monday, April 14

Round 4 – Match Review Panel
Hall is one charge of many from weekend

Barry Hall's striking charge heads a long list of cases for the AFL Match Review Panel to consider from the weekend round of matches.

The seriousness of the Hall incident, where the Sydney captain concussed West Coast opponent Brent Staker with a punch to the jaw in the first quarter on Saturday night at Stadium Australia at Homebush, means the MRP might refer the matter to the tribunal.

Hall has no applicable record, but that will not save him a big suspension.

In a late Sunday press conference Hall apologised to Staker for punching him. Hall, who later broke his wrist when he ran into an advertising board on the boundary, says his actions were unacceptable.

"It was just a bit of a mind snap," he said. "There could be ifs, buts, maybies, this happened, that happened, but regardless that shouldn't happen."

"I certainly didn't want it to be that severe, that's for sure."

Hall says he made a mistake and is prepared to cop any punishment from the AFL tribunal on the chin.

"I threw a punch, yeah it hit him, did I want it to hit him as bad and be off for the rest of the game? No," he said.

"But as I said I put myself in that situation, I'll cop whatever comes my way."

Melbourne defender Brad Miller was also booked on Saturday for alleged rough conduct against North Melbourne's Daniel Pratt, after he cannoned into him at the MCG.

Geelong youngster Ryan Gamble was booked for striking St Kilda onballer Nick Dal Santo.

Cats ruckman Trent West will come under video review for an incident that resulted in Saints utility Xavier Clarke being stretchered from the ground.

On Sunday, Carlton onballer Nick Stevens was booked for striking Collingwood utility Alan Didak at the MCG.

The MRP will go over the incidents on Monday and, if the tribunal is needed, it will sit on Tuesday night – Yahoo! Sport

l Worth noting ...
The penetrating words of Patrick Smith in The Australian – more ...

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Sunday, April 13

Round 4
Bulldogs survive exhilarating Bomber challenge
North comfortably dispose of Melbourne
Geelong easily beat the Saints by seven goals
Solid Sydney thump the Eagles
Gutsy Brisbane fightback flattens Port
Hawks overpower Adelaide
Carlton break the drought after 14 defeats
Richmond flog Dockers by 10 goals

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*The Stats that Matter* – *Match Review* ... more u The season in scores and results – Stats Update 2008

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Stab Kicks ...
n In anticipation of Sunday's flogging at Subiaco, Gerry McGuire has his "Put Terry on the Ferry" campaign on the boil and believes that Mick Gatto following his disappointment in Singapore could be just the man to be a minder of Terry – looking over his shoulder, giving him helpful hints and the like. Gerry wants to know if Mr Gatto would shift his efforts to the Tiger cause ... I have replied to Gerry that I'm uncertain of Mr Gatto's more immediate plans ...

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The 1952-53 Cats' For/Agst was 2047-1255 giving a percentage of 163.1
The 2007-08 Cats' For/Agst is 2918-1720 giving a percentage of 169.7

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Saturday, April 12

Round 4
Bulldogs survive exhilarating Bomber challenge

The Western Bulldogs overran Essendon in the last term to win by 30 points on Friday night under the closed roof at Docklands Stadium.

Yahoo! Sport noted: The undermanned Bombers took it up to the heavily-favoured Bulldogs and led by 11 points early in the final quarter, but the Dogs then kicked six unanswered goals to win by five goals.

Essendon's already long injury list looks to have become even worse, with Mark McVeigh and Sam Lonergan forced from the field early in the last term with hamstring injuries.

While the Bulldogs were out-run at stages and nearly lost control of the game, they rallied when it counted and their greater class proved crucial.

Midfielders Daniel Cross and Ryan Griffen helped steady their side and then put the game out of Essendon's reach, while ruckman Will Minson's important last quarter featured two goals.

Key defenders Dustin Fletcher and Patrick Ryder were outstanding for the Bombers and McVeigh's injury was particularly damaging given his game.

The Bulldogs, who fell away badly last season, have now opened with four-straight wins – the equal of their best VFL-AFL seasons of 1946, 1961, 1998 and 2006.

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*The Stats that Matter* – *Match Review* ... more u The season in scores and results – Stats Update 2008

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Friday, April 11

Round 4 selections
Bombers weakened; Lloyd lost to calf strain

Essendon's early-season injury woes have deepened, with captain Matthew Lloyd ruled out of their AFL clash tonight against the Western Bulldogs.

Yahoo! Sport reported: The club says Lloyd has suffered a calf strain and his absence means they will be without their two star forwards for the game against the unbeaten Bulldog.

Scott Lucas is also out of action until mid-season after injury his knee early in the round-one win over North Melbourne.

The Bombers were already without speedster Leroy Jetta with the hamstring injury he suffered last Saturday night in the win over Carlton, while Courtenay Dempsey is recovering from a hamstring problem.

Lloyd's absence will dramatically shorten the odds for the Bulldogs.

In a statement posted on the club's website, Essendon team manager David Calthorpe said they were unsure how Lloyd's injury happened or how long he would be out of action. Calthorpe added that Lloyd was ruled out after failing to complete a fitness test on Thursday.

"He had a light training session on Tuesday and had a kicking session yesterday but felt some soreness later that night," Calthorpe was quoted as saying. "We don't know the extent of the injury just yet, but we are hoping that it is only minor calf strain. There is no particular incident that Matthew is aware of that caused the injury, so it's difficult to assess if it's a result of a knock that he received or is simply a strain. He will miss this week's game and we will monitor the injury over the next week."

Essendon recalled Nathan Lovett-Murray and Henry Slattery, while Scott West's knee injury means Nathan Eagleton will return to the `Dogs line-up.

St Kilda will move a step closer to finally settling their defence in Saturday's match against unbeaten Geelong at Docklands when they welcome back key backman Matt Maguire. He has endured rotten luck with injury for the last few seasons and a leg injury delayed his start to this year.

Former Sydney defender Sean Dempster will make his Saints debut, while they have dropped Raphael Clarke and Jarryn Geary. The Cats recalled Ryan Gamble for Shannon Byrnes.

In other teams news, Fremantle dropped experienced pair Matthew Carr and Heath Black for Sunday's home game against Richmond. Usually, teams only confirm omissions for Sunday games on the Friday night.

The Dockers added Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon, Luke McPharlin, Scott Thornton and Garrick Ibbotson to their squad of 25.

The WA clubs have been busy at selection, with West Coast making five changes for Saturday night's match in Sydney against the Swans.

Matt Priddis (knee) and David Wirrpanda (hamstring) are forced omissions, while the Eagles dropped Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher and Mark Nicoski.

Speculation continues that ruckman Dean Cox is in doubt with a foot problem.

Steven Armstrong, Jamie McNamara, Matt Rosa and Chris Masten were promoted and Matt Spangher will be the fourth Eagle this year to make his senior debut.

By contrast, the Swans made no changes.

Ben Ross is set for his senior debut in Saturday's MCG match against Melbourne, one of three additions to the North line-up. Ed Lower and Jesse Smith also return to the side, with ruckman David Hale (quad) injured and Leigh Harding and Andrew Swallow dropped.

The Demons recalled Matthew Whelan and Mark Jamar for Paul Johnson (hand) and Colin Garland.

Winless Port Adelaide are unchanged for Saturday night's home match against Brisbane, who dropped Robert Copeland and Albert Proud for Troy Selwood and Cheynee Stiller.

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Stab Kicks ...
n Spoke with Sarah Jones of Fox Sports last evening as she checked out the last time an Essendon side went in without both Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas – it was Round 15, 1999.

Essendon has won just two of its past 25 matches without Lloyd. And Lloyd has kicked 10 goals in his three outings this year.

n AFL Tasmania has announced that the 1958 Centenary Carnival team will be inducted into the State Football Hall of Fame. The team beat Western Australia and South Australia for the first time at the same carnival.

Midfielder, Col Moore, says it was a versatile line-up, with great players including Stuart Spencer and Darrel Baldock. He says beating Western Australia created a lot of excitement – ABC Sport

n I'm certain most players will be against it – Monday night football. It will precipitate my retirement.

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