SEPTEMBER 2000

First flag for Central District
SEPTEMBER 2000 – The SANFL Bulldogs gained their first premiership success when they defeated Woodville-West Torrens before a crowd of 34,819 at Football Park on Sunday (10th). Centrals who entered the SANFL in 1964 won by 22pts, 8.13-61 to 5.9-39.

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Stab Kicks ...

Trade moves
As of Monday night (11th) the official moves in trading were — SHAUN REHN (Ade) to Hawthorn ... KENT KINGSLEY (Kan) to Geelong ... PAUL WILLIAMS (Col) to Sydney ... EVAN HEWITT (Kan) to Adelaide ...
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St Kilda sign Hamill and Capuano
Media reports via Southern Cross Radio News on Tuesday afternoon (12th) reported St Kilda had signed Carlton's AARON HAMILL and the Kangaroos' ruckman MATTHEW CAPUANO. The deal for Hamill was in exchange for the #4 draft pick and youngster SAM CRANAGE. CAPUANO, the Roo premiership ruckman is a swap for midfielder JOE McLAREN who heads to Arden Street. The Saints have also taken STEVEN LAWRENCE from Brisbane in exchange for a third round selection—Steven is son of former Saint captain Barry Lawrence who played 126 games (1969-76).

In other moves, the Kangaroos have obtained Fremantle's JESS SINCLAIR and drafts picks 6 & 8 in exchange for Roo best & fairest winner PETER BELL ... Richmond's MARK MERENDA has been taken by West Coast in exchange for draft pick 40 ... Hawthorn's RICHARD TAYLOR and MICHAEL COLLICA have been traded to West Coast ... MITCHELL WHITE (WCE) will become a Geelong player ...
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Mal Michael to Brisbane Lions
Collingwood's MAL MICHAEL will return home to Queensland with the Brisbane Lions in exchange for JARROD MOLLOY who shifts to Victoria Park ... also moving to the Magpies is Geelong's CARL STEINFORT in exchange for a draft pick ... RICKY OLARENSHAW will move again, this time back to the Kangaroos where he played in the 1992 Reserves premiership under Denis Pagan.
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Stone to front Tribunal on drug test
NICK STONE (West Coast) who was delivered an infraction notice on August 30 after testing positive for substances amphetamine and methamphetamine is scheduled to appear before the AFL Tribunal on October 4.
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Paul Williams to Sydney; Fraser Gehrig to St Kilda
In exchange for two draft picks, Collingwood's 190-game veteran PAUL WILLIAMS was traded to Sydney ... St Kilda concluded the deal for FRASER GEHRIG on Monday (11th) — West Coast will exchange Gehrig for DAVID SIERAKOWSKI and draft pick #18 — Gehrig will play for the Saints on a four-year deal reportedly worth $2 million ... NICK DAFFY will stay with Richmond after being touted as being axed — BEN HARRISON instead will be sacrificed and heads to the Bulldogs (his third club) in exchange for a draft pick ... JUSTIN MURPHY will head for his third AFL club after Carlton traded him to Geelong ... the Saints traded DARRYL WAKELIN to Port Adelaide in exchange for what will result in St Kilda having three picks of the first four picks at the October 29 draft.
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Round 22 ump votes clinched Brownlow
MIKE SHEAHAN noted in the Herald Sun, Melbourne's SHANE WOEWODIN won the Brownlow by two votes from SCOTT WEST of the Bulldogs. Woewodin's two votes came in the final round which broke the deadlock when both were on 22 votes. In the count for the Melbourne club best & fairest, the Demon voting panel of coach NEALE DANIHER and his assistants BRIAN ROYAL, CHRIS FAGAN and TODD VINEY and JIM STYNES voting as a pair in the 22nd round win against the Eagles in Perth cast their votes as — ADEM YZE with 36, JEFF WHITE and DANIEL WARD each with 30, STEPHEN POWELL 23, GUY RIGONI 15, CAMERON BRUCE 14 and DAVID NEITZ 7. Umpires of the day voted for the Brownlow, Yze three, Woewodin two, Powell one.
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Buckley's fifth Copeland
NATHAN BUCKLEY won his fifth Copeland Trophy with Collingwood this year — a record which he now shares with Magpie great LEN THOMPSON.
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Hawks to play Crows at York Park
Hawthorn will play a home game at Launceston's redeveloped York Park next season. GREG DENHAM reported in The Age, probably against Adelaide in the April meeting in round six. The match has been underwritten by the Tasmanian Government which should net the Hawks about $350,000. Hawthorn has agreed to play one home game in Launceston for the next three years. The $6.4 million upgrade of York Park is AFL specifications — the oval is several metres longer than the MCG and only two metres shorter on the wings.
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Heuskes and Burgoyne ordered to answer charges
ADAM HEUSKES who played with Sydney, Port Adelaide and Brisbane and Port Adelaide player PETER BURGOYNE on September 7 were represented by lawyers at Adelaide Magistrates Court when facing charges of rape and indecent assault to an alleged incident in Adelaide in the early hours of August 17. The men were ordered to answer the charges on November 17.

Stab Kicks ...

Changes at St Kilda
The appointment of MALCOLM BLIGHT as coach of St Kilda resulted in assistant coaches KEVIN MORRIS, ANDY COLLINS and PETER BANFIELD being told their "services were no longer required."
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Olympics return to MCG
After an absence of 44 years, the MCG welcomed back the Olympic Games on Wednesday September 13 when the Australia-Italy soccer game was staged to a crowd of 93,252. Matches that evening were also played at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, the Brisbane Cricket Ground and Canberra's Bruce Stadium.
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Nick Stone among delistings by Eagles
NICK STONE who is due to face the AFL Tribunal on October 4 on recreational drug charges was delisted by West Coast, together with BRANDON HILL, MICHAEL O'BRIEN and TODD HOLMES ... Fremantle cut five players from their list – MARK GALE, TRENT CARROLL, GARTH TAYLOR, MATTHEW CLUCAS and PAUL MAHER ... Port Adelaide have delisted five players – STEVE BROSNAN, PAUL EVANS, DANNY MORTON, DONALD DICKIE and STEPHEN DANIELS ...
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Homebush not ready for AFL until 2002
The Olympic Stadium at Homebush will not be ready for AFL football until at least 2002. Works costing $50 million following the XXVII Olympiad will reduce capacity from 110,00 to about 80,000. The stadium's managers notified the Australian Stock Exchange on September 13 they were in dispute with the AFL over the $5 million agreement to stage matches at the venue.
The AFL draw for 2001 has programmed 14 matches at the SCG.
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SACA consider challenge
The South Australian Cricket Association is considering a challenge through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on being denied the opportunity to have AFL matches played at Adelaide Oval.
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AIS draft camp starts September 20
The country's elite youngsters will enter the AFL draft camp at the Australian Institute of Sport on September 20. From the 16 clubs, 95 representatives are expected to watch the process when 109 hopefuls will be assessed on their athletic potential, personalities and character. The League have precluded player agents from attending the camp.
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Blues get Internet rights for games – to members
An out-of-court settlement on September 12 gave Carlton the right to show its matches on the Internet, but only to club members where the games are not shown live on free-to-air or pay TV.

Last March, Carlton in a Supreme Court writ claimed damages for trespass and breach of contract over the presence of Channel Seven cameras at Carlton on Labor Day March 13 this year when the Blues played Brisbane. Carlton accepted a $7500 payout from Channel Seven for trespass and there was no adverse finding against the station. Legal costs were understood to have reached $500,000.
Carlton has agreed to provide unrestricted access to the ground for all media approved by the AFL.

Stab Kicks ...

Record crowd at Homebush is 112,524
A record crowd for the Olympic Stadium at Homebush was established on Monday, September 25 when 112,524 were in attendance to see CATHY FREEMAN win the women's 400m final. Her feat recorded Australia's 100th gold medal in the modern Olympics.
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Kangas strike deal with Docklands
Of their 11 'home' matches next season, the Kangaroos will play five at Colonial Stadium. The management of the Docklands venue struck a deal with the Kangas who reportedly will reap $50,000 per game in advertising money. The remaining "home" games by the Kangas will see two in Sydney and two in Canberra.
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Jarman to go round again
DARREN JARMAN will play one more season, adding to his 210 League games since 1991 with the Crows and Hawthorn. The 33-year-old has signed a one-year contract ... TYSON EDWARDS and ANDREW ECCLES have also been re-signed by Adelaide ... WINSTON ABRAHAM who had sought to be traded back to Fremantle has decided to serve the remaining year of his contract with the Kangaroos ...
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Jonas to assist Blight
PETER JONAS a member of the staff who coached Central District to their first SANFL premiership will be assistant coach to MALCOLM BLIGHT at St Kilda. Though breaking through the 37-year drought and contracted to the SANFL Bulldogs for another year, Centrals will not stand in his way. Jonas was the Adelaide runner in Blight's 1997 premiership year. He played 82 games for North Melbourne in eight injury-plagued seasons (1981, 1983-88), twice breaking his leg.
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Coaching changes
GARRY LYON and TODD VINEY will not be part of the Melbourne's coaching panel next season ... retired Lion CRAIG LAMBERT will become an assistant coach at Brisbane, joining GARY O'DONNELL and SCOTT McIVOR under LEIGH MATTHEWS.
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Dogs to stay with the Bees
The Western Bulldogs ties with the VFL next season will align with only the Werribee club – Williamstown has been dumped by the Dogs ...
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McFooty is no more
After seven years "McFooty" is no more. In 1993, Footystats Diary recorded — "Saturday-Sunday, September 4-5 – The food-chain logo of McDonald's Family Restaurants – a golden 'M' – found its place in football, on the Tom Sherrin balls ..."
The "M" was bounced in the 1993 finals series and has been an AFL feature since then.

The Big M will no longer appear on AFL match balls as McDonald's maintains its sponsorship focus on "junior development, and grassroots sporting, cultural and environmental programs".

McDonald's have also concluded a similar arrangement with the NRL.
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Voss and Fletcher withdraw from Ireland squad
The International Rules squad to play two Tests in Ireland in October suffered its second withdrawal. Brisbane captain MICHAEL VOSS withdrew following the birth of twins to his wife Donna. Essendon's DUSTIN FLETCHER has also withdrawn for personal reasons. Replacements named are – LUKE POWER (Bri), BLAKE CARACELLA (Ess) and JUSTIN BLUMFIELD (Ess). The squad will freshen-up on the rule changes to the round-ball at a four-day camp to be conducted at Colonial Stadium on September 30. The Australian team, together with coach DERMOTT BRERETON and All-Australian umpire BRETT ALLEN leave for Ireland on October 4. Two Tests will be played against Ireland at Croke Park in Dublin on October 8 and 15.
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Magpies: Only four remain from 1997
Collingwood's website reveals how far the clean-out of players has extended over the past two seasons — only four players from their 1997 squad remain — Captain NATHAN BUCKLEY, defenders SCOTT BURNS and MARK RICHARDSON and forward ANTHONY ROCCA.

Last year 13 players were dumped, this year another 15 will depart.
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McKenna will assist Judge
The retired West Coast veteran GUY McKENNA will remain with the Eagles as an assistant coach to KEN JUDGE in 2001. McKenna had been sought by both Melbourne and the Kangaroos in a support role, but the loyalty factor proved too strong for him.
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St Kilda: Harvey replaces Burke; Don Hanley exits
Continuing the extensive changes at Moorabbin, ROBERT HARVEY will captain St Kilda next season. The dual Brownlow Medalist replaces NATHAN BURKE who led the Saints for the past five years. The 30-year-old Burke will play out the final two years of his contract.

St Kilda chief executive DON HANLY announced his departure on Monday (2nd) after six years in the post.
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Carlton re-sign Porter; Bradley undecided
The Blues are understood to have re-signed promising ruckman MARK PORTER for a further two years. CRAIG BRADLEY will make his decision to play on when he returns from the International Rules series in Ireland. Bradley who turns 37 on October 23 has played 333 games and is the second-longest serving to BRUCE DOULL's 356 matches.
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Rape charges dropped
South Australia's Director of Public Prosecutions dropped rape charges against a former AFL footballer and a current player. It was determined there was no reasonable prospect of conviction on any criminal charge.
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Fitzroy-Coburg link in doubt
The future of the Coburg-Fitzroy Lions looks bleak. Hopes have faded that the financially-strapped club could strike a deal with the Kangaroos. Without a deal, the Coburg-Fitzroy Lions' assets would be liquidated and the club's licence to play in the Victorian Football League competition rescinded.
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Farmer dumped from Ireland squad
Melbourne's JEFF FARMER failed to attend training sessions for the All-Australian squad and was axed from the team to play Ireland in Dublin. Essendon's CHRIS HEFFERNAN was named as the replacement. Farmer was known to be in Western Australia but could not be contacted.
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Cats back in the black
GEELONG have pulled themselves back from the brink of disaster and are expected to announce a profit of almost $100,000 at their AGM in December. Only 10 months ago, Geelong posted a loss of $1.1 million, owed Westpac $5.5 million and other creditors $2 million.

Through a combination of increased membership (21,000 to 26,000), new sponsors, fund raising, on-field success and shrewd management by chief executive BRIAN COOK has resulted in the spectacular improvement. The "Stand Up and Fight" fundraising unit alone brought in $350,000 through a series of money-making schemes.
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Byron Pickett pleads guilty to drunk-driving
Kangaroo player BYRON PICKETT pleaded guilty to speeding and drink-driving charges in Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on September 26. He was fined $1000 and his licence suspended for six months. Last November, Pickett was disqualified from driving in Victoria for 10 months following an accident in Melbourne.

OCTOBER 2000

Australia open in style
Less than 24 hours following their arrival in Dublin, the All-Australian’s squad played a trial on  Thursday afternoon (October 5th) at Parnell Park against a combined Dublin side.

A third-quarter blitz enabled the Aussies to record a comfortable win. ROHAN CONNOLLY noted for The Age: While the opposition contained only a handful of senior Dublin players, the rest enthusiastic youngsters, the Australians held their own not only physically but also worked hard to carry the ball into good scoring positions. Many of the visiting squad are growing rapidly in confidence as they become more sure with their kicking of the round ball, for the Australians still the most difficult skill to be learnt.

AUSTRALIA 2-18-14—80 (Caracella 11pts, Yze 11, West 9) best, West, Bradley, B.Johnson, DUBLIN 2-10-5—47 (V.Murphy 17, G.O’Connell 9) best, V.Murphy, B.Kelly, S.Ryan.
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Exhibition Match
Demons remain unbeaten
Melbourne defeated Adelaide in the annual exhibition match played at The Oval in London on Saturday, October 7. The match was played in drenching rain with only 4,500 attending.

The scrappy game did little more than provide a highlight for many homesick Australians. The Crows were goalless at half-time and though there was little excitement generated there was still a great atmosphere at the famous cricket ground.

The result maintained Melbourne's undefeated record in six overseas exhibition games since the UK concept began in the early 1980s.
MELBOURNE 5.10-40 (Robertson 2) best, Walsh, Brown, Beams, ADELAIDE 3.3-21, best, MCGregor, Stevens, Biglands.
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Internationl Rules
Late charge swamps Ireland
The All-Australian squad stormed home in the dying minutes to defeat Ireland 55-47 in the First Test played at Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday.

ROHAN CONNOLLY for The Age reported:
It seemed the home side might have had more than enough of a buffer early on, Ireland racking up four `"overs'' (worth three points) before Australia had scored, and important forward MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN carried off with concussion, TRENT CROAD almost conceding a disastrous own goal, and goalkeeper ANDREW KELLAWAY forced into a great save from Irish playmaker GRAHAM GERAGHTY when six points and perhaps an uncatchable lead beckoned.

The change in fortunes came, conceded Australian coach DERMOTT BRERETON, almost by accident. The small Irish forwards attempted to drag key defender JUSTIN LEPPITSCH up the ground, succeeding so well that when Leppitsch marked late in the second term, he was within kicking distance. A light bulb went on.

"ROBERT WALLS (selector) said he'd like him to stay up there, and with O'Loughlin going off, we looked back across their full-forward line and they were playing three small, so we thought 'why not','' Brereton said.

Leppitsch and Essendon's BLAKE CARACELLA, whose cool, precise kicking with the difficult round ball seemed merely a continuation of his seamless year with the Bombers, would end up sharing eight of Australia's crucial 14 three-pointers.

None was as spectacular as the sole goal scored by Geraghty, the result of a slick chain of passes between Irish stars LARRY REILLY, captain TREVOR GILES, and ending with a sublime little flick from the equally classy PETER CANAVAN, allowing Geraghty to punch the ball into the back of the net. But the increasingly regular supply of scoring chances wore down the Irish not long after that highlight, Aussie captain JAMES HIRD starting to exert a real influence, JASON AKERMANIS and DAMIEN HARDWICK full of spirit in defence, and WAYNE CAMPBELL and BRENT HARVEY the hard runners as the visitors made the very most of their eight-man interchange. Even KEVIN SHEEDY would have had trouble topping the 60-plus interchanges the Australians pulled, but the effectiveness of the mass rotations showed in the final-quarter, Australia finishing with five overs and six behinds as Ireland stopped to a walk, managing only a wasteful one over and four behinds.

Caracella, who scored three overs in the last quarter, gave Australia the lead for the first time with just eight minutes remaining. Harvey put through another over to give Australia a seven-point lead, and when Caracella ran down DERMOT EARLEY, who was dashing into goal, the game was up.

It was Australia's first victory since the hybrid game was revived in 1998 and sets up the prospect of as many as 60,000 attending the Second Test on Sunday October 15 at Croke Park.

The modified game embraces a mix of Australian Football (AFL) and Gaelic football (GAA) — a goal in the net is worth six points, an over between the main goal posts is worth three points and a behind is worth one point.
AUSTRALIA 0-14-13—55 (Leppitsch 17pts, Caracella 14) best, Leppitsch, Caracella, Akermanis, IRELAND 1-11-8—47 (G.Geraghty 14, D.Earley 7) best, Cullen, Lockhart, Gehaghty.

STAB KICKS …

Watson back on Seven
TIM WATSON returned to TV, signing back on with the Seven Network on October 6. Watson joins PETER MITCHELL on Melbourne's weekend news, while JIM WILSON will move to the weekday sports desk replacing SANDY ROBERTS.
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1940 Brownlow passed in at auction
The 1940 Brownlow Medal won by South Melbourne's HERBIE MATTHEWS was passed in at Christie's auction of sporting memorabilia in Melbourne on October 4. Despite more than $1 million being outlayed on sporting treasures including boxing trophies of Lionel Rose, cricket bats of Sir Garfield Sobers and a 1924 Olympic Medal won by jumper NICK WINTER, bidding for the football icon stopped at $28,000, well below the pre-auction estimate of $40,000 to $60,000.
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Dogs reach agreement at Docklands; St Kilda close ...
The Western Bulldogs reached agreement with Colonial Stadium management on financial compensation where several matches at the new venue were affected by operational problems. St Kilda are also close to being satisfied on the same matter.
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No footy at Homebush in 2001
The Olympic venue at Homebush will be without either the AFL or NRL next season. The Canterbury rugby league team have opted to play at the adjacent 22,000-capacity Showground for four years before moving to their proposed complex at Liverpool in 2005. Reconfiguration to remove the north and south grandstands at Homebush will take all of 2001 – the $68 million project will have yet to be determined capacity of between 65 and 90,000

Some 43,000 volunteers may see an AFL match next year. In post-Games spirit, the Sydney FC announced they would give every Olympic volunteer two tickets to a 2001 Swans home game.
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Lindsay Fox gives old teammates a trip
Millionaire trucking magnate LINDSAY FOX is about to enjoy the ultimate footy trip with most of the side he played with more than 40 years ago. Mr Fox recently looked at a colour photograph of the 1959 St Kilda FC and noted five of the clan had passed on. On October 27, 16 former players and a couple of friends will depart Melbourne to be guests of Lindsay Fox to stay at the luxurious Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki. He was quoted by the Herald Sun: "I thought time was getting on and maybe it was time to do something about it." The generous gesture for flights and accommodation is likely to cost $75,000.
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Carlton re-sign their stars
CARLTON have re-signed ANDREW McKAY, MATTHEW ALLEN, MARK PORTER and SCOTT FREEBORN while CRAIG BRADLEY, DARREN HULME and ANTHONY FRANCHINA are near to penning a deal. The Blues insist that FRASER BROWN has not been delisted and is expected to resume training on November 20 ...

They said it ...
AFL.com.au, Monday, October 16
DUBLIN: Australian and Irish officials have agreed to continue the International Rules football series between the two countries for at least another five years.
The game, a hybrid form of Australian and Gaelic football, was revived in 1998 after an eight-year hiatus, with both nations agreeing to the annual series until at least 2001.
But, following the unquestionable success of the game, the series will continue until 2005.
The AFL and GAA decided to stick with a two-Test series, held at the end of each countries' season in October.
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PATRICK SMITH, The Australian, Tuesday, October 17 – AUSTRALIA have wrapped up the International Rules series against Ireland 2-0 and that is wonderful. More than 57,000 people turned up to watch Sunday's match at Croke Park in Dublin and barracked raucously. Wonderful, too.
Australian captain James Hird said afterwards that he was proud to represent his country and that his team-mates had worked assiduously over the past fortnight to ensure that Australia would return triumphant. They deserve our heartiest congratulations. They were quite brilliant.
Right on the end of the first quarter of Sunday's game, Australia's Jason Akermanis stood toe-to-toe with his Irish opponent Peter Canavan and traded blows. A conservative estimate has Akermanis throwing a minimum of seven left hooks. Both players were sent off. That was disgraceful and shameful.
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ROHAN CONNOLLY, The Age, Tuesday, October 17
Australia's emphatic win in the international rules series against Ireland on Sunday, its first for 13 years, may have created a monster. The question now is can the Irish catch up in a code in which they appear to have been left behind.

The touring AFL team's 17-point defeat of Ireland at Croke Park was a tribute to the way the Australian players have come to grips with the difficulties of the round ball and the strategies peculiar to Gaelic football, upon which international rules is based.

But the Australians' improvement in the natural skills of the game has also magnified their considerable edge over the Irish in terms of fitness and strength. And the 2-0 win has raised serious doubts about whether the amateur Gaelic Athletic Association players and clubs can now make up the ground.
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DERMOTT BRERETON, The Australian, Tuesday, October 17
"They are amateurs by their status in that they don't get paid a wage," Brereton said, describing Ireland as semi-professional, or as players were in the then-Victorian Football League in the mid-80s.
"The defeat will be good for them to realise that professionally their fitness levels will have to be better."
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Stab Kicks ...

Willy and Collingwood combine
VFL club WILLIAMSTOWN who are now affiliated with Collingwood will retain its blue and gold strip but will play in Pie colours in some feature matches ...
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AFL makes no call on Madam Fleiss
A Sydney-based callgirl agency which has escorts available at $1500 an hour, has been denied sponsorship of AFL clubs. The Madam Fleiss agency were offering $300,000 per year.
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Swans re-sign veterans
ALEX BROWN in Sydney's Sun Herald reported: the Swans have re-signed veterans STUART MAXFIELD and TROY LUFF to two and one-year contracts respectively. Veteran DALE LEWIS and the promising SIMON FEAST have also re-signed while Fitzroy and Sydney champion PAUL ROOS of 356 matches has been appointed a full-time assistant coach. Paul joins GEORGE STONE and STEVE MALAXOS on the Swans' coaching staff under RODNEY EADE.
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Dogs and Demons revive Irish experiment
=Melbourne and the Bulldogs will revive the Irish experiment in the most meaningful way, reported STEPHEN RIELLY in The Age. The Demons will sign the 18-year old Dubliner KEVIN DEVINE while the Dogs have their eyes set on an un-named 190cm talent who will be listed as an international rookie before the pre-season draft in December.
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Fred Campbell returns to the Alice
FRED CAMPBELL the 20-year old who played 12 AFL games with Sydney (5 in 1999) then St Kilda (7 in 2000) has quit the Saints and returned to life in Alice Springs.
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Bits 'n pieces
SHAUN REHN will continue to wear the No.52 guernsey with his new club Hawthorn ... under the father-son rule, Collingwood have claimed the 18-year-old JASON CLOKE (son of David), taking him with their second round selection at No.19 overall in the draft ... Hawthorn similarly will grab STEVEN GREENE (son of Russell) at selection No.28 ... Brisbane have drafted 17-year-old former Nudgee College student and All-Australian ruckman JAMIE CHARMAN on a Queensland recruiting priority — the Lions have four remaining draft picks at No.13, 22, 29 and 59 ... an imminent announcement is expected from Punt Road that WAYNE CAMPBELL will succeed MATTHEW KNIGHTS as captain of Richmond ... former Melbourne player KELLY O'DONNELL (80 games, 1979-84) is a new assistant coach at Fremantle. Kelly who has been coaching the Murray Bushrangers for the past eight years will join CHRIS WATERMAN and TERRY BRIGHT under DAMIAN DRUM ... Melbourne is the only club still to settle its coaching staff for 2001 — interviews for Demon assistants include former Essendon and Brisbane player PETER BANFIELD and former Collingwood defender ALLAN RICHARDSON ...
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Get a seat at Subi – for 75 years
The West Coast Eagles are offering seats at Subiaco Oval – for 75 years. Members under a $795 investment plan can reserve a seat until 2075. Normal annual membership and seating fees will still apply — as reported in The Sunday Times, October 22.
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Book launch: "Second-chance winners"
Essendon supercoach KEVIN SHEEDY has collaborated with HARRY ('The Big H') BEITZEL to produce a motivational book titled "Second-Chance Winners". The book which took three years to develop was launched in Melbourne on October 23 when media personality SAM NEWMAN and AFL commissioner GRAEME JOHN spoke.
The book serves as a return to the public spotlight by Beitzel, well-known for his broadcasting work as a commentator with 3KZ and 3AW, as publisher of "Footy Week" and generating the touring Galahs which took our code into the arena of International Rules in 1967. Harry Beitzel at 21 in 1948 was then the youngest man to umpire a League match.
AAP noted Beitzel served eight months of an 18-month term after pleading guilty to one count of obtaining a financial advantage by deception. He served his term in 1994-95.
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Tribunal to meet on Irish charges
The Age reported: Brisbane's JASON AKERMANIS will face a specially convened Tribunal in the next fortnight to face charges arising from the Second Test against Ireland at Croke Park on October 15. If Akermanis and Ireland's PETER CANAVAN are found guilty by the AFL and Ireland's governing body the GAA they will be automatically suspended for one Test match. Both players were sent off in the Second Test following an exchange of punches at the end of the first quarter. A telephone hook-up with the GAA will occur on the return to Australia of umpire BRETT ALLEN.
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They said it ...
MARK RUSSELL, The Advertiser, October 21 — The AFL is threatening to take legal action against Internet website owners running footy tipping competitions.

In a letter sent to Internet companies this week, the AFL's legal services manager, Andrew Dillon, warned about unauthorised use of the AFL's intellectual property rights.

''The AFL invests substantial time, money, skill and effort in creating the AFL fixture each year,'' Mr Dillon said in the letter.

''As a result, copyright subsists with the AFL in the AFL fixture and the AFL holds all rights over the reproduction of the AFL fixture in whole or in part.''

He said companies could not list fixtures without the written consent of the AFL. Unauthorised use would lead to legal action.

An AFL spokesman said the organisation had no concerns about an office or local pub running a footy tipping competition. But the AFL did have a problem with Internet companies using fixtures for commercial gain.

They said it ...
MIKE SHEAHAN, Herald Sun, Monday October 30 — More than 1700 footballers, untried or discarded by AFL clubs, aged between 17 and high-20s, were up for grabs yesterday. Fewer than 80 were claimed.
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WAYNE CAMPBELL on his appointment as captain of Richmond — "Just before I went overseas to Ireland I watched a video called The Tigers of Old and that stirred the spirit. There was a lot of Jack Dyer, KB, Tom Hafey, these sorts of people ... and to be hopefully remembered in six years', seven years' time or 50 years' time in the same light as what they have been would certainly be an honour".
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PATRICK SMITH, The Australian, October 31 — When Essendon were fined more than $250,000 last year for salary payment breaches, Carlton president John Elliott called them cheats. He shouldn't have done that. Silly man.

Elliott also demanded that since Essendon's fiddling with the books included 1993 — the year the Bombers beat Carlton for the AFL premiership — Essendon should hand that premiership over to Carlton. Elliott shouldn't have said that either. Silly, silly man.

Today the AFL will announce that Carlton have been fined more than $100,000 for breaches of the total player payment rules in 1998. Part of the penalty also provides for Carlton to be fined again and lose draft picks if they re-offend. So far their dealings for 1999 and 2000 have passed AFL scrutiny.
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Stab Kicks ...

Everitt arrested at Phillip Island
PETER EVERITT, the 26-year-old 147-game veteran and a candidate for the St Kilda captaincy had another charge added to his sheet of indiscretions when police arrested him among the 56 race-goers charged with alcohol-related incidents after the Australian motorcycle grand prix held at Phillip Island on Sunday (29th). He was charged with discharging a missile and being drunk in a public place. Everitt is expected to plead not guilty when he appears in Korumburra Magistrates' Court to answer the charges on December 21.
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Power to play Buffaloes in Darwin
PORT ADELAIDE will play the Northern Territory Buffaloes in an Australia Day match at Marrara's Football Park in Darwin on January 26. Port will also conduct clinics in Darwin and outlying communities on days before and after the match.
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Taggers will targeted
At their annual post-draft meeting with the AFL on Sunday, coaches were warned the AFL will clamp down next season on illegal tactics employed by taggers. GREG DENHAM reported in The Age: AFL football operations manager ANDREW DEMETRIOU told coaches that umpires would be harsher on players who hang on to opponents or use illegal blocking tactics.

NOVEMBER 2000

Stab Kicks ...

Central Highland FL players convicted
The Ballarat Courier reported Friday (3rd) that three players of the Hepburn club had been convicted from incidents which occurred during a Central Highlands FL match against Dunnstown in central Victoria on April 15.

Ballarat magistrate ROWAN McINDOE sentenced Hepburn's on-field leader MATTHEW DAVID BROWN to four months jail over an attack of "naked brutality" on Dunnstown player JARROD BICKLEY. Teammates of Brown, DARREN HARRIS and SHANE COLLINS were each fined $1500 for their part which involved more than 40 first and reserve grade players and spectators. Brown appealed the sentence and was allowed bail.
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Brisbane Lions to extend Matthews' contract
MIKE SHEAHAN reported in the Herald Sun on Friday (3rd) that LEIGH MATTHEWS will sign for an extra two years as coach of Brisbane. Matthews in 2001 will have the assistance of full-timers GARY O'DONNELL, CRAIG LAMBERT, SCOTT McIVOR, while CRAIG BRITTAIN will coach the Lion Cubs in the QAFL.
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Eagles discover a late bloomer
A powerful forward from East Perth may be a late bloomer for West Coast. The Eagles, seeking a key position replacement for the departed MITCHELL WHITE and FRASER GEHRIG invited the 28-year-old TROY WILSON to train with them – he turns 29 in January and has performed consistently with the Royals at WAFL level. Wilson has joined the Hawthorn pair MICHAEL COLLICA and RICHARD TAYLOR, former Dockers GREG HARDING and TRENT CARROLL for the pre-season. Others from the WAFL to try out are ZAC BECK (East Perth), ANTHONY BEATTIE (Subiaco), STEVEN DEWAR (South Fremantle), DEAN BUSZAN (Peel Thunder) and the East Fremantle duo KRIS MILLER and ANDREW McCARREY.
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Swans back training at the SCG
Collingwood veteran of 189 games PAUL WILLIAMS is training well with Sydney, but the Swans are cock-a-hoop how well skipper PAUL KELLY is enjoying his first injury-free pre-season for three years. After being denied use of the SCG for the past 20 years because of cricket, the Swans now have their own summer training ground in parkland just outside the SCG across Driver Avenue.

The Sydney newsletter reports: Vice-captain ANDREW DUNKLEY spent quite a bit of time of the surgeon's table after the season, undergoing ankle, shoulder and hand operations — the good news he will be doing modified weights and ball-work for the next couple of weeks.
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Bits 'n pieces
** MARK RICCIUTO takes over the captaincy of the Adelaide Crows from MARK BICKLEY who has stepped aside ... ** following a brief dalliance with Tasmania, ST KILDA will field its own side in the 16-club VFL, joining three other stand-alone's Carlton, Essendon and Geelong ... ** alignment with RICHMOND will create the "Coburg Tigers" in the VFL next season – playing home games at Coburg, Punt Road and occasionally at the MCG the team will wear the Richmond guernsey when it plays AFL clubs, and use the Coburg jumper when it meets old VFA sides ... ** in rugby league, one out, one in – SOUTH SYDNEY failed in its legal bid to be reinstated to the NRL on the same day the MELBOURNE STORM announced they will play a minimum of 13 games at Colonial Stadium in 2001, three Monday night, two Friday night and five Sunday afternoon games. The Docklands venue will host 43 AFL games, six Ansett Cup matches, 13 rugby league games and a rugby union Test when Australia play England on Saturday night July 7 ...
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Telstra striving for Internet
Details of Telstra's bid to develop exclusive Internet coverage of the AFL competition were provided to League club CEO's on Friday (3rd). The presentation was made by BEN BUCKLEY, the AFL's gm of commercial operations. The deal requires the approval of at least 12 of the 16 member clubs and may require side deals to be completed with other participants in the field.

Sportsview whose investors include STEVE VIZARD and EDDIE McGUIRE hold 10-year deals for the Internet sites of Carlton, Collingwood, Hawthorn and the Bulldogs, while *Multimedia.com* a 23% shareholder of Sportsview manage sites for Melbourne and Richmond.

Parkin returns to Glenferrie
DAVID PARKIN has returned home to Glenferrie Oval when he will be director of football for the next three years. He will be responsible for developing player facilities and player welfare for the club.

The 58-year-old Parkin after 10 years with Carlton will start his new position at the beginning of December. David played 211 games with Hawthorn (1961-74), leading the Hawks 1969 to 1973 including the premiership win of 1971.
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Bombers switch to Orange
Reigning premier ESSENDON kicked off their pre-season training schedule on Monday (13th) with the announcement of one of the biggest sporting sponsorship deals — a three-year deal with telecommunications giant ORANGE worth an estimated $4 million.

The Bombers are poised to announce a profit from their premiership season of at least $1.2 million.

The sponsorship by Orange will not include alteration to the Essendon guernsey.
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Stab Kicks ...

SANFL bans swearing, alcohol and smoking
The Herald Sun reported Tuesday (14th) — Swearing will be banned in so-called safe havens at South Australia football grounds.

SANFL clubs will set aside areas where swearing, alcohol and smoking will be banned in a bid to keep families attending matches next year.
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** CHRIS GRANT has been appointed captain of the WESTERN BULLDOGS. Grant replaces SCOTT WYND — SCOTT WEST will be vice-captain, BRAD JOHNSON the deputy ... ** discarded Geelong forward PAUL LYNCH has been invited to complete the pre-season with COLLINGWOOD ... ** RIC CHARLESWORTH, the legendary Hockeyroos coach has joined the Fremantle football department — a desire to stay in Perth and close friendship with Freo CEO DAVID HATT were reasons given for him joining the Dockers ...
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Norm Dare to assistant coach at Geelong
NORM DARE, assistant coach with the Kangaroos for the past five years has been appointed as assistant to MARK THOMPSON at Geelong. Dare played 72 games with Fitzroy (1968-74 & 1977) and also coached Brisbane in 1990.
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Extra time for Crawford to refresh
Hawthorn have given their captain SHANE CRAWFORD an extra six weeks off to mentally freshen up for next season — the 1999 Brownlow Medalist will spend most of his time overseas.
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Tribunal postponed
Due to the heavy rains experienced in the UK, a joint hearing scheduled for November 8 between the Gaelic Athletic Association and the AFL was postponed by a week. The hearing is to hear the charges of the incident which occurred between Ireland's PETER CANAVAN and Brisbane player JASON AKERMANIS during the Second Test played in Dublin on October 15.
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Report: AFL TV rights $100 million; rugby league $13 million
Reports that the AFL TV rights bid by Nine and Foxtel put the worth at upwards of $100 million a year for five years bear comparison — a ball-park figure for rugby league telecast rights per season is about $13 million.

Changes at Seven
In: Walls, Out: Dunstall
Amid the speculation of who will gain the telecast rights starting in 2001, the Seven Network still have one AFL season to run on its current contract.

To maintain their leadership, the Seven Network have inked ROBERT WALLS to a one-year deal. The former coach of Fitzroy, Carlton, Brisbane and Richmond will leave Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show to join BRUCE McAVANEY and DERMOTT BRERETON on Seven's Friday Night Football. The 259-game veteran player with Carlton (1967-78) and Fitzroy (1978-80) will also be part of Seven's Sunday morning football panel.

CAROLINE WILSON reported on November 18: Walls' media career has continued to climb since he joined The Age as a columnist four years ago and said he would continue his special commentary role on 3AW.

JASON DUNSTALL's departure from Friday Night Football is his second blow since the end of the 2000 season. He recently learnt that he had been dumped from The Game and his contract with Seven expires before the start of season 2001.
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Stab Kicks ...

WAFL's Peel Thunder under threat
The Mandurah-based PEEL THUNDER club is under threat. KIM HAGDORN reported in The Sunday Times on November 19, it is believed a meeting of club president's will call for Peel's instant dismissal after four turbulent years in existence, in which it has won just six of 78 games.
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John Cahill: another court action
Port Adelaide legend JOHN CAHILL is suing for unspecified damages after an August 7, 1996 car accident left him depressed and with ongoing physical and psychological problems. PAUL KERMODE in the Sunday Mail on November 19 reported: the 60-year-old Cahill was consulting psychological and psychiatric specialists while coaching the fledgling AFL team. Cahill is seeking damages for past and future economic loss, medical expenses, legal costs and interest. The claim is set for trial on December 11.
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Stefan Carey retires
STEFAN CAREY announced his retirement from AFL football. Brisbane will delist the former Pennant Hills and Sydney player before the December 19 pre-season draft — Carey played 45 games with Sydney (1996-99) and just three for the Lions in 2000 ...
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International Rules tribunal
Brisbane utility JASON AKERMANIS received a two-match suspension while his Irish opponent PETER CANAVAN was ruled out for one game at the specially convened telephone hook-up involving GAA and AFL officials on November 14. Charges arose when the two players traded punches late in the first quarter of the Second Test in Dublin on October 15. It was the first suspension for Akermanis after seven years of AFL, while Canavan had never been sent off in 15 years of senior Gaelic football.

Stab Kicks ...

Bits 'n pieces
** PAUL HUDSON and JOSE ROMERO have agreed to one-year deals with the Bulldogs, leaving only TONY LIBERATORE at the club without a contract ...  ** former Essendon and Sydney player RYAN O'CONNOR is training with the Kangaroos, together with Geelong's PAUL LINDSAY ... ** JIM PLUNKETT (WB) and CRAIG JACOTINE (Col) are doing pre-season with Carlton ... ** the under-utilised former Collingwood player SHANE WATSON at 26, is training by invitation at Windy Hill ... ** a notable absentee when Carlton commenced pre-season training on Monday (20th) was ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES who has sought acupuncture to his troublesome right knee which was first operated on in early September – MICHAEL STEVENS reported Tuesday in the Herald Sun: It is understood Koutoufides required further surgery in October to remove tissue that was causing inflammation to the knee. The Blues' top playmaker previously had fluid drained from the knee at least twice ... ** also missing on Monday were STEPHEN SILVAGNI who is holidaying at Noosa and CRAIG BRADLEY who still has not completed negotiations ...
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Jim Watts leaves St Kilda
JIM WATTS, the successful businessman and caretaker CEO since DON HANLEY departed six weeks ago is St Kilda's new chief executive.
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Settlement reached over Waverley catering
A confidential settlement was reached between the AFL and AVS Catering. AVS in the Supreme Court had sought redress of $7 million compensation over lost catering rights following the closure of Waverley Park. AVS md JONATHAN TRIBE was quoted: "Both parties are committed to the success of AFL football at Colonial Stadium and we anticipate a long partnership."
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John Elliott loses driving licence
Carlton president JOHN ELLIOTT lost his driving licence for two years on Monday (20th) after being convicted of a drink driving charge. Mr Elliott had pleaded guilty to refusing to remain at a breath test station for a breath test. He was found to have alcohol in his blood when pulled over on Royal Parade about 8.30pm on Saturday, June 17. Mr Elliott was also fined $500 and ordered to pay $35 costs.

Ansett Australia Cup
Rules to be trialled in 2001
A faster, more efficient blood rule and a larger circle for centre bounces will be among rules to be trialled when the Ansett Cup series gets under way on February 16.

> In an attempt to remove jostling at centre bounces and prevent knee injuries among ruckmen, the centre circle will be larger, the centre line will be removed, thus allowing ruckmen to contest the bounce from any angle.

> When a player with blood on his uniform or his body is detected he will no longer have to depart through the interchange gate but will leave the field by crossing the nearest boundary line and his replacement can then go on immediately.
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STAB KICKS …

Bits 'n pieces
** ALAN RICHARDSON has been appointed coach of Richmond's VFL offshoot COBURG. The former Collingwood defender (114 games, 1987-96) who is now 35, coached his club of origin East Burwood, to the last two premierships in the Eastern Football League ... ** COLLINGWOOD and WILLIAMSTOWN players enjoyed a seaside bonding session on Saturday (25th) – the Magpies have embraced the Seagulls as their VFL partner ... ** LEE WALKER has started a skills role with the FREMANTLE Dockers – the 27-year old ruckman had his career destroyed with four knee reconstructions and was restricted to just 16 games with Collingwood, 7 in 95, 8 in 96 and one in 1997. Lee will also be the off-field eye for player welfare ... ** XAVIER TANNER, North Melbourne's centreman in the 1977 Premiership win will take up coaching the Under 18 MURRAY BUSHRANGERS – Xavier replaces KELLY O'DONNELL who has moved to the Fremantle Dockers coaching panel under DAMIAN DRUM ...
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Wanganeen yields captaincy to Primus
GAVIN WANGANEEN has relinquished the Port Adelaide captaincy and following tradition the No.1 guernsey to MATTHEW PRIMUS. Gavin has been allocated the famous No.4 which he wore with Essendon in 127 games (1991-96). Wanganeen won the 1993 Brownlow Medal with the Bombers before returning to his club of origin Port Adelaide as captain in their AFL debut season in 1997.
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Bits 'n pieces
** TRAVIS JOHNSTONE has signed a two-year deal with MELBOURNE where he has played 42 matches (1998-2000) ... ** former high-profile Aboriginal footballers will become mentors to young indigenous players, possibly in time for the 2001 season, under a scheme adopted by the AFL Players Association ... ** Collingwood FC president EDDIE McGUIRE confirmed the Magpies had acted on complaints on how captain NATHAN BUCKLEY had spoken to some teammates during matches — Buckley is expected to be saying less in the new season and will join other players in work to improve leadership skills ... ** Infusion of a further $350,000 from JOE GUTNICK has completed his 1996 pledge to give $3 million to the MELBOURNE club. The Age reported the Demons president saying: "I haven't committed for next year, but I will consider it once the year continues. But it is important that Melbourne stands on its own feet. Three million dollars is a very hefty contribution to a club, but I will always be there for Melbourne."
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Groin surgery for Scott Cummings
SCOTT CUMMINGS had further surgery in Perth on Saturday (25th) for a groin injury which ended his 2000 campaign for West Coast in July after kicking 47 goals in 13 games. The 26-year-old Cummings suffered an accident at training last week and went under what club officials reported as a "precautionary procedure". Cummings is unlikely to resume training until January.
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Ex-players sought as umpires
AFL umpires chief JEFF GIESCHEN is hopeful of attracting the recently retired MATTHEW DENT and MARK FRASER to umpiring ranks. While not confirming who, Gieschen was quoted: "I can say that our talks have been very promising."
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Cats seek live TV against gate
GEELONG are aiming for live TV games against the gate next season – the Cats are understood to have asked Channel 7 that three Sunday matches drawn at Kardinia Park, Round 1 v West Coast, R5 v Port Adelaide and R21 v Brisbane be given live to air cover.
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Tingay appears in Sydney
Melbourne discard STEPHEN TINGAY who only weeks ago was mooted to be doing a pre-season at Punt Road instead, has turned up in Sydney and is training with the Swans — a persistent hip injury restricted him to only nine games with the Demons in the past two seasons.
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Bulldogs to play Gaelic rules against Storm
Dockland co-tenants the WESTERN BULLDOGS are booked to play Gaelic football against rugby league club MELBOURNE STORM at Colonial in mid-January – "Crackers" KEENAN is assisting the Storm on the finer points of the Irish code ...
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Hawks hold family day at York Park
HAWTHORN held a family day at York Park in Launceston on Sunday (26th) as part of a weekend in Tasmania which included a sports night on Friday at the Vista Hotel in Hobart and a family fun day on Saturday at John Turnbull Park, Lenah Valley.
Hoping to build on the 1200 members gathered from Tasmania in 2000, the Hawks will play an Ansett Cup game against Richmond at York Park on Sunday February 18 and will meet Adelaide there for premiership points on Sunday May 6.
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ASIC sues John Elliott
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is suing businessman JOHN ELLIOTT and two other directors (WILLIAM HARRISON and BERNARD PLYMIN) of companies running the Waterwheel mill at Bridgewater in central Victoria. The civil action is due to be heard in the Supreme Court on December 15.
ASIC alleges they let the companies incur debts after becoming insolvent, and is seeking up to $5 million compensation on behalf of secured creditors and each director to be fined up to $400,000. The Herald Sun on November 28 reported: Mr Elliott in a brief official statement, Mr Elliott blasted court action as "unwarranted, unfounded and gratuitous".
Mr Elliott has been a director of the Carlton FC and its president since October 1983.
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AFL extends NZ development
The AFL has budgeted a further $450,000 to the development of the code in New Zealand. A League press release detailed that since November 1997 New Zealand AFL Inc. has delivered a junior development program, the highlights of which were:
> Over 17,000 children participated in the program from 70 schools in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland in the past three years.
> 502 coaches completed the Level 0 accreditation course and 70 the Level 1 course.
> 66 umpires completed the Level 0 course and 15 the Level 1.
> Live AFL games gaining strong viewership on Prime TV and Sky.

NZ AFL general manager since November 1997, WILL McKENZIE is shifting to Melbourne, and a replacement structure for the General Manager's position will be announced shortly.

Mark Fraser turns to umpiring
AFL Director of Umpiring JEFF GIESCHEN on November 30 confirmed that former Collingwood and Essendon player MARK FRASER will move to umpiring.

The 29-year-old Fraser who played 110 League games (1992-2000) will move through the ranks. The most recent AFL player to take up the whistle was STEPHEN RAE. After his 75 games for Richmond and St Kilda between 1969 and 1973, Rae gained his most senior appointment with the Under 19s.

In the early history of the League many retired players graduated to umpiring ranks. LARDIE TULLOCH during his span of 130 League matches with Collingwood (1897-1904) also captained the Magpies to their premierships of 1902-03. He umpired 65 VFL matches between 1905-11 and was the central umpire in the 1907 Grand Final.

Another Collingwood player to follow was ALEX MUTCH who in his 144 matches with Collingwood (1911-21) was a member of two Pie premierships in 1917 and 1919. Mutch then umpired and enjoyed a swift elevation when in only his ninth game with the whistle controlled the 1923 Grand Final between Essendon and Fitzroy. Alex Mutch went on to umpire 47 League games as the man in the middle.

Another early notable who made the transition was LES LEEDS. He played 27 games for Carlton in 1903-04-05. In 1904 he retired and actually umpired one League match before being recalled by the Blues. He returned and played with Carlton in their 1904 Grand Final loss to Fitzroy.

DECEMBER 2000

Financial forecasts
Financial figures from season 2000 continue to be tabled by AFL clubs. Expectations and the latest updates –

ADELAIDE
<> The Crows profited by $1,439,976 on season 2000. The distribution of 80% of the profit to SANFL clubs amounting to $1,099,265 brings Adelaide's 10-year contribution to the SANFL to $11,043,228. Gross revenue for the season was $13,408,230 (down from $15,772,102 in 1999). Club merchandise sales reflected poor on-field results falling from $1,123,098 in 1999 to $665,808 this year. On Thursday (14th) BOB CAMPBELL was appointed chairman of Adelaide FC as BOB HAMMOND's successor. Hammond together with Campbell and CEO BILL SANDERS were awarded life memberships. Inaugural players of the club since 1991, BEN HART and SHAUN REHN were also made life members.

CARLTON
<> The Blues are expected to announce a modest profit of $120,000. Legal fees of some $200,000 have bitten into the operation. The separate Carlton Social Club profited by $650,000. No challenges will mean the board will be re-elected unopposed.

COLLINGWOOD
<> COLLINGWOOD, who finished 15th on the ladder still managed to turn their figures around from the 1999 loss of $1.261 million to a profit of $103,991. Marketing revenue was up by almost $1 million, while gate receipts gained a $150,000 boost, however running the football department increased by $1.3 million this year. The AGM is on December 14. In the Annual Report, president EDDIE McGUIRE stated the Magpies will have a designated social club with 18,000 seats in the new northern stand development at the MCG.

48-year-old NICK THOEDOSSI, a prestige car dealer and 17 year member of Collingwood who was an assistant to former coach TONY SHAW together with RICK SCIESSERE, a civil engineer and PAUL MURPHY, a finance consultant will run for positions on the CFC board at the December 14 election — three board members seeking re-election are, BRAD COOPER, ALEX WAISLITZ and JACK KENNEDY.

ESSENDON
<> Premiers ESSENDON on an income of $20 million will profit $1.6 million with an estimated $1 million worth of merchandise sold since the September 2 win over Melbourne. The Bombers enjoy the highest membership in Victoria, a rise of 15 per cent took them to 34,278 members. The anticipated profit is believed to be a record for a Victorian AFL club. No elections are required, five directors of the 10-man board will be returned unopposed — Pat Legget, Brad Teal, Neville Gay, Alec Epis and Ben Dunn. The AGM is on December 21.

GEELONG
<> GEELONG following their $913,000 loss in 1999 are poised to announce a profit of about $77,000. This is a staggering turnaround in a time when debt of $6 million has been halved. The Cats also had a 21 per cent growth in membership and raised $400,000 through the Stand Up and Fight campaign. The AGM is on December 19.

HAWTHORN
<> HAWTHORN will record a $501,000 profit for the 2000 season. The club had originally hoped for a profit close to $1 million. Social club and membership suffered downturns by the move from Waverley to the MCG but was overwritten by an undisclosed compensation payment from the AFL. A confidentially agreement prevents disclosure of the AFL payment. Hawthorn profited by $720,000 in their last year at Waverley Park in 1999.

MELBOURNE
<> The MELBOURNE Football Club recorded a 17 per cent increase of revenue to $14.2 million to return a moderate profit of $105,539. Football costs increased, however the $1.6 turnaround from the crippling loss of $1.494m in 1999 is an achievement. In spite of their runner-up season, the Demons' membership of 18,000 remains a concern, ahead of only the Bulldogs and the Saints. Major sponsors LG and Tooheys have each signed for another three years.

KANGAROOS
<> The Kangaroos are expecting a loss of about $600,000 — cash flow problems have caused the Roos to miss a deadline to finalise player match payments of up to $110,000 by the end of November. Low returns from gate revenue are chiefly to blame for the losses even though the AFL contributed $850,000 covering the club's involvement in Sydney. In the new gates-receipts agreement which started in 2000, home clubs keep all gate revenue, but also have to pay any losses. The AGM will be held in February.

PORT ADELAIDE
<> The League have granted relief to Port Adelaide — $1.6 million remains of the $4 million entry fee and the remaining two payments will now be spread over the next five years. Port's figures are still to be tabled but are likely to dip sharply following their disappointing 2000 season – winning only one of the first 12 matches cut deeply into gate receipts at Football Park. Last year Port's AFL operations profited by over $300,000.

RICHMOND
<> RICHMOND while yet to announce its final result is expecting a substantial loss of about $500,000. The Tigers suffered declines in membership (30,000 to 27,000), gate receipts and heavy spending which saw $1.5 million being spent on football operations. Unexpected injury payments also contributed to the loss.

ST KILDA
<> The Saints mirrored their disappointing season with a drop in profit from a surplus of $130,000 in 1999 to a profit of $45,229 for the period ending October 31. Membership dipped to 17,800 but the Saints are committed to make Colonial Stadium work for it. New CEO JIM WATTS praised the previous administration led by president ANDREW PLYMPTON and the recently depart chief executive DON HANLY. The board has voted outgoing president ANDREW PLYMPTON with life membership. The AGM will be held at Moorabbin Town Hall on December 20.

WEST COAST
<> An early prediction forecasts the Eagles will profit near to $4 million for the season — SCOT PALMER, Herald Sun, Punchlines, December 3 ...

WESTERN BULLDOGS
<> Bulldog president DAVID SMORGON indicated his club would post a modest profit of between $25,000 and $30,000 to the AGM to be conducted in February. The positive was that the Bulldogs achieved a 25 per cent increase in home ground attendances at Docklands and in spite of the problems associated with the venue, an extra 70,000 fans watched their games at Colonial.
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Stab Kicks ...

Tigers head for the Grampians
RICHMOND will go to the rugged Victorian Grampians for a three-day training camp from December 17-20. For two nights, the group will be required to find their own shelter, bedding, food and water — roll on Christmas ...
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Demons sign Internet deal with Sportsview
MELBOURNE signed a 10-year deal for SPORTSVIEW to run their Internet website. It adds the Demons to the Eddie McGuire and Steve Vizard group who already prepare the websites of Carlton, Collingwood, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs.
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Bayes to runner for Brisbane Lions
MARK BAYES, the former Sydney veteran of the near-record 246 games with the Swans (1985-1998) is the new runner and part-time skills coach for the BRISBANE LIONS — he takes over from DANNY CRAVEN who is coaching AFLQ club Mt Gravatt, replacing WAYNE JOHNSTON — Baysey and his family moved to Brisbane two years ago and was keen to rekindle his association with the game ...
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Russell Athletic add Brisbane
The 99-year-old giant United States manufacturer of sporting apparel RUSSELL ATHLETIC has joined the BRISBANE LIONS as the club's new official uniform supplier for the next three years. The 'athleisure' and teamwear company are earnest in their desire to forge a prominent place in the Australian sportswear industry. Russell Athletic will play a very visible role in the AFL with similar deals struck with the KANGAROOS and FREMANTLE.

AUSTRALIAN SPORTS MEDAL
I am very happy to record, I have received the Australian Sports Medal.
On going to their post boxes in recent weeks many would have been curious at first then pleasantly surprised, as I was, on opening a large box from the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Inside was a letter, and a warrant on behalf of The Queen signed by the Governor-General, Sir William Deane, and the Prime Minister, John Howard, together with a boxed set of a medal bearing a gold and green ribbon suitably inscribed with my name and a miniature.
The letter advised me I have been awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition for my services to Australian Football.
Mr Martin Bonsey, the secretary to the Governor-General detailed that the Australian Sports Medal is being awarded during the year 2000 to commemorate Australian sporting achievement and has been established as a commemorative award within the Australian honours system. The medal has been created to recognise the contributions of both current and former sports participants and for those who have provided support services to sport. The medal is a unique way for Australia to recognise the wide-ranging efforts of those who have made Australia a great sporting nation.
The letter continued – The Governor-General authorises all awards within the Australian honours system and nominations for the Australian Sports Medal have been recommended by the Prime Minister; Federal, State and Territory sports ministers; Senators; Members of the House of Representatives; or peak sports bodies recognised by the Australian Sports Commission.
I am obliged to those who put forward my nomination and accept the award with pleasure.
KEVIN TAYLOR.

Bradley continues with Carlton
Protracted negotiations between CRAIG BRADLEY and the Carlton club have been concluded.

The 37-year old had been seeking a two year deal but the veteran of 333 games and captain for the past three seasons accepted a one-year contract. In his 15 years with the Blues Bradley has won three best & fairest awards, was runner-up on four occasions and third twice.

His 333 matches is second only to the Carlton record of 356 played by BRUCE DOULL (1969-1986). Bradley also played 98 games with Port Adelaide in the SANFL before crossing to Carlton in 1986.
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New stand benefits Manuka Oval
Improvements to facilities at Manuka Oval in Canberra have increased the prospects of more AFL football being played in the nation's capital.

Prior to the recent meeting of the Prime Minister's XI and the West Indies, the new Sir Donald Bradman Stand at Manuka costing $4.3 million was opened as part of the $9 million joint commitment to the venue by the ACT and Commonwealth governments.

Appointments for players and the media at Manuka are now second-to-none.

The Kangaroos emphasised their intentions on December 8 with a media conference at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra, with the Roos agreeing to play one Ansett Cup match and two regular season games at Manuka Oval for the next three years. The Kangaroos have not abandoned Sydney, though their home games at the SCG in 2001 will be reduced from four to only two.

Games in Canberra will be underwritten by about $400,000 per year, compared with the $250,000 they received from the AFL for each Sydney game last year.

Manuka Oval in 2001 will host the Kangaroos v St Kilda on February 24 and Sydney v Essendon on March 3 in the Ansett Cup, while the Roos in premiership matches will play St Kilda on May 10 and Port Adelaide on June 30.
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Stab Kicks ...

Cats seek control of Kardinia Park
GEELONG are seeking to take over the management of Kardinia Park following problems with the playing surface. The Age reported half the grass has died in the past month as a result of fungal and acidity problems with resodding and turf replacement necessary.

Surprisingly, Kardinia Park does not have a full-time curator and is looked after by three people who work on the whole of the park complex which includes cricket, netball, St Mary's FC, the park and recreation and the main footy ground. Geelong's first major engagement at home is the 3rd round Ansett Cup fixture against Port Adelaide on March 3.
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Libba will play a 16th season
Though a contract still has to be signed TONY LIBERATORE will play on into his 16th season with the Western Bulldogs — he turns 35 in February and the veteran has agreed to a one-year deal ... it was confirmed the planned Gaelic match between the Bulldogs and the Melbourne Storm for mid mid-January will not take place — maybe in 2002 ...
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Bombers off to Gold Coast
ESSENDON players are spending a week at the secluded Couran Cove resort on South Stradbroke Island off Queensland's Gold Coast – it's a $100 million, state-of-the-art athletics facility managed by running legend RON CLARKE ...
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Ansett Cup changes
BRISBANE succeeded in having early Ansett Cup matches changed so they would not be required to play successive weeks in hot conditions. Geelong will now play Sydney at Marrara Oval in Darwin on February 16 with the Adelaide and Brisbane moving to Westpac Stadium in Wellington on February 17.
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Draft age may be increased
ROHAN CONNOLLY in The Age reported: The minimum age for the AFL draft could be increased to 18 again after an apparent rethink by many of the clubs who so vehemently opposed the same idea two years ago.
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Spotless win MCG catering rights again
The Spotless Group which have held the catering rights at the MCG for 15 years have successfully tendered for the next five years, with an option for another five — estimated to be worth some $40 million a year ... ST KILDA are investigating the possibility of aligning with Springvale in the VFL next year.
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Cooling vests for all clubs
To combat early season heat stress, 352 cooling vests costing about $250 each are being distributed by the League to the 16 member clubs — the vests contain a gel developed by the CSIRO which can keep the skin cooler by up to 25 degrees. Former Geelong player ANDREW BEWS for the distributors Arctic Heat,  predicted that a vest that players wear while playing may soon be available.

They said it ...
FINOLA BURKE, The Australian, December 6 — The Australian Football League has upped the ante in the battle for its television and online rights, signalling to Seven Network it expected to almost double the money it receives for its broadcast rights.
Sources close to negotiations yesterday said Seven was reeling from the AFL's suggestion that it could get substantially more than the $38 million Seven will pay for the rights in 2001.
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The West Australian, December 7 — The State league will undergo its seventh name change in 116 years when it reverts to the WA Football League for the 2001 season.
__________

MR RON EVANS, AFL Commission Chairman, December 7 — I have read with interest a report in The Age newspaper this morning claiming that I am expected to announce my retirement as Chairman of the AFL Commission.

The Chairman is appointed by members of the AFL Commission who are elected in turn by our 16 clubs. Australian football is making outstanding progress, I will not be retiring, and I am looking forward to continuing in my present role if that is the wish of my colleagues.

I do not intend to make further comment on this subject.
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JOHN QUINN, Essendon fitness coach, The Age, December 8 — "The days of football just being about getting fit, getting out there and handling the ball are over. We're talking about life skills here, about preparing these players. They're role models for society, and if we can make them better people, more well-rounded, then they play better football and football becomes a better game as a result.''
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Stab Kicks ...

Draft review to start in January
Major changes may be made to the Draft in 2001. An exhaustive six-month review will begin in January with a working party under AFL gm of football operations ANDREW DEMETRIOU. The panel will comprise representatives from clubs, the AFL Players Association and accredited player agents. Under consideration will be the increase of the draft age from 17 to 18 (as of June 30 in the year of the draft), the duration of the trading period, zoning and the timing of the national and pre-season drafts. The working party is expected to have a maximum of 10 members.
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Lynch steps aside from Brisbane captaincy
ALASTAIR LYNCH has stepped aside as joint captain of Brisbane, paving the way for MICHAEL VOSS to become the sole skipper — Lynch who served four seasons in tandem with Voss kicked 68 goals for the Lions this year and will continue as a player.
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Bits 'n pieces
** Port Adelaide opted to retain CHE COCKATOO-COLLINS on their list — the injury-prone goalsneak after his 109 games for Essendon (1994-98) has played 12 matches in 1999 and only two in 2000 ... ** PEEL THUNDER seem set to be retained for the 2001 season at least — the WAFL draw for next season when released on December 12 included the Thunder in a nine-team competition ... ** if St Kilda align with VFL club Springvale, it may deliver a lifeline for the inclusion of a side from Tasmania to make up a 16-team comp. ... ** with a new Foxtel-NRL $400 million six-year deal in place, rugby league are set to dump Saturday afternoon 2.30pm matches in favour of those starting at 5.30pm and 7.30pm ...
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Tattersall's part of footy tipping consortium
SportsToday.com.au announced Tuesday (19th) that the Victorian Government has chosen Footy Consortium Ltd, a joint venture between Tattersall's and a private company owned by EDDIE McGUIRE and ED GORDON CLARK to conduct a national footy tipping competition beginning next year.

McGuire, the Collingwood FC president and TV compere of The Footy Show and Who Wants to be a Millionaire on Channel Nine was recently selected by the Herald Sun as Victoria's TV Personality of the year. The News Ltd tabloid front-paged news today that McGuire and his wife Carla were now the proud parents of a healthy son, Joseph, born Monday afternoon at a Melbourne hospital.

Pre-season and rookie drafts
Tingay for Swans; Dent to Hawthorn
The pre-season and rookie drafts were held in Melbourne on Tuesday December 19th, when the key movements were —

Round One
1 St Kilda — Brett VOSS (from Brisbane)
2 Collingwood — Chad RINTOUL (West Coast)
3 West Coast — Troy WILSON (East Perth)
4 Fremantle — Simon EASTAUGH (Essendon)
5 Adelaide — Chris LADHAMS (Essendon)
6 Sydney — Stephen TINGAY (Melbourne)
7 Western Bulldogs — Nicholas BRUTON (Diggers Rest)
8 Hawthorn — Matthew DENT (Bulldogs)
9 Brisbane — Dylan McLAREN (Gippsland)
10 Melbourne -- Nick GILL (Oakleigh)
 
Round Two
11 St Kilda – Pass
12 Adelaide – Adam RICHARDSON (West Adelaide)
 
ROOKIES
The following are the first round selections —
Round 1
1. St Kilda — Christopher OLIVER (NSW-ACT Rams)
2. Collingwood — Christopher ODELL (Dandenong Stingrays)
3. Port Adelaide — Christopher HALL (South Adelaide)
4. West Coast — Dean BUSZAN (Peel Thunder)
5. Fremantle — Deren UGLE (South Fremantle)
6. Adelaide — Kane McLEAN (Norwood)
7. Sydney — Michael SWAN (Port Melbourne)
8. Richmond — Garth TAYLOR (Fremantle)
9. Western Bulldogs — Bernie COLLINS (Casteltowsend, Ireland)
10. Geelong — Paul CHAMBERS (Western Jets)
11. Hawthorn — Michael OSBORNE (Labrador)
12. Brisbane —- David MAPLESTON (Morningside)
13. Kangaroos — Leigh HARDING (Geelong)
14. Carlton — Ian PRENDERGAST (Carlton)
15. Melbourne — Kevin DEVINE (Clontarf, Ireland)
16. Essendon — Marcus KENNY (Eastern Ranges)

Bold new MCG facelift planned
The Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust on December 22 announced the biggest development in the ground's 150 year history — a $400 million, three and-a-half year project to replace the Northern, Members and Ponsford stands with a single stand sweeping the northern half of the ground from scoreboard to scoreboard. Rebuilding will be completed in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games to be staged at the MCG.

Funding for the project has still to be negotiated, with the AFL expected to play a key role and the Victorian Government underwriting the project.

The promise that the famous Long Room in the Members' Stand built in 1927 would be replicated in the new development drew protests from the National Trust, that "the MCG will lose its character, its individuality, and look just like another doughnut."

 A telephone poll by the Herald Sun brought a voter response of only 500 calls, with 310 against and 190 in support of the question "Should the Members' Stand be knocked down for MCG redevelopment?"

New features of the planned development will include —
> escalators between levels of the stands
> a glass roof extension giving 60 per cent of seats protection from the weather
> bucket seats with 15 per cent more leg room
> permanent cafes outside the ground
> the Gallery of Sport to be rebuilt
> a Collingwood FC social club and seating area
> bronze Cordner gates and Olympic panels

During construction, capacity for major events including AFL Grand Finals is expected to be reduced to about 70,000. The present 96,500 capacity will be retained in the new development.

The MCC will place the plans and a model on display for public comment.
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CEO resigns at Carlton
JOHN GURRIERI, chief executive officer of Carlton FC for only 12 months announced his resignation effective February 16. Mr Gurrieri resigned for personal and family reasons.

Stab Kicks ...

Cats retain leaders
GEELONG will continue with the same on-field leaders in 2001 — captain BEN GRAHAM, vice-captain PETER RICCARDI and deputy vice-captain TIM McGRATH ...

Bits 'n pieces
** dual premiership player TONY EVANS who retired in 1998 through injury after 108 matches will be honoured as West Coast Eagles No.1 ticket holder for season 2001 ...** ALINTAGAS have signed on as Fremantle's major sponsor for the next three seasons in one of the biggest commercial deals in WA sport ... ** former Carlton veteran MARK MACLURE will join St Kilda's match committee in a part-time capacity for next season – Maclure will join coach MALCOLM and two assistant KEN HINKLEY and PETER JONAS in the four-man team ...
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Rumours ...
Around the traps, two rumours persist — that Foxtel will apply a pay-for-view surcharge of $4 for AFL matches from 2002 and, the prospect that if Seven do not gain the AFL rights they may sell off their broadcast rights for 2001 to the News Ltd consortium ...
__________

Saints stick with Springvale
ST KILDA on December 22 confirmed it will align with VFL club Springvale in 2001—the side will play home games at both Moorabbin and Shepley Oval.
__________

Young Kangas for the cup
WAYNE CAREY and COREY McKERNAN are not expected to take part in the Ansett Cup pre-season competition – two Kangas who may get their chances in the Cup are WA rookies, DIGBY MORRELL (West Perth) and ROD TREGENZA (East Fremantle). The 21-year-old Tregenza has led the WAFL goalkicking the past two years and kicked 10 goals against Tasmania in a 1998 State game ...
__________

Kangas lose Vic Health
The KANGAROOS in 2002 will lose the sponsorship of VICHEALTH who have modified their commitment to sport ... prior to Christmas, the Roos met outstanding payments to players with an advance of funds from the AFL.
__________

Freo asks "is salary cap working?"
Fremantle chief executive DAVID HATT has written to the AFL asking it to revisit the salary cap process. Hatt was quoted: "It is significant to us that some clubs that have been penalised for encroachment over the designated levels remain very strong in the competition. We'd like the AFL to investigate fully whether the system is working well enough for everybody involved."

Stab Kicks ...

Farmer guilty of drink-driving
Melbourne player JEFF FARMER pleaded guilty to driving under the influence on December 30 and was fined $600 plus $38 costs in Perth Magistrates Court on January 3. Farmer who returned a blood level of 0.11, more than double the legal limit, was disqualified from driving for four months.
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Obituary
Frank Sparrow passes
FRANK SPARROW, a noted commentator in the Perth media passed away on December 31 aged 74. Sparrow is well-remembered in partnership with PERCY JOHNSON on 6PR between 1958 and 1995, when Frank called the first season of Fremantle in the AFL.

He played 200 WAFL games for East Perth, Swan Districts and West Perth, and also coached the Swans from 1953 to 1955 and West Perth in 1956-57. Sparrow also made 17 State appearances and was a handy cricketer as well.

JANUARY 2001

Players seek long service leave
"Boris" started it and now two former Bulldogs, DOUG HAWKINS and STEVEN KOLYNIUK have joined Essendon's DARREN BEWICK in seeking long service leave compensation from their former clubs.

Bewick wants a pro-rata payment of some $50,000, having served more than the minimum 10 years required at Windy Hill — he played 238 matches with the Bombers (1988-2000). Hawkins played 329 games in 17 seasons with the Bulldogs (1978-1994) before concluding his career with 21 games with Fitzroy in 1995; Kolyniuk played 177 for the Doggies (1987-2000).

GUY McKENNA, the 267-game West Coast veteran (1988-2000) weighed in with his firm opinion in the West Australian on January 10, that former players who tried to cash in on the wealth of the game were risking disaster — "If they feel they are hard done, by then so be it, I personally don't. I chose to play football, I understood what the benefits were and what the disadvantages were".

Perth journalist CRAIG O'DONOGHUE in his article said: The AFL Players' Association is approaching the issue with caution, saying the industry needs to review the matter of long service leave before making any decisions.

The association has already established retirement funds for players. Those who play AFL football for 10 years receive $120,000 after retiring. McKenna said such a lump sum significantly outweighed benefits paid to an employee who worked in any other business.
__________

Trevor Poole back with the Tigers
Richmond FC on Friday (12th) announced the appointment of former player TREVOR POOLE as its football operations manager from March.

The 36-year-old Poole duties will include negotiating contracts, overseeing of recruiting, and players welfare. He will work in tandem with the club's present football manager GARY O'SULLIVAN who will be retained as football administration manager.

Trevor Poole played 99 games for Richmond (1984-89) before moving to Geelong for a further 54 games (1990-93) including the 1992 grand final.
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Elliott backs AFL in MCG dispute
In an intriguing twist to the bid for television rights, the MCG Trust have made direct approaches to TV networks seeking payment for access to the MCG. This supports the belief of the MCC that it is entitled to a portion of the $500 million AFL television rights because it owns access to the MCG – the AFL disagrees.

Approaches were made to both the Seven and Nine networks, but it is understood the Trust "received no joy" from the Packer network and Seven signalled its resistance.

The Age reported on January 11: Carlton president JOHN ELLIOTT supported the AFL in its current dispute with the MCG Trust which is seeking a bigger slice of the AFL's $500 million television rights revenue.

Elliott, who also said that the Blues would only play "a minimum" of games at the MCG until planned development to the stands were completed, argued broadcasting should remain within the control of the AFL.

"The State government will have to intervene to resolve the matter and it can't be done at the expense of football which keeps all these grounds. including the MCG, going," he said.

Elliott was speaking at the announcement of the Blues' new major sponsor, MAYNE NICKLESS. As Mayne, the company is relaunching its brand as a private healthcare provider and logistics operator. The new deal is believed to be worth about $2.5 million to the Blues over three years.
__________

Bob Pratt farewelled
Swan legend BOB PRATT was farewelled at a one-hour funeral service conducted in Burwood on Thursday (11th) attended a large group of mourners which included Brownlow medalists BOB SKILTON and PETER BEDFORD. Also present were Sydney FC chief executive KELVIN TEMPLETON, Collingwood champion BOB ROSE, Hawthorn's PETER HUDSON together former players from the 50s and 60s and a sizeable contingent from Pratt's large family. He was later cremated at a private ceremony.
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Stab Kicks ...

Bits 'n pieces
** West Coast full-forward SCOTT CUMMINGS appears to be on track for a successful comeback, but PHIL MATERA looks like missing the start of the premiership season. His recovery from left shoulder surgery has been slower than hoped for ... ** GLEN JAKOVICH and BEN COUSINS are the leading candidates to succeed the retired GUY McKENNA for captaincy of the Eagles — the 27-year-old Jakovich is recovering from a left ankle injury suffered during a social cricket match in November at Waroona. He will continue with swimming and cycling for another month before returning to full training ... ** former Richmond forward MARK MERENDA is shaping well for a place in the Eagles line-up with good work in training ... ** across at Fremantle, coach DAMIAN DRUM suggested ADRIAN FLETCHER and SHAUN McMANUS are likely to continue as joint leaders of the Dockers ... ** Subiaco Oval on February 7 will host a function to formally launch Carlton & United Breweries' $30 million sponsorship of WA football for the next 10 years ... ** former Essendon and Sydney player RYAN O'CONNOR who trained pre-season with the Kangaroos has been signed and will play the 2001 season in the SANFL with the Port Adelaide Magpies. O'Connor played 87 AFL games, Essendon 64 (1994-98) and Sydney 24 (1999-2000) ...
__________

On the comeback trail ...
On the comeback trail following injuries in season 2000 are — Carlton's ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES and STEPHEN SILVAGNI ... CLARK KEATING and CRAIG McRAE (Brisbane) and STEPHEN TINGAY (Sydney) ...
__________

Swans fine Jason Ball
Sydney fined injury-prone JASON BALL for his part in a New Year's Eve food fight involving former West Coast teammate FRASER GEHRIG at Cafe Laguna in Yallingup, about 250km south of Perth. It is believed Ball was fined half of the maximum fine provision by the AFLPA code of conduct rules for player behaviour. St Kilda were satisfied that Gehrig was not at fault in the incident.
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Profit and losses, season 2000
The following are financial results of member clubs for season 2000 —

Tassie joins VFL
The board of Football Victoria on Thursday (18th) announced a team from Tasmania would compete as the 16th club in the 2001 season of the Victorian Football League (VFL) competition.

The agreement however is conditional for one season only, during which Tasmania must prove its viability. Next October, Football Victoria will decide whether a full licence is granted. This year, Football Tasmania will pay the travelling costs of visiting teams for matches expected to be played in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.

Though un-named and without a team list, the Tassie side is scheduled to play its first VFL match against Sandringham in Melbourne, on Saturday, April 7.

The State Wide League (SWL) which originated in 1986 as the premier competition of the Apple Isle and expanded the former Tasmanian Football League (TFL) has collapsed, leaving three Hobart-based clubs Hobart, Clarence and Glenorchy to join the Southern Football League (SFL) which will play a 15-team competition.

Meanwhile, former SWL members North Launceston, Burnie and Devonport have joined the Northern Tasmanian Football League (NTFL) which will have 12 clubs for the 2001 season.
__________

Stab Kicks ...

Turley to West Perth
Bell to wear Freo's 32
Denham back to Bombers
West Coast premiership and former Melbourne player CRAIG TURLEY has returned to the West Perth club where he played 90 games, accepting an assistant coaching role to ANDREW LOCKYER with the WAFL Falcons for 2001 ... PETER BELL back at Fremantle from the Kangaroos in 2001 will sport the #32 guernsey he wore for two games with the Dockers in 1995 ... SEAN DENHAM is back in the Bomber camp, assisting TERRY DANIHER in preparing the Essendon VFL side for which Denham will be a top-up player — the AFL premiership rover said: "coaching is something I've thought about for a while and this is the right place to start."
__________

In training ...
Sydney are happy with their pre-season work — one of the few sidelined is rookie LUKE ABLETT with a knee strain, however the good news is the freedom in which captain PAUL KELLY is moving, while the explosive PAUL WILLIAMS (from Collingwood) is enjoying his first injury-free pre-season in three years ... at Collingwood, JOSH FRASER has has his pre-season interrupted on contracting chicken pox ... the BRISBANE LIONS are also enjoying an almost injury-free pre-season — the exceptions are ruckman CLARK KEATING (knee), half-forward CRAIG McRAE (foot), defender MICK MARTIN (groin) and CHRIS JOHNSON (hamstring) who are all expected to miss the Ansett Cup opener against Adelaide in Wellington on February 16 ... former Sydney  and Geelong utility SIMON ARNOTT has signed on with reigning SANFL premiers CENTRAL DISTRICT for season 2001 — Arnott won the 1998 Gardiner Medal as the best-and -fairest player in the AFL Reserves ...
__________

Wayne Carey marries Sally
=In a simple, but elegant ceremony, Kangaroo captain WAYNE CAREY married SALLY McMAHON at St Andrew's Uniting Church, in Wagga Wagga on Saturday, January 20. Both Wagga born and bred, Wayne and his long-time sweetheart Sally were cheered outside the church by about 300 onlookers. When Kangaroo coach DENIS PAGAN was asked what advice he had given Carey before the match of his life, he quipped: "You only get 20 years for murder." Following a reception which lasted until dawn, the couple departed to honeymoon at an Australian island resort.
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Cats mothballs #5
Geelong will keep the #5 guernsey in mothballs. The web site of the club received 2,345 participants to their recent poll with 56 per cent voting to keep the jumper for one of Gary Ablett's sons. 23% said it should be used immediately, with 21% voting to retire it forever in honour of Ablett, GRAHAM 'Polly' FARMER and GARY MALARKEY who all wore the #5 with distinction. Farmer, the great innovative ruckman who played in the 1960's with Geelong when he also captained the side and was later its coach, stands beside Ablett, as does Malarkey who in his 172 games (1977-86) was recognised as one of the great full-backs of his time.
__________

They said it ...
Daily Telegraph, Monday. January 22 — Sydney Swans Friday and Saturday night home games would be shown live in Sydney on free-to-air TV under the AFL broadcast rights deal, it was claimed yesterday.

The claim was made as Channel 7 digested details of the bid by the News Limited-led consortium comprising channels 9 and 10, who would share the free-to-air rights.

The Channel 9/10 bid offered to show all Sydney games live in Sydney on Friday or Saturday nights.

Channel 7 has until this Friday to make a counter offer matching the superior cash deal of the News bid.

Port down Buffaloes in Darwin
Port Adelaide's superior defence paid off in Darwin's humid conditions on Friday night (26th) to defeat the Northern Territory All Stars by 34 points at Marrara Oval.

Essendon's DEAN RIOLI returning from injury, played four quarters for the NTFL All Stars and survived a strenuous test on his shoulder. Playing in his usual half forward role, Rioli showed no signs of favouring his shoulder in several bursting tackles. Though still lacking match fitness, Rioli is set for a return to AFL ranks.

The Port Adelaide website reported that NATHAN STEINBERNER was named best by NTFL officials and the media, whilst JARED POULTON, NICK STEVENS and JOSH FRANCOU were not far behind. Of the rookies which took part, KANE CORNES (who started on the back flank on Rioli), SHAUN BURGOYNE, DOMENIC CASSISI and ALLAN MURRAY all showed promise.
PORT 15.13-103 (Tredrea 4, Dew 2, Chad Cornes 2, Stevens 2), NTFL 10.9-69 (Burns 2).
__________

Stab Kicks ...

Swans and Dons at North Sydney Oval
Sydney will play Essendon in a trial starting at 4.30pm at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, February 10 when the Swans are expected to use upwards of 30 players.

Around the traps ...
** MICHAEL VOSS at 25 will be the sole captain of Brisbane this season — Voss has shared the duties with ALASTAIR LYNCH for the past four years. NIGEL LAPPIN and DARYL WHITE will join CHRIS SCOTT and JUSTIN LEPPITSCH as vice-captains in the Lions' leadership group of five ... ** former St Kilda and Melbourne full back JAMIE SHANAHAN will coach Ainslie in the ACT AFL this season where he will be joined by another ex-Demon MARCUS SEECAMP ... ** TONY LIBERATORE has signed a one-year contract with the Western Bulldogs and will line up for his 16th season. 'Libba' who turns 35 on February 11 is the second oldest player in the AFL – as well, he has accepted a full-time job with the club, working in the club's membership and corporate sales programs ... ** former Melbourne hero JIM STYNES was named Victorian of the Year by the Herald Sun newspaper – the award recognises the work Stynes has done helping more than 120,000 young Victorians through Reach Youth, a program he co-founded in 1994 ...
__________

Draft overhaul
The AFL has appointed a working party to look at many issues of the draft with a return to the minimum age of 18 for this year's national draft a likely outcome.
__________

Hockey duo
Hockey with an Olympic flavour is now present at both Perth AFL clubs. Following the appointment of Hockeyroos' coach RIC CHARLESWORTH as West Coast's consultant, Fremantle have inked Australian men's hockey (the Kookaburras) coach TERRY WALSH as a video technology consultant.
__________

Cat fans want Saturday
Sixty nine per cent of Geelong supporters want their club to primarily play matches on Saturdays. A poll to the Cats' website brought 21% in favour of Friday night while only 10% supported Sunday.
__________

Ump punch earns 15 month jail
An amateur footballer has been jailed for 15 months for punching an umpire in the face during a match last August. GEORGE COYNE, 33, who pleaded guilty was sentenced by a Perth magistrate on January 24. Coyne attacked umpire MARK GILDAY fracturing his jaw in three places. It occurred in the fourth quarter of a D-reserves game when Coyne was about to be sent off.
__________

Nathan Brown strikes back problem
MIKE SHEAHAN revealed in the January 30 Herald Sun that a back problem alarmingly similar to the condition that forced Test faster bowler BRETT LEE out of cricket for six weeks has struck stylish Bulldog NATHAN BROWN.

The problem flared about two weeks before Christmas and Nathan is no more than hopeful of starting the AFL premiership season on March 31.

FEBRUARY 2001

Don Hanley is new Carlton CEO
With a background of a quarter of a century in football administration, DON HANLY is the new CEO of the Carlton club. Blues president JOHN ELLIOTT announced the appointment on February 2.

The 46-year-old Hanly spent 20 years with the League before his six seasons as CEO at Moorabbin. He was one of several casualties during the clean out which the St Kilda club went under last October. Hanly who starts with the Blues on Wednesday (7th) replaces JOHN GURRIERI who resigned in December after heading the Carlton administration for only 10 months.
__________

Three new League life members
The League at its Annual General Meeting on March 22nd will elevate BOB HAMMOND, GREG SEWELL and RON RICHARDS to Life Membership.

Hammond served as the inaugural chairman of the Adelaide club (1991-2000) following a distinguished career in the SANFL as a three-time premiership player with North Adelaide in his 234 games for the Roosters, plus 14 with Norwood and 7 State matches. Bob in six years at Norwood coached the Redlegs to flags in 1975 and 1978. He also coached Sydney for eight matches after a mid-season disruption of the Swans in 1984.

GREG SEWELL played 171 games for Essendon (1952-61) and later served as vice-president and its president (1981-87).

RON RICHARDS played 143 games for Collingwood (1947-56) including the 1953 premiership win under the captaincy of his famous brother Lou. Ron following his playing career coached the Magpie Under 19 side, then the Reserves and has been Chairman of Selectors for the club since 1984.

Stab Kicks ...

Back to the *WAFL*
As the Perth competition returned to its time-worn name as the *WAFL* the future of SWAN DISTRICTS seemed more secure when they announced a season 2000 profit of $412,139, a figure assisted with the inclusion of $178,103 from the Project 2000 fundraiser and a write-off of the $187,500 debt from the WA Football Commission.
__________

Kangas lose Tregenza for season
East Fremantle recruit ROD TREGENZA will be lost to the Kangaroos for season 2001 after he tore the cruciate ligament in his knee in a collision during an intra-club trial – Tregenza twice topped the goalkicking in the WAFL ...
__________

Trent Croad in hospital
Hawthorn's highly-rated TRENT CROAD was hospitalised with an infection to his right knee which may have stemmed from a kick to his lower leg during a game last year. A mosquito bite during a January backpacking trip to Thailand was thought to have contributed to the infection. However, Trent returned to training on Monday (5th) and will proceed with light work after confirmation he had staphyloccus aureas, which causes boils and internal abscesses – it was a painful recurrence of an earlier infection ...
__________

Complaints on Bomber website
Following complaints, Essendon has been forced to monitor and remove offensive postings to its website chat room ...
__________

Heady as Eagles runner
BRETT HEADY will be a runner for West Coast — the 156-game veteran (1990-99) will run in tandem with ANDY LOVELL ...
__________

Port players in pub brawl
Of 13 Port Adelaide players at Adelaide's General Havelock Hotel on Saturday night (3rd) several became involved in a brawl with hotel bouncers when staff tried to eject some players – STEVE BROSNAN is understood to have suffered a broken nose, while PETER BURGOYNE was sporting a black eye. Burgoyne was suspended on Monday by the club, while other players were fined ...
__________

Free commuter news sheets in Melbourne
Following a successful overseas trend in London, New York and Stockholm, rival newspapers in Melbourne launched free commuter CBD editions on Monday (5th) – the Herald and Weekly Times with a run of about 60,000 copies published MX in the afternoon with a focus on lifestyle and entertainment, while John Fairfax, publisher of The Age, produced their morning tabloid Melbourne Express which highlights entertainment and sport.
__________

NBC-TV launches *XFL* in United States
The NBC television network in partnership with World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Inc, launched a more brash and aggressive form of football on network TV in the United States on Saturday night – a sort of World Championship Wrestling meets Gridiron, called the XFL football league.

NBC used a "skycam" and in the broadcast from Las Vegas, 26 players in the game wore microphones. The XFL season is planned for 10 regular-season games, playoffs and a championship game. Teams which took part in the debut were, the New York-New Jersey Hitmen, Las Vegas Outlaws, Orlando Rage and Chicago Enforcers.
_________

Mark Fraser with the whistle
The man with the whistle – at Optus Oval on the weekend when the Bombers went through an intra-club trial, blowing the whistle in the centre was MARK FRASER ...
__________

They said it ...
GLENN McFARLANE & DAMIEN BARRETT, Sunday Herald Sun, February 4 — As we have seen, anything can happen. Who would have thought Channel Seven would have lost the TV rights after committing $20 million for the rights to bid last? Supporters must not be allowed to be lulled into a false sense of security regarding their club, either. Their current apathy needs to be addressed.

Their clubs – particularly those most vulnerable in St Kilda, Geelong, the Kangaroos and Western Bulldogs – desperately need them to buy memberships.
Season tickets remain the lifeblood of a team and provide massive cash flow. New Saints president Rod Butterss felt compelled to make this point this week in a desperate plea of his club's supporters.
__________

ROD BUTTERSS, St Kilda president, AAP, Thursday, February 1 — "Unless we get up to 25,000 (members) we could end up as the Southport Saints and we don't want to do that.".
__________

Subscriber PETER COATMAN from Melbourne responding to the 'Visions of the Past' question (Diary #254), noted that the sports section of Thursday's Age (Feb 1) in Geoff McClure's Sporting Life feature carried a par relating to David Barham of AFL Films quitting as boss of  Seven's footy coverage, which said:

"Truth is that no-one is perfectly sure how the archives issue will be sorted out because although the AFL owns all matches since 1987, all pre-1987 tapes are the property of Channel Seven which, to complicate matters further, also has a 40 per cent-plus share in AFL Films."

Peter's note concluded, "I don't know whether this clarifies anything or not!"

AFL takes up rugby league slack
ABC Radio on their key stations in Sydney and Brisbane will now carry regular broadcasts of AFL matches on Saturday. Australian Football will benefit following the withdrawal from afternoon matches by rugby league.

While the announcement was made on Wednesday (7th) that this change would occur, it was not made clear if the limited cover of Sunday AFL matches carried last year by the ABC News Radio frequencies will continue in the states above the Murray and in the Northern Territory.
__________

Kangaroos' $1.14 million loss
Serious financial problems for the Kangaroos were exposed on February 10 when MIKE SHEAHAN in the Herald Sun revealed the club will report a trading loss of $1.14 million for the 2000 season.

This follows a $68,000 profit in the Roos' premiership year of 1999.

Sheahan reported the financial predicament was so acute late last year when there was a shortfall on player payments, two directors including chairman ANDREW CARTER injected $250,000 of their own money to revive the cash flow.

The Kangas suffered a significant shortfall in several areas for which they had budgeted – membership was down by $330,000, gate receipts by $550,000 while returns from reserved seating at Colonial Stadium was short by $150,000. Figures reported by Mike Sheahan included the loss of $38,000 on the Round 10 game against Fremantle at the MCG, while the late-season Round 21 game versus Collingwood at Docklands cost the Roos $701 to stage when only 30,003 attended on Sunday July 30.

Though the Kangaroos received $836,000 in AFL grants for playing four matches in Sydney last year, the exercise is on hold with the club opting to play only two games at the SCG in 2001, with a further two at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
The trend is not bright as supporters of the blue-and-white are traditionally late in signing on as members for a new season. Only 8500 of a target of 25,500 have so far registered for 2001.

MCG plans unveiled
The AFL, cricket authorities and MCG tenant clubs received their first comprehensive look at the $400 million plan to redevelop the Melbourne Cricket Ground last Thursday (8th).

KAREN LYON reported in The Age: Under the ambitious plan, the Olympic and Ponsford stands, as well as the members' pavilion, will be razed and rebuilt in time for Melbourne to host the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Under the plans, the famous Long Room will be rebuilt, becoming more spacious, with more room to exhibit the club's impressive memorabilia collection. Redevelopment of the MCG will also increase the crowd capacity of the ground by about 5000.
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Demons may lose heavily on pokies
MELBOURNE FC are facing a financial loss of at least $850,000 from the decision of the Victorian government to ban licences for new poker machines in five key state areas – Maribyrnong, Greater Dandenong, Darebin and regional areas of Bass Coast and La Trobe.

For five years the Demons have planned a social club, investing some $2.5 million in the venture. Their current location in the northern Melbourne suburb of Fawkner falls within the City of Darebin, which is one of the areas the government designated as one of the state's most economically deprived and one of the five areas falling under the government cap where no new pokie venues can open.
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Stab Kicks ...

Mayne reinstated to AFLQ
MAYNE, Queensland's oldest club has been reinstated to the State League expanding the 2001 competition to 10 clubs. AFL Queensland chairman DARRYL BRAY was reported as saying the readmission of Mayne was not due to any decision of the Federal Court, however a Wednesday (7th) decision was in favour of the Mayne club which was awarded a settlement of $40,000. The club was cut in 1999 for failing to meet AFLQ requirements and fought the League through the courts for reinstatement. Two licences remain to be taken and three Brisbane-based clubs, including MOUNT GRAVATT have applied. The AFLQ competition is slated to start its 2001 season on April 7.
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Around the traps ...
** The Game, Channel Seven's flagship one-hour program moves to Friday night at 7.30pm when it returns on March 30 ... ** Nine on Feb 7 sacked STEVE PERKIN, producer for the past three years of the top-rating FOOTY SHOW and replaced him with COS CARDONE, the 31-year old former South Australian TV sports journalist who is also ear-marked as production boss of Nine's AFL coverage which begins in 2002 ... ** have the northern states seen the last of Rex Hunt's FOOTY PANEL on Sunday? – rugby union highlight packages of the Super 12s are programmed at 11am from February 25 through May 27 which by then we'll be heading into Round 10 ... ** seems as though we can also farewell GAMEDAY following Seven's axing of JOHN LONGMIRE and TODD VINEY ... PAUL SALMON is a new addition to the Seven commentary roster – the Fish will also host AROUND THE GROUNDS on Saturday afternoons ... ** COLLINGWOOD launch their new-look Ansett Cup strip —a larger Magpie on the guernsey which VFL club Williamstown will wear when it plays in Collingwood curtain-raisers ... ** West Coast voted DEAN KEMP and BEN COUSINS as joint captains for the new season; GLEN JAKOVICH, DAVID WIRRPUNDA and PETER MATERA will be vice-captains ... ** Fremantle have stuck with ADRIAN FLETCHER and SHAUN McMANUS, their leaders of 2000; the returning PETER BELL will share vice-captaincy with JASON NORRISH ... ** coach PETER SCHWAB has confirmed that SHANE CRAWFORD will lead Hawthorn for a third season, with NICK HOLLAND and MARK GRAHAM continuing as vice-captains.
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Hawks promote John Hook
HAWTHORN have promoted JOHN HOOK to business operations manager. The 48-year-old Hook has been football manager since 1988. Hook will work closely with chief executive MICHAEL BROWN and will also oversee the operations of the VFL Box Hill club, the Hawks' social club as well dealing with major AFL issues and salary cap management.
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WAFL retains Peel Thunder
The WAFL rejected a move by the West Australian Football Commission to reduce the Perth-based competition to eight clubs at the end of 2001. Peel Thunder which joined the WAFL in 1997 was felt to be the most likely club to be cut. The WAFL board on Monday (12th) ruled the only way the competition can be reduced is if two clubs merge or one of the nine clubs closes its doors. The WAFC has offered financial incentives of $750,000 to any clubs prepared to merge.
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Swans narrowly beat Essendon
Though marred by persistent rain, 12,460 attended the boutique-sized North Sydney Oval on Saturday (10th) when Sydney and Essendon okayed an often frantic 15-a-side trial in which the Swans ended eight points in front, SYDNEY 13.9-87, ESSENDON 11.13-79.
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They said it ...
DAMIAN BARRETT, Sunday Herald Sun, February 11 — Sustained abuse of AFL umpires will not be tolerated in 2001, with the game's controllers being ordered to toughen the penalties imposed on players who dispute their decisions.
Umpires director Jeff Gieschen said players had been allowed for too long to verbally attack umpires and that continuation of a lenient approach would send the wrong message to players in junior competitions.

'Roos to rattle the tins
The cash-strapped Kangaroos in an appeal to its supporters are poised to launch their BEWARE campaign. With a logo designed as a road sign, the BEWARE operation aims to lift membership to stabilise a financial predicament.
Last week it was estimated that the Kangaroos will report a loss of $1.14 million for season 2000.

MARK ROBINSON in the Herald Sun reporting on the activity quoted Kangaroo chief executive GREG MILLER: "The campaign is a call to arms of all our supporters and members out there who have enjoyed watching the club over the past decade, over the past 100 years I guess, to be aware of the situation."

The Roos BEWARE campaign wants to lift this season's membership to about 29,000 and attract 100 to the corporate Vice-Presidents club at $8500 each.

CAROLINE WILSON for The Age reported that Miller could leave the Roos as early as the end of this season — Miller, who said he had taken responsibility for the club's $1.14 million loss in 2000, told The Age: "I'm only going to be here for the short term. My goal is to identify new leaders for the club and finding a replacement with a view to stepping back after one more season or perhaps two.
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Ansett Australia Cup

Week One – Fri-Sat-Sun, February 16-17-18.
<||> In torrential rain on Friday night, Geelong and Sydney played the Ansett Cup opener in some of the worst conditions experienced for a game. The Swans with import PAUL WILLIAMS in great form were too efficient at Marrara Oval in Darwin and swam home by 13 points. In the tropical conditions both sides made extensive use of eight interchange players.
SYDNEY 6.11-47, best, Maxfield, Schwass, Dunkley, GEELONG 4.10-34, best, Burns, Corey, Graham, At Marrara: 7,739.

<||> With both teams without many regulars the Friday night contest in good conditions at Subiaco Oval turned the spotlight on former Collingwood forward SAVERIO ROCCA. The 'Big Sav' provided four last half goals as the Kangaroos powered away for a convincing win by 49pts over the Eagles. From a spirited first half, five players will face the Tribunal.
KANGAROOS 14.12-96 (Rocca 4, Abraham 2) best, Harvey, Pickett, Colbert, WEST COAST 6.11-47 (Peter Matera 2) best, Wirrpunda, Glass, Banfield. At Subiaco: 16,905. Reports: Dylan Smith (K) for striking Peter Matera (W) in the first quarter. Trent Carroll (F) for striking Leigh Colbert (K) in the second quarter. Jess Sinclair (K) and Adam Simpson (K) for wrestling Peter Matera (W) in the second term. Peter Matera (W) for wrestling Adam Simpson (K) in the second term. At Wednesday's Tribunal, TRENT CARROLL (W) was suspended two matches for striking LEIGH COLBERT (K) while DYLAN SMITH (K) was cleared of striking PETER MATERA (W). On wrestling charges PETER MATERA (W), JESS SINCLAIR (K) and ADAM SIMPSON (K) accepted first-charge fines of $1200 each. From a video review, five players pleaded guilty for involvement in a melee. BRENT HARVEY (K) and BYRON PICKETT (K) were both fined $2000 while TROY MAKEPEACE (K), DANIEL KERR (W) and CHAD FLETCHER (W) were each fined $1200.

<||> Collingwood in perfect conditions at Colonial Stadium on Friday night impressed as they steam-rolled St Kilda. The anticipated 'magic' of the Malcolm Blight-coached Saints was hard to find and they could not contain the spirit of the Magpies led in brilliant fashion by NATHAN BUCKLEY who collected 34 possessions. St Kilda's forward line, so ineffective last season, was hardly any better. BARRY HALL (St Kilda) became the first to be booked for the year – for striking Collingwood's JARROD MOLLOY in the last term.
COLLINGWOOD 12.14-86 (Tarrant 3) best, Buckley, O’Bree, Betheras¸ ST KILDA 10.8-68 (Burke 2, Davis 2) best, Thompson, Loewe, Burke. At Docklands: 30,472. Report:  Barry Hall (S) for striking Jarrod Molloy (C) in the fourth quarter On Tuesday, BARRY HALL (S) was cleared of the charge.

<||> MELBOURNE, last year's premiership runners-up easily defeated he Dockers at Subiaco Oval on
Saturday night in fine conditions. Key interest was the use of JEFF FARMER in an on-the-ball role for the Demons, with the Wizard vying for honours with GUY RIGONI on the night. Fremantle, apart from promising signs from TONY MODRA (three goals) and TROY COOK still have a way to go — Melbourne should be up near the top for another season.
MELBOURNE 14.14-98 (Schwarz 3) best, Rigoni, Farmer, White, FREMANTLE 8.9-57 (Modra 3) best, Cook, Bell, Fletcher. At Subiaco: 11,392. Report: Leigh Brown (F) for tripping David Schwarz (M) in the fourth quarter. At the Tribunal on Tuesday, LEIGH BROWN (F) was suspended for two matches for tripping DAVID SCHWARZ (M).

<||> Port Adelaide devastated Essendon on Saturday night in good conditions at Football Park. Striving to atone for their last season's poor showing Port were determined, sharper and match primed to hand the Bombers their biggest thrashing in two years. It opened the way for all clubs and sent a wake-up call to the reigning premiers. What's that old saying? — "heads as big as boarding-house puddings" ...
PORT 16.25-121 (Cockatoo-Collins 2, Harwood 2, James 2, Tredrea 2, Wanganeen 2) best, James, Kingsley, Dew, ESSENDON 5.12-42 (Lloyd 2) best, J.Johnson, Rioli. At Football Park: 19,498.

<||> Only for wayward kicking, the Brisbane Lions would have put Adelaide away much earlier in their late Saturday match played at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington to a disappointing 7,920 which may spell doom for future games in NZ. Brisbane with a great defence anchored by JUSTIN LEPPITISCH were too strong for the Crow forwards. Leppitsch however strained a hamstring likely to sideline him for some weeks. DANIEL BRADSHAW was on target with five goals in a very easy win for the Lions.
BRISBANE 16.18-114 (Bradshaw 5, Brown 2) best, Voss, Akermanis, Black, ADELAIDE 10.13-73 (K.Johnson 2) best, K.Johnson, Bode, McLeod. At Westpac, Wellington: 7,920.

<||> Carlton in the Saturday afternoon outing at Colonial Stadium were lifted to a 14pt win when JIM PLUNKETT a discarded Bulldog rose to taunt his former teammates when the Dogs was caught flat-footed in the early part. Plunkett, taken as a rookie by the Blues in December collected 24 midfield possessions and was devastating in the first half against SCOTT WEST. Chief cause for satisfaction by Carlton was the performance of their youngsters, filling gaps left by seasoned stars. BRENDON FEVOLA gave further hopes with a four goal showing, when he combined well up forward with MARK PORTER.
CARLTON 16.10-106 (Fevola 5, Allan 2, Freeborn 2) best, Camporeale, Plunkett, Fevola, BULLDOGS 14.8-92 (Johnson 6, Fuller 2) best, Johnson, West, Croft. At Docklands: 15,815.

<||> LUKE McPHARLIN was instrumental to Hawthorn's 44pt win over Richmond on Sunday afternoon at York Park in Launceston which is to become the League's 35th venue. The best crowd since 1960 turned out with 13,958 attending. The 19-year-old McPharlin who played four senior games in his debut season last year, booted five goals for the Hawks after being moved to centre half-forward in the second quarter. Richmond's BEN HOLLAND from an accidental clash in the second quarter with teammate MARK CHAFFEY suffered a fractured cheekbone below his left eye which was reported as relatively minor. The Tigers had problems at both ends, not helped by their injury list.
HAWTHORN 13.11-89 (McPharlin 5) best, McPharlin, Tallis, Croad, RICHMOND 6.9-45 (Holland 2, Rogers 2, Tivendale 2) best, Ottens, Knights, Tivendale. At York Park: 13,958.
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Stab Kicks ...

K-Rock leads the way from Darwin
Geelong's K-ROCK.FM displayed initiative with a match broadcast of the Friday night game from Darwin which was also available through the Geelong FC website. SAM KEKOVICH, PETER LE GRAND and MICHAEL TURNER provided the commentary for the welcome return of King Footy to a legion of starved footy fans across the Internet.
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Everything old is new again
The "new-look" Collingwood guernseys will in fact see a return to the one worn in 1917 and 1928-29. The traditional white-on-black stripes reverse the black-on-white stripes worn since the 1930s. A new Ansett Cup jumper features a swooping Magpie emblem and will also be worn by Collingwood's sister VFL club Williamstown.
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Hockey and netball boots footy in Tassy
ABC-TV in Tasmania will not telecast local matches this season, moving to televise Southern A Grade hockey and Tasmanian Netball League matches instead ...
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Two-a-day at Docklands
The transfer of the 3rd round Ansett Cup Geelong-Port Adelaide fixture on Saturday March 3 from Kardinia Park to Docklands will result in two matches being played at the venue on the same day. Geelong will play Port starting at 12.40pm with the Kangaroos versus Collingwood fixture that night at 7.40pm.

During the summer a poisonous weed ravaged the playing surface at Geelong. It still needs further time to be ready for the start of the season. The Cats are due to play West Coast at home on Sunday, April 1.
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Polly to sell his awards
To finance his retirement, footy legend GRAHAM FARMER is putting his vast collection of awards up for sale. The 65-year Farmer who had heart surgery several months ago and now lives on a pension hopes a sale may bring as much as $1 million. He has three Sandover (1956, '57 and '60) and four Simpson Medals (1956, '58, '59 and '69), the 1956 Tassie Medal and 10 fairest-and-best awards, seven from East Perth, two from Geelong and one from West Perth. Collingwood's LEN THOMPSON sold his 1972 Brownlow two years ago for $74,000 while last year South Melbourne's FRED GOLDSMITH raised $43,700 for his 1955 Brownlow.
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Cold? – when Tommy wore a cardigan ...
Chatting with master statsman COL HUTCHINSON on Monday, that conditions at Marrara Oval on Friday night for the Geelong-Sydney contest in Darwin were among the worst experienced for any VFL-AFL match – Col said "probably not". He went on, "what about the night in 1977 when Geelong played Hawthorn when KEVIN SHEEHAN playing for the Cats was treated for frostbite" – I asked Col if it was cold? – he said "it was so cold that night at Waverley, TOMMY HAFEY was wearing a cardigan!" ... Col also pointed me to the fact that four umpires are running a rotation for the three-man system during the early round-robin part of the Ansett Cup series. The panel will revert to three umpires for the semi-finals and grand final ... another note for statophiles, the correct score for West Coast at half-time against the Kangaroos on Friday was 4.10 — some reports stated 4.9 ... in consultation with Col, and to remove confusion, it was determined that reports for the Ansett Cup series would note the Group under which the match was being played, but make no reference to a match number ...
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15 metres billboard for Lions
The BRISBANE LIONS launched an aggressive advertising campaign when they unveiled a 15m billboard on Sandgate Road in Clayfield featuring captain MICHAEL VOSS and the club's new slogan "AFL ... Better Action, Better Venue, Better Live ... Better Get a Ticket". A series of billboards with the same focus will be displayed at prominent locations throughout Brisbane.
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** A torn hamstring will keep St Kilda captain ROBERT HARVEY out of the early Ansett Cup action ... ** Carlton confirmed the appointment of CRAIG BRADLEY as Captain with STEPHEN SILVAGNI as vice-captain ... ** it was announced on Monday by Port Adelaide that STEPHEN PAXMAN will join WARREN TREDREA as vice-captains to MATTHEW PRIMUS ...
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Underwriting York Park games
ABC Online reported the Tasmanian Government could spend up to $500,000 underwriting the two Hawthorn matches being played at York Park in Launceston this year. Depending on tickets sales and sponsorships the funding could reach half a million dollars. Response to the Ansett Cup match on Sunday drew the biggest crowd in the state for 30 years when 13,958 attended boosting hopes for the next Hawk visit on May 6 when they play Adelaide in a premiership match.
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Further matches in NZ on hold
League officials were disappointed to the response of only 7,920 which attended the Saturday Ansett Cup game at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The AFL will closely review the scheduling of more games in New Zealand.

Reports in finals to be tougher
AFL Football Operations Manager ANDREW DEMETRIOU on Monday (26th) announced the AFL Tribunal would follow two new recommendations for the 2001 season when dealing with players found guilty of a reportable offence.

The AFL Tribunal panel met Sunday to discuss all matters relating to the game's judiciary system and Mr Demetriou said all clubs had now been advised of the following alterations:

1 – Any player found guilty of a reportable offence in the Grand Final will receive a more severe penalty than the penalty he would have received if found guilty of a similar offence during a Home and Away match.

2 – Any player found guilty of a reportable offence in a Home and Away or Finals match, and subsequently suspended, may not necessarily be permitted to serve that suspension during the pre-season competition only.

"There was a strong belief from the meeting that the Grand Final is our showpiece game for the year and, especially with the stakes involved for clubs in the pursuit of a premiership, must not be allowed to be decided by on-field violence as against the skill of the teams," Mr Demetriou said.

"As such, illegal incidents will be treated much more severely to recognise the fact that the Grand Final should be the high point to the AFL year," he said.
Mr Demetriou said Ian Hill QC had also been appointed to the AFL Tribunal as a panel member for 2001.

Finally, spitting has been deleted from those charges where a player may take an automatic monetary penalty. Any future cases of spitting will now be referred to the tribunal for a hearing.
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Commissioner under challenge?
Two AFL Commissioners, TERRY O'CONNOR and BILL KELTY are likely to stand for re-election at the AFL's AGM on March 22. Both have indicated they want another three-year term.

However, lobbying was expected to result in a challenge to WA's O'Connor at a meeting called by Carlton president JOHN ELLIOTT to be held on Tuesday (27th) at the Australia Club in Melbourne. O'Connor, a QC, has been a Commissioner since 1993.

PATRICK SMITH in The Australian on February 21 said: "O'Connor's sins as perceived by some clubs are these: he has never supported Victorian football, alienated Victorian football people with his abrasive manner, offended many presidents with his verbal savaging of Gutnick at the final presidents-commission information meeting last year, and was unimpressive in his role as head of the study of football in NSW and the ACT. Just why that means non-Victorian clubs would move against him is unclear."
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Ansett Australia Cup

Week Two – Fri-Sat-Sun, February 23-24-25.
<||> Port advanced when they outlasted a fighting Sydney to win by five points in good conditions at Football Park on Friday night. Port dominated the first half after which the Swans fought back but inaccurate kicking for goal proved costly. After kicking three goals, star Port forward WARREN TREDREA was stretchered in third term with a dislocated left kneecap. Sydney also suffered injuries to ANDREW DUNKLEY (hip and thigh) and GREG STAFFORD (twisted left ankle).
PORT 17.10-112 (Wanganeen 4, Tredrea 3) best, Dew, Kingsley, Montgomery, SYDNEY 15.17-107 (Williams 4, O’Loughlin 2) best, Williams, O’Loughlin, Kelly. At Football Park: 15,709.

<||> The Bombers slipped to their second successive loss when Geelong exploited Essendon's lack of height in the backline in good conditions at Colonial Stadium on Friday night. The Cats won the game in the second term with five straight goals while the Dons until half time had only one goal from 12 shots. Things are unlikely to improve for the Bombers with MARK MERCURI (groin), JOE MISITI (knee), JUSTIN BLUMFIELD (thigh), DAVID HILLE (ankle) and ADAM RAMANAUSKAS all nursing wounds at the end of the match.
GEELONG 17.10-112 (Mooney 4, Burns 4) best, Sholl, King, Milburn, ESSENDON 12.18-90 (Lloyd 4) best, Mercuri, Rioli, M.Johnson. Reports: Adam Houlihan (G) for tripping Damien Peverill (E) in the first quarter. ADAM HOULIHAN (G) was suspended for one match. At Docklands: 22,829.

<||> The Crows while controlling play in the first half never broke away from Carlton in the Saturday afternoon game played at Optus Oval in fine conditions. The Blues lifted in the third term when their trio of stars, McKay, Bradley and Camporeale ran the ball against little pressure and it was enough to get them over the line. Adelaide at least showed improvement on their previous outing against Brisbane in Wellington.
CARLTON 10.12-72 (Whitnall 3, Hulme 2) best, McKay, Christou, Camporeale, ADELAIDE 9.12-66 (Bassett 2, Edwards 2) best, Edwards, McLeod, Stenglein. At Princes Park: 7,291.

<||> Warm conditions were the order at Manuka Oval for the mid-Saturday afternoon contest in Canberra where COREY McKERNAN again gave promise for the Roo fans with four goals. The lead see-sawed throughout with the Kangas just shading an improving St Kilda. The Saints however were on the back foot when veteran STEWART LOEWE left in the first half, suffering a hamstring injury.
KANGAROOS 14.12-96 (McKernan 4) best, King,  (McKernan 4) best, King, McKernan, Grant, ST KILDA 12.9-81 (Burke 2, Hayes 2) best, Burke, Delaney, Hayes. At Manuka Oval: 8,157.

<||> Battling both the Bulldogs and the pelting rain from Cyclone Abigail proved too much for the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night at Cazaly Oval in Cairns. Earlier, torrential rain threatened to postpone the game and the crowd was well down on expectations. Brisbane continued their puzzling off-target dilemma landing a mid-game 11 successive behinds before their fifth goal late in the last quarter. Even so, the Bulldogs had not wrapped it up until ADAM CONTESSA's match-turning smother on a clearing kick from MARCUS ASHCROFT in the last term went to BRAD JOHNSON who goaled with a long bomb. Soon after NATHAN EAGLETON sealed it for the Doggies with another long shot which went through an unguarded goal.
BULLDOGS 9.7-61 (Eagleton 3) best, Eagleton, Murphy, S.West, BRISBANE 5.15-45, best, Leppitsch, White, Voss. At Cazaly Oval, Cairns: 5,894.

<||> The Eagles were guilty of another second-half fade-out and ended being clipped by Collingwood in the closest Ansett Cup finish so far this year. Played on a firm Subiaco surface, the Pies swept back in the second term when a strong marking JARROD MOLLOY came under notice. The second half became an arm wrestle as goals were traded. Collingwood ruckman JOSH FRASER who was out on his feet, gained the crucial deciding goal moments before the siren. The Magpies' NICK DAVIS became another knee victim — he was carried off before half-time.
COLLINGWOOD 12.8-80 (Molloy 2, Holland 2, Scotland 2) best, Wakelin, Buckley, Fraser, WEST COAST 12.6-78 (Peter Matera 3, Fletcher 3) best, Morrison, Peter Matera, Gardiner. At Subiaco: 16,090.

<||> The Dockers comprehensively beat the Hawks in a boilover on Sunday night in good conditions at Subiaco. PETER BELL confirmed the value of his transfer back to Freo from the Roos as he combined with Cook, Norrish and Fletcher to outclass Hawthorn's midfield. Though kicking only one goal in the last half, Fremantle gave signs of marked improvement. Whether they can carry that across the Nullarbor is another thing. Hawthorn were most disappointing.
FREMANTLE 10.12-72 (Modra 2, Pavlich 2, Bell 2) best, Cook, Bell, Black, HAWTHORN 5.16-46 (Holland 2, Crawford 2) best, Lord, Harford, Smith. At Subiaco: 9,193.

<||> The old-firm of WAYNE CAMPBELL, MATTHEW KNIGHTS and NICK DAFFY combined to provide Richmond's forward drive to bring the Tigers their first pre-season win (after five losses) since the 1999 opener. Played in good conditions on Sunday afternoon at Optus Oval, the Tigers also exploited the Ansett Cup only trial ruck rule – no line through the centre circle – to double-team on Melbourne's JEFF WHITE, preventing him from competing at bounces. The Demons spent much of the game struggling to find any real winners. JEFF FARMER (Mel) was reported in the first 10 minutes of the match for charging NICK DAFFY (Rch).
RICHMOND 14.13-97 (Campbell 3, Rogers 3) best, Campbell, Bowden, King, MELBOURNE 9.11-65 (Farmer 3, Neitz 2) best, Williams, Brown, Nicholson. Report: Jeff Farmer (M) for charging Nick Daffy (R) in the first quarter. JEFF FARMER was suspended for two matches.At Princes Park: 7,875.
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Stab Kicks ...

Salary cap rises
It is expected that the $5.2 million salary cap for season 2001 will rise to $5.6m in 2002 and $6.2m in 2003.
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90 minute "happy hour" at Docklands
In a bid to draw spectators earlier to Colonial Stadium matches, management for last Friday night's Essendon-Geelong match introduced a "happy hour" between 4.30pm to 6pm. Extra gates were opened, and more open ticket booths were added. Even though the effect was 'marginal' the concept is likely to continue.
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Tasmania's Southern FL aligns with Kangaroos
The 15 clubs of Tasmania's Southern Football League have formed an alliance with the North Melbourne Kangaroos, reports the SFL website. In return for each team providing at least 50 members, the Kangaroos will offer their resources to send players and staff to Hobart for functions, clinics and fund raising. The SFL are the first league in Australia to form such an alliance. The Roos aim to have 123 clubs throughout Australia either calling themselves the Kangaroos or wearing the Roo colours.

Tigers win surprise compensation
Easing their loss of $640,000 on last season, RICHMOND won a surprise $200,000 compensation payout from the AFL. The League agreed to several claims by the Tigers including losses suffered when the Round 13 Friday match against Adelaide had been transferred to Docklands. The move enabled the Essendon-Kangaroo match to be played at the MCG on Sunday when 67,152 attended. Richmond in 2000 suffered the transfer of four games to Colonial Stadium; three from Princes Park and one from the MCG.
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Lions worried about Gabba restrictions
The Brisbane Lions are concerned that tougher parking restrictions to the precinct surrounding the BCG at Woolloongabba will threaten membership numbers and walk-up sales on AFL match days. Brisbane president GRAEME DOWNIE was quoted: "Night time is a real issue and we are working hard to have the restrictions minimised." The Brisbane City Council brought in the new restrictions last September.
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Swans king-hit in pub brawl
Sydney players LEO BARRY and ADAM GOODES received cuts and bruises when they were attacked and king-hit during a brawl at a Coogee nightclub early on Sunday morning. The two players were in different parts of the nightclub when they were reportedly simultaneously king-hit. A large group of Swans had attended a function to celebrate the 21st birthday of JUDE BOLTON and HEATH JAMES. Police were not called to the incident. An internal investigation cleared Sydney players of any wrongdoing.
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Around the traps ...
** Collingwood's NICK DAVIS and JAMES CLEMENT were cleared of major knee damage. Davis hyperextending his knee while trying to mark on Saturday night against the Eagles at Subiaco — Clement has a slight tear to his medial ligament — the two lengthened a worrying injury list at Victoria Park which includes: DAMIEN ADKINS (osteitis pubis), SCOTT BURNS (back), PAUL LICURIA (fractured eye socket), MARK RICHARDSON (soreness) and DANNY ROACH (groin) ... ** St Kilda's 32-year-old veteran STEWART LOEWE is expected to recover from a grade two hamstring injury in time for the start of the premiership season ... ** Melbourne's TROY SIMMONDS has a broken bone in his right ankle expected to sideline him six to eight weeks ... ** it was reported that Channel 9 and Western Bulldog midfielder JOSE ROMERO settled a defamation suit by Brisbane Lions' doctor PAUL McCONNELL for an undisclosed sum of money ... ** subscriber JAMES HOTHERSALL reports from Adelaide that SANFL wooden spooners Glenelg played AFLQ club Southport at the Max Basheer Reserve adjacent to Football Park on the weekend. With a noticeable difference in class, Glenelg dealt severely with the Sharks; the SANFL Tigers won 20.9-129 to 4.6-30.

CUB rejects Seven
CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES, the AFL's premier sponsorship partner for 2001 has rejected a package to place advertisements during League games televised by Channel Seven this season.

CUB's vice president of marketing PAUL KENNEDY was quoted: "It's a commercial decision, we did not see the value in Seven's offer."

Channel Seven confirmed that rival brewer LION NATHAN would be chief sponsor of the network's 2001 AFL telecasts. Lion Nathan which produces Tooheys and Hahn Premium beers is understood to have inked a deal with Seven worth some $4 million. Lion Nathan will also sponsor Rugby coverage on Seven.

In the highly parochial Victorian market Lion Nathan recently won the naming rights to the Melbourne Cup from CUB.'

MARCH 2001

Sydney profits by $146,000
Sydney FC chief executive KELVIN TEMPLETON announced on Thursday (1st) his club had profited for a fifth successive year.

On an operating revenue of $19.8 million (up from $18.2m), the Swans profited in season 2000 by $146,000.

The club maintains a significant investment in developing the code with costs of $300,000 incurred where the Swans reached 100,000 students in 260 schools last year. This raised the investment by the club over the last four years to $1.25m in development work in Sydney and across NSW.

A reconfiguration of seating at the SCG will provide Sydney with an additional 3,000 seats this season, raising general admission seats from 7,000 to 10,000. Sydney following a four per cent rise in members last year will again cap their membership at 26,000 for a fourth successive year.
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Roos still in financial trouble
The Kangaroos launched their BEWARE campaign to supporters on Saturday night at Colonial Stadium before the Ansett Cup match against Collingwood (March 3).

The membership drive for cash and supporters came amid further fears to the financial problems surrounding the Roos.

CAROLINE WILSON reported in The Age on Monday (5th): The depth of the Kangaroos' financial crisis intensified yesterday when it was revealed that the club had not yet paid at least five of its 2001 draft picks and still owed significant amounts to a small group of its senior players for performances last season.
AFL chief executive WAYNE JACKSON on Monday said the League had been having regular meetings with the Kangaroos for some time.
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Ansett Australia Cup

Week Three – Fri-Sat-Sun, March 2-3-4.
<||> St Kilda enjoyed its first win since last July when they defeated a depleted West Coast in good conditions at Docklands on Friday night. The forward set-up of PETER EVERITT and AARON HAMILL clicked as Hamill kicked four goals and set up several others. The Eagles were without Cousins, Kemp, Peter and Phillip Matera, Jakovich, McIntosh, Cummings and Carroll. Replacement forward TROY WILSON kicked four goals for the Coasters in a promising outing.
ST KILDA 19.9-123 (Everitt 5, Hamill 3, Callaghan 3) best, Moyle, Callaghan, Voss, WEST COAST 15.7-97 (Wilson 4, Gardiner 3) best, Gardiner, Wilson, Wirrpunda. At Docklands: 8,642.

<||> In a low-scoring slog at Football Park on Friday night, Adelaide had the better of the Bulldogs in good conditions. The Crows boasted two left-foot forwards who scored well, former North Adelaide player CHRIS LADHAMS after two years without a senior game with Essendon kicked four goals while ADAM RICHARDSON (West Adelaide) bagged three. Key interest was the playing of 34-year-old veteran DARREN JARMAN off the Crows' half-back flank. After a slow start, things did not improve for the Bulldogs in the second half.
ADELAIDE 11.11-77 (Ladhams 4, Richardson 3) best, Recite, Jarman, Ladhams, BULLDOGS 9.5-59 (Grant 2, Johnson 2, Fuller 2) best, Romero, Grant, Johnson. At Football Park: 20,169.

<||> BRENDON LADE made his much-awaited comeback for Port Adelaide in good conditions at Docklands on Saturday afternoon. Lade, returning from a broken leg suffered in Round 2 last year played well in the first half kicking two goals. Early in the third term Lade tragically broke his right leg again. In spite of a successful return for Geelong by GARRY HOCKING who picked up 32 possessions, the Cats were flat.
PORT 16.9-105 (Burgoyne 4, Dew 3) best, Dew, Burgoyne, Mead, GEELONG 12.15-87 (Burns 5, Sholl 2) best, Sholl, Burns, Corey. At Docklands: 4,474.

<||> Reigning premiers Essendon showing little of their champagne style, remained winless for the year when Sydney accounted for them in fine and warm conditions on Saturday afternoon at Manuka Oval. The Swans lost PAUL KELLY after only eight minutes of the match when the Sydney captain suffered a grade one hamstring injury. However, the Swans were well served by RYAN FITZGERALD, SIMON FEAST, ADAM GOODES, together with MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN and PAUL WILLIAMS. The lengthy Bomber injury list was added to when key forward MATTHEW LLOYD suffered a problem with his buttock.
SYDNEY 11.17-83 (Ball 2, Fitzgerald 2, Schwass 2) best, O’Loughlin, Cresswell, Goodes, ESSENDON 8.11-59 (J.Johnson 2, Alessio 2) best, Alessio, J.Johnson, Hardwick. At Manuka Oval: 12,358.

<||> The Kangaroos came out victors by 28pts in a hard-fought contest against Collingwood on Saturday night in good conditions at Colonial stadium. WAYNE CAREY in his first match appearance for the year had an impact in the second half when the Magpies threatened — Carey combined well with SAV ROCCA who kicked four goals for the Roos. Though Buckley, O'Bree and Ukovic were prominent for the Pies, the Kangas held the edge.
KANGAROOS 18.12-120 (King 5, Rocca 4) best, King, Stevens, McCartney, COLLINGWOOD 14.8-92 (Buckley 3, Lane 3, Tarrant 3) best, Buckley, Ukovic, O’Bree. At Docklands: 28,983. Reports: DAVID KING (K) for striking ANDREW DIMATTINA (C) in the third quarter. King at Tuesday's tribunal was suspended for one match. From video, ANTHONY STEVENS (K) for striking NATHAN BUCKLEY (C) in the second quarter. Stevens was suspended for one match.
An AFL investigation resulted in a further Tribunal hearing on Wednesday at which DAVID KING was suspended a further two matches for interfering with Collingwood runner PETER HARRINGTON. The Tribunal deemed one match be served concurrently with the striking charge brought down against King on Tuesday night. ANTHONY STEVENS was found guilty of interfering with Collingwood club doctor PAUL BLACKMAN and fined $3,500.

<||> Brisbane gave a polished team display to defeat Carlton by 13pts in good conditions on Saturday night at the Gabba. The game marked the successful return from long-term injury by Lions' ruckman CLARK KEATING. While ANDREW McKAY picked up a game-high 26 possessions for the Blues and BRENDON FEVOLA kicked four goals, Brisbane controlled proceedings through their running midfield led by Voss, Power, Hart and the tireless SIMON BLACK.
BRISBANE 10.14-74 (Black 2, Bradshaw 2) best, Leppitsch, Black, Keating, CARLTON 9.7-61 (Fevola 4) best, McKay, Camporeale, Christou. At the BCG: 22,957.

<||> The Tigers by their emphatic 94pt blitz of Fremantle in fine conditions of the early Sunday afternoon contest at Princes Park had seemingly clinched a place in the Ansett semi's — as would later unfold, Hawthorn went six points better. Richmond's forward strength of BRAD OTTENS was a standout, however Freo's overall defence and midfield efforts were very disappointing.
RICHMOND 22.13-145 (Ottens 6, Hilton 3, Tivendale 3) best, Ottens, Tivendale, Hilton, FREMANTLE 7.9-51 (Schell 4) best, Black, Schell, Parker. At Princes Park: 4,391. Report: WAYNE CAMPBELL (R) for charging DANIEL METROPOLIS (F) in the first quarter. Campbell was cleared of the charge.

<||> Needing a huge victory to make the semi's, Hawthorn responded with a sustained effort to thrash last year's premiership runner-up Melbourne by 100 points in good conditions at Docklands stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Hawks dominated proceedings with the stats telling the story, Hawthorn 331 disposals, Melbourne 203.
HAWTHORN 21.17-143 (Thompson 6, Dixon 5) best, Thompson, Dixon, Smith, MELBOURNE 6.7-43, best, Thompson, Yze, Brown. At Docklands: 9.813.
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Stab Kicks ...
** Surgery to trim cartilage in the left knee of WINSTON ABRAHAM will keep him out of the Kangaroo line-up for six to eight weeks ... ** Port's BRENDON LADE was expected to undergo surgery Tuesday (6th) to repair his right leg, broken a second time on Friday night at Colonial – Lade is expected to return to Adelaide later in the week from a Melbourne hospital ... ** DEAN KEMP was of many West Coast players to miss on the weekend following surgery to an old hamstring injury, bringing him doubt for the season opener against Geelong on April 1st ... ** WARREN TREDREA one of the major casualties at Port Adelaide had successful surgery on the knee injured in the February 24 Ansett Cup match, but during the surgery additional minor bone damage was discovered — his recuperation is expected to last some 6-8 weeks.
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Draft review
ABC News Online reported the AFL has launched a review of the competition's Draft procedure. A working part will examine whether all aspects of the Draft are promoting the Commission's equalisation policy among clubs. Key areas include player mobility between clubs, equalisation boundaries, list sizes, the timing of the draft and the age of draftees.
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Clash of colours debate emerges
Under new AFL rules, the 'away' club this season may be forced to wear their Ansett Cup strips where a clash of colours occur, such as Collingwood and the Roos, or Richmond and Essendon – colours to be worn will be confirmed to all clubs in the week before each match.
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Plugger scores big with greyhound – but ...
The League's greatest goalkicker TONY LOCKETT scored a first prize $100,000 as part-owner of his greyhound called Brett Lee in the Australian Cup run at The Meadows in Melbourne on Saturday night. Brett Lee's triumph took his stake earnings to $192,736 in 19 wins and three placings from just 23 starts. Days later is was discovered Lockett’s name was not officially entered as a part owner. An inquiry was slated for April 2.
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They said it ...
CHIP Le GRAND, The Australian, February 28 — Carlton, Melbourne and Hawthorn led the revolt against O'Connor, who appears set to become the first AFL commissioner effectively sacked by the clubs. He was not available for comment.

Symbolically, it was Carlton president JOHN ELLIOTT, flanked by other club presidents on the steps of Melbourne's establishment Australian Club, who announced the outcome of the ballot after an hour-long meeting.
Sydney, Fremantle and West Coast did not attend but informed the meeting of their voting intentions.
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JANE SCHULZE, The Age, March 1 — Mr Stokes denied the loss of the AFL rights would harm Seven.

"Our problem with the AFL was that in some ways it was regarded as our crown jewels," he said. "The facts are we have removed a crown of thorns and freed us up on a national basis."

Demons to write off a million?
MELBOURNE is the latest football club to give concern to its financial stability.

The Demons are set to write off more than $850,000 from an investment in a club venue in Melbourne's northern suburb of Fawkner that is likely to be scrapped after the Victorian State Government introduced a cap on new poker machine installations.
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Ex-Blue fined $23,000 over tax
A test-case judgement against STEPHEN OLIVER who played 14 senior games with Carlton in 1993-94 has resulted in the former player being penalised nearly $23,000 by the Australian Tax Office for underpaying tax.

The Carlton FC was accused in a federal Administrative Appeal Tribunal judgment of contriving with player-manager PETER JESS to breach the AFL salary cap with secret payments to players.

The tribunal's written decision quoted Mr Jess as saying Carlton had sought advice from him specifically for the purpose of disguising payments from the football payments commissioner.

At least six Carlton players including Brownlow Medalist GREG WILLIAMS and two Collingwood players are believed to have been issued with assessments for allegedly unpaid tax.

GEOFF WILKINSON reported in the Herald Sun on Saturday (10th): Carlton could be hit with a bill of up to $500,000 for unpaid fringe benefits tax if the Oliver decision is applied in all outstanding cases.

Ansett Australia Cup

Semi-Finals – Friday-Saturday, March 9-10.
<||> Port Adelaide enjoyed its first success over the Roos at any level and won their way through to their second Ansett Cup grand final when they accounted for the Kangaroos by 16pts in warm Friday night conditions at Football Park. Port had plenty of run in the free flowing affair with Roo speedster BRENT HARVEY and SHANNON GRANT always threatening for the visitors. Port deserved their win, as Kanga coach DENIS PAGAN conceded — "they deserved to win, they were the better side on the night, they were far more disciplined."  Both WAYNE CAREY and COREY McKERNAN were casualties for the Roos.
PORT 15.12-102 (Wanganeen 4) best, Francis, James, Wilson, KANGAROOS 13.8-86 (Grant 2, Rocca 2, Archer 2) best, Harvey, Grant, Blakey. At Football Park: 18,615. Reports: MICHAEL WILSON (P) for abusive language. The charge was dismissed when the Tribunal ruled proper proper procedure was not followed when the player was informed he had been reported.
BRENT HARVEY (K) for interfering with an umpire in the third quarter. Harvey was found guilty of making inappropriate contact with field umpire SHANE McINERNEY and suspended for two matches. The club appealed the sentence. On Thursday, the AFL Appeal Board found Harvey's contact was inexcusable and was far from convinced the two match ban was excessive and dismissed the appeal.

<||> Both the Lions and the Hawks impressed on Saturday night under the closed roof at Docklands. The Brisbane Lions hit back hard to win by 15pts after letting an early five-goal lead slip through their fingers. Hawthorn dominated the third term and seemed set to take the game but the Lions saved their most explosive and very best football for the last.
BRISBANE 14.10-94 (Power 2, Cupido 2, Lappin 2) best, Voss, Pike, White, HAWTHORN 12.7-79 (Dixon 3) best, Rehn, Barker, Clarke. At Docklands: 15,866.
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Practice matches
AFL approved trial matches, Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11 —
<> ESSENDON v MELBOURNE — at Optus Oval on Saturday, Melbourne sent the Bombers to another pre-season defeat in a trial which resulted in no major injuries for either side, MELBOURNE 19.8-122 (Neitz 4, Green 3, Farmer 3), ESSENDON 13.12-90 (Fletcher 3, Alessio 3).
<> BULLDOGS v RICHMOND — the Dogs with a good start and eight goals in the third term were given a boost with good form from their key position players at Whitten Oval on Saturday when they cruised to a very easy win over the Tigers who played poor football, BULLDOGS 16.16-112 (Grant 4, Hudson 3), RICHMOND 4.12-36 (Bowden 2), crowd: 4,000.
<> SYDNEY v COLLINGWOOD — the Swans won well over Collingwood on Saturday in Newcastle but suffered three serious injuries – DALE LEWIS broke his right arm while RYAN FITZGERALD tore a cruciate ligament in his left knee which ends his season and BEN FIXTER suffered ligament damage, SYDNEY 14.9-93 (Ball 3, Ahmat 3), COLLINGWOOD 11.10-76 (Tuckey 3), crowd: 5,250.
<> FREMANTLE v GEELONG — the Dockers at Fremantle Oval faded badly against the Cats on Saturday and suffered another thumping. Compounding Freo's woes CLIVE WATERHOUSE broke his left collarbone during the second quarter, GEELONG 17.15-117 (Mensch 5), FREMANTLE 9.7-61 (Schell 3), crowd: 4,200.
<> ADELAIDE v WEST COAST — on Saturday at Football Park, the Crows easily had the measure of the Eagles which prompted former Adelaide captain CHRIS McDERMOTT to say on local radio, "They're a rabble, this mob. There are real worrying signs for them." — ADELAIDE 14.12-96 (Richardson 2, Ladhams 2, McLeod 2), WEST COAST 6.10-46 (Munro 2), crowd: 5,236.
<> CARLTON v ST KILDA — the two met at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday afternoon with the Saints getting up to pip the Blues, ST KILDA 13.15-93 (Harvey 2, Everitt 2), CARLTON 12.13-85 (Fevola 3), crowd: 12,000 (approx.).
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Stab Kicks ...

Serious injuries for the Swans
Sydney suffered serious injuries to DALE LEWIS, RYAN FITZGERALD and BEN FIXTER in the trial match played at Newcastle on Saturday — Lewis who in the past two years suffered two breaks in his left arm, on this occasion broke his right arm (10 weeks); Fitzgerald ended his season when he tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee which will require a reconstruction; Fixter first thought to have broken his right leg suffered ligament damage which will sideline him four to six weeks ... Fitzgerald missed 1999 with surgery to both shoulders ...
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West Coast lose Read and Embley
=PHILLIP READ will miss West Coast's 2001 season following a knee reconstruction ... more bad news for the Eagles, ANDREW EMBLEY will miss up to eight weeks with a right shoulder injury suffered in the Saturday trial versus Adelaide at Football Park ...
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Contract time ...
Essendon have signed DUSTIN FLETCHER to a new deal for seasons 2002 to 2004 believed to be worth close to $1.3 million, tying the All-Australian full-back to the Dons until his 29th birthday at least ... MARK JOHNSON and PAUL BARNARD have also agreed to two further seasons after 2001 ... MARK MERCURI and MATTHEW LLOYD come out of contract with the Bombers at the end of this season ... 27-year-old four-time club champion GLEN JAKOVICH has signed a three-year $1.2 million agreement with West Coast for seasons 2001-02-03 ...
__________

Hawks try short sleeves
Hawthorn in the Ansett Cup semi versus Brisbane on Saturday at Docklands wore the rugby-style strip with short sleeves but switched to the sleeveless traditional brown-and-gold stripes in the second half — the Hawks explained to the League it was caused by the humid conditions under the Colonial Stadium roof.
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$40,000 painting stolen
A life-size $40,000 painting of Collingwood's MICK McGUANE stolen from AFL House at Docklands the previous weekend turned up on Nine's Footy Show on Thursday night (8th) with the man responsible for its return. Later, police interviewed two men who were expected to be summonsed at a later date. The painting by Melbourne artist LEWIS MILLER forms part of the AFL's centenary art collection.
An inquiry is likely to take place on April 2.
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Talking Footy bounced to late-Tuesday
ROBERT FIDGEON reported on Saturday (10th) in the Herald Sun that Talking Footy, once a flag-bearer of Channel 7's AFL coverage has been bounced to Tuesday night at the later time of 11.30pm when it returns on April 3. The Monday 10.30pm slot once the domain of the footy program for seven seasons will be filled by the return of Roy and HG who were a popular late-night item last year during Sydney's Olympic Games.
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Gary Ablett at inquest on death of girlfriend
The former Geelong footballer GARY ABLETT was a witness at the inquest into the death of his 20-year-old girlfriend Ms Alisha Horan.

The inquest held on March 5-6 at the Coroner's Court in Melbourne heard Ablett and Ms Horan spent five days drinking and partying in Melbourne last year before Ms Horan collapsed into unconsciousness in their Hyde Park Hotel room on Thursday February 17 2000. She died the following day without regaining consciousness. A post mortem found traces of heroin and ecstasy in Ms Horan's body. Coroner Noreen Toohey reserved her findings.
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Saints get timely cash injection
JAKE NIALL reported Tuesday in The Age: that St Kilda had finally received the compensation they had negotiated with the AFL and Stadiums Operations Ltd, the Colonial Stadium operator, late last year ... while the money, believed to a six-figure sum, was counted in the club's result for the last financial year, its settlement has given the Saints a timely cash injection.
__________

Sean Charles suspended
St Kilda suspended SEAN CHARLES from playing with the club for four weeks. A media release reported Football Operations gm BRIAN WALDRON saying "this action has been taken following Sean's constant failure to comply with training requirements."
__________

Oops
The AFL's recent change of major sponsor from Coca Cola to Carlton and United Breweries has brought its difficulties. In Melbourne's major circulation Sunday Herald Sun, a premiership fixture and tipping chart still bore the old logo. Tickets for all games including the Anzac Day blockbuster between Essendon and Collingwood which were due to go on sale a week ago are being reprinted with the CUB logo.

Ansett Australia Cup 2001
Port slaughter Lions

Port Adelaide won their first AFL trophy when they thrashed a disappointing Brisbane by 14 goals on Saturday night (March 17) at Football Park — the first VFL-AFL premiership to be be decided outside of Victoria drew 35,304. Following an intense first quarter Port in the good conditions piled on a match-winning 8.2-50 in the second term to go to an unassailable lead.

ALAN SHIELL reported for The Age: NICK STEVENS'  cool snap from the right foot pocket gave Port its second goal just over a minute into the second quarter. Four minutes later, the floodgates burst open as STUART DEW sank three long goals within three minutes. It was a brilliant, inspirational cameo by the solidly built left-footer, who at only 21, is one of the longest and most accurate kicks in the AFL, as his hapless opponent CHRIS SCOTT would testify. It was a horror night for Scott, who was reported for striking CHAD CORNES.

Apart from the first term, it was never a contest as the disparity of disposals attest — Port had 308, the Lions 179. Brisbane coach LEIGH MATTHEWS said: "You can't get more comprehensively beaten that that — we had only five guys who had 10 or more possessions.

ADAM KINGSLEY was best afield for Port Adelaide with 21 kicks, taking 11 marks and serving out eight handballs — he was presented with the MICHAEL TUCK MEDAL from its 426-match namesake when post-match presentations were made.

From the prize pool of $600,000 provided, the winner of the Ansett Cup 2001 received prize money of $125,000 and the runner-up $95,000.

The five matches won by Port in the Ansett Cup — against Essendon by 79 points, Sydney (5pts), Geelong (18), Kangaroos (16) and Brisbane (85) may bring a re-evaluation of their prospects for the premiership season which starts for the Power on March 31 when Brisbane returns to Footy Park – this time for match points.

Practice matches
AFL approved trial matches, Saturday, March 17 —
<> The trial game on Friday night at Lavington was abandoned following torrential rain, which disappointed the 8000 fans who turned up. Many less on Saturday morning watched on at a windy Sandringham Oval which marked the successful return from injury of Richmond's MATTHEW RICHARDSON. In a sloppy, rain-marred game, ESSENDON 9.6-60 (Mercuri 2, J.Johnson 2, Jacobs 2), RICHMOND 7.8-50 (Ottens 4) ...
<> In sparkling sunshine, 3000 fans at the SCG watched Sydney go to a 69pt lead by half-time. The Blues with a last half fight back cut the margin to only 8pts but the Swans held on to win by 16, SYDNEY 16.17-113 (Fosdike 2, Goodes 2, Cresswell 2, Crouch 2), CARLTON 13.19-97 (Whitnall 3, Ratten 3) ...
<> 4,500 in Hamilton watched a generally poor standard match – scrappy and low scoring in cold and blustery conditions. An inexperienced Hawk squad upset a strong Cat line-up by one goal, HAWTHORN 9.12-66 (Bowyer 2, Thompson 2, Greene 2) GEELONG 7.18-60 (Bizzell 2) ...
<> Injury woes continued for the Eagles when DAVID WIRRPUNDA in the second quarter suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday night at Subiaco. The Doggies may have been without 12 regulars, even so, West Coast posted a confidence boosting win, WEST COAST 17.11-113 (Munro 3, Cousins 3), WESTERN BULLDOGS 7.18-60 ... from video, SCOTT CUMMINGS (WC) was booked for charging MATTHEW ROBBINS (WB) in the third quarter. The Tribunal cleared Cummings of the charge.
<> On the pocket-sized North Hobart Oval, Melbourne were three-goal winners over the Magpies who made their first appearance in Hobart for 30 years. Brownlow winner SHANE WOEWODIN played his first full game of the season for the Demons – he picked up 23 possessions, MELBOURNE 16.9-105 (Neitz 4, Beams 3), COLLINGWOOD 13.9-87 Tarrant 3, L.Davis 3) at North Hobart, 7649 ... BRENT GRGIC (Melbourne) charged with abusive language to a field umpire during the practice match versus Collingwood at North Hobart Oval on Saturday. Grgic pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $1200.
<> It was cold and windy, with frequent showers on Saturday afternoon at Carlton when the Kangas handed yet another thumping to the Dockers. To rub salt in the wounds, among the best were two Docker discards, MATTHEW BURTON and JESS SINCLAIR who played well for the Roos. A rare bright spot for Freo was the form of Rising Star winner PAUL HASLEBY, KANGAROOS 17.10-112 (Harvey 4, Rocca 3), FREMANTLE 7.6-48 (Hasleby 3, Koops 2) ...
<> At Port Augusta on Saturday, conditions were windy and tough for the Crows as their old coach ran in an easy win, ST KILDA 11.13-79 (Milne 2, Voss 2), ADELAIDE 4.10-34 (Richardson 2).
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Volkswagen is new ball sponsor
Ansett extends to Rising Star award
German car manufacturer Volkswagen is the League's new match-day ball sponsor. The announcement was made on Tuesday (20th) when AFL chief executive WAYNE JACKSON was quoted: "Volkswagen is regarded as the people's car, we'd like to think we are the people's game."

The distinctive VW logo is the third on the Sherrin — McDonald's were first during the 1993 finals, followed by Challenge Bank in 1994-95, then McDonald's returned in 1996 for another five seasons. The two-year deal with Volkswagen is reported to be worth $900,000 for each season.

Ansett Australia have extended their commitment to the Australian game beyond their sponsorship of the pre-season competition as reported by GREG DENHAM in The Age: Ansett is expected to inject a further $900,000 into football by sponsoring the AFL's rising star award, the national draft, the AIS draft camps and the national Under 16 and Under 18 championships.
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Tribunal
Lions' pair suspended
Brown wins reprieve on appeal
The Brisbane Lions lost two players from the opening to the premiership season next week when the AFL Tribunal on Wednesday (21st) handed down suspensions to both vice-captain CHRIS SCOTT and 19-year-old half-forward JONATHAN BROWN. The charges came from the Ansett Cup grand final played on Saturday night at Football Park.

> CHRIS SCOTT (Brisbane) for striking CHAD CORNES (Port Adelaide) in the last quarter. Scott was suspended for one match.
> From video, JONATHAN BROWN (Brisbane) for striking FABIAN FRANCIS (Port Adelaide) in the first quarter. Brown was suspended for three matches. The Brisbane Lions appealed the penalty on JONATHAN BROWN. The AFL Appeal Board after a two-hour hearing on Friday (23rd) lifted Brown's three match suspension. It is the fourth occasion a penalty by the Tribunal has been overturned. Appeal chairman PETER O'CALLAGHAN, QC, pointed out the decision to overturn the ban relied on his board viewing the video evidence against Brown completely differently from the way the tribunal had interpreted the video from Brown had been charged.
> From video, SCOTT CUMMINGS (West Coast) for charging MATTHEW ROBBINS (Western Bulldogs) in the third quarter of the Saturday practice match at Subiaco. The Tribunal cleared Cummings of the charge.
> BRENT GRGIC (Melbourne) charged with abusive language to a field umpire during the practice match versus Collingwood at North Hobart Oval on Saturday. Grgic pleaded guilty and was fined $1200.
__________

Stab Kicks ...
THE MEDICAL ROOM — ** BRAD SEYMOUR has been added to Sydney's string of injuries – the reliable defender will miss the first four games with cartilage damage to his knee ... ** Kangaroo captain WAYNE CAREY has another tear to his right calf which will cause him to miss the opening two matches – The King suffered the injury at training on Monday (19th); it is a fresh tear unrelated to when Carey was kicked in the same region during the Ansett Cup semi-final against Port ... ** Hawk ruckman BRETT O'FARRELL jarred his knee during the practice match against Geelong in Hamilton, and though not serious, O'Farrell is in doubt for the opening round ...
__________

Nathan Brown booked
In his return from a serious back problem, Western Bulldogs midfielder NATHAN BROWN playing with VFL club Werribee on Saturday was reported with striking Geelong Amateurs' TIM CLARKE — the VFL Tribunal on Tuesday (20th) cleared Brown of the charge ...
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1992 shares back with the Kangaroos
A parcel of shares in the North Melbourne club purchased by Carlton in 1992 have been sold to Kanga white-knight JOHN MAGOWAN; the Roo board member paid $150,000.
__________

Jackson hits the stop button
League supremo WAYNE JACKSON swiftly hit the *stop* button to remove a countdown clock from the scoreboard at Colonial Stadium. He was quoted in the Herald Sun: "The AFL controls the video scoreboard at the ground for AFL matches so we'll determine how the game is presented, not the venue manager."
__________

Support staff numbers
Top scribe MIKE SHEAHAN noted in the Herald Sun that pressure is mounting on coaches to cut the number of support staff on the ground during games. Mike quoted AFL football operations manager ANDREW DEMETRIOU: "We will monitor things this season to see whether we need one or two runners in future."
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Tribunal to sit interstate
The AFL Tribunal is booked to sit at interstate venues on four occasions during season 2001. DARRYL TIMMS reported in the Herald Sun: The League will fly its three-man panel to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. AFL reporting officer RICK LEWIS, the tribunal secretary and player advocates will also fly interstate for the four hearings, which will be held on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of the traditional Monday.
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Melbourne president suffers business glitch
The Melbourne FC expressed its full support for president JOSEPH GUTNICK as his Centaur Mining and Exploration company went into voluntary administration on March 14 with debts of around $A500 million. Mr Gutnick was re-elected president of the club for a further two-year term last December.
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Drug tests clear
The Australian Sports Drug Agency confirmed on Wednesday (14th) that no AFL player tested positive to banned drugs in the final three-month period of testing from September 1 to December 31. The only player to test positive during the 2000 season was West Coast's NICK STONE who admitted to the presence of stimulant recreational drugs amphetamine and methylamphetamine known as "speed" which was detected from a random test at training on June 19. Stone was suspended for six weeks and has since been delisted by the Eagles.
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AFL warned on run-down Waverley
Homebush in "dire" financial difficulties
Two stadiums came under notice – the AFL were warned by the Victorian State Government of its responsibility to maintain the appearance of Waverley Park where vandals have broken windows and scrawled graffiti on the walls of the disused stadium ... Stadium Australia at Homebush was reportedly in "dire" financial difficulties only six months following the most successful Olympics ever — the stadium has failed to attract enough major events to pay its debts. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the company has liabilities of $196 million and little cash flow.
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Geelong fined $5000 over ASDA tests
GEELONG has been fined $5000 for recently breaching guidelines during testing by the Australian Sports Drug Agency. BRIAN COOK, the Cats' CEO admitted his club were at fault when they failed to allow ASDA officials to continually observe a player once he had been selected for a urine test during a pre-season training session.
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They said it ...
PETER HANLON, Sun-Herald, March 18 — Only time will tell, but football has a history of turning March champions into the jokes of July.
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STEPHEN RIELLY & GREG DENHAM, The Age, March 21 — Carlton president John Elliott yesterday claimed to have held merger talks with the Kangaroos in 1999. Elliott said he had ''extensive discussions'' with Roos' chairman, the late Ron Casey, about a merger mid-way through the season.

''We actually decided in the middle of the year that we'd seriously get down to it at the end of the season and the odd thing was Carlton finished up playing North Melbourne in the grand final,'' Elliott said yesterday on Sport 927.

''We put it on ice because it was too hard again ... It would have been too hard to pull off. If two teams play off in the grand final, are the AFL going to sanction those two teams to do a merger?

''It was one of those odd years when Carlton finished playing North Melbourne in the grand final, so we had to call it off again.''

The Kangaroos dismissed Elliott's merger claims and described them as fanciful.

Obituary
Daniel Hulm passes
DANIEL HULM, the 26-year-old captain in the 2000 season SANFL premiership success by Central District died in London on March 12 after he was struck by a train near his home in Surbiton, just outside London. Ernst & Young's London office paid tribute to Danny, saying his death was a great tragedy.

Hulm was recruited to the SANFL Bulldogs in 1997 from the Tasmanian club Clarence where he played 78 matches. In his four seasons of 77 games at Elizabeth, Hulm carved out an impressive reputation, not only at Central, but throughout the SANFL, as proven with his selection as SA captain for the State League match against Western Australia last May.

Possibly his proudest achievement was to lead Centrals to their first SANFL premiership by their defeat of West Torrens-Woodville on September 10 after which Danny was named Coach of the Year.

A funeral service in Hobart on Friday March 23, was followed by a private cremation.
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AFL Commission
Out: O'Connor, In: Hammond
At the League AGM, BOB HAMMOND was voted on to the AFL Commission, replacing TERRY O'CONNOR, a commissioner since 1993.

BILL KELTY retained his place as a Commissioner.
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Carlton fines three players
The Carlton club on Monday (26th) moved swiftly to deal with a widely publicised incident involving players MATTHEW LAPPIN, BRENDAN FEVOLA and ANDREW MERRINGTON.

Lappin and Merrington were arrested by police early on Friday morning and later charged for being drunk in a public place after a series of incidents at Victoria University's campus at Maidstone. They spent four hours in a cell. The two were bailed and are due to appear in Sunshine Court on April 9.

Fevola who was not arrested is alleged to have sprayed a woman in the face with a fire extinguisher and tried to fight security guards.

Carlton club president JOHN ELLIOTT described the drunken rampage as pathetic and embarrassing behaviour. The club did not suspend the three players but imposed a fine, ordered them to complete community development work, attend alcohol and anger management courses and do extra training sessions.
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Umpires win pay increases
The AFL Umpires Association has won pay increases from a new collective bargaining agreement with the League.
Payments for central umpires will rise to $1550 for one match, and will become $1750 in 2003. Umpires also collect a base payment, which will be between $23,000 and $33,000 in 2001 depending on seniority, rising to $25-$35,000 two years later.
A grand final umpire will be paid $11,500 this season.
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NRMA sponsors injury buggy
Five years after the Adelaide club were banned from using a motorised injury buggy, the AFL on March 23 announced a sponsored version which will be used at all matches this season.
The NRMA, the motoring and insurance group based in Sydney will sponsor and have provided eight of the buggy's which will driven out on the field to collect players who otherwise would have been carried off on hand-held stretchers.
When not in use, the buggy will not be allowed to remain on the ground.
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The age of footy litigation
(1) Rombotis starts proceedings against Richmond
SCOT PALMER in his Punchlines feature in the Sunday Sun Herald reported: Richmond has been given 14 days to deal with a damages claim by former player JOHN ROMBOTIS before he starts legal proceedings against the club. The notice sent to the Tigers claims that the nature of the injury Rombotis, 25, suffered to his right shoulder in Round 2 last year was such that he was unlikely to play AFL in "the foreseeable future". There has been mention of what could be permanent disability.

(2) Adrian Whitehead questions 1997 shot
ADRIAN WHITEHEAD lodged a writ in the Supreme Court for unlimited damages over medical treatment he claims halted his AFL career. The 1995 Carlton premiership player was given an injection before the game against Geelong in Round 20, 1997 which only masked the pain and he went on to injure his right  foot severely. The Herald Sun reported on March 28: As football's governing body, the AFL have been joined in the matter as a defendant.
Whitehead, also refer Diary, Week 481, July 22-28, 2005
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Stab Kicks ...

AFL report names Carey, Hird and Buckley as highest earners
The 104th Annual Report of the League revealed three players are now earning more than $500,000 from football which excludes the $330,000 marketing component each club can pay one or more players. Though no names were given, the top earners are believed to be WAYNE CAREY, JAMES HIRD and NATHAN BUCKLEY. The report said seven players earn between $401,000 and $500,000 and another 80 receive between $200,001 and $300,000. The most common pay range is in the $100,001 to $200,001 bracket which 245 players receive.
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Port's "Greatest Team" postponed
Port Adelaide's naming of the "Greatest Team of the Greatest Club Celebration" was postponed when it clashed with the Port-Brisbane Ansett Cup Grand Final on March 17. The function will now be held on June 16.

Roof at Docklands jams again
Brownlow to be public to Colonial?
A "technical hitch" left the roof of Colonial Stadium open for a rugby league game on Sunday (25th) — the glitch should be fixed in time for the AFL opening ... also at Colonial Stadium, will the 2001 Brownlow Medal count become a public event? – the idea has been put to the AFL by stadium boss IAN COLLINS, but early indications are it will not receive the blessing of the AFL ...

Around the traps
** 2000 Brownlow winner SHANE WOEWODIN has been named vice-captain of the Demons – replacing DAVID SCHWARZ; deputy's will be JEFF WHITE and ANDREW LEONCELLI ... ** 57 have paid $8500 and signed on with the new Kangaroos' coterie group, the Vice-President's Club – they include players WAYNE CAREY, ANTHONY STEVENS and GLENN ARCHER ... ** for $170,000, the Kangaroos have relinquished management rights to their Round 3 "home" match against Sydney at the SCG – the Swans will promote the game as an opportunity for their fans to "Boo a Roo".
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Age polls
In the week before the March 30th start of the season, The Age in Melbourne came out with several Saulwick polls –

(1) a telephone survey of 1000 people revealed 43 per cent (22% "very interested", 21% "somewhat interested") supported AFL football ...
(2) 35 per cent believe that EDDIE McGUIRE has a conflict of interest in being Collingwood president and his role in the broadcast and written media; another 21% believed McGuire "probably" had a conflict ...
(3) three-quarters of AFL fans believe TV coverage of the game will improve or at least stay as good when Nine-Ten-Foxtel takes over from Seven next year — 44% expected the coverage will not alter ...
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tests
=JOSH FRASER who won Collingwood's best first year player award last season has signed on with the Magpies for another two years – the rangy 19-year-old is expected to make $250,000 a season for 2002 and 2003 ...
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Roy Allen celebrates 100th birthday
102-year-old Melbourne veteran discovered
=ROY ALLEN celebrated his 100th birthday on March 27 – he played two games with Collingwood in 1924 and was thought to be the oldest living League player.

The Melbourne club however have discovered 102-year-old HARRY SELOVER living in a nursing home in Carrum. Harry played three matches and kicked two goals in 1919 for the club when it was known as the Fuchsias in the season after World War One – Mr Selover has spanned three centuries, he was born on July 24, 1898.
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Hawthorn and St Kilda share $2.7 million Waverley compensation
The AFL Annual Report revealed that HAWTHORN and ST KILDA have shared a $2.7 million compensation package from the AFL for leaving Waverley Park, where the Hawks had an agreement to play home games for 30 years. The Hawks now play home games at the MCG while the Saints chose Colonial Stadium.
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Opening round breakthrough for TV
GEOFF McCLURE reported in Wednesday's Age newspaper: History will be made during this weekend's AFL opening round when Melbourne football fans will be able to watch two Victorian matches on television live against-the-gate simultaneously.

Not only will Sunday's MCG match between Melbourne and Richmond be shown on Optus pay-TV channel C7, but the AFL is expected to announce today that the Geelong-West Coast match at Shell Stadium will be screened live on free-to-air Channel Seven.

And in a further breakthrough for Seven, it will screen Saturday night's Western Bulldogs-St Kilda match starting at 7.40, only on a 40-minute delay, not an hour as has been the custom.
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New ABC Radio show
ABC Radio 774 in Melbourne will add a new football program titled "When Saturday Comes" – hosted by FRANCIS LEACH, it will be heard for two hours from 10am to noon.
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Jibe generates $10,000 bet
A jibe on which club would provide the greater number of fans at the Round 1 game at Docklands has resulted in Bulldog president DAVID SMORGAN wagering $10,000 from his own pocket with his St Kilda counterpart ROD BUTTERSS.

After 209 days without footy
Bombers start as they finished
Kangas slump to 16th; lowest ever

ROUND 1 — Fri-Sat-Sun, March 30-31, April 1.
MILESTONES — The Kangaroos slumped to 16th on the ladder, the lowest placing of their 1,555 match League history — previous lowest was 14th place after the opening round of 1988 when they were defeated at Windy Hill by Essendon 25.14-164 to 12.10-82 and last season when the Roos lost in Round 1 to West Coast at the MCG, 24.10 to 16.15 …

Field umpire CHRIS MITCHELL officiated his 300th match, the eighth man in League history to reach the benchmark … CHE COCKATOO-COLLINS played his 100th (85 Ess 1994-98, 15 PA 1999-01) … 50th games by BRAD SCOTT (Bri), JADE RAWLINGS (Haw), SHANE CLAYTON (13 Fit 1996, 5 Bri 1997-98, 32 Kan 1999-01) … LEIGH MATTHEWS coached Brisbane for the 50th time … Carlton and Fremantle recorded the 269th one-point margin — the Dockers over the past 12 months have figured in three of the six one-pointers …
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<||> After 209 days without footy, Essendon started the new season just as they finished the last with a resounding MCG victory in near perfect conditions on Friday night before 56,028 spectators. The Dons with 13 goalkickers were remarkably accurate, booting 23.8 for the night.

LEN JOHNSON reported for The Age: Dominant for all but one of the four quarters, Essendon powered its way to a 85-point win. For the injury-hit Kangaroos, it was not quite as bad as the 125-point thrashing the Dons handed them in last year's qualifying final to precipitate their exit from the finals campaign, but worse than the 50-point loss to Melbourne in the preliminary final which ended it.

Essendon was able to indulge several of its stars, notably skipper JAMES HIRD, who nursed his calf through the game. Hird started on the field and played almost all the first half, but left midway through the third for good. Before he did, he produced a typical Hird piece of play, diverting on his course to the interchange bench to sprint 120 metres into defence and dive full-length to touch a shot for goal by JESS SINCLAIR.

The Kangaroos started with a depleted list - WAYNE CAREY and MICK MARTYN out injured, BRENT HARVEY and DAVID KING out suspended – and things rapidly got worse. SHANNON WATT and WINSTON ABRAHAM were both off by the end of the first term, Watt freakishly, Abraham perhaps predictably given that he was a surprise inclusion. Abraham injured his knee when he rushed in to prevent Hird from playing on after taking a mark on the wing. For his troubles, he copped a shoulder in the face and appeared to re-injure his knee – ESSENDON 23.8-146 (Lloyd 4, Barnard 4) best, Blumfield, Solomon, Misiti, KANGAROOS 9.7-61 (McKernan 2) best, Stevens, Blakey, Harris.

<||> Terrific conditions on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon drew 52,190 to the MCG where Collingwood had more of the ball, six more scoring shots, and put the ball into their 50-metre arc 24 times more than the Hawks — the Pies lost by four points in a fast and fiery game which brought three players to the Tribunal.

Even though there were many errors by both, it was a great opener and confirmed the rebuilding program the Hawks have undertaken in the past 18 months.

JAKE NIALL observed for The Age: You could see the benefits of Hawthorn's edge in maturity and experience in the helter-skelter of the final two minutes of the match, when Collingwood was storming, but simultaneously, making bad decisions with the footy. Collingwood had several players who might have been lauded had it got home. Recruits CHAD RINTOUL, CARL STEINFORT (who tagged Shane Crawford), SHANE WAKELIN and first-gamer RYAN LONIE (who held his own on Ben Dixon) did fine work.

DANIEL CHICK, the spirited on-baller whom Hawthorn went to such extraordinary length to retain last year, was another key contributor. In past clashes between these clubs, NATHAN BUCKLEY has played at a level far above the other 43 on the field – despite typically solid stats (31 touches), the Collingwood captain was reduced to a good on-baller's game, while Chick has his share of constructive balls – HAWTHORN 13.7-85 (Holland 3) best, Smith, Bowyer, Rawlings, COLLINGWOOD 11.15-81 (Molloy 3) best, Lockyer, Molloy, Rintoul.

<||> Carlton, who for two quarters looked as though they had no right to win, called on all of their reserve to deny a persistent Fremantle in a nail-biter in good conditions for 23,716 patrons at Subiaco on Saturday night.

MARK DUFFIELD for Fairfax reported: It was a spirited but scrappy opening quarter, but the Blues seemed to have survived Fremantle's early onslaught when they kicked two clear at the 20-minute mark. From there until half-time, the Dockers completely controlled the game. With ADRIAN FLETCHER the most prolific midfielder on the ground, gathering 22 first-half possessions and TROY COOK and PAUL HASLEBY also prominent, the Dockers for half a game at least, took on and beat the Blues at their strength. Freo's 7-goal second quarter was almost too good to be true, with the question lingering, were they good enough to sustain their first-half excellence.

The Blues appeared to answer that question when they stormed to within seven points in a 20-minute third quarter burst. In a last-man-standing effort after Freo kicked away again, STEPHEN SILVAGNI stretched his 33-year-old legs and broke Freo's heart by sinking a 50-metre drop punt only four minutes from the end. And Silvagni wasn't alone as the 37-year-old CRAIG BRADLEY proved again that age is no barrier to excellence – CARLTON 18.11-119 (Lappin 3, best, Koutoufides, Allen, Ratten, FREMANTLE 18.10-118 (Modra 5) best, Fletcher, Cook, Jones.

<||> The between-season activity seemed all worth it for St Kilda at the end of the Saturday night match at Docklands. The Saints had a dramatic five point win over the Western Bulldogs but as coach MALCOLM BLIGHT offered: "Tonight was really the first dance. We're a long way from the Albert. There's a million miles to go, and the players know it." A crowd of 30,047 had watched a spirited encounter played on a soon to be replaced sub-standard Colonial surface.

PETER HANLON reported for The Age: For a club so publicised in the off-season for its new blood, the real heroes came from old hands. ROBERT HARVEY was magnificent; NATHAN BURKE not far behind him and PETER EVERITT again showed he can be all things to all people, and all in the space of the same match.

The Bulldogs horribly missed the retired SCOTT WYND however, while LUKE DARCY battled valiantly in the ruck, the Saints held sway in the hard, close-in contests, an area in which Wynd reigned supreme. Former Tiger BEN HARRISON had a strong first outing for the Dogs, keeping new Saint AARON HAMILL out of harm's way – Hamill finished the game better than he had started, but kicked only three behinds. CRAIG CALLAGHAN was the best of the Saints recruits, particularly after half-time. The balance of the on-ball divisions was also tipped St Kilda's way by the fine blanket job STEVEN BAKER did on SCOTT WEST, who had just 12 touches – ST KILDA 16.16-112 (Everitt 5) best, Everitt, Callaghan, Harvey, BULLDOGS 16.11-107 (Grant 4, Kingsley 4) best, Grant, Smith, Darcy.

<||> Port Adelaide stretched their unbeaten 2000 run when they stormed back in the second half to capture a six-point win over the Brisbane Lions — 25,948 watched Port repeat their Ansett Cup final win in good conditions on Saturday night at Football Park.

The Lions hit Port with everything – and quickly – leaving no doubt they would be a tougher proposition than a fortnight before. The Lions dominated everywhere but on the scoreboard and in the first half put the Power under pressure. At half-time Port made wholesale changes to restructure their side with BOWEN LOCKWOOD moving to centre half-forward and CHAD CORNES at full-forward. With MATTHEW PRIMUS taking control at centre bounces the impact was dramatic as Port slammed on 10.5 for the third quarter, their best term of 90 AFL matches.

From thereon the match became a shootout as Brisbane moved JUSTIN LEPPITSCH forward where he kicked two of their three last quarter goals. In a tense finish, GAVIN WANGANEEN goaled for Port at the 24-minute mark to secure a hard-earned victory for the Power – PORT 14.15-99 (Cockatoo-Collins 3, Guerra 3) best, Primus, Carr, Schofield, BRISBANE 14.9-93 (Cupido 4) best, Lappin, Keating, Cupido.

<||> Geelong displayed new aggression in their 66-point win over West Coast in fine, sunny conditions at Shell Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Cats displayed vigour at the ball, tackled with reckless abandon and harassed a new-look West Coast outfit out of the contest. The Eagles introduced eight new players to the colours – the biggest number of additions since their admission to the League in 1987.

Geelong was served by an even spread of talent as CHARLES HAPPELL from The Age noted: Ten players contributed goals, no one kicked more than three. Indeed, there can be few teams in the competition that boast such a small gap in ability between the best and worst player.

The Cats dominated all over the ground with 341 disposals to 297, taking 110 marks to 83. PETER RICCARDI was a standout with 25 disposals. A late, rushed behind to the Eagles tilted the calculations with the Cats just failing to unseat Essendon from top place on the ladder for the first time in three seasons. The downside for Geelong was the vigour they employed resulted in three of their players facing the Tribunal on Tuesday – GEELONG 17.13-115 (Bizzell 2) best, Riccardi, Bizzell, Sholl, WEST COAST 7.7-49 (Cummings 3) best, McIntosh, Kerr, Cummings.

<||> The tall marking power of Richmond's forward line proved too much for MCG co-tenants Melbourne to overcome, in the Sunday afternoon clash played in fine, sunny conditions at headquarters before 44,466. The Tigers were boosted by the return after injury of crack forward MATTHEW RICHARDSON who kicked five goals and survived the contest without trouble.

Though there were periods of uncertainty, Richmond controlled most of the contest with one of the main contributors being their captain-denied MATTHEW KNIGHTS who was responsible for a crucial goal on the three-quarter time siren which broke the back of a Demon fightback.

Melbourne found themselves chasing the Tigers as Richardson and BRAD OTTENS shared five of the first eight goals during a marking spree, well served by accurate delivery upfield that exposed Melbourne's defensive vulnerability. Both Schwarz and Neitz ending in attack for the Dees but it was outweighed by their absence at the other end. In a long season, Richmond can stand tall at the start. For the Demons, a 37-year wait since their last premiership, may stretch further – RICHMOND 20.14-134 (Richardson 5, Ottens 3, Campbell 3) best, Campbell, Knights, Hilton, MELBOURNE 15.13-103 (Schwarz 4) best, Schwarz, Bruce, Leoncelli.

<||> Warm, sunny conditions were the order on Sunday afternoon at the SCG where 31,174 attended. A pre-game motorcade of Swans' players from 1982 celebrated the 20th competitive season as the Harbourside club. Sydney honoured their veterans with a dominant display to defeat Adelaide by 52 points.

Sydney's old guard made a mockery of their birth certificates as evergreen midfielders DARYN CRESSWELL, 29, and WAYNE SCHWASS, 32, notched 27 and 30 possessions respectively. Midway in the second quarter, the Crows led 40-33 but the Swans kicked 11 of the next 12 goals and went through for a convincing victory.

With MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN at his silky best up forward and while STUART MAXFIELD, BEN MATTHEWS and ROWAN WARFE gave Sydney strong midfield support; it was the superb authority by which captain-of-the-day 32-year-old ANDREW DUNKLEY controlled the backline. Even if Adelaide had been able to include the injured DARREN JARMAN, PETER VARDY and KANE JOHNSON it is doubtful the result would have gone the other way. The Crows are likely to struggle this season – SYDNEY 19.12-126 (Cresswell 4, Ball 3, Goodes 3) best, Cresswell, Dunkley, Schwass, ADELAIDE 10.14-74 (Stenglein 2, Welsh 2, Perrie 2) best, Edwards, Bickley, Goodwin.

St Kilda's Barry Hall booked by police
St Kilda's BARRY HALL celebrated the five-point win at over the Bulldogs on Saturday night. In the early hours of Sunday, Hall was involved in a brawl outside the Metro nightclub in Bourke Street and later charged at Prahran police station with being drunk in a public place. It is believed Hall became involved with several bouncers after a friend was ejected from the nightclub. Hall was released from the Prahran lock-up about 4am into the custody of St Kilda manager BRIAN WALDRON.

The St Kilda club on Sunday decided not to fine or suspend Hall, but he would undergo counselling to help avoid a repeat of the incident. The next day St Kilda found itself under pressure in defending its discipline policy. STEPHEN  RIELLY of The Age reported on Tuesday: St Kilda president ROD BUTTERSS said he was totally comfortable with the club's three-strikes policy that stipulates counselling for all first offenders.

BRIAN WALDRON supporting Butterss said that as much as the club was embarrassed to be dealing with another off-field indiscretion, the suggestion that St Kilda's disciplinary standards might not be as high as elsewhere in the league was unfounded.

Hall will face a Melbourne Magistrate in two weeks.
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Trams & footy travel together
Think Melbourne, think football ... think Melbourne, think trams — National Express, one of the two private contractors who operate the tram system in Melbourne have put the two together.

RON BARASSI, the legendary premiership player, captain and coach is the first to lend his name to a fleet of refurbished trams which were unveiled by the Victorian Transport Minister PETER BATCHELOR on March 28.

Barassi is the first of 12 football heroes to be honoured. The Herald Sun said KEVIN SHEEDY, TONY LOCKETT, DOUG HAWKINS, BOB DAVIS and PETER HUDSON will be among those featured on the new trams to be rolled out each month.

The move supported by the AFL will see a footy jumper with the player's number painted near the driver's window on the revamped Z and B-class trams.
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Magpies seek game moves to MCG
COLLINGWOOD have asked the AFL to move its four home games at Docklands this season to the MCG.

Speaking on ABC Radio in the Saturday pre-match segment, Collingwood president EDDIE McGUIRE said that the club did not want to play its games at Colonial Stadium, providing customers and financial support to Delaware North, money that in turn would be used to sue the club.

Delaware North are suing Collingwood for $1.5 million, over the lapse of a 1992 contract. The company has taken over the catering contract at Colonial Stadium from Nationwide Venue Management and was contracted to cater at Victoria Park before the AFL's ground rationalisation.

The AFL on Saturday (March 31) confirmed that Collingwood's request to shift the Round 2 match versus Fremantle on Saturday night had been rejected.

Stab Kicks ...
Shorts deal for Kangas
The Kangaroos signed a new shorts sponsorship deal with Internet company *iPrimus* ...

Docklands resurface on hold
Plans costing some $1.5 million to completely resurface the 19,000 square metres playing surface of Colonial Stadium have been put on hold until at least the end of April (Age, March 29) – in Round 2 the Docklands venue will host AFL games on Friday and Saturday nights and on Sunday afternoon; rugby league club Melbourne also play NRL homes games at Colonial ...

TipStar in slow launch
The State Government and AFL-sponsored tipping competition, TipStar, had an inauspicious launch at the weekend, with less than $200,000 wagered and dividends much lower than those paid by rival TAB Sportsbet (Age, April 3).

AFL ask clubs to lodge dates
=The AFL has asked all 16 clubs to lodge their arrangements for the ever-increasing number of club sponsor days and on-field presentation of trophies. PATRICK KEANE of AFL Media said the League was intent on safeguarding the interests of their official corporate sponsors (Herald Sun, April 1).

Inquiry follows torrid MCG start
13 players booked – fines total $29,500
Hawks first win since 1991 at Carlton
Swans reach 900 League wins

ROUND 2 — Fri-Sat-Sun, April 6-7-8.
MILESTONES — The Swans as South Melbourne-Sydney recorded their 900th win in League company, 1897-2001 ... ANTHONY INGERSON (Mel) played his 150th game ... HEATH BLACK (Fre) his 50th ... TODD CURLEY played his 150th club game for Footscray-West.B'dogs, also 3 Col 1994 ... MALCOLM BLIGHT suffered his 100th defeat as a League coach ...
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<||> Port Adelaide made a brave attempt but failed to halt the Essendon juggernaut on Friday night when 34,918 saw the Bombers in a comprehensive display sweep to a 38-point victory in dry conditions. The event brought the unfurling with little ceremony of the 2000 premiership pennant as the Dons went through their pre-match warm-up. In the opening 15 minutes, Port matched the Bombers for force at the ball and put pressure on the premiers in defence and attack, but Essendon weathered the passage.

The Dons kicked the last six goals of the first quarter and turned an 11-point deficit into a 27-point lead in little more than 10 minutes. The Essendon engine room provided their forwards with plenty of chances and although star forward MATTHEW LLOYD could not get into the game until the third term, skipper JAMES HIRD with flawless skills made amends with three superb first-half goals.

Port didn't surrender but lacked the class and marking strength to match the Bombers. The Power were well served by STUART DEW (6 goals) and CHE COCKATOO-COLLINS (4 goals) who dominated their scoring. In contrast, Essendon again were on target with 23.7 and 14 players sharing their goals.

A seven-goal third quarter by the Bombers put paid to any thought of a come-from-behind Port win. The Power from 55 points down gained some respectability in a lack lustre final term when Hird, Fletcher and Blumfield were rested. Essendon are the heavyweights and a formidable combination – ESSENDON 23.7-145 (Lloyd 4, Hird 3, McVeigh 3) best, Hird, McVeigh, Fletcher, PORT 16.11-107 (Dew 6, Cockatoo-Collins 4, Tredrea 3) best, Dew, Cockatoo-Collins, Francou.

<||> Hawthorn posted their first Princes Park win over Carlton for 10 years in warm, humid and overcast conditions on Saturday afternoon – 27,597 attended. Apart from the opening 15 minutes when the Blues kicked four of the first five goals, the Hawks mastered the midfield and dominated proceedings. Indeed, Hawthorn kicked 10 unanswered goals across the first, second and third quarters. Winning just once from the past 13 contests, Hawthorn's crop of young key position players demonstrated they had come of age.

LEN JOHNSON for The Age reported: Once again, Hawthorn demonstrated that man-for-man it is as strong as any team in the competition ... LUKE McPHARLIN was strong at full-back against Fevola; JADE RAWLINGS had much the better of Whitnall at centre half-back; SHANE CRAWFORD was the best of several players working the centre of the ground; and JOHN BARKER, with three goals, NICK HOLLAND (while he was on) and TRENT CROAD were effective forward targets.

Carlton were under great pressure and while Ratten, Camporeale and Bradley got their usual share of the ball, they were not allowed to use it with their usual efficiency. ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES did well for the Blues and was thrust into a variety of roles to plug gaps. The Hawks up by 49pts, took their foot off the pedal and a five-goal to one finish flattered the Blues – HAWTHORN 16.11-107 (Barker 3) best, Hay, Croad, Thompson, CARLTON 11.15-81 (Hickmott 2, Camporeale 2, Fevola 2, Beaumont 2) best, Koutoufides, Hickmott, Ratten.

<||> Stung by the pundits during the week, the Bulldogs responded with characteristic aggression against Richmond in good but overcast Saturday afternoon conditions at the MCG before 36,427 fans. In the opening minutes, a targeted, bloody-headed MATTHEW KNIGHTS was off for six stiches to a wound above the right eye; he was soon followed by WAYNE CAMPBELL, which unsettled the Tigers – the Dogs kept up the pressure throughout the match to win by 42 points. Thirteen players were cited for a melee in the first quarter, when TONY LIBERATORE (WB) was booked for striking MATTHEW KNIGHTS (R).

ROHAN SMITH, CHRIS GRANT, BRAD JOHNSON, along with SIMON COX and former Tiger BEN HARRISON were the architects who laid the foundations of a ferocious Bulldog win. Richmond nearly had as much of the football, but they were never in control and their expected dominance of the air never eventuated – they kicked it high and wide, but seldom handsome.

JAKE NIALL summed the game up for The Age: The difference in finish was evident, not only in delivery to forwards, but in scoring attempts. The Tigers missed too many, while the Dogs, led by long-range missiles from Smith's boot, kicked some beauties. When it was over, (Terry) Wallace was asked about the game, giving his vertically challenged defence "confidence". The coach, as ever, was quick with the jab. "We've got a lot of confidence. We don't have to go looking for it. It's others that perhaps need confidence in us." – BULLDOGS 17.9-111 (Grant 4, Smith 3) best, Smith, West, Grant, RICHMOND 9.15-69 (Richardson 2) best, Hilton, Tivendale, Cameron.

<||> Collingwood put their first points on the board with captain NATHAN BUCKLEY getting 46 possessions (32 kicks and 14 handballs) against Fremantle at Colonial Stadium on Saturday night – a modest 26,067 went through the gate. The Dockers were competitive but never seriously threatened. Buckley may have had the stats, but the winners for the Pies were JOSH FRASER, STEVEN McKEE, CHRIS TARRANT and PAUL LICURIA.

KEN PIESSE observed the match for the Sunday Sun Herald: Malthouse's move of rucking Steven McKee non-stop, with Josh Fraser a permanent forward, paid handsome dividends with both being among the best afield – Fraser kicking four goals. The Magpies used Fraser and Tarrant as marking targets – the pair taking 18 marks between them. Former Docker BRODIE HOLLAND was lively with three early goals, while JARROD MOLLOY was again a force, despite poor disposal.

MATTHEW PAVLICH, playing only his 20th game, was clearly best for the Dockers with five goals, including three after three-quarter time. Fremantle kicked the first two goals of the final term through Pavlich and Hasleby to move to within 16 points, before Buckley finished proceedings in mid quarter with a set shot from a difficult angle – COLLINGWOOD 15.15-105 (Fraser 4, Holland 3) best, Buckley, Fraser, Tarrant, FREMANTLE 13.10-88 (Pavlich 5, Modra 3) best, Bootsma, Bell, Longmuir.

<||> Wet and slippery conditions at Football Park on Saturday night drew 35,653 patrons for a match decided with only three seconds remaining. Melbourne's ANDREW LEONCELLI kicked a dramatic goal to lift his side to a thrilling three-point win over Adelaide. The Demons had cleared the ball from the centre bounce as the final siren sounded.

Adelaide in the rain staged a spirited last-half comeback after being outclassed by Melbourne in the first half when Leoncelli produced a brilliant onball display. Down by 35 points at the long break, the Crows though outscoring the Dees eight goals to two narrowly took the lead with a goal through SIMON GOODWIN, 30 seconds from the end of the game.

In a desperate finish, Leoncelli grabbed the ball from a boundary throw-in and kicked accurately to give Melbourne their first win of the season. Adelaide remain winless but buoyed that injuries will mend and add strength to the line up. In Saturday's match, 11 of the 22 players had made few than 25 AFL appearances – MELBOURNE 12.11-83 (Robertson 3) best, Leoncelli, Robertson, Yze, ADELAIDE 11.14-80 (Welsh 4) best, Welsh, Bickley, Ladhams.

<||> The Kangaroos endured another crushing defeat when the Brisbane Lions proved too powerful in good but overcast and muggy conditions on Sunday afternoon at the Gabba – 22,970 were in attendance. The Lions won by 10 goals, and added to the thrashing suffered at the hands of Essendon in the opening round, which brought a starting deficit of 24 goals in two games against the Roos.

Though dominating, inaccurate kicking by the Lions reared its head early when six straight behinds resulted in a first quarter of 3.8 to 2.3. The Kangas stayed in the game to half-time chiefly from the three goals kicked by SAV ROCCA in the second term. When Rocca kicked his fifth (and last) early into the third, the floodgates opened as onballer SIMON BLACK gathered 14 touches for the term and Brisbane banged on six unanswered majors, three of them from JUSTIN LEPPITSCH.

The Roos were unable to risk WAYNE CAREY, still suffering from a calf injury, while an injured MICK MARTYN and the suspended BRENT HARVEY were also absent. Brisbane were well served by JONATHAN BROWN, the young, emerging centre half-forward and CLARK KEATING who, from the ruck, gave them first use of the ball. Keating topped his effort to kick three goals late in the game to be one of 11 goalkickers for the Lions – BRISBANE 17.16-118 (Keating 3, Leppitsch 3) best, Keating, Brown, Ashcroft, KANGAROOS 8.10-58 (Rocca 5) best, Stevens, Harris, Pickett.

<||> Masking Melbourne's wet Sunday afternoon; the roof was closed at Docklands when 33,687 saw Geelong slam on eight goals to one in the third quarter to overrun St Kilda's first half promise. Before the long break, AARON HAMILL, CRAIG CALLAGHAN and PETER EVERITT were spot on with their conversion, taking the Saints to a 22-point lead.

After half-time, with PETER STREET spending more time in the ruck, Geelong got their act together, with PETER RICCARDI working hard to clear his tag, with STEVEN BAKER and GLENN KILPATRICK winning plenty of the ball. RONNIE BURNS was irrepressible in the forward pocket and ended with five goals (he could have had eight). The Cats were again served with an even spread of goalkickers, following up from their 10 of last week, with nine sharing the 17 goals at Colonial. Defeated coach MALCOLM BLIGHT was scathing in his criticism, rating PETER EVERITT's performance against Geelong as "terrible, it was terrible." Everitt had three kicks, one handball and two marks – he kicked two goals – GEELONG 17.13-115 (Burns 5, Mensch 3) best, King, Burns, Scarlett, ST KILDA 13.8-86 (Hamill 3, Harvey 3) best, Harvey, Loewe, Moyle.

<||> Warm and sunny Subiaco conditions were present for the local timed midday start (12.10pm WST) with a good roll-up of 32,673 patrons. West Coast can count itself unlucky not to have won their contest against Sydney. However, the Eagles were always going to play catch-up footy going in with a long list of injuries, with more suffered during the game as Braun, Jakovich, Morrison and Munro were forced to retire.

With PAUL WILLIAMS displaying outstanding form, MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN at his dashing best and WAYNE SCHWASS ruling the midfield, Sydney were dominant for most of the second quarter when they slammed on 8.6-54, their best score for the stanza in six seasons. But from there on, though the Eagles wasted many scoring opportunities, they fought back with true grit from 47pts down and just fell agonisingly short of their first win.

BEN COUSINS provided the Eagles with an inspirational 38 possessions, 20 of which came after half-time; he received great support from CHAD FLETCHER and newcomer DANIEL KERR. Sydney may have faltered but a win in Perth no matter by what margin, is always a big plus – SYDNEY 15.14-104 (Goodes 3, Ahmat 3) best, Saddington, Goodes, Maxfield, WEST COAST 13.11-89 (Taylor 3) best, Cousins, Gardiner, Fletcher.
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Heritage council lists MCG
The Heritage Council has given the Melbourne Cricket Ground its highest level of protection.

The Herald Sun on April 7 reported that the Council singled out the Melbourne Cricket Club members' stand as an important building to be conserved. Any alteration or demolition requires a permit from the Council.

The ground and surrounds were put on the register, largely for their social and cultural importance.

In December, a $400 million redevelopment was announced to replace three stands including the members' stand in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The MCC and MCG Trust said 7500 seats could be lost if the members' stand remained. If the stand was demolished the ground would retain its present capacity of 97,500.
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Liberatore admits contact with Knights
In an unexpected aftermath to an incident which occurred early in the first quarter of Saturday's match at the MCG, Western Bulldog onballer TONY LIBERATORE during a five-minute press conference at the club's Footscray headquarters on Monday, admitted to making contact with Richmond's MATTHEW KNIGHTS.

The Herald Sun reported Liberatore, reading from a prepared statement said: "I reacted in self-defence to Matthew Knights running at me. I lifted my arm and this made contact with Matthew.

"The act was not premeditated and it was a spontaneous reaction and I acted instinctively.

"I certainly regret the outcome of the incident, however contact was certainly not deliberate.

"I apologise to Matthew for the outcome."
Knights, under the blood rule, left the ground soon after the clash with a gash to his forehead which required six stitches.
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Stab Kicks ...
Charges against Lappin and Merrington dismissed
Charges of being drunk in a public place against Carlton players MATTHEW LAPPIN and ANDREW MERRINGTON were dismissed in Sunshine Magistrates' Court on April 9. The charges resulted from incidents at Victoria University in the early hours of March 23. Neither player was in court to hear their charges dismissed.

The Medical Room
** Adelaide's MATTHEW BODE making his first appearance for the Crows since transferring from Port, broke three bones in his right hand against Melbourne on Saturday night — the goalsneak will miss at least six matches ... ** Carlton's MATTHEW ALLEN has his leg in plaster with a stress injury to his right foot – prognosis, 8 weeks ... ** St Kilda's DAMIEN RYAN early in the week was in hospital and in a neck brace after injuring his neck playing with VFL club Springvale on Saturday – the Saints are confident he is in no danger and will resume in a couple of weeks ... ** Fremantle's CLIVE WATERHOUSE has made rapid progress from a broken collarbone and will return soon ...

Helmet in a match – the first?
Master statsman COL HUTCHINSON in conversation this week recalled that BRIAN McGOWAN would have been the first player recorded to have worn a bicycle helmet in a League match. The South Melbourne player (1955, 1957-63, 118 games, 171 goals) as the Swans' longest serving with 103 consecutive League matches (1958-63) is overtaken in Round 3 by DARYN CRESSWELL.

To maintain his unbroken run of matches for the red-and-white, Brian suffered a head injury and in order to continue playing turned to the protection of a helmet. The practice has been followed more recently by St Kilda's NATHAN BURKE, Brisbane's SHAUN HART, and let us not overlook the other great Lion, Fitzroy rover GARRY WILSON.

Bits 'n pieces
** The Saints have passed 20,000 in memberships, up from 17,855 last year (Age, April 10) ... ** Richmond are seeking $3.5 in development funds from the AFL, members and Melbourne City Council for a multi-level building at the Punt Road Oval to house changes rooms, training and warm-up areas, medical rooms, coaches and a heated swimming pool – the project is planned to be finished by the 2002 season (Herald Sun, April 11) ... ** the Kangaroos in their efforts to be perceived as a national club could play a home game at York Park in Launceston as early as next year (Age, April 7) ... ** Sydney announced on April 4 it had signed MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN until the end of season 2003. New contracts were also sealed with young guns JARED CROUCH, JASON SADDINGTON and NIC FOSDIKE ... ** meanwhile in the Sydney camp, the Swans will be without captain PAUL KELLY with his hamstring injury for at least another week ...

Magpies settle with Vic Park caterer
SCOT PALMER reported in his Herald Sun "Punchlines" feature on Sunday, April 8 — "... the Magpies have reached settlement finally in their $1.5 million contract with former caterers at Victoria, Delaware North, with the club making agreed payments over the next three years. The parties could link up again in the future."

Medical procedures under review
The AFL Medical Officers Association has formed a working party to develop a future policy on the medical management of players and, in particular, the use of local anaesthetics to treat injuries. The move to protect club doctors followed the recent Supreme Court action taken by former Carlton player ADRIAN WHITEHEAD who claims his career was prematurely ended after a painkilling injection (Age, April 5).
Whitehead, also refer Diary, Week 481, July 22-28, 2005

Tooheys return as Swans clubhouse goes to Fox Studios
The Sydney Swans have a new official clubhouse next door to the SCG. After a 14-year hiatus TOOHEYS have returned to the club as a major sponsor for the next three years, with the Fox & Lion Hotel at Fox Studios becoming the official clubhouse of the QBE Sydney Swans. The venue will be used for functions both pre and post match.

They said it ...
PATRICK SMITH, The Australian, April 9 — What sort of game is Australian football if it requires melees and punch-ups to add colour and thrills; that it needs gratuitous violence to raise it above the mundane? Not much at all. We've been kidding ourselves.

Brilliant Blues upset Essendon
Port take over as king of Adelaide
Swans play 2000th match

ROUND 3 — Thu, Sat-Sun-Mon, April 12 & 14-15-16.
MILESTONES — The Swans as South Melbourne-Sydney played their 2000th League match … 200 games for MICHAEL MANSFIELD (181 Gee 1990-99, 19 Car 2000-01) and ASHLEY McINTOSH (WCE, 1991-2001) ... 150th by PETER EVERITT (StK, 1993-2001) … 100 games for ANTHONY ROCCA (22 Syd 1995-96, 78 Col 1997-2001) … 50th for ADAM HOULIHAN (Gee, 1997-2001)… DARYN CRESSWELL (Syd) establishing a new Swans' club record playing his 104th consecutive game …
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<||> Carlton produced a stunning upset when it defeated Essendon by 17 points in good conditions at the MCG on the evening of Maundy Thursday — 63,088 attended. Pre-match losses by the Blues made the Bombers almost unbackable favourites — Allan was out with a foot injury, while Bradley, Silvagni and Koutoufides withdrew hours before the game.

CHARLES HAPPELL reported for The Age: Carlton's heroes on a night to remember were headed by midfielders SCOTT CAMPOREALE and BRETT RATTEN, with MATTHEW LAPPIN providing brilliant support both in the middle of the ground and as a crumbing forward. In a low-scoring match, the Blues trailed by a goal at half-time, hit the lead briefly in the third quarter when BRENDAN FEVOLA score a goal, but went into the final break 11 points down.

Essendon seemed to have shaken off Carlton when MATTHEW LLOYD kicked his fifth goal in the first minute of the last term put the Dons 17pts clear. But the Blues responded with successive goals to Camporeale, Fevola, Houlihan, Ratten, Fletcher and Whitnall to sweep to what Carlton president JOHN ELLIOTT commented: "I think it's one of the best home-and-away wins I can remember." The Bombers lost only their second game in 28 starts and had led the ladder for 31 successive premiership weeks – CARLTON 14.9-93 (Fevola 3, Houlihan 3, Camporeale 3) best, Ratten, Camporeale, Porter, ESSENDON 11.10-76 (Lloyd 5, Misiti 3) best Hardwick, Lloyd, Misiti.

<||> Saturday was a warm mid-20s afternoon when a disappointing 31,688 turned out at the MCG. Those that missed the contest may have been fortunate as the first half at times was downright ugly. The Tigers marginally improved after half-time and went away with a 22 point win over the Brisbane who failed yet again, giving the club an appalling 5-35 win record at headquarters.

Both teams struggled to find their targets, fumbles and turnovers ruining the match as a spectacle, reported KAREN LYON for The Age. From the eight-minute mark of the third quarter the Tigers turned on the spark; they kicked seven unanswered goals – emerging ruck talent RAY HALL and half-forward AARON FIORA each providing two goals in the quarter and MATTHEW ROGERS ran free. Richmond went out to a 40pt lead before the Lions kicked three goals in the first three minutes of the last term to put life back into the game.

The Lions whittled it back to only 12 points yet they ran out of steam and late goals to Hilton and Richardson secured a confidence building win for the Tigers after a messy media aftermath of the Liberatore-Knights clash from the week before. Lions coach Matthews summation — "We're overrated" – RICHMOND 17.14-116 (Richardson 3, Hall 3) best, Cameron, Tivendale, Bowden, BRISBANE 14.10-94 (Keating 4) best, Voss, Scott, Notting.

<||> Collingwood may be emerging from years in the wilderness by the manner in which they chopped up the more favoured Bulldogs by a thumping 12 goals in the Saturday night fixture played at Colonial Stadium attended by 37,598 patrons. The Bulldogs clearly missed the in-and-under abilities of the suspended TONY LIBERATORE and played as if the continuing controversy about their playing style was finally eating into their morale.

LEN JOHNSON from Docklands noted for The Age: CHRIS TARRANT kicked five goals for the Magpies, but he was only one focal point in a multi-pronged attack. JOSH FRASER was used mainly at centre half-forward, even staying there when STEVEN McKEE went off with an arm injury in the third quarter. JAMES CLEMENT and JARROD MOLLOY were also effective forward targets.

Collingwood kicked their best third quarter for 10 years, with their 10.2 beating its previous best for the term against the Bulldogs set in 1926. The Bulldogs were shocked by the fluency and skills exhibited by the Pies. After being dropped to the VFL, ANTHONY ROCCA returned for his 100th senior game, gaining 12 possessions in the last half and stood out among a host of players who impressed for the Magpies – COLLINGWOOD 23.15-153 (Tarrant 5, Clement 3) best, Buckley, Rintoul, Tarrant, BULLDOGS 12.9-81 (Bartlett 2, Grant 2) best, West, Bartlett, Johnson.

Sydney shot to top place on the ladder when they maintained their undefeated run with an 80-point victory over the bedraggled Kangaroos in fine Saturday night conditions at the SCG. It was the Swans' 2000th League match. The Roos' 'home' fixture was managed for a $150,000 fee paid by the Swans – 22,395 attended.

Sydney fans didn't seem that bothered to "Boo a Roo" as the Swans broke away from a 14pt half-time lead to flatten the Kangas, booting 10 goals to one in the final stanza. STUART MAXFIELD was one of the best all night for the Swans, with DARYN CRESSWELL in his 104th consecutive game and GREG STAFFORD prominent, while MATTHEW NICKS in his return from injury quickly became a key playmaker.

Many other Swans contributed – MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN and JASON BALL each kicked three goals, while ADAM GOODES, WAYNE SCHWAS and PAUL WILLIAMS were always dangerous. The Kangaroos, one of the most successful combinations of the past decade have suffered a horror start to this season, dropping three games by 85, 60 and 80 points – SYDNEY 23.13-151 (O’Loughlin 3, Ball 3) best, Maxfield, Cresswell, Stafford, KANGAROOS 11.5-71 (Carey 4, King 3) best, King, Harvey, Colbert.

<||> Port Adelaide became 'king of the heap' when they scored their second successive win over Adelaide when Showdown IX was decided in fine conditions in front of 40,296 fans at Football Park on Saturday night – the match was also a live local telecast. The Power recorded their best win and their highest score against their cross-town rivals.

The victory by the Power was a thorough team effort, compared with the Crows who are clearly in rebuilding mode. The Crows again left too much to too few against a confident Power performance. Port captain MATTHEW PRIMUS combined well with the brilliance of JOSH FRANCOU (31 touches) and NICK STEVENS (26), setting up the victory while GAVIN WANGANEEN was the forward focus with a return of six goals.

PETER VARDY in his first match of the season was a lone beacon for Adelaide in the unusual role of full-forward after coming off the interchange bench in the first term to kick 4.2. In four-quarter work, SIMON GOODWIN was best for the Crows while both MARK BICKLEY and ANDREW McLEOD battled hard against the odds – PORT 23.15-153 (Wanganeen 6, Carr 3, Burgoyne 3) best, Francou, Stevens, Wanganeen, ADELAIDE 13.10-88 (Vardy 4) best, Goodwin, Vardy, Bickley.

<||> West Coast put their first points on the board with an 18-point win over St Kilda in the Sunday sunshine at Docklands — only 19,496 were present. The Eagles 29-year-old recruit TROY WILSON was the star of the day when led beautifully then beat off four opponents to kick an outstanding 7 goals 5 from 19 kicks and 15 marks.

PETER MATERA showed his old spark was back, helping his brother PHILLIP to four goals with pin-point passes. St Kilda had a solid start but quickly wilted and were overtaken by the Eagles whose backline led by ASHLEY McINTOSH (playing his 200th) and GLEN JAKOVICH recalled days of the early 1990s.

The Saints has some winners and there were encouraging signs in the first half when AUSTINN JONES had an outstanding three-goal, 13-possession effort. Two imports for the Saints, AARON HAMILL and FRASER GEHRIG (against his old side) are struggling to find form. For West Coast, relief arrived; for the Saints, the honeymoon is over and plenty of hard work is ahead of them – WEST COAST 19.11-125 (Wilson 7.5, Phillip Matera 4, Merenda 3, Williams 3) best, Wilson, Peter Matera, Phillip Matera, ST KILDA 16.11-107 (Callaghan 4, Jones 3, Harvey 3) best, Harvey, Jones, Callaghan.

<||> Disgruntled Perth supporters left the Subiaco stadium less than half full when a bare 20,703 attended another near-noon start on Sunday. Cloudless skies, 27 degrees and the offer of a live telecast of the Eagles game from Melbourne provided the opportunity to stay away from supporting the Dockers — and they did.

Hawthorn's unbeaten run remained intact when they survived a brave third quarter fight back by Fremantle when they got to within three points. Earlier it had been a pretty-tame affair with plenty of skill errors.

ANDREW HAMILTON in Perth for The Age noted: "when CLIVE WATERHOUSE and SHAUN McMANUS collided at half-forward, leaving the Hawks to run the ball out of defence and mount an attacking raid that netted LUKE McPHARLIN a goal. From there the momentum was back in the Hawks' favour and they were able to run away in the final quarter, adding two goals and keeping the Dockers scoreless as Modra and Waterhouse both kicked out on the full. Fremantle can blame only its inability to hit a target by foot or hand and the usual poor decision-making – HAWTHORN 11.16-82 (Barker 3, Dixon 3) best, Harford, Rawlings, Barker, FREMANTLE 8.11-59 (Modra 3) best, Carr, Black, Waterhouse.

<||> It was warm in the high 20s on Easter Monday – 48,551 patrons were at the MCG for what was a terrific game, close, exciting, with plenty of skills on show. Geelong fired only briefly and lost out to Demon onballers in the midfield and the more-efficient Melbourne attack.

JAKE NIALL who reviewed the match for The Age reported: There were some outstanding individual displays of skill – including the mandatory couple of freak shots from RONNIE BURNS and an even better goal from SHANE WOEWODIN, who rediscovered the touch and run that netted him an unexpected Brownlow. Geelong were dogged, hard-at-it and actually played well enough to beat most opposition, but didn't quite have the same polish.

Melbourne, after a sluggish start against Richmond and Adelaide were a shade more impressive than the Cats and the Dees look as though they have gone to the level which made them a grand final team last year – MELBOURNE 18.16-124 (Robertson 3, Green 3) best, Woewodin, Yze, Snell, GEELONG 15.14-104 Burns 3, Mensch 3) best, King, Hocking, Milburn.
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Bulldogs demand a Tiger apology
A lengthy telephone discussion on Tuesday (17th) between Western Bulldog president DAVID SMORGON and his Richmond counterpart CLINTON CASEY appeared to have started the process of reconciling the two parties over comments made after the Tony Liberatore-Matthew Knights incident.
However, the Herald Sun reported Wednesday (19th) that Richmond president CLINTON CASEY the previous day had received a letter from a major Melbourne law firm — "The letter outlined the Bulldogs' anger at comments made by Casey and was accompanied by a full-page retraction and apology for Casey to sign".
The Bulldogs set a deadline of 2pm Friday for an apology from the Richmond president.

Waverley Park set for sale
The Herald Sun on Wednesday (18th) reported the way ahead for the sale of Waverley Park appears to be clearing.

It was reported the City of Monash has agreed in principle for the sale of the football landmark. Plans to demolish the stadium and redevelop the site have been put to the council, as well as the option of retaining the ground for elite sport.

While Heritage Victoria wishes to retain the playing surface and other key features of the ground, the AFL is expected to invite expressions of interest from developers as early as next month.

The League is hopeful of attracting at least $80 million from the sale of  Waverley Park.
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Racial taunt draws apology
Mediation took place on Wednesday (18th) between Melbourne's DAVID SCHWARZ and Geelong's JUSTIN MURPHY over Schwarz's alleged racial taunt during the first quarter of Monday's game at the MCG. An apology saved Schwarz from a racial vilification charge for calling Murphy a "coconut".

Public comments by Melbourne president JOE GUTNICK on Tuesday stating "I don't believe David has racist attitudes" drew the ire of the AFL and the request for an explanation, as well as a possible $20,000 fine. To this, Gutnick accused the AFL of acting like "communist Russia".

By Friday, most fans were looking forward to the next game of football.
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Stab Kicks ...
Perth fans rebel against starting times
Complaints by fans from across the Nullarbor to the starting times of Perth matches are growing in number. To parallel required TV broadcasting times for the eastern states, matches have been starting in midday Perth heat at 12.10pm (WST).

One of the reasons by Channel Seven in their last season of AFL broadcasts is the determination not to program Sunday double-headers which proved so popular in previous seasons — a 12.40 start (12.10 CST) at Football Park, then a 3.20pm (1.20 WST) bounce-down at Subiaco. Double-headers for season 2001 have disappeared from Seven's schedule.

With forecasts that Perth will have regular Saturday matches from next season by both the Eagles and the Dockers, it seems that Perth fans will not only have to adjust their sets, but also their football-going habits.

Sheedy and Walls end the slanging
The public slanging match over some days between Essendon coach KEVIN SHEEDY and 3AW's ROBERT WALLS ended with their appearance on Channel Seven's Talking Footy on Tuesday (17th). Sheedy admitted they had been behaving "like two old guys with a hose over the fence". Both had once been neighbours.

The Medical Room
** Essendon's JOE MISITI on Tuesday (17th) was operated on for a significant tear in the posterior cruciate ligament of his left knee – he will miss at least 10 weeks ... ** St Kilda's NICK RIEWOLDT had further surgery on his right knee and will not be available until Round 7 ... ** fellow Saint JASON TRAIANIDIS will be out for up to two weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in the loss to West Coast ... ** Fremantle's DAVID SIERAKOWSKI will miss the rest of the season following a knee reconstruction for an injury suffered against Geelong in Round 1 ... ** tests on Adelaide's MARK RICCIUTO revealed he suffered a cracked rib a month ago in the Ansett Cup fixture against the Bulldogs when he collided with a teammate – Ricciuto left the field in Saturday night's game against Port with breathing difficulties ... ** Geelong forward JASON SNELL will miss at least 12 weeks – he landed awkwardly in the third quarter of the Demons-Cats game on Monday, breaking the tibia bone low down on his left leg and dislocated his ankle ...

First charge for Lloyd
The charge of rough play against Essendon's MATTHEW LLOYD was a first — he had not been previously reported on a striking or similar booking. In his 35 reserve and 109 senior matches, his only indiscretion was a $2000 fine for engaging in a melee in last year's Grand Final.

International Rules — Youth Tests
Aussies too strong in two Tests
The Australian Under 17 team won the first two of three Tests against a visiting Irish team under International Rules. The First Test was played as the curtain raiser to the Carlton v Essendon match on Thursday April 12 which resulted —
Australia: 1 goal 18 overs 13 behinds (73), Ireland: 2 goals 10 overs 7 behinds (49)

In the Second Test played at the MCG on Easter Monday before the Melbourne v Geelong game, the green and gold proved too powerful for the visitors, winning 121 points to 25.
Australia: 1 goal 32 overs 19 behinds (121), Ireland: 2 goals 3 overs 4 behinds (25)

Hawks on top; first time since 1993
Violent storm affects Blues-Crows
Kangaroos break through for a win

ROUND 4 — Fri-Sat-Sun, April 20-21-22.
MILESTONES — HAWTHORN remain the only undefeated club, and took over top place on the ladder for the first time since 1993-Round 18 … JASON NORRISH played his 100th club match with Fremantle (1995-2001) also 20 Mel 1993-94 … PAUL HUDSON passed 450 goals from his 224 career matches with Hawthorn and the Bulldogs … Geelong's RONNIE BURNS passed 200 goals in game 106 … Carlton's MATTHEW LAPPIN passed his 100th goal in game 108 … BEN COUSINS (WCE) passed 100 goals in game 104 … GEELONG posted their lowest score of 134 contests since 1925 against the Roos .… as well, it was Geelong's second lowest score in 533 matches at Kardinia Park since 1941 … for the round only 1233 points were scored for the eight matches — the lowest tally since 1241 points in 1997-R21 …
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<||> Richmond made it three wins from four starts when they held off Collingwood's last quarter comeback in fine and cool conditions on Friday night at the MCG. The best crowd of the season, 78,638, were in attendance. The Magpies were 33 points down at the last change, then kicked five goals to draw to within one point of the Tigers — then two quick goals to PAUL BRODERICK for Richmond killed off the challenge.

Most of the key playmakers for both sides were held across the game – DUNCAN KELLAWAY did well to contain NATHAN BUCKLEY while MATTHEW KNIGHTS, BRAD OTTENS and MATTHEW RICHARDSON (who played with his left knee taped) were all quiet.

DWAYNE RUSSELL noted for The Sunday Age: "... despite the build-up of steam and a one-point quarter time lead, the Magpies failed to burn anyone but themselves. Richmond did not win because it was too highly skilled, or because it had dominant forwards who kicked an unbeatable score. The Tigers won a low-quality contest because Collingwood was not good enough." – RICHMOND 13.8-86 (Hilton 2, Cameron 2, Broderick 2) best, Hilton, Andrew Kellaway, Campbell, COLLINGWOOD 10.11-71, best, Fraser, Molloy, Rintoul.

<||> Steady rain proved no obstacle for Essendon on Friday night when the biggest SCG crowd for two seasons, 40,131, watched Sydney disintegrate and suffer a 47 point thrashing. The Bombers were not phased by the absence of Lloyd (suspended), Misiti (knee injury) and the late withdrawal with a virus of both Blumfield and Jacobs. First-gamers ROBERT FORSTER-KNIGHT and DAMIEN PEVERILL confirmed Essendon's depth with Peverill cutting Sydney's WAYNE SCHWASS out of the game.

PETER HANLON reported for The Age: Eleven unanswered goals from the two-minute mark of the second quarter defied all — not the least the weather. The Swans had gone in without JASON BALL, and lost ROHAN WARFE after MARK JOHNSON used him as a step-ladder on the members' wing. Warfe went down hard with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. Sydney simply couldn't find a way past the moving forcefield that is DUSTIN FLETCHER. Essendon kicked the last five goals of the first half and the first six of the second, and led by 68 points when MARK MERCURI casually slotted his second and the Bombers 14th. By then, JOHN BARNES was kicking exclusively with his left foot, and his teammates were kicking goals that would have severely tested Eade's manners.

Finally, 52 minutes after their second, ADAM GOODES soccered the Swans' third goal. Even then it was at the third swing of his leg ... Sydney dropped from top to third place, while the Dons move to second position, with the best percentage of the 16 clubs – ESSENDON 15.12-102 (Caracella 3, Hird 3, Mercuri 2) best, Ramanauskas, Mercuri, Mark Johnson, SYDNEY 6.19-55 (Ahmat 2) best, Cresswell, Schwass, O’Loughlin.

<||> The Carlton ground was deluged with heavy rain from a violent electrical storm for most of the first half on Saturday afternoon – 21,110 braved the day. Timekeeper clocks and the scoreboard at Optus Oval suffered from a power failure but the deepest wound was inflicted by Adelaide who with tough, intimidated pressure gained only their second win over the fancied Blues at Carlton since 1991.

The Blues were without their best running player SCOTT CAMPOREALE, a late withdrawal due to a hamstring injury. BRETT RATTEN with 37 possessions was best-afield while ANDREW McKAY was always prominent, but many others struggled. Carlton's key playmakers had days to forget, as the overhead sound of lightning cracking overhead seemed to act as a spur for the Crows.

Adelaide played veteran DARREN JARMAN off the half-back line and his roaming presence proved he is one of the most gifted players of recent times. MARK RICCIUTO was a beacon for the Crows, aided beautifully when he was needed, by MATTHEW ROBRAN, and three match-winning goals from PETER VARDY. Adelaide following three successive defeats gained their first points for the season and a memorable victory in the dreadful conditions – ADELAIDE 9.8-62 (Ricciuto 4, Vardy 3) best, Jarman, Hart, Smart, CARLTON 8.8-53 (Lappin 4) best, Ratten, Hickmott, Lappin.

<||> The benefit of the Docklands stadium was proved on Saturday afternoon when two minutes before the match started the roof was closed, in protection from the violent thunderstorm overhead. Only 20,322 saw the Western Bulldogs hand the Brisbane Lions yet another hiding on a visit to Melbourne. Spotlight of the day fell on veteran PAUL HUDSON who kicked 8.2 for the day, passing 450 goals for his 224 match career with Hawthorn and the Dogs.

PETER HANLON from Colonial reported for The Age: The Bulldogs' dominance started in the middle, when LUKE DARCY gave BEAU McDONALD a bath. Their prolific running brigade did much of its work unnoticed, but SCOTT WEST was still in their best few, and BRAD JOHNSON moved steadily through the gears to provide the finish. JOSE ROMERO's job on SIMON BLACK was also meritorious, the Bulldog denying himself the pleasures of possession in typical fashion for the team gain of reducing one of the Lions' playmakers to a virtual spectator.

Not for the first time, the Lions best players were MICHAEL VOSS – even with only five last-half touches – followed by Voss, Voss and Voss. Moving forward in an attempt to offer some sort of option, he found it hard to find the ball without having Voss streaming forward to kick it to him. The Lions with a 1+3 start will need all of their remaining 11 home games at the Gabba to be in anyway a chance this season – BULLDOGS 21.14-140 (Hudson 8.2, Johnson 3) best, Darcy, Hudson, Johnson, BRISBANE 12.15-87 (Headland 3) best, Voss, Headland, Picken.

<||> A crowd of 38,804 witnessed another Western Derby in good Saturday night conditions at Subiaco Oval. Seemingly home and hosed in the third quarter when West Coast went to a 31 point lead, the Dockers led by their midfielders ADRIAN FLETCHER, SHAUN McMANUS, PAUL HASLEBY and MATTHEW CARR kicked four unanswered goals to draw level at three-quarter time.

However, Freo ran out of steam as BEN COUSINS and MICHAEL GARDINER had last quarter blinders for the Eagles, kicking them to a four-goal win. Overall, West Coast were well served by ruckman MICHAEL GARDINER with five goals, DREW BANFIELD who cut loose with 30 possessions and three goals, with fine outings from ASHLEY McINTOSH and PETER MATERA.

Fremantle's attack was hampered by the injury to CLIVE WATERHOUSE. Returning from a broken collarbone, Waterhouse marked well in the opening stages then suffered a hamstring injury and took no part after half time. Fremantle dropped back to bottom place — the Eagles with 2+2 have started much better than a lot expected – WEST COAST 16.16-112 (Gardiner 5, Banfield 3) best, Gardiner, Banfield, Cousins, FREMANTLE 13.10-88 (McManus 3) best, Fletcher, McManus, Hasleby.

<||> Port Adelaide with a 6.6 to two behinds start, kicked themselves to their second 10-goal-plus victory in as many weeks when St Kilda were no match on Saturday night at Football Park; following early rain, ground conditions were generally good — 27,017 attended. The Saints slumped back to their old ways and lost their third successive game.

The tone of the match was set in the first quarter, ALAN SHIELL reported for The Age, when Port probably never played better and St Kilda rarely has played worse. The Saints were made to look slow, scrappy and loose by Port's quick, skilful play-on game, which flourished through the endeavour of its lively midfielders, led by NICK STEVENS, FABIAN FRANCIS, STUART DEW, JOSH CARR, JOSH FRANCOU and PETER BURGOYNE. Inevitably, (coach Malcolm) Blight blasted his players at quarter-time. And he asked them some questions, to which they replied by raising their right arms.

The Saints then charged back for their best period of play, then after half time added but one goal in each of the remaining quarters. Port did as it pleased for most of the match, and are looming as a serious contender for the Final Eight. For the record, it was Port's first win over St Kilda – PORT 17.12-114 (Burgoyne 4, Dew 4, Wanganeen 3) best, Burgoyne, Dew, Francou, ST KILDA 7.8-50, best, Voss, Harvey, Milne.

<||> Though scoring only two goals after quarter time, the Kangaroos enjoyed a 20-point victory in some of the worst conditions experienced for years. Heavy rain and driving wind at Geelong lasted most of the match, which ended in near darkness. Against live TV cover of the game, the crowd of 14,298 was the lowest for 10 years at Kardinia Park, meaning the cash-poor Cats suffered a financial loss of almost $50,000 on the day. The Weather Bureau at 9am Monday reported 117mm of rain had fallen in the Geelong area in the previous 24 hours.

Geelong was unfortunate to strike the winless Roos on such a day. The Kangas played no nonsense, wet weather footy, which Geelong was too slow to adapt to. The Roos won the game in the first quarter and were backed by a pair of Kings as MICHAEL HORAN noted in the Herald Sun, WAYNE CAREY and DAVID KING who each took his turn at showing classy hands.

The Roos knew how to pick up a greasy ball, and gained distance with their kicks. JAKE NIALL in The Age suggested – "The only consolation, perhaps, is that the Cats didn't have to attempt the trip back to Melbourne. The Kangas must have been stuck in Lara and Little River for hours, but, as the lovers of adversity, you get the feeling they wouldn't mind." – KANGAROOS 7.11-53 (King 3) best, King, Harvey, Carey, GEELONG 4.9-33 (Burns 2) best, Sholl, Spriggs, Burns.

<||> Steady rain and wind marred the Sunday afternoon match at the MCG, with only 30,113 present—against live TV cover of the game from Geelong. Much of the game was at ground level with no-frills, wet-weather footy. Hawthorn created their fourth victory of the year in the first quarter when a 22-point margin was huge in the conditions.

Hawthorn's midfield was dominant, where the match-up of the day between DANIEL CHICK (H) and SHANE WOEWODIN (M) was a beauty. AARON LORD kicked five goals with Dixon and Barker getting a couple each. JOEL SMITH was given the job on JEFF FARMER; though the Wiz had a forgettable day, he didn't help himself with dropped marks.

Melbourne trailed all day, yet fought back to within 12 points early in the last term before a critical umpiring decision went Hawthorn's way. BEN DIXON received 50m from a late spoil by Melbourne's ANDREW LEONCELLI. The easy goal from the square broke the heart of the Demons and the Hawks went on to record a solid win by 39 points.

The unbeaten Hawthorn went to top place for the first time since the 18th round in 1993 – HAWTHORN 11.17-83 (Lord 5) best, Chick, Lord, Harford, MELBOURNE 5.14-44 (Neitz 2) best, Walsh, Woewodin, Nicholson.

Turf replacement begins at Docklands
A $1.4 million returfing program of the Colonial Stadium at Docklands began on Monday (23rd).

HG, the new turf contractor using the Motz system which has rye grass with couch sewn into it on a synthetic base started the 19,000 square metre task, first replacing the centre corridor.

The western wing will be resurfaced after Round 5 matches and the following week the eastern wing will be replaced.

Obituary
Ian Drake and Micky Crisp pass
IAN DRAKE, the architect of St Kilda's only premiership in 1966 passed away on April 14, aged 71.

Drake as secretary of St Kilda and in partnership with club chairman GRAHAM HUGGINS recruited the talent which brought premiership glory to Moorabbin.
He was farewelled at The Necropolis at Springvale on April 19.

WILLIAM EDWARD CRESSWELL 'Micky' CRISP, centreman of Carlton's 1938 premiership team passed away peacefully at his home in Kirra, Queensland on April 15, aged 92.

Crisp played 183 matches with Carlton between 1931 and 1941, winning the club best & fairest award in 1934 and 1938 and was vice-captain of the Blues in 1935-36.

Stab Kicks ...
Concern for player safety in Saturday storm
Sidelights to the violent thunderstorm when both sheet and fork lightning blanketed Princes Park on Saturday was a genuine concern of player safety. Media reports noted that at one a rivulet running down the gutter next to the interchange bench swept away the spare boots and water bottles of the Carlton team.

Not too many kilometres away at Thomastown, six players from a soccer game were taken to hospital after a lightning strike. ABC-TV interrupted their cover of the VFL match from Williamstown where the Seagulls were playing Coburg with concerns to workplace safety where cameramen were working from scaffolding – a power failure brought in the use of a police car to replace the siren at Willy until supply returned.

Charges against Barry Hall dropped
Charges against St Kilda's BARRY HALL and his friend JOE ALESSI of being drunk in a public place laid on April 1 failed to reach court. The matters were discharged before reaching the courtroom.

New GG is Lions fan
No 1 ticket holder for the Brisbane Lions is PETER HOLLINGSWORTH, current Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane who becomes Australia's new Governor-General in June.

Federal government grants $90 million for MCG upgrade
The Federal Government is expected to contribute a grant of $90 million toward the $400 million plans to revamp the stands at the MCG in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Anzac Day glory to the Bombers
Hawks remain unbeaten
Lions' 64pt comeback in 27 minutes
Two new longest quarters

ROUND 5 — Wed, Fri-Sat-Sun, April 25, 27-28-29.
MILESTONES — Brisbane, kicking an amazing 13.6-84 against Fremantle at the Gabba recorded the fourth highest last quarter in 11,952 League matches – it was an astonishing 64-point turnaround in 27 minutes of football ... JASON McCARTNEY played his 150th League match – 38 Col 1991-94, 37 Ade 1995-97, 75 Kan 1998-2001 ... 150th by BRAD JOHNSON (FWB) 1994-2001 ... 50th by LUKE POWER (Bri) 1998-2001 and PAUL LICURIA, 10 Syd 1997-98, 40 Col 1999-2001 ... DENIS PAGAN steered the Kangaroos in his 200th game as coach, as did MARK WILLIAMS at the helm of Port Adelaide in his 50th AFL match ... MATTHEW RICHARDSON (Rch) passed his 400th goal ... PAUL BRODERICK played his 150th club game for Richmond (1994-2001), also 93 Fit (1988-93) ... JOHN BARKER played his 50th club game for Hawthorn (1998-2001) also 47 Fit (1994-96), 8 Bri (1997) ... BEN GRAHAM played his 50th consecutive game for Geelong ... DAVID NEITZ (Mel) passed 250 goals in game 163 ... new longest quarters were recorded – Saturday's second term at Colonial lasted 40 minutes, 39 seconds, and the last quarter on Sunday at the Gabba was timed at 37 minutes, two seconds ...
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<||> A bumper crowd of 83,905 attended the MCG on the Anzac Day Wednesday afternoon in cool, overcast conditions. The traditional contest was played on a remarkably good surface and a credit to the ground staff in light of the heavy rains experienced in the days before. The match followed ceremonies to honour the fighting men and women who served our nation in conflicts over the past 100 years. The game was highly entertaining and was played with inspirational style both by Essendon and Collingwood.

The scores changed five times in a tight-as-a-drum contest. Twice the Magpies led by three goals – once in a seven-goals-straight second quarter, again in the third – but they never could find the extra one to put Essendon away. Under intense pressure, the Dons twice rose to the challenge, coming back to trail by less than a kick at half-time, then again to lead by a goal at the final change. In the last term, in every respect a championship quarter, Essendon remained under siege, but was never headed.

STEVE ALESSIO in the ruck for Essendon played a huge part in the last half when they lifted their workrate and in the thrilling closing stages went on to capture an eight point win. It was the third successive win by the Dons in the traditional Anzac Day event and their sixth on-the-trot over the Pies. Though the Magpies lost, they never surrendered and won a lot of hearts.

After the match, RSL Victorian president BRUCE RUXTON presented the RSL Trophy to Essendon captain JAMES HIRD, while League legend RON BARASSI presented the RSL Medal to Collingwood CHRIS TARRANT as best player afield – ESSENDON 15.13-103 (Barnard 4) best, Barnard, Caracella, Mercuri, COLLINGWOOD 14.11-95 (Tarrant 5, Lockyer 3) best, Tarrant, Lockyer, Licuria.

<||> Subiaco Oval was near perfect with only a slight breeze present on Friday night when a big 38,424 saw Richmond power away in the last quarter to win easily from West Coast – it was the first victory over the Eagles by the Tigers in eight visits to Subi since 1987.

West Coast suffered the late withdrawal of full-back ASHLEY McINTOSH; the replacement was GREG HARDING, in for his first game of the season. The forward-line strength of MATTHEW RICHARDSON (six goals) and MATTHEW ROGERS (five) was a deciding factor. West Coast with PHILLIP MATERA prominent threatened to blow the game apart with a sensational third quarter when they swept back from a 38 point deficit to be only 13pts down at the last change.

Proving that good sides win their interstate clashes, Richmond held the Eagles to a goal in the last stanza and were comfortable 39 point winners. Richardson, in spite of conceding three 50m penalties, that last of which saw him dragged, provided the Tigers with something special when needed. Richmond were further blessed with fine showings by WAYNE CAMPBELL (32 touches), MARK CHAFFEY (29) and JOEL BOWDEN (18) – RICHMOND 17.7-109 (Richardson 6, Rogers 5, Bowden 3) best, Bowden, Richardson, Rogers, WEST COAST 11.4-70 (Phillip Matera 4) best, Fletcher, Phillip Matera, Williams.

<||> It was fine weather, but slippery conditions were present at Optus Oval on Saturday afternoon when 24,385 attended – there was also a passage of rain early in the last half. Though St Kilda gave some sign their large number of imports are starting to come together in the game plan, they were no match in the long haul for Carlton.

EMMA QUAYLE noted for The Age: ...it was a more serious and skilled St Kilda side that didn't let the Blues believe they had won until the final phase of the game. Carlton's early dominance was born in midfield, with the likes of BRETT RATTEN, DARREN HULME and CRAIG BRADLEY getting at the bottom of MARK PORTER's ruck work to set up BRENDAN FEVOLA, ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES and Ratten himself. The problem for the Saints was that when Carlton relaxed, they started making mistakes too, almost as if they had no idea what to do should they possibly get in front.

The Blues broke the Saints in the last quarter and only for wayward kicking (7.9 in the last) the margin should have been greater. Following much media speculation, the focus was on AARON HAMILL in his return to Princes Park — late in the last quarter he reminded Blues fans what he could do – kicking the goal, nine minutes in, that at least kept his Saints in the game, however his impact was minimal – CARLTON 17.23-125 (Koutoufides 4, Hickmott 3, Fevola 3) best, Porter, Ratten, Hulme, ST KILDA 14.8-92 (Hall 5) best, Beetham, Hall, Hudghton.

<||> A crowd of 34,400 on Saturday afternoon at Colonial Stadium watched an entertaining, high-scoring contest under a closed roof. The conditions were good, on the relaid turf down the centre corridor. The match ebbed and flowed with Hawthorn twice taking control and withstand the always-spirited Bulldog fight back. The 29-point win maintained the Hawks unbeaten run and top place on the ladder.

LEN JOHNSON reporting for The Age noted that Hawthorn's fitness and resilience survived a searching examination when they were put under siege both physically and mentally by the Bulldogs. Hawthorn were 46 points in front late in the second quarter – the Bulldogs with three goals pulled it back to 28 points at the long break. The Tricolours by the 20-minute mark of the third had produced a 47-point turnaround to take the lead by a point. Hawthorn seemed to be past the crisis point with two goals and went into the last term up by 12 points.

The Hawks kicked five of the first six goals in the final quarter and went on to win by 29 points. Hawthorn's AARON LORD from five goals in the wet of the MCG the previous week, kicked six on the firm Docklands surface. NATHAN BROWN battled hard all day for the Dogs, and in spite of the influence SHAUN REHN had for the Hawks, LUKE DARCY was a good player for the Westerners – HAWTHORN 24.11-155 (Lord 6, Barker 5, Croad 4, Rehn 3) best, Rawlings, Rehn, Barker, BULLDOGS 19.12-126 (Hudson 4, Brown 3, Hunter 3) best, Darcy, Brown West.

<||> Football Park had a dewy surface and a fair breeze to the northern end in the fine Saturday night conditions when an audience of 37,596 cheered Adelaide on to their second close victory in as many weeks. The Crows would not lie down; winning back control after the Kangaroos attacked strongly in the early part, but both WAYNE CAREY and SAV ROCCA failed to translate that to the scoreboard. The defeat to the Roos came in DENIS PAGAN's 200th coaching game, and the 1+4 start keeps them down at 15th place.

ANDREW McLEOD and SIMON GOODWIN led the way for Adelaide in the second half, with MATTHEW CLARK's clever tapwork giving the Crows first use of the ball, while BRYAN BEINKE's three goals after half-time were crucial to the result. In his 150th League game JASON McCARTNEY shone at centre half-back for the Kangas; BRENT HARVEY was a lively onballer, DAVID KING provided great run out of the centre and WAYNE CAREY produced four goals.

The Roos were always within a goal or two in the frantic last quarter, but the Crows prevailed to win their first over the visitors at Football Park since 1995, and only their second in the past eight meetings – the other was the 1998 Grand Final – ADELAIDE 12.18-90 (Beinke 3) best, Goodwin, McLeod, Edwards, KANGAROOS 10.14-75 (Carey 4) best, King, Carey, McCartney.

<||> Fremantle led the Lions by 15 points at the 10-minute mark of the last quarter yet lost the game by 49 points. Producing an astonishing 64-point turnaround in 27 minutes of football, Brisbane in the last term kicked 13.6-84, the fourth-highest final quarter in 11,952 matches, in what was the longest last quarter on record, 37 minutes, two seconds. Only 20,059 were at the Gabba on a fine and warm Sunday afternoon.

It was a remarkable game of contrasts; Fremantle just couldn't go the distance against a Brisbane side who was deplorable for almost three and-a-half quarters. Statistically, JASON AKERMANIS and TIM NOTTING for the Lions both collected 31 possessions, and shared 13 uncontested marks. PETER BELL was the most effective afield for the Dockers with 36 disposals, HEATH BLACK had 30 touches, MATTHEW CARR (26) while DANIEL BANDY and TROY COOK each had 21 possessions.

The Lions had 11 goalkickers including ALASTAIR LYNCH with five goals, who was benched in the last term with CHRIS SCOTT taking over at full froward. JONATHAN BROWN also went back to the interchange for the final stanza, with MICHAEL VOSS going to centre half-forward. What a remarkable game – BRISBANE 25.21-171 (Lynch 5, Notting 4, Lappin 3, Akermanis 3, Scott 3) best, Akermanis, Notting, Power, FREMANTLE 19.8-122 (Pavlich 4, Hasleby 3, Bandy 3) best, Bell, Pavlich, Carr.

<||> Port Adelaide in a stunning performance led Geelong by 80 points in the third quarter before easing back to win by a comfortable 46 points on a fine Sunday afternoon, though it was cloudy at times – only 18,736 were on hand at Kardinia Park, the match was also televised live into the Victorian area. The result brought Port's first win at Geelong on their third visit.

The first term was tight when the lead changed on five occasions. When GARRY HOCKING goaled early in the second term, the Cats went to a one point lead. Then the floodgates opened with Port ramming on six goals in the next 11 minutes to stun Geelong – Port players were lining up at goal as if it were a training drill.

Geelong were more physical in the second half but it failed to stem the flow as the Power with eight goals to two held a 68 point lead at the last change. Geelong kicked seven goals to four in the last quarter but the reduction of the margin was only cosmetic and failed to mask the fact that Port Adelaide had recorded a big and very important win in Victoria.

Port Adelaide's STUART DEW regularly kicked out from goal yet booted 6.3, which shot him to goal leader after five rounds with 18.5. In one instance, Dew kicked the ball from full-back before bolting up forward, where he gained possession and, in what is quickly becoming a trademark style, pumped it home from 50 metres that's from one who had a question mark over his fitness level and played only 13 games last year – PORT 23.10-146 (Dew 6, Schofield 5, Tredrea 4) best, Dew, Schofield, Tredrea, GEELONG 15.12-102 (Murphy 3) best, King, Murphy, Sanderson.

<||> Melbourne captain DAVID NEITZ gave his side a dream start against Sydney, kicking four goals in the first 12 minutes of the Sunday afternoon match at the MCG played in fine conditions. While the Swans led at the first change, the absence of a five-pack in Stafford, Kelly, Warfe, Barry and Lewis bit deeply, as did the loss from a shoulder injury by half time of SIMON FEAST, the ruckman who had replaced the injured Stafford.

The Demons surged ahead in the second term with JEFF FARMER kicking three goals before he was taken out of the game late in the quarter with a hamstring injury. Following a closely fought third quarter, Sydney broke loose and with five goals went to a 10pt lead (15.14 to 14.10) midway through the last. What the Swans couldn't counter was RUSSELL ROBERTSON — he had already kicked one in the first minute of the last, but after Sydney had taken the lead, Robertson popped through another three goals in five minutes – one from a screamer of a mark 20m from goal over former Tassie Mariner teammate GERRARD BENNETT of the Swans. Neitz with his sixth for the day kicked the sealer.

Melbourne's JEFF WHITE clearly won the centre hit-outs over Sydney stand-in rucks ADAM GOODES and JASON BALL ... GUY RIGONI and DANIEL WARD with 24 each were top possession winners for the Dees, with close-at-hand STEVEN FEBEY (24), ANDREW LEONCELLI (23) and DAVID SCHWARZ (20) ... best to serve the Swans were JARED CROUCH (26), WAYNE SCHWASS (24), MATTHEW NICKS (23) and DARYN CRESSWELL (21) – MELBOURNE 18.11-119 (Neitz 6, Robert-son 4, Farmer 3) best, White, Schwarz, Ingerson, SYDNEY 15.14-104 (Goodes 2, Stevens 2, Nicks 2) best, Bolton, Nicks, Goodes.

Gutnick plans board reduction
A report that the Melbourne FC presidency of JOSEPH GUTNICK was under threat from high-profile businessman RON WALKER drew a swift reaction from the Demons' benefactor.

On Sunday (29th) at the Melbourne-Sydney MCG match day, Gutnick speaking on ABC Radio 774 (3LO) revealed his plans to cut the size of the Melbourne board by almost half at the end of the season. Gutnick who later joined Demon fans to watch his team said: "I think I've got the support of the members, but I don't know if I've got the support of the upper end of Collins Street."

The Melbourne board presently has 11 directors, of which Gutnick is one, and any alteration would require the agreement by three-quarters of directors.
The Age reported on May 1 that over the five years of Gutnick's presidency, three chief executives and 20 directors have served the club. There is a belief that an underlying tension remains between pro and anti-merger directors from the time of the aborted marriage with Hawthorn in 1996.

Mr Gutnick since rising to the presidency in 1996 has contributed some $3 million to the Melbourne FC.

The talking point drew the AFL website in a poll to ask the question – "Are you sick of hearing about club president's?" – the last check showed 92% of 1361 respondents voted in the affirmative.

Stab Kicks ...
ACB searching for Malcolm Speed replacement
Several AFL CEO's including Geelong's BRIAN COOK, Collingwood's GREG SWANN and Richmond's MARK BRAYSHAW are attracting the interest of the Australian Cricket Board as they seek to replace the highly respected MALCOLM SPEED who will soon take up his appointment as the London-based ICC chief executive.

Sixty years later ...
AFL master statsman COL HUTCHINSON in conversation on Tuesday noted that he would have to delve back at least 60 years to when forbears of the two captains of Sunday's Kardinia Park game led respective sides against each other. Geelong captain BEN GRAHAM is the grandson of South Melbourne icon JACK GRAHAM, while Port Adelaide captain MATTHEW PRIMUS is the grandson of the Cats' most famous son REG HICKEY, who was captain, captain-coach and later coached Geelong until BOB DAVIS took over in 1960.

Incidentally, JACK GRAHAM is the last man to kick 10 goals at Kardinia Park — he did so for the Swans against the Cats back in Round 8 1948. His feat is one of the oldest extant records on the books.

Short odds for Drum
The Herald Sun on Monday noted that Centrebet has withdrawn the market on *the first coach to be sacked* — Damien Drum was $2.25 when betting ceased.

Charging rule to be reviewed
Speaking on ABC Radio 774 (3LO) on Sunday, AFL football operations manager ANDREW DEMETRIOU said the AFL's contentious charging rule could be the subject of a mid-season review. The review by a discussion group will take place during Round 12 which will be split over 10 days.

Swans and Demons for Anzac Day?
The Sydney and Melbourne clubs have put a submission before the AFL for the two to play an Anzac Day fixture next season at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Trial: SANFL goal umpires wired for TV
At the Adelaide Oval on Anzac Day, ABC-TV during its telecast of the Central District v Woodville-West Torrens grand final rematch trialled goal umpires wearing a small television camera attached to their hats. A report noted the camera looks similar to a lipstick case and sits just above the umpire's ear. One camera was in operation on Wednesday, with each umpire wearing it for half a game.

Call for ground managers to be responsible
AFL Players' Association chief executive ROB KERR went on record saying, ground managers and not field umpires should be entrusted with stopping matches when there is a threat of lightning. This followed in the wake of violent electrical storms experienced in Melbourne at the Saturday match played at Princes Park in Round 4. The AFLPA will formally express its views to the League.

Hume Council demands on Kangaroos
Following the Kangaroos' loss of $1.14 million last year, The Age on Thursday (3rd) reported the social club had received a statutory demand from the Hume City Council for unpaid rents totalling between $100,000 and $200,000. CAROLINE WILSON and CHRISTOPHER WEBB in their story suggested the Kangaroos face the near-certain failure of their $1.6 million Broadmeadows Social Club venture.
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They said it ...
GREG BAUM, The Age, May 2 — Confusingly, the laws that decree ''intentional, reckless or negligent'' contact to be a free kick elsewhere rule that ''intentional, reckless or negligent'' contact is reportable.

In the recent controversy over the charging rule, no one could say unequivocally what was the difference between a legal bump, a free kick and a reportable offence. Fine lines are not the game's strong suit.

It is difficult to see what will be gained by putting Curley before the tribunal. If he is suspended, it will appear to be heavy-handed. If he is cleared, it will give rise in all minds to the idea that the incident was scarcely even worth a free kick in the first place. It's a curly one.