AFL Record NAB Cup Grand Final, 2009 by The Slattery Media Group

$4 (inc. GST)

COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG CATS DOCKLANDS, MELBOURNE, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

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May the hungriest team win May the hungriest team win

Love passion. Love commitment. Love teamwork. Love passion. Love commitment. Love teamwork.

McDonald’s® Victoria, Proud sponsor of the Collingwood Football Club McDonald’s® Victoria, Proud sponsor of the Collingwood Football Club

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CONTENTS THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE FEATURES 8 AFL Chief Broadcasting & Commercial Ofﬁcer Gillon McLachlan AFL Consumer Products Manager Scott Munn AFL Record Managing Editor Geoff Slattery AFL Record Editor Peter Di Sisto Production Editor Michael Lovett Writers Nick Bowen, Ben Collins, George Farrugia, Howard Kotton, Michael Lovett, Andrew Wallace Sub-Editors Gary Hancock, Howard Kotton AFL Statistician Cameron Sinclair Creative Director Andrew Hutchison Deputy Art Director Sam Russell Designers Jarrod Witcombe, Alison Wright Photo Editors Natalie Boccassini, Melanie Tanusetiawan Production Manager Troy Davis Production Coordinator Stephen Lording Distribution Manager Adele Morton Publication Manager Alison Hurbert-Burns National Sales Manager Nathan Hill Senior Account Manager James Hickey AFL Club Account Manager Anthony Palmer Advertising Sales Coordinator Deanne Horkings, Advertising (03) 9627 2600 Photography Slattery Media Group (03) 9627 2600, slatterymedia.com/images Printed by PMP Print Address correspondence to The Editor, AFL Record, Ground Floor, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Victoria, 3008. P: (03) 9627 2600 F: (03) 9627 2650 E: peterd@slatterymedia.com AFL Record, Vol. 98, NAB Cup Grand Final, 2009 Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211. ISSN 1444-2973, Print Post approved PP320258/00109

Footy does its bit The football community has rallied to assist victims of the Victorian bushﬁres. By Andrew Wallace

13 Steele Sidebottom Discover why the promising Collingwood youngster loves playing at Docklands. By Ben Collins

OUR COVER: Dale omas and Gary Ablett will be key players tonight. is cover is for sale as a print – visit slatterymedia. com/images to order.

14 Harry Taylor In just his second season, the key defender is stamping his mark on the Cats. By Nick Bowen

33 NAB Cup review New rules and new faces have highlighted the ﬁrst three rounds of the 2009 NAB Cup. By Howard Kotton

GRAND FINAL GUIDE 17

NAB Cup preview The Magpies are up against a Geelong side full of talent and stars. By Ben Collins

24-25 Teams STAR WATCH: Geelong’s Jimmy Bartel will be a big threat to the Magpies tonight.

Tonight’s line-ups. • SEE PAGE 32 FOR SPECIAL AFL RECORD SUBSCRIPTION OFFER.

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL WELCOME

Sharing the REWARDS From Supergoal beneﬁts to launching an exciting Auskick competition, NAB is leaving its mark on the wider football community.

he 2009 NAB Cup marked the introduction of a slightly amended Supergoal incentive, which has seen NAB donate $119,000 to junior football clubs around the country over the past three years. While clubs have previously received cash, this year they received $1000 worth of Sherrins to aid in the continuing development of their junior players. During the NAB Cup competition, $38,000 has been donated to junior clubs across Australia, from Yarrambat and Maroochydore to Morningside, Melville and Beaconsﬁeld. You may have noticed over the past couple of weeks that NAB launched the 2009 NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year Competition with Geelong’s Joel Selwood, and a number of very excited NAB AFL Auskickers, in the Herald Sun and on Network Ten.

DURING THE NAB CUP COMPETITION, $38,000 HAS BEEN DONATED TO JUNIOR CLUBS ACROSS AUSTRALIA. The NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition is an initiative NAB has developed to recognise nominees throughout the season based on their alignment to the Auskick spirit: teamwork, enthusiasm, commitment and passion. Twenty-two nominees for an amazing prize will be selected during the season, one per week. 4

FOOTBALL UNITES he NAB Cup always has its headlines – the debut of a young draftee, rule changes or the thrilling one-point victories that excite us every year. The 2009 NAB Cup competition has been different. This year’s competition will be remembered for the way it harnessed the desire of the football community to support those affected by the Victorian bushfires. The support for the NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game was outstanding. The football community united, with players and supporters from all clubs coming together to show their support for those in need. Like many, NAB was inundated with requests from employees wanting to help. In the end, we had over 100 NAB volunteers rattling tins and selling footballs, raising more than $70,000 from these initiatives alone. Overall, the NAB Cup Victorian Bushfire Appeal game raised $1.2 million, a wonderful result and another example of how footy brings communities together. Tonight, we wish both Geelong and Collingwood all the best in their quest for the NAB Cup premiership and also reflect upon a truly memorable 2009 NAB Cup competition.

SUPER EFFORT: Magpie youngster Dayne Beams’ Supergoal in the NAB Cup semi-ﬁnal earned his junior club Southport $1000 worth of Sherrin footballs.

The ultimate winner will be announced in September and, along with the 21 runners-up, will travel to Melbourne to walk in the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade, play on the MCG at half-time and present the medals to the 2009 premiership players. In addition, the ultimate winner will have Joel Selwood as a footy mentor in 2010 and receive $5000 in a NAB Smart Junior Saver Account. If you or someone you know is a particularly special NAB AFL

Auskicker, visit nab.com.au/auskick to place an entry. NAB’s season will culminate again with the presentation of the Ron Evans Medal at the NAB AFL Rising Star event in September – an occasion that recognises not only some of the most promising new talent in the country, but their families and junior clubs, too. ■ Katie Graham Communications Manager, Sponsorship, National Australia Bank

Cameron Clyne Group Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, National Australia Bank

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL EDITOR’S DESK

Oﬀ the MARK Early reports of the game’s demise are not quite correct; rather it is evolving all the time as players and coaches implement systems from other sports. By Peter Di Sisto. WHERE PLAYERS WERE ONCE ALLOCATED SET POSITIONS, THEY NOW GO TO OPTIMUM SPOTS.

ne of the more curious aspects of the modern AFL industry is the guarantee that it will generate sometimes-alarming headlines (and subsequent chatter), regardless of how serious a given topic really is. This year’s NAB Cup and NAB Challenge series games – a five-week exercise partly organised to allow clubs, coaches, players and administrators the chance to test new systems, styles, personnel and rules in a build-up to the main season – have been overshadowed to some extent by incessant discussion about the aesthetics of the football being played and the impact of new (and trial) rules and related umpires’ interpretations (see Michael Lovett’s story starting on page 38 for an analysis of the rules tested by the AFL this pre-season). Elements of the mainstream media have been quick to predict that the adoption by many clubs of recent playing trends (specifically Hawthorn’s unorthodox rolling zone system) will result in an ‘ugly’ brand of football likely to be characterised by low scoring and, in some instances, little free-flowing action, as opposing teams try to master control of the ball through the middle of the ground.

SUPER SKILLED: Players such as Collingwood star Alan Didak can use their specialist skills – in Didak’s case his kicking – to their side’s advantage.

Australian Football’s aesthetics have always been considered a serious topic. Fans point to the game’s unpredictable nature – governed partly by the shape of the ball but also by factors including different dimensions and unique characteristics of grounds – and the size, speed and skill of players as reasons for the game’s

wide (and growing) appeal and to mount arguments for it being among the world’s best team-based ball sports. The game is constantly evolving and in recent years, coaches have started implementing systems borrowed from codes such as soccer, hockey and other so-called rectangular sports. Some of these

changes have been driven by the coaches’ desire to minimise unpredictability and maximise ball protection by a host of means. Today, we see emphasis placed on the creation of free space for ball carriers and their teammates receiving the ball, resulting in an increased number of uncontested possessions. Where players were once allocated set positions, they now go to optimum spots on the ground, depending on a game’s circumstances. Often, super-skilled players will hang back from a pack, punting on a teammate winning a contest and off-loading the ball, allowing the free player to use his specialist skills (long or accurate kicking, for example) to absolute advantage. Making dire predictions about the game’s future ‘look’ serve little purpose, for they rarely hit the mark. What’s inﬁnitely more interesting is the knowledge that football’s evolutionary nature means something new is just around the corner. ■

SELLERS DO THEIR BIT he story starting on page eight outlines the football industry’s ongoing efforts to support those Victorian communities devastated by bushﬁres last month. The AFL Record would like to acknowledge and thank those who gave their time to sell copies of the Record before and during the Essendon-Western Bulldogs NAB Cup match on February 13. Record sellers helped raise more than $28,000 on the night. Thanks to Andrew Saggers, Leo Morgan, Jordan Brown, Vincent Arthur, Josh Cram, Mitch Fitzgerald,

Alex Blease, Leigh Bebbington, Kerry Nixon, Peter Cullen, Darryl Symonds, Simon Andrews, Patrick Broadley, Daniel Groszek, Michael Sullivan, Justin Shield, Lewis Maclean, Alie Besanko, Charlie Keating, Winston Orbell, Jackson Bukor, Sam Ball, Aiden McPavian, Harshad Kale, Jack Nikolic, Alex Vlahopoulos, Julia Hart, Jonathon Savina, Onkar Kale, Adele Morton, Graham Gee, Dianne Biviano, Shane Purss, Andrew Hutchison, Emily Anderson, Margaret Browning, Maryanne Ford, Casey Dempster and Alyce Massad for their efforts.

LENDING A HAND: Andrew Hutchison, Graham Gee, Shane Purss and Adele Morton.

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL THE BUSHFIRE APPEAL

UNITED

by tragedy Y

ou don’t have to look far to see the effects of last month’s Black Saturday bushﬁ res in Victoria. At AFL level, Carlton is one of many clubs left reeling by the tragedy – from one of its newest recruits through to the senior coach. Draftee Caleb Tiller’s former home was destroyed in Buxton, but, unlike many neighbours, his family escaped with their lives as they were celebrating his 18th birthday in Melbourne. Defender Jarrad Waite had friends who lost homes, while coach Brett Ratten’s family had a close encounter. “The ﬁ re came within about 500 metres of Mum and Dad (Adele and Dennis) and their house at Yarra Glen,” Ratten said. “And with their business – they distribute milk through

Marysville, Buxton, Eildon and Thornton – they’ve lost part of their weekly income as well. “My sister Kate’s house at Dixons Creek was burned but not destroyed.” In wider AFL circles, Bulldog Robert Murphy’s sister Bridget was enjoying a weekend away with girlfriends when the ﬁ restorm hit on February 7, with their last-minute decision to ﬂee Buxton possibly saving their lives. Young St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy helped defend the family farm at Dederang in north-east Victoria, before racing back to make his club’s pre-season trip to the Gold Coast. Unfortunately, these stories pale in comparison to the devastation that occurred in local football communities such as Kinglake.

e devastating Victorian bushﬁres touched the entire community, prompting a heart-felt response from the AFL and regional football bodies. By Andrew Wallace.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou watched the tragedy unfold on television, and found the response from every level of the game to be swift and overwhelmingly positive. “Over the weekend as the situation became clearer, the phone started ringing from players and clubs as to how the AFL could respond as an industry,” Demetriou said. “The only question I had from people right across the board was how can football help.” The relief effort kicked off with the NAB Cup Bushﬁre Appeal match between Essendon and the Western Bulldogs, transferred at a moment’s notice – and huge logistical challenge – from Darwin to the Docklands. Triggering memories of a similar fundraiser between Carlton and an All Stars team following the Ash Wednesday disaster in 1983, the

February 13 clash attracted 35,123 fans and a massive television audience, with AFL clubs providing 60 players to rattle tins. Aside from the $1.2 million raised, the night served as a much-needed break for more than 150 people from ﬁre-affected areas. Yarra Valley and Mountain District Football League CEO Stephen Walter helped organise a bus to transport Kinglake players and families to the game. “We picked up about 30 members of the club and got them off the mountain for a night,” Walter said. “Aiden Buchanan (13), who lost his brother (Mackenzie), sister (Neeve) and uncle (Danny) in the ﬁres, tossed the coin, and it was really quite touching because a whole lot of kids came and they were beaming and excited. It was really good just to give them

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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THE ONLY QUESTION I HAD FROM PEOPLE RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD WAS HOW CAN FOOTBALL HELP. a slight reprieve and take their minds off things, if only for a short while.” At the fundraiser match, Walter spoke to Demetriou and AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick to push an idea of how to keep the Kinglake Football and Netball Club aﬂoat in 2009. “As they rebuild their businesses and homes, country communities like Kinglake need sport more than ever,” Walter said. “But running a football club is a massive challenge, and people are going to be too busy trying to rebuild their lives to bear the brunt of the workload.” Walter’s proposal was to appoint a full-time administrator to run the club, alleviating the pressure and media scrutiny on those such as Kinglake president Cameron Cain. With the AFL and Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) agreeing to jointly fund the new position, a unanimous vote at a meeting of more than 200 Kinglake residents ruled that the club should go on in 2009, and experienced sports journalist and broadcaster Rick

BANDING TOGETHER: Former Carlton stars Anthony Koutoufides and Ang Christou returned to the playing field for the Northern Football League Bushfire Appeal match at C.T. Barling Reserve in Reservoir in February.

Wall was appointed to the role. “If Kinglake didn’t play this year, it could have lost all its players to other clubs and might not have got them back,” Walter said. “It could have been another two or three years to get the club up and running again.” Walter is astounded at the overall effort of the football community, and not just in support of Kinglake, but areas such as Healesville, Yarra Glen, Yea, Alexandra, Thornton and Eildon. “I’m biased, but sporting communities do rally to a cause,” he said. “In our league, there’s quite a respectful mateship, even though many of the teams hate each other when they do battle on a Saturday. I’ve had so many offers, not just of money, but

people even prepared to donate their workers to do whatever is required.” Demetriou concurs. “I’m very proud of all the football clubs, players, supporters and leagues right across Australia,” he said. “These are the very communities that have made football strong. When they need help, we need to be there.” Victoria’s Northern Football League, whose clubs include Whittlesea and Hurstbridge, was quick to organise its own bushﬁre appeal day, with a senior exhibition match on February 22, featuring local stars and former AFL greats such as Anthony Koutouﬁdes and Ang Christou. The under-15 curtainraiser included Collingwood’s

Harry O’Brien and North Melbourne captain Brent Harvey as umpires. More than $62,000 was raised. On Sunday, March 29, the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and Eastern Football League (EFL) will take the field in an all-star match to raise further funds for the Bushfire Appeal. Meanwhile, the VCFL, whose leagues and members suffered so much from the fires, has declared the weekend of May 30-31 as Bushfire Round and set up the VCFL Bushfire Appeal Fund, with a portion of donations being filtered to local clubs, umpiring groups, NAB AFL Auskick centres and players directly impacted by the disaster. Support is also flooding in from overseas, with Australian Football groups in the United States, Great Britain, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and France moving to provide assistance. The AFL Players’ Association chimed in with a donation of $150,000 from its charity fund, while Demetriou will look to use the AFL’s position of prominence and vast resources to establish long-term support for the bushfire-affected regions. “We will be right there to help in the rebuilding of local communities and football clubs,” he said. ■ • HOW AFL CLUBS ARE CONTRIBUTING – PAGE 10.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Players and oﬃcials pause for a minute’s silence at the Northern Football League Bushﬁre Appeal day at Reservoir.

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL THE BUSHFIRE APPEAL

AFL clubs in action ADELAIDE

RICHMOND

Held a Twenty20 cricket match against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, attracting 8035 spectators and raising more than $160,000. Players donated $5000 to the Bushﬁre Appeal and collected boxes of clothing and toys.

Raised $100,000 for the appeal, with fans paying $500 to have their picture taken at a team photo shoot, a football clinic run by the leadership group held in Healesville, gold coin donations at the family day and a barbecue for Tiger fans from ﬁre-affected communities.

BRISBANE LIONS

ST KILDA

Donated takings from the NAB Cup opener against St Kilda to the appeal. Raised funds from three-game memberships, Lions Shop earnings, online auctions and the family day, as well as donating 100 guernseys and shorts to ﬁre-affected clubs.

Major sponsor Linen House donated goods such as new sheet-and-quilt sets and toys to the value of $105,000 through the Diamond Creek YMCA Relief Centre, while the club held guernsey auctions and contributed manpower to the appeal and the Channel Nine telethon.

CARLTON Proceeds from the family day were donated to the appeal and were matched by Richard Pratt and major sponsor Visy through the Pratt Foundation. Visy also donated $230,000, and the Blues have ongoing auctions and merchandise donations.

SYDNEY SWANS TIN RATTLE: AFL stars joined forces at the AFL Bushﬁre Appeal match, including (from left) Melbourne’s Brad Green and Brent Moloney, Sydney’s Jude Bolton, Collingwood’s Shane O’Bree and Adelaide’s Brett Burton.

collections at the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge matches against Richmond and West Coast.

COLLINGWOOD Raised $160,000 through a series of initiatives, including special membership packages and website auctions.

ESSENDON The Bushﬁre Appeal match, which raised more than $1.2 million, featured auctions of each player’s shorts and signed guernsey, a 25 per cent donation of all money spent on merchandise, plus player contributions to the fundraising efforts. The Bombers also raised $50,000 for Bendigo bushﬁre victims through club auctions and fan donations.

FREMANTLE Raised a considerable amount from gate takings and 10

donation of sports gear, clothes and toiletries to the appeal, and raised $5000 at an intra-club practice match.

GEELONG As well as a donation of money and time to the appeal, Geelong players and staff made blood donations, a pledge of 50 per cent of NAB Cup prizemoney, and donations and auctions of merchandise and football goods.

HAWTHORN Donating proceeds from sales of the 2008 Grand Final DVD and has established the Hawthorn Victorian Bushﬁre Community Program as a long-term approach.

MELBOURNE Made multiple visits to devastated regions, player appearances at the Channel Nine telethon, blood bank deposits,

Full-forward Barry Hall played in a celebrity Twenty20 cricket match at the SCG, Jude Bolton attended the AFL Bushﬁre Appeal match, and the club will organise a donation day when St Vincent de Paul is accepting goods again.

WEST COAST NORTH MELBOURNE Gave $30,000 to the appeal, chalked up more than 230 player-appearance hours within two weeks of the disaster and committed 20 signed jumpers for fundraising at clubs in ﬁre-affected areas.

PORT ADELAIDE In addition to the Twenty20 charity match against Adelaide, Port donated $13,500 in gate takings from practice matches against SANFL clubs Sturt and Port Magpies, and assisted the packaging of goods and clothes to Victoria.

Flew Bendigoraised Adam Selwood to Victoria for the Bushﬁre Appeal match, and supported the fundraiser NAB Challenge clash against Fremantle, with players and staff collecting money. The club is also looking at establishing a relationship with the Whittlesea Eagles FC.

WESTERN BULLDOGS The Bulldogs also donated a portion of membership and merchandise sales, hosted a cocktail fundraiser and made numerous media appearances for the cause. They also will recognise emergency service workers and volunteers in round two, with North Melbourne. ■

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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STEELE SIDEBOTTOM

NERVES OF STEELE: e bigger the occasion, the better it is for ﬁrstyear Collingwood player Steele Sidebottom.

No stage fright for

STEELE Young Magpie Steele Sidebottom is more than happy to call Docklands home. By Ben Collins.

teele Sidebottom could well be the lucky charm in Collingwood’s quest to end its long premiership drought in tonight’s NAB Cup Grand Final. Although he is yet to play a home and away match, the youngster with perhaps the catchiest name in AFL ranks already boasts a superb record at Docklands, the venue for tonight’s match. Sidebottom is preparing for his fourth game – his third ﬁnal and second Grand Final – at the ground. He has been an integral part of winning combinations in his previous three appearances there. First there was a NAB AFL Under-18 Championships game last year in which his Vic Country team smashed Tasmania by 98

points. Then there was last year’s TAC Cup Grand Final, in which he produced what AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan regards as possibly the best individual performance he has seen at junior level, with Sidebottom slotting 10.3 from his 32 possessions (including 29 kicks) and taking 13 marks as he piloted the Murray Bushrangers to an 81-point demolition of the Dandenong Stingrays and the premiership. And, of course, Docklands was the scene of his ﬁrst game at AFL level last week when he was a solid contributor with 19 disposals (12 kicks and seven handballs) in a NAB Cup semi-ﬁnal win over Essendon. In keeping with the understated ways of country boys – he grew up out Shepparton way, living for a time in Tallygaroopna and playing

for Congupna – Sidebottom said of his affinity with Docklands: “Yeah, I don’t mind it there. Hopefully that continues.” Although Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse could be forgiven for selecting Sidebottom on omen alone, the fact is the 18-year-old’s form warrants further exposure at the highest level. The Pies’ first pick, No. 11 overall in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, is proving himself a big-game performer. Sidebottom was impressive against Essendon. His composure under pressure, sure hands and solid skills either side of the body were features of his game. He was thrilled from both team and personal perspectives. Like most first-gamers, he found the tempo “really quick” early. And like all future stars, he soon adjusted and became more

comfortable as the game wore on. As a Bomber fan, he admired small forwards such as Alwyn Davey and Leroy Jetta, and he acquitted himself well when he directly opposed Jetta for a period last week. “Thankfully I didn’t have to play on Alwyn Davey,” he said. Sidebottom and the Magpies tonight face one of the biggest challenges in football – a fullstrength, vengeful Geelong. “It’s a Grand Final against a great side, so we’d obviously love to win it and keep building momentum for round one,” he said. Sidebottom hopes to be selected for round one against Adelaide at the MCG, but would be rapt to make his AFL debut at any stage of the home and away season. The youngest of ﬁve boys, he is accustomed to ﬁghting for everything he gets. ■ AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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HARRY TAYLOR HA

TAYLOR’S keeping things simple A premiership is very much on Harry Taylor’s agenda as he starts 2009. By Nick Bowen.

arry Taylor and his Geelong teammates are determined to right a few wrongs in the NAB Cup Grand Final. First and foremost, the emerging tall defender says tonight’s game is an important step in putting the upset loss to Hawthorn in last year’s Grand Final behind them. Then there is the small matter of avenging their only other loss last year, an 86-point thrashing in round nine at the hands of Collingwood at the MCG. Taylor, who joined Geelong from WAFL team East Fremantle at the

end of 2007, also has a personal goal tonight. He has never won a senior premiership or played in a win against Collingwood. “After losing last year’s Grand Final, I never want to lose one again,” Taylor said. “I’ve never won a senior premiership either, so I would love to win one no matter what level it’s at.” Taylor was best on ground when his team booked its place in tonight’s match with a tough 17-point win against Carlton last Saturday night. Stationed across half-back, Taylor racked up a game-high 29 possessions as he rotated

between marking Carlton forwards Cameron Cloke and Shaun Hampson. “The ball seemed to follow me a bit early on,” Taylor said modestly. “But I got a bit tired later in the game and the Blues put a lot of pressure on us – they were very quick and looked to be very ﬁt – but fortunately we were able to get the job done.” Taylor said the Magpies would provide stiff opposition tonight. “They have been playing some great football. I watched a bit of their game (last) Friday against Essendon and they were very impressive,” he said.

“Their forward line is athletic and very creative, so it is going to be a big job for our defenders to stop them, and we’ll be relying on our midﬁeld to stop the ball getting down to them too much.” While the Geelong coaching staff had not conﬁrmed his direct opponent, Taylor said he was likely to play on Travis Cloke, John Anthony or Ben Reid. As he eyed that challenge, Taylor said tonight’s Grand Final was an important part of the Cats’ attempt to reclaim their mantle as the competition’s best team. “From the team’s point of view, I think the NAB Cup is the best

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way to prepare for the season proper,” he said. “The level of footy is higher than you’re going to get in a normal practice match – it’s as close to the home and away season as you can get.” But tonight, and all season long, the Cats will focus on nothing other than the basics, Taylor said. “As far as our goals for the home and away season go, we just want to prove to ourselves that we’re a great team that can play great football,” he said. “But individually and internally, all we want to do is do the basic things well.” As for his goals in his second AFL season this year, Taylor – who is likely to take on more responsibility in the Cats’ defence with skipper Tom Harley facing a delayed start to the season – is also keeping things simple. “Joel Selwood had a really good second AFL season last year, but I won’t be trying to blow the opposition away this year,” he said. “If I can do the basics well and keep improving, I’m sure my teammates will respect that.” ■

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Untitled-5 1

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FOLLOW YOUR TEAM TO THE ACTION!

GAMEGUIDE 2009

GRAND FINAL PREVIEW – COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG CATS

IN FORM: e Magpies are hoping to break through for their ﬁrst premiership triumph of any kind since 1990.

A dream match-up

v Collingwood enters tonight’s Grand Final with conﬁdence after an impressive pre-season campaign and recent run of success against Geelong. By Ben Collins.

YOUR CLUB

mid some foreboding talk about the impact of so-called “ugly” defensive zones on the aesthetics of the game, tonight’s NAB Cup Grand Final is likely to provide a timely reminder about just how exhilarating football can be at the highest level. Considering form and ﬁtness, it’s a dream match-up between top-quality combatants, Geelong and Collingwood, perhaps the two best-prepared teams in the AFL to this point of the 2009 campaign, and appears certain to produce the kind of footy we

all love – brutal yet breathtaking. Indeed, many of us are tipping it to be one of the best exhibitions of football we’ve seen in the pre-season competition. In a game that is becoming increasingly structured under the weight of rigid team disciplines, the prospect of Cats such as Gary Ablett, Steve Johnson and Paul Chapman squaring off against Magpies such as Alan Didak, Leon Davis and Dale Thomas in the brilliance stakes ensures a mouth-watering surplus of unpredictability and X factor to keep everyone enthralled. Most intriguingly, these teams

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

TEAM LISTS

have history – recent history – and their rivalry has become so intense that neither will be prepared to concede tonight. Surviving unscathed for round one of the premiership season will be a mere afterthought when they enter the roofed battleﬁeld. After all, a premiership is at stake; so too is pride and a crucial psychological advantage over a potential opponent in September. This is particularly true of the Cats, who are on their intended road to redemption after last year’s upset Grand Final loss to Hawthorn. Collingwood represents a challenge the

PLAYER TO WATCH AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

NAB GF p17-19 GameGuide.indd 17

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

Cats have struggled to conquer recently – in fact, they have been humiliated twice in the past three years – and it would surprise if they weren’t hell-bent on rectifying the situation tonight. Barring the Hawks, who have beaten Geelong in four of their past five encounters, Collingwood boasts the next best recent record against the Cats. Since 2003, the Magpies have won five of their eight games against Geelong by an average of 57 points. This phenomenal margin is ballooned by two landslide victories – a 102-point win in 2006 and a remarkable 86-point drubbing in round nine last year – but even during the Cats’ premiership season of 2007, the Pies succumbed by just 16 and five points respectively, the latter in a preliminary final. With both clubs openly aiming at the premiership season flag – Collingwood president Eddie McGuire was merely stating the bleeding obvious when he declared the Pies’ goal – success tonight will add further credence to their substantial statements of intent.

PLAYER TO WATCH

SINCE 2003, THE MAGPIES HAVE WON FIVE OF THEIR EIGHT GAMES AGAINST GEELONG For the Pies, a NAB Cup premiership would strengthen belief within their ranks and provide a tangible reminder of what they are capable of. The last time they made the pre-season Grand Final was in 2003, when they were disappointing losers to Adelaide at Docklands. Their most recent premiership of any kind was back in 1990, when Leigh Matthews guided them to glory. Nineteen years is a long wait for such a proud, parochial club. Geelong won the NAB Cup in 2006 – a triumph that was expected to propel the club to success in the premiership season, but ended in disaster with the club missing the ﬁnals. Coach Mark Thompson felt his players had gotten ahead of themselves. No chance of that this time, though.

Both clubs have been impressive in their three qualifying matches without producing their best football for four quarters. The Magpies have recorded convincing wins over three average-topoor opponents – West Coast, Richmond and Essendon – while the Cats haven’t extended themselves any more than required in despatching Adelaide, Port Adelaide and Carlton. However, competition is expected to be fierce tonight in the final dress rehearsal before the official season-opener in a fortnight. With few first-choice players missing from either lineup, we can confidently predict fireworks in some form or another. The Pies smashed Geelong with their ferocious tackling last time, applying a record 85 tackles, and they will need to have a similar mindset tonight considering the Cats’ indulgence in slick handball. Geelong dished out a record 244 handballs against the Crows and were on target to eclipse this tally when they amassed 140 by half-time against the Blues, before steadying to finish with 236.

LAST WEEK > COLLINGWOOD COLLINGWOOD 1.17.5 (116) d Essendon 3.6.10 (73) Docklands

DAYNE BEAMS

PLAYER M.Clarke

(Collingwood)

D.Swan

6 2

4 5 2

0 0

D.Thomas

0 4

22 3

12 0 1

1 1

S.Cox

3 0

20 5

8 1 1

1 1

L.Davis

1 1

3 3 1

3 0

S.Sidebottom

2 12

1 0

7 1 3

1 2

0 0

At the end of last season, the Pies farewelled super-tough skipper Scott Burns, who appeared to have left a void in the hardness department. Body art and extroverted nature aside, Dayne Beams appears a Burns in the making. The tattooed teenager – who, with his right arm covered in ink, is easy to mistake for Dane Swan from a distance – is as tou tough as he looks. He relishes physical ph contests, impresses impress as a team player and boa boasts neat skills on both sid sides of his body. The ﬁrst-year rst player from sunny su Southport is alre already proving one of o the bargains of last year’s NAB AFL Dr Draft after the Magpies snared him with their thei second pick, at No. No 29 overall. He was solid against Richmond Rich and Essendo Essendon.

NAB GF p17-19 GameGuide.indd 18

1 3

2 6

KICKS 3 4 T 5 2 16

1 1

HANDBALLS 2 3 4 T 2 3 2 8

D R50 I50 M C CL 24 5 0 6 1 2

FF FA TK 1 0 0

G B 0 0

T.Goldsack

2 12

3 1

7 0 1

0 0

A.Didak

2 0

2 2 2

0 2

D.Beams

0 3

5 1 2

2 0

T.Cloke

3 12

2 1

9 0 1

2 1

S.Pendlebury

1 1

3 1 1

0 0

C.Bryan

2 2

9 1 3

1 2

S.O’Bree

4 2

1 3 3

0 2

J.Anthony

0 0

8 0 3

1 3

2 0

N.Brown

2 0

2 0 1

1 1

T.Lockyer

2 0

3 0 4

0 1

H.Shaw

0 0

0 0 1

2 1

R.Cook

3 1

1 0 3

1 1

J.Barham

4 1

2 1 6

0 3

C.Wood

2 2

4 0 1

0 1

A.Toovey

3 1

2 1 2

1 1

S.Prestigiacomo

2 0

2 0 3

1 2

B.Reid

0 0

3 0 2

0 1

B.Macaffer

2 1

3 0 0

0 0

L.Brown

3 0

2 0 0

0 0

A.Corrie

0 1

1 1 0

2 0

RUSHED TOTALS

Hit-outs C.Bryan 12 C.Wood 11

52 54 47 42 195 29 40 51 26 146 341 34 41 109 22 49

2 21 26 49 17 5

THE PATH TO THE NAB CUP GRAND FINAL COLLINGWOOD Opponent West Coast Richmond Essendon

Margin 62 pts 46 pts 43 pts

Venue Subiaco Docklands Docklands

Margin 35 pts 18 pts 17 pts

Venue Docklands AAMI Stadium Docklands

GEELONG Opponent Adelaide Port Adelaide Carlton

The more experienced, proven Cats probably hold a slight advantage all over the field, however, they appear to have the greatest edge in the ruck, where the combination of Brad Ottens and Mark Blake looms as too big and potentially influential for Cameron Wood and Chris Bryan. This could be crucial to the outcome of the match as we all know the Cats’ star-studded midfield needs little help to dominate. The ever-improving Magpie midfield relies more on rapid rotations through the interchange bench and this is one of the methods they will use to try to throw the Cats off-guard. Activity in Collingwood’s forward 50 will also be pivotal to the result, with the expected Travis Cloke/Harry Taylor and John Anthony/Matthew Scarlett duels drawing most attention. Scarlett loves to run and create, while Anthony doesn’t need many opportunities to be dangerous. Speaking of opportunities, Collingwood assistant coach Brad Scott will coach his first senior game in tonight’s Grand Final. While Mark Thompson assumes his usual role in the Geelong box, Magpie counterpart Mick Malthouse will continue to monitor proceedings from the interchange bench while he allows Scott to become the fourth of his lieutenants to benefit from his rotating coaches’ policy, following Mark Neeld, Paul Hudson and Blake Caracella. A teaser: if the Magpies win, who will be credited as the premiership coach? It’s a debate the Pies would love to have. ■

PREDICTION: COLLINGWOOD BY 1 POINT

12/3/09 4:59:42 PM

PREVIEW NAB CUP GRAND FINAL

PRE-SEASON/ NIGHT SERIES GRAND FINALS YEAR RESULT 1956 Sth M 13.16 (94) d Carl 13.10 (88) 1957 Sth M 15.13 (103) d Geel 8.4 (52) 1958 St K 16.13 (109) d Carl 15.11 (101) 1959 Fitz 10.10 (70) d Haw 4.16 (40) 1960 Sth M 10.12 (72) d Haw 8.11 (59) 1961 Geel 9.20 (74) d NM 9.8 (62) 1962 Rich 8.16 (64) d Haw 9.6 (60) 1963 Foots 10.9 (69) d Rich 9.9 (63) 1964 Foots 11.12 (78) d St K 11.7 (73) 1965 NM 14.13 (97) d Carl 9.3 (57) 1966 NM 20.12 (132) d Haw 12.7 (79) 1967 Foots 15.11 (101) d Sth M 8.8 (56) 1968 Haw 16.15 (111) d NM 6.14 (50) 1969 Haw 10.17 (77) d Melb 9.18 (72) 1970 Foots 13.17 (95) d Melb 13.15 (93) 1971 Melb 12.7 (79) d Fitz 9.9 (63) 1977 Haw 14.11 (95) d Carl 11.5 (71) 1978 Fitz 13.18 (96) d NM 2.8 (20) CLASSY CAT: Paul Chapman was at his brilliant best with 26 possessions and a match-sealing nine-point goal in the semi-ﬁnal win over Carlton last week and looms as a dangerman for the Magpies tonight.

1979 Coll 12.8 (80) d Haw 7.10 (52) 1980 NM 8.9 (57) d Coll 7.12 (54) 1981 Ess 9.11 (65) d Carl 6.5 (41)

PLAYER TO WATCH

LAST WEEK > GEELONG CATS GEELONG CATS 2.9.12 (84) d Carlton 0.9.13 (67) Docklands PLAYER H.Taylor

1 4

KICKS 2 3 4 3 0 2

T 9

HANDBALLS 1 2 3 4 T 11 2 3 4 20

D R50 I50 M C CL 29 4 2 5 0 1

FF FA TK 1 0 3

G B 0 0

8 2

6 3 2

1 2

P.Chapman

0 4

6 1 0

0 0

J.Hunt

2 5

4 0 3

1 0

J.Corey

3 2

4 2 4

0 2

J.Kelly

6 2

2 3 3

0 1

D.Milburn

4 4

5 0 2

0 1

S.Byrnes

2 3

22 1

5 1 2

1 1

K.Tenace

1 4

2 2 2

1 0

G.Ablett

5 3

5 2 3

1 2

D.Johnson

1 2

3 1 2

2 2

S.Hogan

2 2

1 0 3

0 1

M.Stokes

2 1

2 3 2

4 1

J.Laidler

0 2

3 1 0

1 0

M.Scarlett

0 0

1 0 1

0 1

B.Ottens

0 1

2 3 3

2 2

S.Johnson

0 2

5 0 3

1 2

T.Lonergan

0 0

7 0 1

1 0

T.Varcoe

1 1

3 0 3

0 1

M.Rooke

1 0

6 0 1

0 1

T.West

1 3

3 3 2

3 2

S.Simpson

0 0

2 0 1

1 1

D.McKenna

1 1

1 0 2

0 0

B.Moles

5 0

1 1 0

0 0

T.Hawkins

0 0

3 0 0

0 0

N.Djerrkura

0 0

0 0 1

0 0

RUSHED

0 51 40 33 46 170 72 68 48 48 236 406 32 46 87 26 47

Hit-Outs B.Ottens 18 T.West 12

1983 Carl 14.16 (100) d Rich 10.6 (66) 1984 Ess 13.11 (89) d Syd 5.8 (38)

C.Ling

TOTALS

1982 Syd 13.12 (90) d NM 8.10 (58)

21 23 44

9 12

MATHEW STOKES

1985 Haw 11.11 (77) d Ess 10.8 (68)

(Geelong Cats)

1987 Melb 8.10 (58) d Ess 8.6 (54)

In times of despair, when a player’s reputation is challenged, we discover his true character. Mathew Stokes has admitted he isn’t proud of his performance in last year’s Grand Final after struggling with dodgy groins, but he has responded the best way possible by being among the Cats’ best contributors in the NAB Cup. In the opening wins against Adelaide and Port Adelaide, he slotted seven goals (three and four respectively) in near best-aﬁeld displays. Plenty of forward entries should create more crumbs for him and the likes of Paul Chapman and Steve Johnson. With defensive attention focused on bigger name teammates, he often gets off the leash.

1986 Haw 9.12 (66) d Carl 5.6 (36) 1988 Haw 10.10 (70) d Geel 9.13 (67) 1989 Melb 10.16 (76) d Geel 9.13 (67) 1990 Ess 17.10 (112) d NM 10.16 (76) 1991 Haw 14.19 (103) d NM 7.12 (54) 1992 Haw 19.14 (128) d Fitz 8.15 (63) 1993 Ess 14.18 (102) d Rich 11.13 (79) 1994 Ess 15.12 (102) d Adel 9.14 (68) 1995 NM 14.9 (93) d Adel 8.15 (63) 1996 St K 20.10 (130) d Carl 10.12 (72) 1997 Carl 14.13 (97) d Geel 5.10 (40) 1998 NM 14.13 (97) d St K 12.11 (83) 1999 Haw 12.11 (83) d PA 5.6 (36) 2000 Ess 16.21 (117) d Kang 11.10 (76) 2001 PA 17.9 (111) d BL 3.8 (26) 2002 PA 10.11 (71) d Rich 9.8. (62) 2003 Adel 2.13.8 (104) d Coll 1.9.7 (73)* 2004 St K 1.14.5 (98) d Geel 1.10.7 (76)* 2005 Carl 1.14.18 (111) d WCE 1.11.9 (84)* 2006 Geel 3.10.5 (92) d Adel 1.10.15 (84)* 2007 Carl 2.12.7 (97) d BL 0.10.12 (72)* 2008 St K 2.7.9 (69) d Adel 0.9.10 (64)* * First ﬁgures in the 2003-07 scores reﬂect nine-point goals.

AFL RECORD RECO visit afl.com.au

NAB GF p17-19 GameGuide.indd 19

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL YOUR CLUB

Website

2009 membership “Side by side we stick together at Collingwood” and there has never been a more important time to be a member, as the club strives for a premiership and 50,000 members. The club has exciting membership packages available, including a new three-game membership for only $75. Call 1300 MAGPIE (62 47 43), visit collingwoodfc.com.au or sign up at the membership marquees at the game tonight.

Coming events Collingwood’s Family Day will be held at Gosch’s Paddock on Sunday from 11am-2pm. Entry is free and all Collingwood supporters are welcome. The entire playing list will be presented on stage and there will be plenty of activities for the kids, as well as a merchandise super sale! The Season Launch and Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Monday, March 23, in the Palladium Ballroom at Crown Casino. Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire will present the 2009 playing squad, the 2009 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced and Aussie pop legend Daryl Braithwaite will perform live. Tickets are $165. Call the events department on 8412 0014.

Premier partner Australia’s leading mortgage broker, Aussie Home Loans, has become a premier partner of Collingwood after the recent acquisition of Wizard Home Loans. Aussie is a completely Australian, independentlyowned company that services more than 220,000 customers. Following the Wizard acquisition, it will have close to 200 outlets in city and regional areas, with more than 800 mortgage advisers. Stay tuned to collingwoodfc.com. au for more exciting sponsorship announcements in coming weeks.

Collingwood will break the important club news and provide fans with unprecedented access to players and coaches in 2009 via the club’s ofﬁcial website, collingwoodfc.com.au CTV and Magpie Radio are also back with exciting program schedules that will keep fans up to date with everything happening at the Lexus Centre.

Heart of Collingwood Combining with the Collingwood Football Club Past Players Association, Magpie legend Murray Weideman has put his name forward to formulate a player welfare fund, aptly named The Murray Weideman Heart of Collingwood Player Welfare Fund. The fund’s objective is to raise enough money so the worst-affected hardship cases can be covered by private health care insurance. Visit theheartofcollingwood.com.au for more information.

Pie in the Sky Travel The team of well-travelled and helpful consultants at Pie in the Sky Travel are ready to plan your next holiday. The consultants have 25 years of experience between them and would like to share that with you. Visit pieinthesky.com.au or call 8412 0100.

Bushﬁre Appeal Through a series of fundraising efforts, Collingwood announced a contribution of $160,000 that went directly to the Victorian Bushﬁre Appeal. The players, staff, sponsors and supporters came together in true Collingwood tradition for a worthy cause.

POCKET PROFILE HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR AFL STARS? THE AFL RECORD GETS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ...

SCOTT PENDLEBURY Nickname: Dippa Star sign: Capricorn Whose number did you have on your back as a kid? David Schwarz Who had the biggest impact on your junior career? Dad and Mum Teammate most likely to succeed post-football and why? Ben Reid is always coming up to me talking about his brilliant ideas Toughest player you have played on? Lenny Hayes Would you consider coaching after your retirement as a player? Yes Describe yourself in one word: Direct What do you like to collect? e footy Your most valued possession: My house First car: Holden VX series II First job: Footballer Scariest moment of your life: When we travelled to

www.aﬂpa.com.au NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMERS

Corporate hospitality Collingwood is renowned for hosting some of the biggest and most exciting events in Australia, involving everything from football, cricket, theatre, the Spring Racing Carnival and netball to concerts. For more information, contact the club on 8412 0194, or via email at corporate@ collingwoodfc.com.au ■

Arizona for a pre-season training camp in 2005. We had to trek to the peak (4000m) of Mt Humphrey. Superstitions: I never kick a goal with the last kick before a game, never touch the banner, my socks can never be the same height, I always lace my left boot up last Interests outside football: Property e meal/food you are best at cooking: Chicken and mushroom risotto People (dead or alive) you would invite for dinner: Lebron James, Michael Jordan, my girlfriend, Dayne Beams Favourite meal the night before a game: Chicken pasta with golden honey mustard Favourite movie: Dark Knight Favourite ‘can’t miss’ TV show: NBA ursday and NBA Saturday

Tonight’s national anthem will be performed by Anthony Sheppard and Hayley Vippond. Anthony, 12, started drama training in 2004 and dance and singing training a year later. He has performed in several musicals and is interested in

swimming, tennis and learning the trumpet, and is also a budding magician Hayley, 13, is performing in Billy Elliot The Musical in Melbourne as Julia Hope, ballet girl. She has appeared in several productions and sung and danced at shopping centres and fetes. Her interests include dancing, singing acting and reading.

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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23/1/09,

3:49

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GO TO afl.com . au

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL YOUR CLUB

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE> COLLINGWOOD

OVERALL RECORD: 2295 games – 1385 wins, 886 losses, 24 draws GRAND FINALS: 40 PREMIERSHIPS: 14 HEAD-TO-HEAD v P W L D 29 19 10 0 Adelaide Brisbane 34 17 17 0 Carlton 237 111 122 4 Essendon 218 117 97 4 Fitzroy 209 131 75 3 Fremantle 19 11 8 0 Geelong 214 124 89 1 Hawthorn 147 93 54 0 Melbourne 221 138 79 4 North Melbourne 148 98 48 2 Port Adelaide 17 8 9 0 Richmond 195 110 84 1 St Kilda 204 149 54 1 Sydney Swans 213 133 79 1 University 14 13 0 1 West Coast 35 14 20 1 Western Bulldogs 141 99 41 1 RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES Venue P W L D 465 232 228 5 MCG Docklands 50 27 23 0 ANZ Stadium 6 4 2 0 AAMI Stadium 23 11 12 0 Gabba 13 3 10 0 Manuka Oval 1 1 0 0 Skilled Stadium 41 22 19 0 SCG 19 7 12 0 Subiaco 17 5 12 0 Carrara 5 5 0 0 HIGHEST SCORE 32.19 (211) v St K, R17, 1980, Vic Park LOWEST SCORE 0.8 (8) v S Melb, R11, 1897, Vic Park GREATEST WINNING MARGIN 178 points v St K, R4, 1979, Vic Park BEST WINNING SEQUENCE 20 games, SF replay, 1928-R18, 1929 WORST LOSING SEQUENCE 13 games, R17, 1998-R7, 1999

MOST GAMES Tony Shaw (313) Gordon Coventry (306) Wayne Richardson (277) Len Thompson (268) Scott Burns (264)

Coventry (also coach of Foots), Des Fothergill, Len Fitzgerald, Lou Richards, Len Thompson (also S Melb, Fitz), Peter Daicos, Peter McKenna (also Carl), Wayne Richardson, Peter Moore (also Melb), Murray Weideman, Gavin Brown, Des Tuddenham (also Ess)

Dick Lee (62) Ron Todd (55) Peter McKenna (50) Peter Daicos (39)

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES Jock McHale (191) Wayne Richardson (131) Bob Rose (119) Kevin Rose (112) Lou Richards (108)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS 1898: Archie Smith (31) 1903: Teddy Lockwood (33) 1905: Charlie H. Pannam (38) 1907-1910: Dick Lee (45, 50, 55, 51) 1914: Dick Lee (57) 1916-1917: Dick Lee (46, 50) 1919: Dick Lee (47) 1926-1930: Gordon Coventry (78, 88, 78, 118, 105) 1933: Gordon Coventry (108) 1938-1939: Ron Todd (102, 98) 1946: Des Fothergill (63)

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL 1.5 (11) v Fitzroy, Final, 1903

GAMES RECORDS HELD IN GUERNSEY NUMBERS 22 Tony Shaw (308) 33 David Cloke (290 Coll & Rich) MOST GAMES AS CAPTAIN Nathan Buckley (161) Syd Coventry (153) Tony Shaw (123) Wayne Richardson (116) Phonse Kyne (105)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS 1958: Ian Brewer (67 goals) 1972-1973: Peter McKenna (130, 84) 1986: Brian Taylor (100)

MOST GAMES AS COACH Jock McHale (714) Phonse Kyne (272) Leigh Matthews (224) Mick Malthouse* (210) Bob Rose (193) Tom Hafey (138)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS Tony Shaw (1990), Nathan Buckley (2002) PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS George Angus (1910), Jock McHale (1917, 1919, 1927-1930, 1935-1936)

GOALKICKING LEADERS ALL-TIME Gordon Coventry (1299) Peter McKenna (838) Dick Lee (707) Peter Daicos (549) Saverio Rocca (514)

JOCK MCHALE MEDALLISTS Phonse Kyne (1953, 1958), Leigh Matthews (1990)

TOP FIVE GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES 17 Gordon Coventry (v Fitzroy, R12, 1930, at Victoria Park) 16 Gordon Coventry (v Hawthorn, R13, 1929 at Victoria Park) 16 Peter McKenna (v South Melbourne, R19, 1969 at Victoria Park) 15 Gordon Coventry (v Essendon, R11, 1933 at Victoria Park) 14 Gordon Coventry (v Hawthorn, R14, 1934 at Victoria Park) BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS Syd Coventry (1927), Albert Collier (1929), Harry Collier (1930 tied), Marcus Whelan (1939), Des Fothergill (1940 tied), Len Thompson (1972), Peter Moore (1979), Nathan Buckley (2003 tied)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MEDIA ASSOC. MVP AWARD George Bisset (1973), Peter Moore (1981), Peter Daicos (1990)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD Darren Millane (1990)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS LEGENDS: Gordon Coventry, Jock McHale (coach). INDUCTEES: Albert Collier (also Fitz), Bob Rose (also coach of Foots), Bruce Andrew (admin), Charlie H. Pannam (also Rich, coach of Rich), Dan Minogue (also Rich, Haw, coach of Rich, Haw, Carl, St K, Fitz), Dick Lee, Harry Collier, Jack Regan, Jack Hamilton (admin), Phonse Kyne, Syd

PREMIERSHIPS 1902, 1903, 1910, 1917, 1919, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1935, 1936, 1953, 1958, 1990 RUNNERS-UP 1901, 1905, 1911, 1915, 1918, 1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1966, 1970, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 2002, 2003 WOODEN SPOONS 1976, 1999 FINALS 163 games – 70 wins, 89 losses, 4 draws MOST FINALS GAMES Gordon Coventry (31) Harry Collier (27) Albert Collier (26) Tony Shaw (23) MOST GOALS IN FINALS Gordon Coventry (112)

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL 23.15 (153) v Fitzroy, EF, 1984

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL 69 points v W Bulldogs, EF, 1974 GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL 133 points v Essendon, PF, 1984 MOST GOALS IN A FINAL 11 Ron Todd v Geelong, PF, 1938; Ron Todd v St Kilda, PF, 1939 BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK Six games (1935-1937) WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK Seven games (1904-1909) CLUB MEMBERSHIP 1984 (16,313), 1985 (16,857), 1986 (13,971), 1987 (9,500), 1988 (11,985), 1989 (13,620), 1990 (14,808), 1991 (18,469), 1992 (18,921), 1993 (21,882), 1994 (20,843), 1995 (22,543), 1996 (20,752), 1997 (22,761), 1998 (27,099), 1999 (32,358), 2000 (28,932), 2001 (31,455), 2002 (32,549), 2003 (40,455), 2004 (41,128), 2005 (38,612), 2006 (38,038), 2007 (38,357), 2008 (42,498)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES STATS 71 games – 31 wins, 40 losses PRE-SEASON GRAND FINALS – 3 1979, 1980, 2003 PRE-SEASON PREMIERSHIPS – 1 1979 – Collingwood 12.8.80 d Hawthorn 7.10.52 MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS None LEADING NINE-POINT GOALKICKERS 5 Ryan Lonie HIGHEST ATTENDANCE 50,478 v North Melbourne, GF, 1980, Waverley Park HIGHEST SCORE 4.16.16.148 v Carlton, round 1, 2003, Docklands Stadium LONGEST WINNING SEQUENCE 7 (round 2, 1979 – SF, 1980) * denotes current player or coach

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NAB GF p20-23 Collingwood.indd 22

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COLLINGWOOD PLAYER LIST 2009 STATS 08 KICKS GENERAL KICKS Dane Swan Alan Didak Paul Medhurst Leon Davis Tarkyn Lockyer LONG KICKS Travis Cloke Scott Burns Dane Swan Ben Johnson Rhyce Shaw SHORT KICKS Scott Pendlebury Leon Davis Alan Didak Marty Clarke Dane Swan

368 325 309 297 296

77 73 64 63 60

176 147 147 147 146

MARKS GENERAL MARKS Paul Medhurst Dane Swan Travis Cloke Rhyce Shaw Dale Thomas CONTESTED MARKS Travis Cloke Paul Medhurst Dale Thomas Dane Swan Nick Maxwell

179 163 158 136 130

40 28 21 19 18

HANDBALLS Shane O’Bree Scott Pendlebury Dane Swan Scott Burns Nick Maxwell

241 235 222 164 160

HANDBALLS RECEIVED Scott Pendlebury Dane Swan Tarkyn Lockyer Shane O’Bree Rhyce Shaw

203 191 155 154 142

NAME

No. Hgt.

Wgt. Birthdate

Debut Previous Club

ANTHONY John BARHAM Jaxson BEAMS Dayne BENNELL Johnny # BLAIR Jarryd # BLIGHT Jarrad BROWN Leigh BROWN Nathan J. BRYAN Chris CLARKE Marty CLOKE Travis COOK Ryan CORRIE Anthony COX Shannon DAVIS Leon DAWES Chris DICK Brad DIDAK Alan DYAS Kevin # FRANCIS Tristan # FRASER Josh GOLDSACK Tyson JOHNSON Ben KEEFFE Lachlan # LOCKYER Tarkyn MACAFFER Brent MAXWELL Nick McCARTHY John MEDHURST Paul O’BREE Shane O’BRIEN Harry PENDLEBURY Scott PRESTIGIACOMO Simon (v) REED Scott # REID Ben ROCCA Anthony (v) ROUNDS Luke RUSLING Sean SHAW Heath SIDEBOTTOM Steele STANLEY Danny SWAN Dane THOMAS Dale THOOLEN Toby # TOOVEY Alan WELLINGHAM Sharrod WOOD Cameron

9 43 17 48 47 27 15 16 40 18 32 29 14 12 1 31 33 4 41 46 25 6 26 44 24 30 5 3 7 11 8 10 35 38 20 23 37 2 39 22 28 36 13 45 34 21 19

91 78 77 70 74 76 102 97 97 86 101 82 83 94 77 100 73 82 82 77 98 87 82 92 74 88 86 79 83 82 85 88 95 80 94 106 78 89 84 80 88 86 83 91 86 81 102

2008 **** **** **** **** **** 2000 2008 2005 2007 2005 2007 2004 2007 2000 2008 2007 2001 **** **** 2000 2007 2000 **** 1999 **** 2004 2008 2002 1998 2005 2006 1996 **** 2007 1995 **** 2005 2005 **** 2007 2003 2006 **** 2007 2008 2005

192 181 186 179 174 188 194 195 197 182 196 186 186 188 177 193 181 184 181 185 202 193 183 204 178 187 193 189 179 182 188 191 193 192 195 195 181 190 184 180 183 185 185 196 189 185 204

19/1/88 20/5/88 12/2/90 1/2/90 14/4/90 24/1/91 23/2/82 17/12/88 6/3/82 13/11/87 5/3/87 16/2/88 22/6/84 7/3/86 17/6/81 16/5/88 25/7/88 15/2/83 26/10/87 15/8/89 5/1/82 22/5/87 5/4/81 14/4/90 30/10/79 29/2/88 3/6/83 19/11/89 11/12/81 15/3/79 15/11/86 7/1/88 31/1/78 3/10/90 29/4/89 15/8/77 10/2/91 6/10/86 27/11/85 2/1/91 18/2/88 25/2/84 21/6/87 23/2/90 23/3/87 7/7/88 4/3/87

Diamond Creek/Northern U18 Lorne/Geelong College/Geelong U18 Southport (Qld) Peel Thunder (WA) Wonthaggi/Gippsland U18 Swan Districts (WA) Heyﬁeld/Gippsland U18/Fremantle/North Melb Ballarat/North Ballarat U18 Keysborough/Sandr U18/Sandr/Frankston/Carlton Ireland Park Orchards/Eastern U18 Rosebud/Dandenong U18 Nightcliff (NT)/Brisbane South Fremantle (WA) Perth (WA) Brighton Grammar/Sandringham U18 East Fremantle (WA) Port Adelaide (SANFL) Ireland Korumburra-Bena/Gippsland U18 Mansﬁeld/Murray U18 Pakenham/Gippsland U18 St Marys (VMFL)/Preston U18 Marist College, Brisbane (Qld) East Fremantle (WA) Kilcunda-Bass/Gippsland U18 St Josephs (VCFL)/Geel U18/North Ballarat Sorrento/Dandenong U18 Claremont (WA)/Fremantle Beaufort/North Ballarat U18/Brisbane Claremont (WA) Sale/Gippsland U18 Research/Northern U18 Pennant Hills/NSW-ACT U18 Wangaratta Rovers/Murray U18 Reservoir-Lakeside/Northern U18/Sydney Terang-Mortlake/Geelong U18 West Adelaide (SA) Diamond Creek/Northern U18 Congupna/Murray U18 Ocean Grove/Geelong U18 Westmeadows/Calder U18 Drouin/Gippsland U18 Swan Hill/Bendigo U18 Claremont (WA) Perth (WA) West Adelaide (SA)/Brisbane

GAMES GOALS 2008 Total This club 2008 Total

9 23 17 22 23 9 20 6 22 6 18

181 23 45 34 78 12 53 14 161 6 6 138

7 4 4 9 40 1 21 4 32 5 24

84 4 19 12 95 1 48 4 201 5 4 195

14 161 6 6 138

18 16 16

174 33 171

12 4 7

143 4 50

191

111

23 6 24 23 24 23 2

95 6 140 215 60 55 195

95 6 41 196 60 55 195

7 3 50 6 2 11 0

23 3 240 80 3 35 3

3 8

6 238

6 216

0 16

2 411

1 18

17 71

0 6

19 18

2 24 22

4 100 63

0 22 23

0 59 52

7 12 13

17 12 29

17 12 13

0 4 6

4 4 6

23 29 34 78 12

# = Rookie> could be promoted to senior list during season. (N) = Nominated rookie> eligible for senior selection. **** = player has not yet played a senior game.

TACKLES Shane O’Bree Scott Pendlebury Dane Swan Leon Davis Tarkyn Lockyer

106 77 75 73 72

TACTICAL STATS INSIDE 50 Travis Cloke Dane Swan Paul Medhurst Alan Didak Rhyce Shaw

101 100 98 84 82

REBOUNDED FROM 50 Harry O’Brien Heath Shaw Shane Wakelin Marty Clarke Nick Maxwell

75 67 62 57 52

HARD-BALL GETS Dane Swan Shane O’Bree Scott Pendlebury Harry O’Brien Dale Thomas

81 71 65 52 49

LOOSE-BALL GETS Shane O’Bree Dane Swan Leon Davis Scott Pendlebury Scott Burns

94 76 66 62 58

RUCK DUEL CLEARANCES Collingwood 805 DISPOSALS PER GOAL Collingwood

22.7

DISPOSALS INSIDE ATTACKING 50 Collingwood

1204

DISPOSALS INSIDE ATTACKING 50 PER GOAL Collingwood

3.4

OFFICIAL AFL STATS visit aﬂ.com.au

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

NAB GF p20-23 Collingwood.indd 23

12/3/09 12:49:32 PM

GRAND FINAL PROGRAM 6.50pm

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL GAME – search starts for contestants to take part in the pre-match games

6.55pm

TEAMS WARM UP

7.10-7.24pm NAB CUP GRAND FINAL GAME 7.25pm

NAB CUP ENTERS ARENA – carried by anthem performers

2009 NAB CUP

COLLINGWOOD COACH> Mick MALTHOUSE CAPTAIN> Nick MAXWELL 9PT G

6PT G

9PT G

GEELONG CATS introduced

7.34pm

COLLINGWOOD introduced

Leon DAVIS

Ben REID

7.39pm

VIDEO PRESENTATION – 2009 NAB Cup moments

NATIONAL ANTHEM – performed by Anthony Sheppard and Hayley Vippond (see bios page 20)

John McCARTHY

7.42pm

Sharrod WELLINGHAM

Alan DIDAK

Steele SIDEBOTTOM

7.45pm

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL STARTS

Nick MAXWELL

Tarkyn LOCKYER

8.10pm

QUARTER-TIME – NAB Face in the Crowd contestant selected

Tyson GOLDSACK

Ben JOHNSON

HALF-TIME – NAB Face in the Crowd competition

Paul MEDHURST

Danny STANLEY

John ANTHONY

Ryan COOK

Scott PENDLEBURY

Brent MACAFFER

Shane O’BREE

Chris DAWES

Shannon COX

32 Travis CLOKE

Dale THOMAS

Alan TOOVEY

Nathan BROWN

Simon PRESTIGIACOMO

Dayne BEAMS

Dane SWAN

Marty CLARKE

40 Chris BRYAN

Cameron WOOD

RUSHED

10pm approx MATCH FINISHES PRESENTATIONS – Michael Tuck Medal presented to the best player on the ground by Michael Tuck. 2009 NAB Cup presented to the winning captain and coach by Mark Melvin, NAB State General Manager

MICHAEL TUCK MEDAL 1992 Paul HUDSON

Hawthorn

1994 Gary O’DONNELL

Essendon

1995 Mick MARTYN

Nth Melb

1996 Nicky WINMAR

St Kilda

1997 Craig BRADLEY

Carlton

1998 Wayne CAREY

Nth Melb

1999 Paul SALMON

Hawthorn

2000 Mark MERCURI

Essendon

2001 Adam KINGSLEY

Port Adelaide

2002 Nick STEVENS

Port Adelaide

2003 Andrew McLEOD

Adelaide

2004 Robert HARVEY

St Kilda

2005 Brendan FEVOLA

Carlton

2006 Simon GOODWIN

Adelaide

2007 Nick STEVENS

Carlton

2008 Jason GRAM

St Kilda

NAB GF p24-25 Teams.indd 24

1ST QTR

1993 Gavin WANGANEEN Essendon

MARK TIME OF GOALS

6PT G

FINAL

8.40pm

3RD QTR

UMPIRES introduced

7.31pm

2ND QTR

7.30pm

12/3/09 4:44:09 PM

TONIGHT’S UMPIRES

GRAND FINAL

GEELONG CATS

11 Scott McLAREN

29 Scott JEFFERY

1 Chris DONLON

Emerg: 15 Mathew NICHOLLS

COACH> Mark THOMPSON ACTING CAPTAIN> Cameron Ling 9PT G

6PT G

9PT G

6PT G

Jimmy BARTEL

Mark BLAKE

Andrew MACKIE

Tom HAWKINS

Travis VARCOE

Mathew STOKES

GOAL: Troy MAVROUDIS, Luke WALKER EMERG: Daniel WILSON

Brad OTTENS

Gary ABLETT

TIPSTERS SAY

Harry TAYLOR

Matthew SCARLETT

Josh HUNT

Dan McKENNA

Kane TENACE

Max ROOKE

ANDREW WALLACE Geelong by 28 points

Joel COREY

Simon HOGAN

NICK BOWEN Geelong by 27 points

Paul CHAPMAN

12 Trent WEST

Jeremy LAIDLER

Joel SELWOOD

Darren MILBURN

Ryan GAMBLE

David WOJCINSKI

Shannon BYRNES

Corey ENRIGHT

Nathan DJERRKURA

Cameron LING

Steve JOHNSON

RUSHED

NAB GF p24-25 Teams.indd 25

PETER DI SISTO Geelong by 12 points MICHAEL LOVETT Geelong by 14 points BEN COLLINS Collingwood by 1 point

ANDREW DEMETRIOU Geelong by 11 points

DRAWN GAME If scores are level at elapsed time, there will be a six-minute interval, then two five-minute periods with time-on will be played. Coaches are permitted to address their teams. In the first period, teams will kick to the same end to which they kicked in the final quarter. At the end of the first period, teams will change ends. Coaches and other club staff will not be permitted to enter the arena. If scores are level after the two periods, two additional five-minute periods with time-on will be played until a winner is determined. The same procedures will apply.

FINAL

1ST QTR

3RD QTR

Tom LONERGAN

2ND QTR

BOUNDARY: Cameron WARD, Robert HAALA, Luke ROBERTS, Chris MORRISON

12/3/09 4:48:02 PM

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL YOUR CLUB

GEELONG CATS PLAYER LIST 2009 STATS 08 KICKS GENERAL KICKS Jimmy Bartel Joel Corey Steve Johnson Corey Enright Andrew Mackie

382 339 333 299 290

LONG KICKS Jimmy Bartel Joel Corey Gary Ablett Andrew Mackie Paul Chapman

100 64 62 58 55

SHORT KICKS Corey Enright Darren Milburn Jimmy Bartel Andrew Mackie Joel Selwood

198 178 159 150 142

MARKS GENERAL MARKS Cameron Mooney Darren Milburn Steve Johnson Jimmy Bartel Andrew Mackie CONTESTED MARKS Cameron Mooney Tom Harley Jimmy Bartel Josh Hunt Tom Hawkins

201 155 147 142 141

45 30 18 17 17

HANDBALLS Joel Corey Joel Selwood Jimmy Bartel Gary Ablett Cameron Ling

391 324 320 318 309

HANDBALLS RECEIVED Joel Corey Jimmy Bartel Corey Enright Joel Selwood Cameron Ling

331 308 292 284 280

NAME

No. Hgt.

Wgt. Birthdate

Debut Previous Club

ABLETT Gary ALLWRIGHT Tom # BARTEL Jimmy BLAKE Mark BROWN Mitchell W. BYRNES Shannon CHAPMAN Paul COREY Joel DJERRKURA Nathan DONOHUE Adam EDIRIWICKRAMA Ranga # EGAN Matthew ENRIGHT Corey GAMBLE Ryan GILLIES Tom HARLEY Tom HAWKINS Tom HOGAN Simon HUNT Josh HUNT Taylor JOHNSON David JOHNSON Steve KELLY James LAIDLER Jeremy # LING Cameron LONERGAN Tom MACKIE Andrew McKENNA Dan MILBURN Darren (v+) MOLES Brodie # MOONEY Cameron MOTLOP Steven MUMFORD Shane # OTTENS Brad ROOKE Max SCARLETT Matthew (v+) SELWOOD Joel SIMPSON Dawson SIMPSON Scott STOKES Mathew TAYLOR Harry TENACE Kane VARCOE Travis VARCOE Adam # WEADON Bryn # WEST Trent WOJCINSKI David

29 48 3 24 1 17 35 11 18 23 42 19 44 15 25 2 26 34 8 38 28 20 9 37 45 13 4 31 39 36 21 32 41 6 33 30 14 16 22 27 7 10 5 46 47 12 40

88 86 88 103 82 77 88 89 84 85 79 101 91 83 87 95 100 80 100 83 84 87 88 81 92 99 87 88 92 84 99 67 102 108 93 94 86 105 92 80 92 86 80 64 91 104 80

2002 **** 2002 2005 **** 2004 2000 2000 **** **** **** 2005 2001 2006 **** 1998 2007 **** 2001 **** 2002 2002 2002 **** 2000 2005 2004 **** 1997 **** 1999 **** 2008 1998 2002 1998 2007 **** **** 2006 2008 2004 2007 **** **** 2008 1999

182 187 187 200 195 175 179 191 176 182 178 196 187 184 192 193 197 182 185 183 181 189 183 189 189 197 192 195 189 183 195 182 200 202 189 192 182 206 196 177 193 182 180 180 185 198 180

14/5/84 15/6/90 4/12/83 9/9/85 28/8/90 7/4/84 5/11/81 17/2/82 19/9/88 22/2/90 10/8/90 10/7/83 14/9/81 23/9/87 7/3/90 18/7/78 27/7/88 16/8/88 14/3/82 5/11/90 28/10/81 4/7/83 29/12/83 5/8/89 27/2/81 17/5/84 7/8/84 29/6/89 15/4/77 7/11/85 26/9/79 12/3/91 5/7/86 25/1/80 19/12/81 5/6/79 26/5/88 17/2/89 19/10/89 22/11/84 12/6/86 4/7/85 10/4/88 31/12/90 22/10/89 17/10/87 18/9/80

GAMES GOALS 2008 Total This club 2008 Total

Modewarre/Geelong U18 North Hobart/Tas U18 Bell Park/Geelong U18 South Barwon/Geelong U18 Cheltenham/Mentone Grammar/Sandringham U18 Shepparton/Murray U18 North Coburg Saints/Calder U18 East Perth (WA) Wanderers (NT) Grovedale/Geelong U18 Pennant Hills/NSW-ACT U18 Oak Park/Geelong VFL Port Adelaide (SANFL) Glenelg (SA) Narre Warren/Dandenong U18 Norwood (SA)/Port Adelaide Finley (NSW)/Melb Grammar/Sandringham U18 Warrnambool/Geelong U18 Mildura Imperials/Bendigo U18 Beaumaris/Sandringham U18 Sunbury/Calder U18/Essendon Rookie List Wangaratta/Murray U18 Rupertswood/Calder U18 Doutta Stars/Calder U18 St Josephs (VCFL)/Geelong U18 Yarrawonga/Calder U18 Glenelg (SA) Traralgon/Gippsland U18 Kilmore/Calder U18 Glenorchy/Tas U18/Tasmania VFL Turvey Park/NSW-ACT U18/North Melb Wanderers (NT) Bunyip/Geelong VFL Glenelg (SA)/Richmond Casterton St Josephs (VCFL)/Geelong U18 Sandhurst/Bendigo U18 Barnawartha/Murray U18 Mt Eliza/Dandenong U18 Woodville-West Torrens (SA) East Fremantle (WA) Shepparton/Murray U18 Central District (SA) Central District (SA) Lake Wendouree/Nth Ballarat U18/Nth Ballarat VFL Wonthaggi/Gippsland U18 Heyﬁeld/Gippsland U18

146

191

25 25

133 58

22 6

84 8

9 19 25

54 155 176

8 33 6

27 204 54

25 13

59 150 14

6 21

1 45 21

25 10

184 19

183 19

1 13

11 25

122

1 25 21

71 112 129

0 53 8

16 210 61

23 16 21

182 23 82

15 36 11

106 42 52

235

168

157

206

3 3 16 204 20 112 22 206 24 45

3 75 112 206 45

0 14 13 0 6

0 236 34 16 13

22 21 1 16

52 21 54 34

38 3 0 14

79 3 11 29

6 14

6 132

1 8

1 45

# = Rookie> could be promoted to senior list during season. (N) = Nominated rookie> eligible for senior selection. **** = player has not yet played a senior game.

TACKLES Joel Corey Jimmy Bartel James Kelly Gary Ablett Cameron Ling

138 124 112 95 79

TACTICAL STATS INSIDE 50 Gary Ablett Joel Corey Steve Johnson Joel Selwood Jimmy Bartel REBOUNDED FROM 50 Corey Enright Harry Taylor Matthew Scarlett Darren Milburn Josh Hunt

122 120 109 100 97

71 66 62 61 59

HARD-BALL GETS Gary Ablett Joel Corey Joel Selwood Jimmy Bartel Cameron Ling

107 93 87 81 61

LOOSE-BALL GETS Joel Corey Corey Enright Jimmy Bartel Gary Ablett Andrew Mackie

74 70 62 59 53

RUCK DUEL CLEARANCES Geelong 866 DISPOSALS PER GOAL Geelong

23.9

DISPOSALS INSIDE ATTACKING 50 Geelong

1548

DISPOSALS INSIDE ATTACKING 50 PER GOAL Geelong

3.6

OFFICIAL AFL STATS visit aﬂ.com.au

WE ARE

GEELONG THE STORY OF THE GEELONG FOOTBALL CLUB SINCE 1859

Pre-order your copy from the Cats shop or visit geelongcats.com.au

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11/3/09 11:53:53 AM

12/3/09 12:51:58 PM

TAC7792_NAB_CupGran.pdf

Page

11/3/09,

3:23

A three point loss.

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL YOUR CLUB

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE> GEELONG CATS

OVERALL RECORD: 2189 games – 1149 wins, 1019 losses, 21 draws GRAND FINALS: 14 PREMIERSHIPS: 7 HEAD-TO-HEAD v P Adelaide 27 Brisbane 33 Carlton 207 Collingwood 214 Essendon 205 Fitzroy 183 Fremantle 22 Hawthorn 141 Melbourne 204 North Melbourne 148 Port Adelaide 20 Richmond 182 St Kilda 201 Sydney Swans 204 University 14 West Coast 39 Western Bulldogs 145

W L D 13 14 0 16 16 1 91 114 2 89 124 1 88 112 5 103 79 1 16 6 0 73 67 1 119 83 2 89 58 1 11 8 1 94 85 3 122 79 0 111 93 0 8 6 0 17 21 1 89 54 2

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES Venue P W L D MCG 258 133 124 1 Docklands 58 36 22 0 Manuka Oval 2 0 2 0 AAMI Stadium 25 7 17 1 Gabba 10 4 6 0 Skilled Stadium 594 379 210 5 SCG 28 16 12 0 Subiaco 21 11 10 0 Carrara 5 3 2 0 ANZ Stadium 2 1 1 0 Aurora Stadium 1 0 1 0 HIGHEST SCORE 37.17 (239) v Bris, R7, 1992, Carrara LOWEST SCORE 0.8 (8) v Fitzroy, R3, 1899, Corio Oval GREATEST WINNING MARGIN 164 points v Bris, R7, 1992, Carrara BEST WINNING SEQUENCE 23 games, R12, 1952 to R13, 1953

WORST LOSING SEQUENCE 16 games, R16, 1941, to R13, 1944

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY MEMBERS Polly Farmer (ruck & captain)

Garry Hocking (21) Cameron Mooney* (20)

MOST GAMES Ian Nankervis (325) John Newman (300) Peter Riccardi (288) Garry Hocking (274) Paul Couch (259)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS 1897: Eddy James (22) 1899: Eddy James (31) 1900: Teddy Lockwood (24) 1910: Percy Martini (51) 1921: Cliff Rankin (61) 1925: Lloyd Hagger (70) 1932: George Moloney (109) 1948: Lindsay White (86)

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL 26.16 (172) v W Bulldogs, QF, 1992

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES Dick Grigg (130) David Clarke snr (115) Ben Graham (112) Matthew Scarlett* (110) Jocka Todd (101) GAMES RECORDS HELD IN GUERNSEY NUMBERS 8 Robert Scott (245 Geel & N Melb) 40 Ian Nankervis (325) 45 Cameron Ling* (182) MOST GAMES AS CAPTAIN Reg Hickey (142) Henry Young (137) Ian Nankervis (110) Bill Goggin (84) Bill Eason (68)

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL 3.6 (24) v Collingwood, SF, 1901 GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL 119 points v Port Adelaide, GF, 2007 GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL 118 points v Richmond, 1SF, 1969

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS 1955: Noel Rayson (80) 1962: Doug Wade (68) 1967: Doug Wade (96) 1969: Doug Wade (127) 1976: Larry Donohue (105) 1993: Gary Ablett snr (124) 1994: Gary Ablett snr (129) 1995: Gary Ablett snr (122)

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL 11 George Goninon, v Coll, 2SF, 1951 BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK Five matches (2007-2008) WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK Seven matches (1901-1925)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS Gary Ablett snr (1989), Steve Johnson (2007) PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS Cliff Rankin (1925), Charlie Clymo (1931), Reg Hickey (1937)

MOST GAMES AS COACH Reg Hickey (304) Mark Thompson* (210) Malcolm Blight (145) Bob Davis (116) Gary Ayres (116)

JOCK MCHALE MEDALLISTS Reg Hickey (1951, 1952), Bob Davis (1963), Mark Thompson (2007) AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD Greg Williams (1985), Gary Ablett snr (1993), Gary Ablett jnr (2007)

GOALKICKING LEADERS ALL-TIME Gary Ablett snr (1021) Doug Wade (834) Billy Brownless (441) Lindsay White (429) Cliff Rankin (400)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MEDIA ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD Gary Ablett snr (1993), Gary Ablett jnr (2007)

TOP FIVE GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES 14 Gary Ablett snr (v Ess, R6, 1993, MCG) 14 Gary Ablett snr (v Syd, R8, 1994, SCG) 14 Gary Ablett snr (v Rich, R9, 1989, MCG) 13 Doug Wade (v South Melbourne, R17, 1967, Lake Oval) 13 Doug Wade (v Nth Melb, R20, 1971, Skilled Stadium) BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS Edward ‘Carji’ Greeves (1924), Bernie Smith (1951), Alistair Lord (1962), Paul Couch (1989), Jimmy Bartel* (2007) AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS LEGENDS: Graham Farmer INDUCTEES: Bernie Smith, Edward Greeves, Jocka Todd, George Moloney, Henry Young, Peter Burns, Reg Hickey, Tom Wills (admin), Bob Davis, Doug Wade (also N Melb), Fred Flanagan, Bill Goggin, Greg Williams (also Syd, Carl), John Newman, Ian Nankervis, Denis Marshall, Tom Fitzmaurice (also Ess, N Melb), Gary Ablett snr (also Haw), Henry Harrison (admin), Garry Hocking

CLUB MEMBERSHIP 1984 (7709), 1985 (7718), 1986 (6985), 1987 (6981), 1988 (9667), 1989 (7760), 1990 (15,087), 1991 (11,356), 1992 (13,535), 1993 (15,500), 1994 (14,312), 1995 (15,922), 1996 (17,346), 1997 (18,858), 1998 (19,971), 1999 (21,032), 2000 (25,595), 2001 (25,420), 2002 (23,756), 2003 (24,017), 2004 (25,021), 2005 (30,821), 2006 (32,290), 2007 (30,169), 2008 (36,850)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES STATS 83 games – 42 wins, 41 losses

PREMIERSHIPS 1925, 1931, 1937, 1951, 1952, 1963, 2007

PRE-SEASON GRAND FINALS – 7 1957, 1961, 1988, 1989, 1997, 2004, 2006

RUNNERS-UP 1930, 1953, 1967, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995

PRE-SEASON PREMIERSHIPS – 2 1961, 2006 MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS None

WOODEN SPOONS 1908, 1915, 1944, 1957, 1958 FINALS 98 games – 42 wins, 55 losses, 1 draw

LEADING NINE-POINT GOALKICKERS 3 Joel Corey*

MOST FINALS GAMES Garry Hocking (21) Peter Riccardi (19) Paul Couch (18) Billy Brownless (17) Gary Ablett snr (16)

HIGHEST ATTENDANCE 74,786 v Carlton, GF, 1997, MCG

MOST GOALS IN FINALS Gary Ablett snr (64) Billy Brownless (60) Doug Wade (46) George Goninon (34)

LONGEST WINNING SEQUENCE 6 (round 1, 2006 – QF, 2007)

HIGHEST SCORE 2.22.10.160 v Melbourne, round 1, 2008, Skilled Stadium

* denotes current player or coach

THIS BOOK IS A GIFT TO OUR CLUB JIM STYNES, MELBOURNE FC PRESIDENT

THE RED FOX IS A MAGNIFICENT PRODUCTION MIKE SHEAHAN, HERALD SUN

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NAB AFL Tipping - Win $20,000 The official tipping competition of the AFL Start tipping now at afl.com.au Round One v Carlton Richmond v Geelong Cats Hawthorn v Adelaide Collingwood v West Coast Eagles Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans St Kilda v North Melbourne Melbourne v Essendon Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs Fremantle Take on friends, family and workmates in your own free online tipping competition Register before March 13 for your chance to win early registration prize New Wipeout and Plus 5 Club competitions with big prizes to be won Test yourself against afl.com.auâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrity tipsters

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL YOUR CLUB

Become a BizCat

2009 events The club’s season launch is fast approaching. With the presentation of the 2009 list, this will be an event not to be missed. Hurry though, as bookings close on Monday at 5pm.

BizCats provides a great opportunity for Melbourne-based supporters to join a network of business and corporate people with a passion for the Cats. Hosted by former star Barry Stoneham, BizCats members are invited to three exclusive functions during the 2009 season. BizCats annual membership is $145 and new members are welcome. For more information or to become a BizCat, contact the club on 5225 2327 or email corporate@gfc.com.au.

150th celebrations Don’t miss your chance to be part of history with the club’s 150th year celebrations. Visit the club’s website geelongcats.com.au for more information.

Oﬃcial function The round one Grand Final rematch is one of the biggest games on the 2009 AFL calendar. Secure your seat by attending the ofﬁcial Geelong Cats away function hosted by past great Barry Stoneham in the Yarra Park Room at the MCG. For bookings, call the marketing services team on (03) 5225 2315.

Win a fitness pack To go into the draw to win an Ultimate Geelong Cats Fitness Pack, register your details with the club. The fitness pack includes Geelong Cats merchandise and a free three-month fitness program designed for you by the club conditioning manager. To enter the competition, go to the geelongcats.com.au home page and follow the link.

Geelong Cats memorabilia The Geelong Cats have a great range of memorabilia available to purchase, including products commemorating the 2007 premiership and Jimmy Bartel’s Brownlow win. There is memorabilia available in a range of shapes, sizes and prices to suit your budget. Go to geelongcats.com.au and click on the shop tab to make your order.

Membership The Cats have broken the 30,000-member mark before the season has started. Join other ‘Full-on’ members and become a part of the Cats. To buy your membership, call 1300 GOCATS or log on to geelongcats.com.au

Professionals Club Looking for a great way to meet other Cats-minded professionals at the football? We Are Geelong Supporters (WAGS) are a tight-knit group of about 50 professionals and their guests who come together on match-day for pre, post and half-time functions in their exclusive room. Inquire now and learn more about the exclusive mid-season boardroom meeting with key Cats management, coaching staff or players. Call Brenden on 5225 2317 or 0400 669545 or email bcaligari@geelongcats.com.au

Nine Lives Geelong Nine Lives Geelong allows members to enjoy the social side of football, while networking with like-minded people. Members are united by their passion for the Geelong Cats, social functions, footy and fun. Members enjoy a range of beneﬁts, including discounted rates for Nine Lives Geelong events. The cost for new members is $65. Contact marketing services on 5225 2315 for more information, or email ninelives@ geelongcats.com.au ■

POCKET PROFILE HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR AFL STARS? THE AFL RECORD GETS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ...

CAMERON LING Nickname: Linga Whose number did you have on your back as a kid? Marc Woolnough Biggest impact on your junior career: Mum and Dad Teammate most likely to succeed post-football and why: Joel Selwood – he’s good at everything e toughest player you have played on: Mark Ricciuto Would you consider coaching after your retirement as a player? Not sure If you had to describe yourself in one word, it would be: Relaxed What makes you laugh? James Kelly What makes you cry? Cruelty to animals What do you like to collect? Good books Your most valued possession: My dog Maggie e most famous person (unrelated to football) you have met and where: Kelly Slater at Bell’s Beach

First job: Shelf-stacker at Bi-Lo e scariest moment of your life was: Abseiling forward oﬀ a 40m cliﬀ You would spend your last $100 on: Having fun with mates e meal/food you are best at cooking: Chicken and veggie stir-fry People (dead or alive) you would invite for dinner: Martin Luther King, Taj Burrows, Jennifer Hawkins, Hamish & Andy Favourite meal the night before a game: Mum’s pasta Favourite song(s)/ album(s): Green Spandex by Xavier Rudd Favourite band(s)/ musician(s): Xavier Rudd, Jet, the Beatles What music helps you get “in the zone” before a game? Simon & Garfunkel Favourite movie: In the Name of the Father

www.aﬂpa.com.au AFL NEWS

BUMPER YEAR FOR AFL The AFL’s 2008 annual report, released this month, has detailed another year of record growth in almost every area of the game. Attendances at Toyota AFL premiership season and ﬁnals matches reached 7,426,306 – up 23,460 on 2007, while the average home and away crowd of 36,996 was the third highest of any professional

sports league in the world. Meanwhile, AFL revenue exceeded $300 million for the ﬁrst time in a ﬁnancial year, with a record operating surplus of $204 million before grants and distributions. Participation across the country (693,052) also hit new highs, and numbers at NAB AFL Auskick centres were up by 1.7 per cent.

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL REVIEWS

Pathway to the PRIZE Two all-Victorian semi-ﬁnals paved the way for Collingwood and Geelong to advance to tonight’s NAB Cup Grand Final. But once again, the early rounds threw up fresh faces and the opportunity for all sides to try something diﬀerent. By Howard Kotton. ROUND ONE

COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST EAGLES

Pies ﬂy in West Collingwood welcomed back Alan Didak and Heath Shaw as the Magpies crushed an inexperienced West Coast Eagles line-up by 62 points at Subiaco. The Magpie pair, who had not FLYING START: Heath Shaw shone in his customary role across half-back for the Magpies.

played since their club-imposed suspensions in August last year, made a triumphant return. Shaw started slowly, conceding a free kick as he was run down from behind that resulted in the ﬁrst goal of the match to West Coast forward Brent Staker, but improved as the game progressed to pick up 26 touches in his customary role across half-back.

Didak showed flashes of his best form as he collected 30 possessions in a creative display around the midfield. Collingwood, minus only forwards Anthony Rocca, Paul Medhurst and Sean Rusling from its best line-up, made a bright opening, with Didak and Ben Johnson prominent. Young Eagle Patrick McGinnity kicked the season’s first nine-pointer during the first quarter, but his night ended soon after when he suffered a broken jaw in a clash with new Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell. The Magpie was handed a three-game suspension by the match review panel, which was increased to four by the Tribunal, then overturned on appeal. Established stars Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr started as substitutes a for West W Coast, but both came on later la in the match to make contributions for the home side. cont Key K Magpie forward Travis Cloke, Clok beaten early by Eagle Beau Wilkes, got on top in the second Wil half to finish with four goals. COL COLLINGWOOD 0.5 0.5.2 1.8.8 1.12.14 1.15.17 (116) WE WEST COAST 1.1. 1.1.3 1.2.4 2.3.7

3.3.9

(54)

BES BEST: Collingwood – Lockyer, Dida Didak, Pendlebury, Cloke, Shaw, O’Brien. Wes West Coast – Nicoski, Kerr, Masten, Swi Swift, Priddis. GOA GOALS: Collingwood – Nine-pointers: Clar Clarke. Goals: Cloke 4, Lockyer 3, Anthony, Dav Davis, Johnson 2, Didak, Wood. West Coast – Nine-pointers: N McGinnity, Kerr, McKinley. Goa Goals: Staker 2, Cox. UM UMPIRES: Donlon, Kennedy, Mar Margetts, Schmitt. CRO CROWD: 22,819 at Subiaco Oval.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v ESSENDON

Bombers scrape home Essendon scraped through to the quarter-finals after a behind by Adam McPhee in the dying seconds gave the Bombers a one-point win. The match, originally scheduled to be played in Darwin, was transferred to Docklands as part of the AFL’s contribution to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. A minute’s silence was held before the game, with all proceeds going to the appeal. The Bombers were buoyed by the promising form of former Adelaide midfielder Hayden Skipworth (15 possessions) and young forward Scott Gumbleton, who has been dogged by injury in the past two seasons. Andrew Lovett also made some dashing runs through the midfield and Courtenay Dempsey was creative off half-back. After Skipworth kicked his second goal early in the final quarter, the Bombers appeared set to run away with the game. But two goals to Johnson, giving him four for the night, and another to Nathan Eagleton, levelled the scores late in the last term. While disappointed with the narrow loss, the form of young forward Jarrad Grant was a positive sign for Bulldogs fans. Grant, who started on the bench, was impressive with his ability to win the ball and solid tackling, but was let down by some inaccurate kicking. AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL REVIEWS ESSENDON 0.2.3 0.5.4 1.7.8

1.8.13 (70)

NEW BOSS: Lions coach Michael Voss addresses his players.

WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.1.2 1.3.7 1.5.9 1.8.12 (69) BEST: Essendon – Watson, Lovett, Dempsey, Skipworth, Hille, Houli, Neagle, Nash. Western Bulldogs – Johnson, Cross, Boyd, Higgins, Hudson, Gilbee, Harbrow, Morris. GOALS: Essendon – Nine-pointers: Atkinson. Goals: Jetta 2, Neagle 2, Skipworth 2, Houli, Gumbleton. Western Bulldogs – Nine-pointers: Grant. Goals: Johnson 4, Ward, Stack, Skipper, Eagleton. UMPIRES: Keating, Wenn, Hendrie, Vozzo. CROWD: 35,123 at Docklands.

BRISBANE LIONS v ST KILDA

Lions tame Saints Brisbane Lions great Michael Voss made the perfect start to his AFL coaching career when his side held off a fast-fi nishing St Kilda on the Gold Coast. Despite being restricted to two behinds in the last term, the Lions, without captain Jonathan Brown, Brownlow medallist Simon Black and key forward Daniel Bradshaw, managed to hold on and win by nine points. They led by 46 points early in the third quarter, but the Saints, inspired by Brendon Goddard, reduced the margin to 26 points at the fi nal break. With St Kilda missing skipper Nick Riewoldt and fellow key forward Justin Koschitzke, Goddard provided a much-needed target in attack, finishing with 30 possessions and two goals. Versatile Jared Brennan was impressive as a mobile ruckman for the Lions, outpointing Steven King and Michael Gardiner. Midfielder Travis Johnstone also racked up 27 possessions in an excellent display. Luke Ball, who missed the Saints’ finals campaign last year with a serious hamstring complaint, showed signs of his best form, collecting 22 possessions. St Kilda had its stocks reduced early in the first quarter when Robert Eddy injured his knee in a collision with rookie umpire Ben Ryan. Ryan was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the AFL. 34

BRISBANE LIONS 0.2.3 1.6.6 1.8.6

1.8.8 (65)

ST KILDA 0.1.3 0.1.5 0.5.7

0.8.8 (56)

BEST: Brisbane Lions – Johnstone, Brennan, Harding, Dalziell, Drummond. St Kilda – Goddard, Dal Santo, Geary, Ball, R. Clarke. GOALS: Brisbane Lions – Nine-pointers: Drummond. Goals: Harding 3, Notting, Sherman, Cornelius, Hooper, Clark. St Kilda – Milne 2, Goddard 2, Geary, R. Clarke, Steven, McEvoy. UMPIRES: Stevic, S. Ryan, Pannell, B. Ryan. CROWD: 6103 at Gold Coast Stadium.

FREMANTLE v RICHMOND

Richo runs riot Matthew Richardson resumed where he left off in 2008 as he guided Richmond to a narrow victory over Fremantle. After the Dockers fought back to take a nine-point lead with only seven minutes remaining, Richardson kicked the fi nal two goals of the match to grab the lead for the Tigers. With only 29 seconds left, Richardson ran back into defence to take a match-saving mark near the Fremantle goal. The first half belonged to the Dockers, courtesy of three nine-pointers. They held a 28-point lead after only 12 minutes and it took until the 15-minute mark for Jack Riewoldt to score Richmond’s first goal. The Tigers’ senior players, led by Richardson, new

vice-captain Nathan Foley (33 touches) and Nathan Brown, were instrumental in the comeback in the third quarter, storming back from 23 points down at half-time to lead by three points at the fi nal break. Riewoldt also impressed, taking several strong marks, and rookie Robin Nahas contributed a vital goal. Stephen Hill, Fremantle’s first-round selection in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, was impressive, kicking a superb nine-pointer in the fi nal quarter. After a year out with a knee reconstruction, midfielder Paul Hasleby picked up 16 possessions in an encouraging display. RICHMOND 1.1.5 1.3.5 1.8.5

1.12.8 (89)

FREMANTLE 2.3.2 3.4.4 3.4.8

5.5.11 (86)

BEST: Richmond – Richardson, Deledio, Foley, Riewoldt, Brown, Jackson. Fremantle – Hayden, Solomon, Mundy, Hill, De Boer, Browne, Sandilands. GOALS: Richmond – Nine-pointers: Richardson. Goals: Morton, Brown 3, Riewoldt, Richardson 2, Hughes, Nahas. Fremantle – Nine-pointers: Browne, Schammer, Solomon, Ibbotson, Hill. Goals: Grover, Bradley, De Boer, Murphy, Dodd. UMPIRES: McBurney, Meredith, Dalgleish, Statham. CROWD: 14,517 at Subiaco Oval.

CARLTON v NORTH MELBOURNE

Blues crush roos Inspired by a superb performance by Brendan Fevola in front of goal, Carlton

scored a comfortable 53-point win over North Melbourne. Fevola, who appeared to have built up over pre-season, was given plenty of opportunities by a hard-working midfield led by youngsters Bryce Gibbs and Shaun Grigg and proved too strong for his opponent, Josh Gibson, finishing with a nine-pointer and five goals. Gibbs was influential, hitting the target with most of his 27 possessions. He also had five clearances and four tackles. Grigg won plenty of contested possessions around the stoppages, collecting 22 disposals. Captain Chris Judd (19 disposals) was in fine form early and was used on and off the bench throughout the night. Teenager Mitch Robinson and former Melbourne defender Chris Johnson were promising in their first senior outings as Carlton players, however, Chris Yarran, the Blues’ first-round selection in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, was forced from the field early with an ankle injury. Daniel Wells was the Kangaroos’ best with 23 possessions and two goals. Debutant Jack Ziebell (two goals) showed plenty of promise. The Roos’ woes were compounded in the third quarter when defender Daniel Pratt was helped off the ground after being accidentally kneed in the back in a marking contest with Fevola. He suffered bruising to his ribs in the collision. CARLTON 1.2.3 1.8.6 1.14.10 1.17.12 (123) NORTH MELBOURNE 0.2.1 0.5.3 0.7.3 0.11.4 (70) BEST: Carlton – Fevola, Gibbs, Grigg, Simpson, Stevens, Judd, Houlihan. North Melbourne – Wells, Power, Hale, Swallow, Harding, Ziebell. GOALS: Carlton – Nine-pointers: Fevola. Goals: Fevola 5, Cloke 2, Garlett 2, Judd, Johnson, Murphy, Wiggins, Houlihan, Bentley, Betts, Simpson. North Melbourne – Hale 3, Wells 2, Ziebell 2, Thomas, Lower, Gibson, Harvey. UMPIRES: Jeffery, Kennedy, Findlay, Bowen. CROWD: 24,711 at Docklands

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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HAWTHORN v MELBOURNE

Demons, oh so close Melbourne led last year’s premier Hawthorn for all but a minute of their match, but the Demons were pipped in the dying seconds. A goal by Hawthorn key forward Jarryd Roughead, his fifth for the afternoon with five seconds to play, denied Melbourne victory. Even Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson conceded that the better side lost. The Demons appeared to have taken a grip on the match in the third quarter, surging to a 33-point lead. But the fast-finishing Hawks kicked six unanswered goals in the final term. Hawthorn was without 10 premiership players, including Lance Franklin and vice-captain Luke Hodge, but skipper Sam Mitchell (28 disposals), young midfielder Travis Tuck (23) and Brad Sewell (20) stepped up in their absence. Premiership hero Stuart Dew also performed well across half-back. Melbourne’s best was Brad Green, who kicked a goal and marked strongly around the ground. Brock McLean (25 possessions) made an impressive

MATCHWINNER: Jarryd Roughead’s ﬁfth goal sealed a win for the Hawks.

return from an ankle injury that kept him out at the end of last season, and youngster Jake Spencer was promising in the ruck and around the ground. To rub salt in the Demons’ wounds, they lost exciting forward Austin Wonaeamirri for the rest of the NAB Challenge campaign after he injured a hamstring. HAWTHORN 0.4.0 0.5.1 0.5.2

0.11.3 (69)

MELBOURNE 0.4.5 0.5.6 1.8.8

1.8.9 (66)

BEST: Hawthorn – Roughead, Mitchell, Dew, Sewell, Tuck, Young. Melbourne: Green, Bate, McLean, Morton. GOALS: Hawthorn – Roughead 5, Stokes 2, Williams 2, Morton, Dew. Melbourne – Nine-pointers: Bartram. Goals: Bate 4, Green, Bartram, Johnson, McLean. UMPIRES: McLaren, Stewart, Mollison, Kamolins. CROWD: 8122 at Aurora Stadium.

GEELONG CATS v ADELAIDE

Ablett dazzles Geelong stars Gary Ablett and Jimmy Bartel were in scintillating form as they opened their pre-season campaign with an emphatic 35-point win. Both started on the bench, but had a profound influence when they ccame on. Ablett lifted the Cats eearly, kicking three goals minutes, including a in as many m nine-pointer. Bartel finished with nine-p receiving good 30 possessions, po support in the midfield from Joel suppo Corey (29), Joel Selwood (24) and Cameron Ling (24). Came The Cats were without Cameron Mooney and Steve Johnson, but Moon Ryan Gamble (four goals), Tom Lonergan (three) and Mathew Loner Stokes (three) formed a potent Stoke combination. combi Mark Blake dominated the ruck and young defender Harry Taylor, ccarrying a heavier load in the absence of experienced quartet Tom Harley, Darren quarte Milburn, Josh Hunt and David Milbu Wojcinski, was impressive Wojci alongside alongs Matthew Scarlett. Adelaide, which was missing Ade several stars, including Nathan severa

van Berlo, Brett Burton and Ben Rutten, never recovered from the Cats’ flying start, despite the efforts of skipper Simon Goodwin (29), midfielder Chris Knights (23) and defender Nathan Bock (23). A highlight for the Crows came in the third quarter when Trent Hentschel signalled his return to the AFL by posting his first goal. The key forward had battled knee and hamstring injuries for the past two seasons. GEELONG CATS 1.5.3 1.11.4 1.15.5 1.17.8 (119) ADELAIDE 1.1.2 1.5.3 1.7.6

2.9.12 (84)

BEST: Geelong Cats – Ablett, Gamble, Stokes, Bartel, Selwood, Taylor, Blake. Adelaide – Goodwin, Bock, Stevens, Knights, Edwards. GOALS: Geelong Cats – Nine-pointers: Ablett. Goals: Gamble 4, Stokes, Lonergan, Ablett 3, Selwood, Chapman, Hogan, Varcoe. Adelaide – Nine-pointers: Maric, Gill. Goals: Edwards 2, Stevens 2, Hentschel, McLeod, Otten, Thompson, Walker. UMPIRES: McCarthy, Hay, Wenn, Avon. CROWD: 10,320 at Docklands.

SYDNEY SWANS v PORT ADELAIDE

for engaging in rough conduct against Jesse White. Motlop was subsequently reprimanded by the match review panel. The Swans’ Canadian recruit, Mike Pyke, had a tough introduction to the AFL. Pyke did not collect his ﬁrst possession until the third quarter, ﬁnishing the match with two handballs and a mark. Former Magpie Rhyce Shaw did well for Sydney, showing dash from defence. PORT ADELAIDE 1.3.2 3.8.6 4.11.8 4.16.11 (143) SYDNEY SWANS 1.1.3 1.3.6 1.7.7

1.10.9 (78)

BEST: Port Adelaide – Cassisi, Tredrea, D. Motlop, Thompson, Pearce, Boak, J. Westhoff. Sydney Swans – Shaw, R. O’Keefe, McVeigh, Kirk. GOALS: Port Adelaide – Nine-pointers: Pearce, Meyer, Logan, Lade. Goals: J. Westhoff 4, Tredrea 3, Thompson 3, D. Motlop 2, C. Cornes, Ebert, Cassisi, Davenport. Sydney Swans – Nine-pointers: C. Bolton. Goals: McVeigh 4, O’Dwyer, Goodes, J. Bolton, R. O’Keefe, Jolly, White. UMPIRES: Chamberlain, Nicholls, Gestier, Jennings. CROWD: 5397 at Manuka Oval.

Port in a canter Port Adelaide continued the Sydney Swans’ poor record in recent pre-season competitions with a 65-point thrashing. After taking the lead late in the first quarter, the Power broke the match open in the second term. The Swans, without several senior players including Barry Hall, Michael O’Loughlin and Leo Barry, mounted a mini-comeback in the third quarter, but the Power steadied to record a comfortable victory. Key forward Warren Tredrea looked fit and strong with three goals, while his successor as captain, Domenic Cassisi, put in an impressive 19-possession performance. Justin Westhoff was the Power’s leading scorer with four goals, and rookie Wade Thompson displayed excellent skills, finishing with three goals. The only sour note for Port Adelaide was the first-quarter report of star forward Daniel Motlop

QUARTER-FINALS

COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND

Pies spoil return Ben Cousins made his much-heralded return to AFL football after more than a year on the sidelines, but Collingwood emerged victorious to advance to the semi-finals. More than 37,000 fans turned up, with the Richmond supporters out in big numbers to welcome their prize recruit Cousins. The former West Coast captain and 2005 Brownlow medallist did not let them down. Starting at half-forward on Irishman Marty Clarke, he spent 61 minutes on the field, picking up 21 touches (eight kicks, 13 handballs). He fi nished the match on the bench after sustaining a blow to the head and suffering concussion in the fi nal quarter. After an even fi rst half, Collingwood kicked the last AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL REVIEWS

eight goals of the match to win by 46 points. Midfielders Scott Pendlebury and Shane O’Bree were creative by hand and foot. First-gamer Dayne Beams was impressive and Shannon Cox and Alan Toovey were solid in defence. For Richmond, Nathan Foley performed well with 30 possessions and Nathan Brown provided a constant threat at half-forward and in the midfield. Late in the game, Tigers defender Jordan McMahon became the first player to be penalised under the new rule for deliberately rushing a behind. From the resultant free kick, Collingwood’s John Anthony failed to capitalise, kicking out on the full. COLLINGWOOD 0.4.2 0.5.4 0.9.5

1.13.10 (97)

RICHMOND 1.1.5 2.1.9 2.3.12 2.3.15 (51) BEST: Collingwood – Pendlebury, Cloke, O’Bree, Beams, Cox, Toovey. Richmond – Foley, Brown, Cousins, Simmonds, Raines, Thomson. GOALS: Collingwood – Nine-pointers: Didak. Goals: McCarthy, Fraser, Pendlebury, Macaffer, Beams, Didak, Lockyer, L. Brown, Swan, Cloke, Toovey, Anthony, N. Brown. Richmond – Nine-pointers: Newman, White. Goals: Brown, Vickery, Richardson. UMPIRES: Donlon, Stevic, Meredith, S. Ryan. CROWD: 37,121 at Docklands.

ESSENDON v BRISBANE LIONS

Close again for Bombers Essendon withstood a late surge from the Brisbane Lions to advance to the semi-finals, winning a thriller by two points. With 18 seconds remaining, young Lions midfielder Jack Redden had a chance to win the match for his side. After being awarded a 50-metre penalty, his set shot registered only a behind. Essendon suffered an injury blow in the second quarter when key midfielder Mark McVeigh was forced from the field with an ankle injury. But there were plenty of 36

positives for the Bombers, including former Crow Hayden Skipworth, who put in another strong performance, picking up 22 possessions, six marks, four tackles and a goal. David Hille was the dominant ruckman on the ground with 15 kicks, ﬁve marks and 19 hit-outs. He also had the chance to hurt the Lions on the scoreboard, but managed only 1.3. Jason Winderlich was the Bombers’ highest ball-getter with 24 touches in his ﬁrst game since round 11 last year. The Lions, who were without several stars, including Jonathan Brown, Luke Power, Simon Black, Jared Brennan, Jamie Charman, Daniel Merrett, Travis Johnstone and Michael Rischitelli, were best served by dashing half-back Josh Drummond, Bradd Dalziell and spearhead Daniel Bradshaw (three goals).

PRIZE RECRUIT: Ben Cousins was impressive in his return to AFL football with the Tigers.

ESSENDON 0.3.2 0.4.7 0.6.10 0.9.13 (67) BRISBANE LIONS 1.0.4 1.1.5 1.5.6

1.7.14 (65)

BEST: Essendon – Skipworth, Hille, Lovett, Winderlich, Watson, Lloyd, Lonergan. Brisbane Lions – Drummond, Dalziell, Bradshaw, McGrath, McDonald, Adcock. GOALS: Essendon – Lovett 2, Neagle, Hocking, Monfries, Skipworth, Jetta, Myers, Hille. Brisbane Lions – Nine-pointers: Harding. Goals: Bradshaw 3, Clark 2, Sherman, McGrath. UMPIRES: McBurney, Jeffery, Findlay, Hay. CROWD: 12,260 at Docklands.

PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONG CATS

Cats stoked Elusive Geelong forward Mathew Stokes kicked three last-quarter goals to catapult his side into the semi-ﬁ nals with an 18-point win. After Daniel Motlop raised the Power’s hopes of victory with a nine-pointer early in the last quarter that drew his side within a point of the Cats, Stokes booted two goals to set up a decisive break in a low-scoring game. He added another later in the quarter to seal victory.

In the absence of stars Gary Ablett, Cameron Ling, Steve Johnson and Matthew Scarlett, Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel (28 possessions, five tackles) helped set up the Cats in the midfield. Teammates Paul Chapman (25 possessions) and James Kelly (26) were also solid contributors around the ground. Port midfielder Kane Cornes had a game-high 31 touches and veteran Josh Carr showed he will be a valuable acquisition after returning from a stint with Fremantle, collecting 26 disposals. Power captain Domenic Cassisi and Troy Chaplin battled hard, and livewire forward Wade Thompson looked dangerous again with two goals. In another blow for the Power, the home side lost first-round draft pick Hamish Hartlett in the first quarter when he injured his AC joint in a heavy tackle from Geelong forward Ryan Gamble.

GEELONG CATS 0.2.2 0.5.2 0.7.3

0.11.6 (72)

PORT ADELAIDE 0.2.1 0.5.1 0.5.5

1.6.9 (54)

BEST: Geelong Cats – Bartel, Stokes, Enright, Chapman, Johnson, Djerrkura. Port Adelaide – K. Cornes, Carr, Krakouer, Carlile, Thurstans, C. Cornes. GOALS: Geelong Cats – Stokes 4, Kelly, Simpson, Chapman, Kelly, Djerrkura, Lonergan, Bartel, Varcoe. Port Adelaide – Nine-pointers: D. Motlop. Goals: Thompson 2, D. Motlop, Pearce, J. Westhoff, Salopek. UMPIRES: Schmidt, Avon, Nicholls, Keating. CROWD: 8341 at AAMI Stadium.

CARLTON v HAWTHORN

Blues clip Hawks Carlton overcame a tardy start to ﬁnish full of running and end Hawthorn’s NAB Cup campaign with a 24-point win. The Blues trailed by 25 points at quarter-time, but lifted in the second term to be only nine points down at half-time. The Hawks suffered a setback in this quarter when full-back Stephen Gilham injured his knee.

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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11/3/09 3:42:21 PM

Earlier they had lost utility Campbell Brown, who was forced from the field with a foot problem, and later lost half-back Grant Birchall with a hamstring injury. Their defence, already without Luke Hodge and Trent Croad, was left severely undermanned, allowing Brendan Fevola to dominate. The spearhead contributed three goals for the term as the Blues took a seven-point lead at the final break. Jarryd Roughead kept the Hawks’ hopes alive with his sixth goal early in the final quarter, but Carlton steadied with goals to Cameron Cloke and Shaun Hampson to seal the contest. Nick Stevens (26 touches) worked hard for the Blues across half-back, and Bryce Gibbs finished the game with 28 possessions after having only one disposal in the opening term. Apart from Roughead playing a lone hand in attack in the absence of star forward Lance Franklin, young midfielder Travis Tuck (29 possessions) and skipper Sam Mitchell (24) provided plenty of drive around the ground. CARLTON 0.1.4 1.4.8 2.10.11 2.13.16 (112) HAWTHORN 0.5.5 0.7.8 2.9.10 2.10.10 (88) BEST: Carlton – Fevola, Waite, Simpson, Murphy, Gibbs, Stevens, Judd. Hawthorn – Roughead, Tuck, Mitchell, Birchall, McGlynn, Moss. GOALS: Carlton – Nine-pointers: Fevola, Murphy. Goals: Fevola 3, Cloke, Simpson 2, Betts, Hampson, Judd, Murphy, Robinson, Waite. Hawthorn – Nine-pointers: Bateman, Kiel. Goals: Roughead 6, Kennedy, McGlynn, Moss, Thorp. UMPIRES: McLaren, Chamberlain, Jennings, Dalgleish. CROWD: 19,111 at Docklands.

SEMI-FINALS

COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON

game-plan as they powered to a 43-point win over Essendon. Collingwood appeared more composed from the outset, with the Pies’ skills far better than the enthusiastic Bombers. The Magpies led at every change, but it was the performance of young forward John Anthony that proved decisive. Anthony kicked seven goals, booting the first of the night and adding five in the second half. It was a tough initiation for young defender Michael Hurley, the Bombers’ first pick in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft. Hurley was moved on to the in-form Anthony after he had kicked four goals and the dangerous Magpie added another three for the night. Marty Clarke and Dane Swan each picked up 24 disposals for Collingwood, while Dale Thomas and Shannon Cox also made solid contributions. Steele Sidebottom, the Magpies’ first pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, impressed with his ability to win the ball and excellent decision-making. Brent Stanton was Essendon’s leading ball-winner with 24 touches. Bachar Houli (22) was the only other Bomber to collect more than 20 disposals.

With the game in the balance, Geelong midfielder Paul Chapman, a star all night, lifted the Cats’ spirits with a nine-point goal midway through the final quarter and that gave them the momentum to stave off the spirited Blues. In the first half, Geelong had a lot more of the football, but struggled to put it on the scoreboard against Carlton, which had captain Chris Judd, full-forward Brendan Fevola, midfielders Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs and athletic key position player Jarrad Waite on the sidelines. The Cats led by 15 points at the main interval and pushed that out to 29 points midway through the third quarter before goals to Shaun Grigg, Cameron Cloke and Simon Wiggins reduced the margin to only 11 points at the final change. But Geelong steadied in the final quarter to win by 17 points and advance to another pre-season Grand Final.

GEELONG CATS 0.3.3 1.4.7 1.7.9

2.9.12 (84)

CARLTON 0.1.2 0.3.7 0.7.7

0.9.13 (67)

BEST: Geelong – Taylor, Chapman, Hunt, Ling, Kelly, D. Johnson, Ottens. Carlton – Johnson, Grigg, Hadley, Cloke, Bentley. GOALS: Geelong – Nine-pointers: Laidler, Chapman. Goals: Lonergan 2, Ablett, Simpson, Hawkins, Rooke, S. Johnson, Kelly, Chapman. Carlton – Goals: Cloke 2, Betts 2, Hampson, Browne, Yarran, Wiggins, Grigg. UMPIRES: McLaren, Donlon, Jennings. CROWD: 15,305 at Docklands.

Star Cats midﬁelder Gary Ablett started the game well with a brilliant goal, but was kept well in check for the rest of the night by rookie Blue Aaron Joseph. Chapman (26 possessions), Cameron Ling (28), Joel Corey (25) and James Kelly (24) picked up plenty of possessions in the midﬁeld, while Harry Taylor (29) mopped up well in defence. Grigg (27 possessions), Richard Hadley (23) and Nick Stevens (22) were among the Blues’ better players. ■

ON THE MARK: Geelong big man Brad Ottens marks in front of Carlton’s Paul Bower.

COLLINGWOOD 1.5.1 1.9.4 1.14.4 1.17.5 (116) ESSENDON 0.2.3 1.3.6 2.5.9 3.6.10 (73) BEST: Collingwood – Anthony, Bryan, Goldsack, Davis, Didak, Cox, Sidebottom. Essendon: Dyson, Hille, Houli, Winderlich, Stanton. GOALS: Collingwood – Nine-pointers: Beams. Goals: Anthony 7, Bryan 2, Thomas 2, Didak 2, Davis, Lockyer, Pendlebury, Cloke. Essendon – Nine-pointers: Ryder, Dyson, Lloyd. Goals: Dyson, Williams, Hille, Lucas, Dempsey, Bellchambers. UMPIRES: Nicholls, Ryan, Jeffery. CROWD: 26,154 at Docklands.

Pies shake it up Many parts of Victoria, including the Docklands stadium, were rocked by an earthquake during this semi-ﬁ nal, but nothing could break the Magpies’ unshakeable belief in their

GEELONG CATS v CARLTON

Blues push cats An undermanned Carlton put up a brave ﬁght, but Geelong proved too strong at Docklands. AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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Playing by the

PLEASE EXPLAIN: Umpire Ray Chamberlain does just that to Carlton’s Andrew Carrazzo (left) and Jarrad Waite after a free kick was paid during a game last season.

e 2009 NAB Cup and NAB Challenge series has sparked plenty of interest with several new rules being trialled and others about to be introduced for the home and away season. By Michael Lovett.

‘‘or some football fans, any rule change is one too many but one thing this year’s NAB Cup has provided is a forum for open debate on a number of proposed new rules for the 2009 Toyota premiership season. Later next week, the AFL Commission will decide whether to adopt several new rules that were trialled during the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge series, the most contentious being the deliberately rushed behind.

The deliberately rushed behind, together with two other trial rules, appear to have worked well during the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge but the ultimate decision will be made by the AFL Commission after it hears recommendations from the Laws of the Game committee. AFL director of umpiring Jeff Gieschen discusses the trial rules, plus the new rules that have already been approved for the premiership season.

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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11/3/09 3:43:21 PM

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL RULE CHANGES

RULES TRIAL RULES

STAY OUT: e “no-go zone” has been trialled successfully in this year’s NAB Cup.

DELIBERATELY RUSHED BEHIND When the AFL announced last December it was trialling this rule, some felt it was a knee-jerk reaction to the 2008 Grand Final which saw Hawthorn rush 11 behinds in its 26-point win over Geelong. Under the trial system, nine of those would have been free kicks. However, there have been many other examples of players deliberately rushing behinds, as players were prepared to concede a behind under little or no pressure. AFL general manager-football operations Adrian Anderson said: “The clear majority of clubs and coaches thought that deliberate rushed behinds are having a negative impact on the game and support the trial of a rule to discourage the tactic. “The strong feedback the AFL received after the Grand Final was that clubs and coaches would deliberately rush more and more behinds if the rule was not changed.” Several penalty options were considered, including a bounce 25 metres from goal or a boundary throw-in but Anderson said they were not selected because they would have created extra stoppages and time delays. The option of a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind was adopted because it is the simplest option, the greatest deterrent, and is most consistent with the laws. “A free kick is already paid for deliberately putting the ball out of play in all other areas around the ground and this option allows for similar criteria to be used in the case of deliberate rushed behinds,” Anderson said. The trial rule was worded so that the beneﬁt of the doubt would

strong deterrent and reduces the potential for teams to ﬂood back and congest the area by stopping the play with a ‘professional’ free kick.”

NEW RULES OFF-LINE BOUNCES For most fans, this is a no-brainer given an off-line bounce by the umpire can severely advantage one team or disadvantage the other. “The game demands as much as possible that when the ball is bounced, there is a fair contest for both sides,” Gieschen said. “We don’t like to see a situation where, potentially, a bad bounce could result in a goal or even cost a side victory. Clubs and fans seem very tolerant of this rule.”

FREE KICK FOR MISCONDUCT be given “to a defender who is under direct pressure in a contest, or whose primary goal is to spoil or touch the ball before it goes through for a goal”. While there have been a few incorrect calls during the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge, Gieschen believes the trial rule has worked. “I think it has been fantastic,” Gieschen said. “Rather than deliberately kill the ball with a blatant knock, handball or kick, we are seeing more desperate play in defence to keep the ball alive.”

NO-GO ZONE A specially marked “no-go zone” was trialled in the 2008 NAB Cup in a bid to decrease player-umpire contact at centre bounces. It was used again in 2009 and, according to the umpiring department, has worked well. “The idea of this rule is about safety for both umpires and players, and minimising the risk of potential injury,” Gieschen said.

“Players have been very responsible and our umpires have only awarded a handful of free kicks (during the NAB Cup) against players who step into the zone before the ball is bounced.”

FREE KICK AFTER DISPOSAL Another emerging trend in 2008 was the increase in the number of players being unfairly hindered after an act of play – for example, being slung to the ground after they had kicked or handballed. During the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge, umpires have awarded a 50-metre penalty, in addition to a free kick, for players who tackled or held an opponent after the opponent had disposed of the ball. “A trend was emerging where teams were happy to concede a free kick rather than allow the opposition quickly into their forward line,” Gieschen said. “I think this has worked well and the penalty has acted as a

A free kick is now paid for incidents of misconduct such as interfering with an injured player. Previously, misconduct was the only offence which was reportable but a free kick could not be paid. “This rule eliminates the silly, undisciplined acts that can create the opportunity to escalate like bumping an injured player or squirting a water bottle at an opponent,” Gieschen said.

RESTART OF PLAY FOLLOWING A STRETCHER If one team has possession when play is stopped for a stretcher, that team will retain possession when play is re-started. “In the past, a player could be 25 metres in the clear but if the stretcher came out, the umpire would have to stop play and re-start with a ﬁeld bounce – now that player will keep the ball and maintain possession. A good, commonsense rule,” Gieschen said. ■ AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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NAB CUP GRAND FINAL RULE CHANGES

PROTECTING the head Trial rules were not the only major discussion point of the 2009 NAB Cup. Following a collision between Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell and West Coast youngster Patrick McGinnity in a round one NAB Cup game at Subiaco, the AFL altered its player rules to ensure the risk of injury to players’ head and neck regions was minimised. The AFL changed the rules after it received detailed reasons from the AFL Appeals Board, following its ruling on the Maxwell case. Maxwell was originally given a fourmatch ban for his bump on McGinnity but had his penalty overturned by the Appeals Board. AFL general manager-football operations Adrian Anderson said: “In 2006, the AFL received a report from the AFL Medical Ofﬁcers Association, which stated that head, neck and spinal injuries were an area of great concern and required AFL intervention to reduce the potential risk of catastrophic injury. “From the start of the 2007 season, the AFL Commission determined that players should be liable for head high contact caused by a bump where the player laying the bump had a reasonable alternative to contest the ball or tackle. “This rule has been in place for the last two seasons and the general feedback from coaches and clubs during that time is that players know where they stand – if a player chooses to bump when he could have tackled or contested the ball, the player would face the consequences.” The decision of the Appeals Board to overturn the verdict of the Tribunal in the Maxwell case meant that the AFL Appeals Board interpreted AFL player rules differently from the Tribunal, and also the intent of the Commission. The new wording of the rules and regulations reads:

AFL PLAYER RULES – APPENDIX 1 (1) A player shall be deemed to have committed a Reportable Offence under Law 19.2.2(g)(vii) [Rough Conduct] where in the bumping of an opponent (whether reasonably or unreasonably) he causes forceful contact to be made with any part of his body to an opponent’s head or neck and instead of bumping, the player had a realistic alternative to: a) contest the ball; or b) tackle the opponent. (2) For the purpose of categorising the level of a Reportable Offence under paragraph (1) in accordance with this Appendix 1, unless intentional or reckless, such conduct shall be classiﬁed as negligent. (3) Paragraph (1) 1) does not limit in any way the operation of Law aw 19.2.2(g)(vii). AFL TRIBUNAL GUIDELINES DELINES – ROUGH CONDUCT It is a Reportable Offence to intentionally, recklessly or negligently gently engage in rough conduct against an n opponent which in n the circumstancess is unreasonable. Without limitingg the above, a player will be guilty of Rough Conduct where in the bumping off an opponent (whether reasonably or unreasonably) easonably) he causes forceful contact too be made with any part of his body to an opponent’s head or neck and instead of bumping, umping, the player had a realistic alternative ve to: a) contest the ball; or b) tackle the opponent. pponent. Even if the player yer did not have any of these alternatives realistically open to him he may still be guilty ilty of Rough Conduct if his conduct wass unreasonable in the circumstances. In n determining whether

TIME PLEASE The AFL also trialled the use of a countdown clock at Docklands during the 2009 NAB Cup, and it will be used again for tonight’s Grand Final. Television viewers have access to the ofﬁcial countdown clock via the television broadcast, as do coaching staff 40

any bump was unreasonable in the circumstances regard will be had to: ■ whether the degree of force applied by the person bumping was excessive for the situation; ■ whether the player being bumped was actively involved in the passage of play; ■ the distance the player applying the bump has run to make contact; ■ whether an elbow is part of the contact; ■ whether the player bumping jumps or leaves the ground to bump. In the interests of player safety, the purpose of the Rule dealing with high bumps is to reduce, as far as practicable, the risk of head injuries to players and this purpose needs to be kept ﬁrmly in mind by all players and will guide the application of the Rule.

Nick Maxwell

of the competing teams, but the AFL has prevented scoreboards at venues from displaying the ofﬁcial time remaining, and has always used a count-up clock. “There are two distinct views – one that a supporter should be able to know the time remaining, and the other that the suspense of not knowing when the siren

will sound adds to the tension of a close game,” AFL general manager-football operations Adrian Anderson said. Fans can express their views and provide feedback on the trial, either by writing to the AFL, or via the survey on the ofﬁ cial AFL website at aﬂ.com.au

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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We wish this year’s early high ﬂying teams all the best in the NAB Cup Grand Final. That’s the spirit. The Spirit of Australia. qantas.com

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5/3/09 4:21:21 PM

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL DREAM TEAM

BATTLE LINES It’s ‘war’ as Collingwood’s Dale omas takes on Hawthorn premiership hero Luke Hodge in this year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team. By Jason Phelan.

ith the home and away season around the corner, Hawthorn’s Luke Hodge has fired a warning shot in the direction of his rivals in this year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team player competition. Some of the stars of the AFL are putting the final touches on their Dream Teams and Hodge, keen to gain a psychological edge over his opponents, has taken aim at Collingwood’s representative Dale Thomas. “I had ‘Daisy’ in my team a couple of years ago, but I couldn’t squeeze him in last year. I’m still a bit undecided if he’ll get a guernsey this year,” Hodge says. “I guess I should be nice and include him. Going by his coaching form in last year’s competition, being a player in my team is about his only shot at success. He’ll have to do a fair bit of study and homework just to make the finals I think.” Thomas, however, was unfazed by the verbal ‘assault’ and remained focused on the ball and not the man. “I’ll have ‘Hodgey’ in my side, even though he’s potted me,” Thomas said. “I can’t really say much to him – he’s a Norm Smith medallist and he won a premiership last year. I’m not going to come out throwing rocks before a ball’s even been bounced. “But hopefully my team can do the talking on the field and he’ll be sitting there with egg on his face in September.” This latest ‘exchange’ comes after Luke Ball had earlier singled out Hodge as a player he was desperate to beat this year. The hard nut Hawk had a few choice words for the upstart Saint as well. 42

“‘Bally’ always seems to go pretty well during the year, but he seems to really drop off quite badly in the DREAM TEAM finals,” Hodge says. “I’m happy to let Bally have a crack during the year, but when it comes down to crunch time in the finals, that’s when the real quality shows out.” LUKE HODGE BRAD FISHER The barbs were, of course, Ave: 96.65 Ave: 70.14 made with tongue firmly in cheek, Price: $428,800 Price: $311,200 but Hodge revealed he doesn’t CHRIS NEWMAN JARED RIVERS ANDREW RAINES hold back when his Hawthorn Ave: 81.86 Ave: 42.67 Ave: 53 teammates disappoint their Price: $363,200 Price: $189,300 Price: $188,100 Dream Team coach. “I had ‘Franky’ (Lance NICK SUBAN JACK GRIMES ALEX RANCE Franklin) in my squad early Ave: 42 Ave: – Ave: – Price: $186,400 Price: $86,600 Price: $86,600 last year, but he was giving away too many free kicks STEPHEN HILL so I had to get him out of Ave: – there,” he says. Price: $142,600 “I mentioned that he was costing me JIMMY BARTEL GARY ABLETT SCOTT PENDLEBURY points, but the more I Ave: 113.23 Ave: 111.72 Ave: 87.76 Price: $501,800 Price: $495,700 Price: $389,400 seemed to talk to him about it, the worse DANIEL KERR DANIEL RICH PATRICK DANGERFIELD the problem got. In Ave: 76.45 Ave: – Ave: 26 the end, I decided I Price: $339,200 Price: $126,600 Price: $115,400 just had to trade him out. It was a tough decision to make, but DEAN COX HAMISH McINTOSH DANIEL CURRIE he left me no choice.” Ave: 106.73 Ave: 66.86 Ave: – Price: $473,200 Price: $296,600 Price: $86,600 Fellow Hawks Sam Mitchell, Jarryd BRETT DELEDIO Roughead and Brent Ave: 97.59 Guerra form the nucleus Price: $433,000 of Hodge’s squad, but he’s mindful of not loading up LANCE FRANKLIN BRENDAN FEVOLA JARRYD ROUGHEAD with too many teammates. Ave: 96.45 Ave: 82.64 Ave: 79.45 Price: $428,000 Price: $366,700 Price: $352,500 For Thomas, however, it’s a case of the more Magpies SHAUN HIGGINS CHRIS YARRAN JACK ZIEBELL the merrier. “It’s fun to have Ave: 47.75 Ave: – Ave: – those blokes in your Dream Team Price: $211,900 Price: $130,600 Price: $118,600 because you can give them a kick in the bum if they’re not getting STEELE SIDEBOTTOM HAYDEN BALLANTYNE a touch for you,” he says. “I Ave: – Ave: – Price: $110,600 Price: $86,600 certainly let them know if I trade them out of my squad and it’s always a good laugh.” ■

DALE THOMAS’ S’

DEF 50

50 CHRIS JUDD Ave: 85.33 Price: $378,600

MID

SAM BLEASE Ave: – Price: $86,600

JAKE SPENCER

RUC

Ave: – Price: $75,300

FWD

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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ES DRAWN

MR FANTASY’S NAB CUP FORM The AFL Record’s resident Dream Team expert identiﬁes ﬁve players whose pre-season form could make them bargain buys.

SHAUN HIGGINS (WB) FWD/MID, $211,900 Showed class with 71 against the Bombers in the ﬁrst round of the NAB Cup. Good in NAB Challenge practice matches and looms as a dangerous forward.

HAYDEN SKIPWORTH (ESS) FWD/MID, $196,600 I previously mentioned that the former Crow wasn’t known for his high scoring, but he has impressed this season, scoring 99 and 92 in the ﬁrst two rounds of the NAB Cup.

LUKE HODGE’S LU DREAM TEAM

ANDREW RAINES (RICH)

CHAD CORNES

CHRIS NEWMAN

Ave: 98.55 Price: $437,900

BRENT GUERRA Ave: 78.33 Price: $347,600

DENNIS ARMFIELD

BRENT HARVEY

TRENT COTCHIN

Ave: 94.64 Price: $419,900

BRENDAN WHITECROSS

Ave: 26 Price: $115,400

MARK SEABY

Ave: 106.73 Price: $473,200

Ave: 62.25 Price: $276,200

PATRICK DANGERFIELD

Ave: 30 Price: $133,100

DEAN COX

TRAVIS TUCK

Ave: 68.53 Price: $304,400

MID

JAMES POLKINGHORNE

Ave: – Price: $86,600

KURT TIPPETT

Ave: 53.07 Price: $235,500

FWD/DEF, $244,900 Looks to be over a nagging hip injury, averaging almost 70 in games against North Melbourne and Hawthorn. Will score for your team if he stays ﬁt.

Ave: 32.75 Price: $145,300

Ave: – Price: $79,300

Ave: 47.8 Price: $212,100

RYAN HOULIHAN (CARL)

MATT MAGUIRE

ZAC DAWSON

Ave: 111.72 Price: $495,700

MID, $276,200 Tuck knows how to win the ball and looks certain to play plenty of senior football this year. Scored 74 against Melbourne and followed up with 99 against the Blues.

Ave: 70.71 Price: $313,800

Ave: 43 Price: $190,800

DEF 50

HENRY SLATTERY

TRAVIS TUCK (HAW)

JED ADCOCK

Ave: 73.14 Price: $324,500

Ave: 52.77 Price: $234,200

GARY ABLETT

Ave: 81.86 Price: $363,200

BRIAN LAKE

STEPHEN GILHAM

DEF, $188,100 Spend this measly amount needed to get the Tiger in your squad. He averaged more than 70 in NAB Cup matches and links up well in a developing backline.

RUC

SHAUN HAMPSON

Ave: 43.11 Price: $191,300

Ave: 31.7 Price: $140,700

RYAN O’KEEFE

FWD

Ave: 85.86 Price: $381,400

BRETT BURTON

BRENDAN FEVOLA

Ave: 84.38 Price: $374,400

RYAN GAMBLE

JARRYD ROUGHEAD

Ave: 82.64 Price: $366,700

TYSON EDWARDS

Ave: 63.69 Price: $282,600

BEAU DOWLER Ave: – Price: $86,600

Ave: 79.45 Price: $352,500

WADE THOMPSON Ave: – Price: $88,300

Ave: 48.14 Price: $213,600

MITCH THORP Ave: – Price: $86,600

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET? Almost $90,000 in cash and cars is up for grabs in this year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team competition, with the choice of one premium Toyota or a combination of models valued at more than $44,000 for the overall winner. There’s also a $2000 prize for each weekly points leader. To register for this year’s competition, visit aﬂ.com.au and join as an individual player or start your own 16-team league with family, friends and work colleagues. This year, you can also follow the results of an AFL player league featuring a star from each club, as well as head-to-head battles in a ‘celebrity’ league that includes former stars and AFL identities. PLAYER LEAGUE Luke Ball (StK), Jonathan Brown (BL), Brett Burton (Adel), Chad Cornes (PA), Dean Cox (WCE), Adam Goodes (Syd), Tom Harley (Geel), Brent Harvey (NM), Luke Hodge (Haw), Chris Judd (Carl), Matthew Lloyd (Ess), Robert Murphy (WB), Matthew Pavlich (Frem), Matthew Richardson (Rich), Dale Thomas (Coll), Jack Watts (Melb). CELEBRITY LEAGUE Glenn Archer, Nathan Buckley, Graham Cornes, Andrew Demetriou, Julia Gillard, Grant Hackett, Anthony Hudson, Sam Lane, Karl Langdon, Leigh Matthews, Stephen Quartermain, Wayne Schwass, Eamon Sullivan, Dr Dream Team, Robert Walls, Caroline Wilson.

KEY: 2008 Ave: 92.05 2009 Price: $408,400

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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2009 TOYOTA AFL PREMI E ROUND 1

ROUND 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 Richmond vs. Carlton (MCG) (N) 7.40pm

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Port Adelaide vs. St Kilda (AS) (N) 7.40pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Hawthorn vs. Geelong Cats (MCG) (N) 7.40pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 ANZAC DAY Essendon vs. Collingwood (MCG) 2.10pm Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles (AU) (N) 5.10pm North Melbourne vs. Richmond (D) (N) 7.10pm Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans (S) (N) 6.40pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Collingwood vs. Adelaide (MCG) 2.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles (G) (N) 6.10pm St Kilda vs. Sydney Swans (D) (N) 7.10pm SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Melbourne vs. North Melbourne (MCG) (E) 1.10pm Port Adelaide vs. Essendon (AS) 2.40pm Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs (S) (T) 4.10pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 Geelong Cats vs. Brisbane Lions (SS) (E) 1.10pm Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton (D) 2.10pm Melbourne vs. Adelaide (MCG) (T) 4.40pm

ROUND 6

ROUND 2

FRIDAY, MAY 1 North Melbourne vs. Collingwood (D) (N) 7.40pm

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Adelaide vs. St Kilda (AS) (N) 7.40pm SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Geelong Cats vs. Richmond (SS) 2.10pm Collingwood vs. Melbourne (MCG) 2.10pm Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions (D) (N) 7.10pm Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn (ANZ) (N) 7.10pm

SATURDAY, MAY 2 Hawthorn vs. Carlton (MCG) 2.10pm West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle (S) 2.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. Essendon (G) (N) 7.10pm Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide (AS) (N) 7.10pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 5 Essendon vs. Fremantle (D) (E) 1.10pm Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne (MCG) 2.10pm West Coast Eagles vs. Port Adelaide (S) 2.40pm

SUNDAY, MAY 3 Sydney Swans vs. Richmond (SCG) (E) 1.10pm Melbourne vs. Geelong Cats (MCG) 2.10pm Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda (D) (T) 4.40pm

ROUND 3 EASTER

ROUND 7

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 Geelong Cats vs. Collingwood (MCG) (N) 7.40pm

FRIDAY, MAY 8 Essendon vs. Hawthorn (D) (N) 7.40pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 St Kilda vs. West Coast Eagles (D) 2.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans (G) (N) 7.10pm Carlton vs. Essendon (MCG) (N) 7.10pm

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Geelong Cats vs. Sydney Swans (SS) 2.10pm Richmond vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG) 2.10pm North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide (D) (N) 7.10pm Carlton vs. Fremantle (GCS) (N) 7.10pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne (AS) (E) 12.40pm North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn (D) 2.10pm Fremantle vs. Adelaide (S) 2.40pm

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs (AS) (E) 12.40pm West Coast Eagles vs. Melbourne (S) 2.40pm MONDAY, MAY 11 Collingwood vs. St Kilda (D) (N) 7.20pm

MONDAY, APRIL 13 Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond (D) 2.10pm

ROUND 9 INDIGENOUS ROUND FRIDAY, MAY 22 Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs (D) (N) 7.40pm SATURDAY, MAY 23 North Melbourne vs. Fremantle (D) 2.10pm Adelaide vs. Carlton (AS) 2.40pm West Coast Eagles vs. Collingwood (S) (N) 5.40pm Richmond vs. Essendon (MCG) (N) 7.40pm SUNDAY, MAY 24 Sydney Swans vs. Port Adelaide (SCG) (E) 1.10pm St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions (D) 2.10pm Hawthorn vs. Melbourne (MCG) (T) 4.40pm

ROUND 10 FRIDAY, MAY 29 Carlton vs. West Coast Eagles (D) (N) 7.40pm SATURDAY, MAY 30 Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney Swans (MO) 2.10pm North Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions (D) 2.10pm St Kilda vs. Melbourne (GCS) (N) 7.10pm Fremantle vs. Richmond (S) (N) 5.40pm SUNDAY, MAY 31 Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (AS) (E) 12.40pm Essendon vs. Geelong Cats (D) 2.10pm Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide (MCG) (T) 4.40pm

ROUND 11 WOMEN’S ROUND FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Richmond vs. Western Bulldogs (D) (N) 7.40pm SATURDAY, JUNE 6 North Melbourne vs. St Kilda (D) 2.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. Carlton (G) (N) 7.10pm Port Adelaide vs. Fremantle (AS) (N) 7.10pm SUNDAY, JUNE 7 Essendon vs. Adelaide (D) (E) 1.10pm Hawthorn vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) 2.10pm West Coast Eagles vs. Geelong Cats (S) 2.40pm MONDAY, JUNE 8 Melbourne vs. Collingwood (MCG) 2.10pm

ROUND 12 SPLIT ROUND FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Carlton vs. St Kilda (D) (N) 7.40pm

ROUND 4

ROUND 8

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood (G) (N) 7.40pm

FRIDAY, MAY 15 Fremantle vs. Hawthorn (S) (N) 6.40pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Sydney Swans vs. Carlton (SCG) 2.10pm Hawthorn vs. Port Adelaide (MCG) 2.10pm St Kilda vs. Fremantle (D) (N) 7.10pm Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats (AS) (N) 7.10pm

SATURDAY, MAY 16 SUNDAY, JUNE 14 Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs (MCG) 2.10pm Hawthorn vs. Brisbane Lions (AU) (E) 1.10pm Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne (SS) 2.10pm Adelaide vs. North Melbourne (AS) (T) 4.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. Adelaide (G) (N) 7.10pm FRIDAY, JUNE 19 Sydney Swans vs. West Coast Eagles (ANZ) (N) 7.10pm Essendon vs. Melbourne (D) (N) 7.40pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 North Melbourne vs. Essendon (D) (E) 1.10pm Richmond vs. Melbourne (MCG) 2.10pm West Coast Eagles vs. Western Bulldogs (S) 2.40pm

SUNDAY, MAY 17 Port Adelaide vs. Richmond (AS) (E) 12.40pm Collingwood vs. Carlton (MCG) 2.10pm St Kilda vs. Essendon (D) (T) 4.40pm

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

NAB GF p44-45 Fixture.indd 44

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide (TIO) (N) 6.40pm Richmond vs. West Coast Eagles (D) (N) 7.10pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Sydney Swans vs. Collingwood (ANZ) (N) 7.10pm SUNDAY, JUNE 21 Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats (S) 2.40pm

EVERYONE’S A WINNER WIT 11/3/09 3:37:16 PM

I ERSHIP SEASON FIXTURE ROUND 13 FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Essendon vs. Carlton (MCG) (N) 7.40pm SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Collingwood vs. Fremantle (MCG) 2.10pm Adelaide vs. Sydney Swans (AS) 2.40pm Brisbane Lions vs. Melbourne (G) (N) 7.10pm West Coast Eagles vs. Hawthorn (S) (N) 5.40pm SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Geelong Cats vs. Port Adelaide (SS) (E) 1.10pm North Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs (MCG) 2.10pm St Kilda vs. Richmond (D) (T) 4.40pm

ROUND 14 FRIDAY, JULY 3 Collingwood vs. Essendon (MCG) (N) 7.40pm

ROUND 17 RIVALRY ROUND FRIDAY, JULY 24 Carlton vs. Collingwood (MCG) (N) 7.40pm SATURDAY, JULY 25 Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn (MCG) 2.10pm Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles (S) 2.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne (G) (N) 7.10pm St Kilda vs. Western Bulldogs (D) (N) 7.10pm SUNDAY, JULY 26 Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans (MO) (E) 1.10pm Essendon vs. Richmond (MCG) 2.10pm Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide (AS) (T) 4.10pm

ROUND 18 FRIDAY, JULY 31 North Melbourne vs. Carlton (D) (N) 7.40pm

SATURDAY, JULY 4 Melbourne vs. West Coast Eagles (MCG) 2.10pm Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane Lions (AS) 2.40pm Richmond vs. Adelaide (GCS) (N) 7.10pm Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn (D) (N) 7.10pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle (D) 2.10pm Geelong Cats vs. Adelaide (SS) 2.10pm Sydney Swans vs. St Kilda (SCG) (N) 7.10pm Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG) (N) 7.10pm

SUNDAY, JULY 5 Sydney Swans vs. North Melbourne (SCG) (E) 1.10pm St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats (D) 2.10pm Fremantle vs. Carlton (S) 2.40pm

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 Melbourne vs. Richmond (MCG) (E) 1.10pm Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (AS) 2.40pm West Coast Eagles vs. Essendon (S) 2.40pm

ROUND 15

ROUND 19

FRIDAY, JULY 10 Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (D) (N) 7.40pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 Carlton vs. Geelong Cats (MCG) (N) 7.40pm

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Sydney Swans vs. Essendon (SCG) 2.10pm Carlton vs. Richmond (MCG) 2.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats (G) (N) 7.10pm Adelaide vs. Fremantle (AS) (N) 7.10pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles (D) 2.10pm Hawthorn vs. St Kilda (AU) 2.10pm Essendon vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG) (N) 7.10pm Adelaide vs. Collingwood (AS) (N) 7.10pm

SUNDAY, JULY 12 Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne (AU) (E) 1.10pm Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide (MCG) 2.10pm West Coast Eagles vs. St Kilda (S) 2.40pm

ROUND 21 FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Western Bulldogs vs. Geelong Cats (D) (N) 7.40pm SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Carlton vs. Melbourne (D) 2.10pm Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles (AS) 2.40pm Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide (G) (N) 7.10pm Richmond vs. Hawthorn (MCG) (N) 7.10pm SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 St Kilda vs. North Melbourne (D) (E) 1.10pm Collingwood vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) 2.10pm Fremantle vs. Essendon (S) 2.40pm

ROUND 22 FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 West Coast Eagles vs. Richmond (S) (N) 6.40pm SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Geelong Cats vs. Fremantle (SS) (E) 1.10pm Hawthorn vs. Essendon (MCG) 2.10pm Carlton vs. Adelaide (D) 4.10pm Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions (SCG) (N) 7.10pm Port Adelaide vs. North Melbourne (AS) (N) 7.10pm SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Melbourne vs. St Kilda (MCG) 2.10pm Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs (D) (T) 4.40pm

TOYOTA AFL FINALS SERIES SEPTEMBER 4, 5, 6 Week 1 – Qualifying & elimination finals (4) SEPTEMBER 11, 12 Week 2 – Semi-finals (2) SEPTEMBER 18, 19 Week 3 – Preliminary finals (2) SEPTEMBER 26 Week 4 – Toyota AFL Grand Final

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 North Melbourne vs. Melbourne (D) (E) 1.10pm Richmond vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) 2.10pm Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide (S) 2.40pm

ROUND 16

ROUND 20 GREEN ROUND

FRIDAY, JULY 17 Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs (D) (N) 7.40pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Hawthorn vs. Adelaide (MCG) (N) 7.40pm

SATURDAY, JULY 18 Carlton vs. Sydney Swans (D) 2.10pm Geelong Cats vs. Melbourne (SS) 2.10pm Collingwood vs. Hawthorn (MCG) (N) 7.10pm Fremantle vs. Brisbane Lions (S) (N) 5.40pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Richmond vs. Collingwood (MCG) 2.10pm West Coast Eagles vs. North Melbourne (S) 2.10pm Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs (G) (N) 7.10pm Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats (ANZ) (N) 7.10pm

SUNDAY, JULY 19 Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles (AS) (E) 12.40pm Richmond vs. North Melbourne (MCG) 2.10pm St Kilda vs. Adelaide (D) (T) 4.40pm

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Melbourne vs. Fremantle (MCG) (E) 1.10pm Port Adelaide vs. Carlton (AS) 2.40pm Essendon vs. St Kilda (D) (T) 4.40pm

©COPYRIGHT 2008 – AFL (Reproduction of the program of matches in whole or part is permitted only with prior written approval of the AFL) All times are local. (E) Early game (T) Twilight game (N) Night game. (ANZ) ANZ Stadium, Sydney; (AS) AAMI Stadium, Adelaide; (AU) Aurora Stadium, Launceston; (D) Docklands, Melbourne; (GCS) Gold Coast Stadium, Carrara; (G) Gabba, Brisbane; (MO) Manuka Oval, Canberra; (MCG) Melbourne Cricket Ground; (S) Subiaco Oval, Perth; (SCG) Sydney Cricket Ground; (SS) Skilled Stadium, Geelong (TIO) TIO Stadium, Darwin.

WITH JETSTAR’S LOW FARES! NAB GF p44-45 Fixture.indd 45

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

11/3/09 3:37:35 PM

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL THE LAST LINE

Better with AGE e AFL’s elder coaching statesman has Collingwood ticking all the right boxes as the Magpies approach the 2009 premiership season. By Ben Collins.

ick Malthouse’s piercing eyes have always viewed outsiders with suspicion, and it seems he in turn has always been eyed with some suspicion himself. Not that any public perception of him has ever meant a damn to the man himself. After all, Malthouse says he doesn’t read what he terms “rubbish”, doesn’t listen to talkback radio and only ever heeds criticism if it’s from those who have succeeded in the coaching cauldron – the ilk of Allan Jeans, John Kennedy, Ron Barassi, Tom Hafey, Kevin Sheedy and Leigh Matthews. Malthouse is a product of the various football environments he has inhabited in a continuous career that has spanned 37 consecutive seasons (second only to Jock McHale’s 47) and five clubs as a player and coach. At West Coast in 1990, for instance, the Eagles were forced to play six games in a row on the road, including four fi nals at Waverley – a predicament that would frustrate the mildest of men. Malthouse is anything but mild. Neither are assessments about his coaching future. Malthouse’s contract expires at the end of this season. The inevitable calls for change are just as inevitably based on the idea that in his 10 seasons at the club he has failed to take the Pies to a premiership. True, he hasn’t won a fl ag with Collingwood – yet (success tonight might provide some consolation) – but he has come close on a few occasions, losing three Grand Finals: the 2002 and 2003 AFL Grand Finals, and the 2003 pre-season Grand Final. 46

THE MASTER: Mick Malthouse gives some advice to Collingwood youngster Nathan Brown.

There was also a preliminary final appearance in 2007. And, if you recall, most of us felt he had no right to lift the Pies to contender status in either ’02 (when it took a mighty Brisbane Lions outfit to overcome them by just nine points) or ’07 (when a perhaps even mightier Geelong eclipsed them by only five points). And not forgetting either, as all premiership coaches tell us, premierships are bloody hard to win. After Magpies president Eddie McGuire moved mountains to lure Malthouse to Collingwood, the black and white army was excited but sceptical about a former Richmond hard man who had spent 10 years tormenting Victorians as Eagles coach. In Perth, Malthouse had been a brash invader from the east; back in his native Victoria

he was almost regarded as a West Australian. But as he enters his 10th season at the Magpies – the same period he spent at West Coast – Malthouse is roundly regarded as a Collingwood man. Following the retirement of Leigh Matthews as Brisbane Lions coach last year, he has also become the AFL’s oldest coach, at 55. Age should be irrelevant. Malthouse has long encouraged young players to step up to senior level by telling them that birth certiﬁcates mean nothing once you cross the white line. Surely the same should apply to coaches. On Melbourne radio this week, Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze bemoaned the “wastage” of talent in AFL football caused by the premature departures/sackings of coaches who have probably forgotten

LOVE HIM OR LOATHE HIM, HE DESERVES ENORMOUS CREDIT FOR CONDUCTING A FULL-SCALE REBUILDING PROCESS FORGED ON AN INJECTION OF YOUTH. more about the game than most of us will ever know. Those calling for Malthouse’s head also seem to have overlooked the healthy, primed shape in which he has the Pies’ list. Love him or loathe him, he deserves enormous credit for conducting a full-scale rebuilding process forged on an injection of youth (via some high draft picks and other astute draft and rookie selections) while covering the loss of enormous experience in the likes Nathan Buckley, Scott Burns, James Clement, Shane Wakelin and Paul Licuria. All the while, Malthouse has somehow managed to maintain a ﬁghting chance at achieving the ultimate glory, ﬁ nishing seventh, fourth and sixth in the past three seasons. It’s some achievement. Not coincidentally, the Malthouse/McGuire alliance is the equal longest coach/president pairing in the AFL, a title they share with their counterparts this evening, Geelong coach Mark Thompson and president Frank Costa. The Cats’ effort to become a League heavyweight without high draft picks is quite remarkable. Their earliest selections have been Joel Selwood (No. 7 in 2006), Andrew Mackie (No. 7 in 2002), Kane Tenace (No. 7 in 2003), Joel Corey (No. 8 in 1999) and Jimmy Bartel (No. 8 in 2001). ■

AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au

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Aurion V6: In a league of its own

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2:15

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