AFL Record Round 2, 2009 by The Slattery Media Group

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AFL GAM GAME AM A ME

What makes Gary Ablett so good

AFL grants Gold Coast 17th licence

Guy

McKenna

The art of the multi-tasking coach

Adam

Cooney

Managing injury, life after the Brownlow and an encounter with a bull

ROUND 2, 2009 APRIL 3-5 $4 (INC. GST)

AR02 p01 Cover.indd 1

1/4/09 6:06:58 PM

you CoulD win thE ChAnCE to PlAy At thE MCg! 200 luCky winnErs will tAkE PArt in thE ultiMAtE MCDonAlD’s® Mighty Footy triP ExPEriEnCE ✔ Breakfast at McDonald’s, followed by ✔ Bus transport to & from the MCG ✔ Rev up from a Collingwood coach ✔ A footy clinic at the MCG with Collingwood players ✔ Refreshments, activities & entertainment at the MCG ✔ Reserved seats to watch the Round 8 Collingwood v Carlton match live from the stands ✔ Each winner must be accompanied by a Parent/adult guardian on the footy trip. Pick up an entry form in-store. Entries close 5pm Friday April 24, 2009.

McDonald’s Victoria is a proud sponsor of the Collingwood Football Club. Competition is open to all children aged 8-13 years. For full terms and conditions, see the community noticeboard in-store. Winners from Tasmania and Mildura will be provided with same day return flights to Melbourne.

ROUND 2, APRIL 3-5, 2009 F E AT U R E S

Adam Cooney

It’s been life in the fast lane for a star Dog.

Gary Ablett

The Geelong champ is the complete package. REGUL ARS

The Bounce

Views, news, ﬁrst person, facts, data, culture.

The Interview

Guy McKenna on the Gold Coast challenge.

Matchday

Stats, history and line-ups.

53 70 74

Dream Team Ask Col Testing your knowledge

Things to keep you amused at the footy.

76 78

NAB AFL Rising Star Talking Point

Beware, there is a new Eddie in town.

Building the new Gold Coast Football Club from scratch is a daunting task, but one coach Guy McKenna is revelling in.

22 OUR LOW FARES MEAN YOU DON’T HAVE TO MISS THE BIG GAMES! Check out the ﬁxture in the match day section to see when your team is playing their next interstate game! To follow your team around the country visit jetstar.com now.

Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd ABN 33 069 720 243.

AR02 p03 Contents.indd 3

JET3586AFL2C

1/4/09 4:16:48 PM

feedback

backchat HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FOOTBALL WORLD

THIS WEEK’S COVER Adam Cooney photographed at the Whitten Oval by Sean Garnsworthy. Go to aﬂphotos.com. au to order prints of this image.

Happy Hawk I’ve been a Hawthorn supporter for 29 years, and I can honestly say I have never been more satisﬁed after a loss than last week against Geelong. A moral victory over the shaky Cats – bring on round 17 and September. M. MESTON, VIA EMAIL

Crowing Why does Adelaide always get written off? Without fail every pre-season, the Crows are always one of the teams the media predicts will slide down the ladder, and even after they beat Collingwood last Saturday all the talk was about how unlucky the Pies were with the free kick count. The Crows have a much better list than most give them credit for,

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

they’re well coached and, injuries permitting, should play in the ﬁnals again. Open your eyes, people! MAGGIE, VIA EMAIL

Fast and furious The death-by-zoning doomsayers have gone noticeably quiet after a cracking opening round of footy. Fremantle versus the Bulldogs was the modern game at its best. J. TASKER, VIA EMAIL

Dees on track As a Melbourne supporter, I am delighted to say I can ﬁnally see some light at the end of the tunnel. While round one brought another loss, compared to some of the Dees’ efforts in the past two seasons,

PRODUCTION EDITOR Michael Lovett WRITERS Nick Bowen, Ben Collins, Jim Main, Peter Ryan, Callum Twomey, Andrew Wallace SUB-EDITORS Gary Hancock, Howard Kotton STATISTICIAN Cameron Sinclair CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrew Hutchison DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Sam Russell

it was very encouraging. Firstgamers Kyle Cheney, Jake Spencer, Jamie Bennell and Neville Jetta looked the goods, and when we can add Jack Watts and some of our other draft picks, all of a sudden we’re not too far off the pace. Keep up the good work, Dean Bailey. P. FITZGERALD, VIA EMAIL

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your feedback on n the Record and matters relating to the game, the clubs and the players. The best letter in round three will receive a copy of the AFL Record Season n Guide 2009. Email aﬂrecordeditor@ slatterymedia.com or write to AFL Record, Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC, 3008.

DESIGNERS Jarrod Witcombe, Alison Wright PHOTO EDITORS Natalie Boccassini, Melanie Tanusetiawan PRODUCTION MANAGER Troy Davis PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Stephen Lording DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Adele Morton COMMERCIAL 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 AFL Photos (03) 9627 2600 aﬂphotos.com.au

EDITOR’S LET TER

Change part of the game The fact we’ve known for some time that a new club would likely be added to AFL ranks in 2011 shouldn’t diminish the significance of the decision earlier this week to officially award the Gold Coast Football Club the 17th licence. We know of the dynamic nature of football and the fact change is constant, but expansion is as big as it gets. The addition of the Gold Coast club to the League will impact significantly on every aspect of the industry. How will the fixture be organised? Will a new scheduling ‘slot’ (a second Friday night or even a Monday night game) be needed? How will clubs deal with the likelihood of byes? How will current club lists be affected? What are the implications for the draft? These are but a handful of questions among many that already have been or are being addressed over the next 12-18 months as the AFL and the 16 playing clubs prepare for the Gold Coast’s debut. It’s certainly a challenging time for the game and those who run it. Readers who provided feedback on our team pages should note that player names and numbers have been reformatted accordingly. Starting this week, the AFL Record is also running the votes for the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year award on the scoreboard pages. PETER DI SISTO

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, ROUND 2, 2009 Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211. ISSN 1444-2973, Print Post approved PP320258/00109

4 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p04 Backchat.indd 4

1/4/09 6:09:29 PM

GRA20986.pdf

Page

24/2/09,

9:25

GRA20986

HG10mm technology introduces a highly technical approach to player comfort, protection, support and performance. The combination of the 10mm heel gradient and advanced mid-sole design improves running efficiency while reducing pressure and impact force on the playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lower limbs. The Lethal Tigreor is built for players seeking light weight boots with a fast response and feel. For all codes of football, also available in a junior model. For a full range of products visit asics.com.au

10 MM HEEL REMOVABLEMULTI FUNCTION TPU GRIP SUPER SUEDE RACING LAST HEEL GRADIENT SOCKLINER CLEAT DESIGN STRIPS

49.95 ck valued at $ a Plan. a p n io ct a L F 2 to any Telstr 2 MONTH A Get a FREE 1 ct the SAMSUNG F480T ne when you con

come in

call 13 21 41 for your local store

call

1300 FONE US to order over the phone

Terms & Conditions: 1. FREE annual sports action pack subscription with the successful connection of the Samsung F480T to any Telstra Plan. Offer ends 20/04/09 or while stocks last. Use subject to Telstra Mobile Section of Our Customer Terms at www.telstra.com.au/customerterms/home_mobile_info_games.htm. Availability depends on handset and coverage area. Combined maximum 300 minutes streaming of NRL League TV and BigPond Sport Summer TV per month and 15 min/session. Max number of viewers at a time may apply. Cannot be redeemed for cash or account credit. Ask us for details. 2. Minimum cost for the Samsung F480T on a $40 Telstra Phone Plan over 24 months is $960, plus additional usage charges. Early termination charges apply. basis-VITFON1019_V2

Free services to Domain Road will be offered from the following places: AN

ZAC APPEAL

ANZAC DAY 2009 Free Bus Services for the Dawn Service The Victorian Government, in association with the Bus Association Victoria, has arranged free buses for people wishing to attend the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day, Saturday 25 April 2009.

All buses will arrive at the Shrine by 5.40 am and depart at 7.30 am for those people wanting to return home. To book your seat or to find out more information about times and pick-up and dropoff points, telephone Ventura Charter on 9575 4823

between 9.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.00pm, Monday to Friday (not on Public Holidays). This service is open to all members of the public. Returned and Services personnel and their families will receive priority with bookings.

Numbers are strictly limited and pre-booking of seats is required. Bookings close Wednesday 22 April 2009. DOT3978/09

~ Croydon via Ringwood East ~ Mordialloc via Mentone and Sandringham ~ Mitcham via Blackburn, Box Hill and Balwyn ~ Wantirna via Scoresby, Glen Waverley and Mt Waverley ~ Templestowe via West Heidelberg ~ Chadstone via Ashburton and Camberwell ~ Essendon Football Ground (Windy Hill) ~ Doncaster via Balwyn North, Kew and Victoria Park (Jock McHale Stadium) ~ Thomastown via Reservoir and Coburg ~ Greensborough via Watsonia ~ Williamstown via Yarraville

6 AFL RECORD visit aďŹ&#x201A;record.com.au

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 6

1/4/09 4:22:56 PM

thebounce VIEWS NEWS FIRST PERSON FACTS DATA CULTURE

It is not a decision the Commission has made lightly, and has been made after a long period of investment in Queensland

E X PA N S I O N

Gold Coast conﬁrmed as AFL’s 17th club A NDR EW WA L L ACE

he AFL will expand to a 17-team competition. On Tuesday, the AFL Commission announced it had granted a provisional licence to the Gold Coast Football Club, which will start playing at AFL level in 2011. This marks the ﬁrst new club to join the competition since Port Adelaide in 1997 and just the sixth new admission since the Commission was formed in 1985. And while the licence is conditional on a land transfer agreement from the Gold Coast City Council to the Queensland Government and a decision on a funding application to the

Federal Government, it would seem the major hurdles have been cleared. Since North Melbourne declined a $100 million offer to relocate to the Gold Coast in December, 2007, the AFL, with the backing of clubs, has worked hard to research and clear the way for a presence in the fast-growing south-east Queensland market. The Gold Coast club, known as GC17 while it sought its licence, presented a submission to the AFL Commission on November 18 last year, outlining the commitment of more than 42,000 local supporters,

the backing of 111 businesses and a community strategy. Following lengthy negotiations, the AFL reached agreement with the Queensland Government for the state to contribute $60 million towards the redevelopment of Gold Coast Stadium at Carrara, as well as altering the Gabba contract to allow the new club to play home games at the venue. Gold Coast City Council has committed $20 million and the AFL $10 million to the facility. AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the decision was reached after an exhaustive process made even more challenging by the global economic crisis. “It is not a decision that the Commission has made lightly, and it has been made after a

DONE DEAL:

Queensland premier Anna Bligh and AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou at Tuesday’s historic signing and, left, the new mascot.

CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 7

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 7

1/4/09 5:31:45 PM

thebounce

VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE

long period of investment in Queensland and a rigorous process over the last two years,” he said. “The Gold Coast football, business and wider communities have made clear their support for and ability to sustain an AFL team.” AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou made the historic announcement at a jumper presentation for the Gold Coast TAC Cup team, which will play its ﬁrst game against the Eastern Ranges on Saturday night. The team, which will play in the VFL in 2010 before its AFL admission the following year, is coached by former West Coast champion Guy McKenna, with ex-Brisbane Lions Marcus Ashcroft and Shaun Hart recently appointed assistants. Respected former Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs recruiter Scott Clayton will be in charge of building the Gold Coast playing list. An independent economic report by Queensland economist Dr Christopher Hunn found that the creation of an AFL team on the Gold Coast would generate an additional $34 million in spending – 92 per cent of which will go to non-AFL businesses – as well as an extra 120,000 “visitor nights” (one person staying one night in accommodation facilities) to the city each year. Demetriou said the stadium redevelopment would create about 350 construction jobs, while the club would support 440 direct and indirect jobs when fully operating. Gold Coast will wear red, gold and blue and its mascot is a surf lifesaver-inspired character. The club believes its choice of colours (symbolising the sun, sand, ocean and sky) and mascot are appropriate reﬂections of the Gold Coast community and lifestyle. In its pitches to the AFL and the Gold Coast business and sporting communities, the club has indicated it will take a “progressive, innovative and cheeky” approach to aspects of its operations. See page 22 for interview with Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna

NEWS TRACKER

➡

UNFAZED: Chad Cornes loves

I keep reading articles that I am the most hated player in the AFL – and I like that stuﬀ. If the opposition want to boo me, they’ll ﬁre me up

the attention that comes his way.

MILES TONE

One Chad, two worlds MICHEL A NGELO RUCCI

n that parallel universe on the other side of the galaxy, Chad Cornes is playing lead guitar in a rock band. And he is being politically correct by not smashing the guitar to make a statement. Back in the real world, Cornes might not have secured the captaincy tag at Port Adelaide, but he remains its spiritual leader. He will write the tune as a player without a set position and he will happily let others do the talking – or baiting – at Alberton. Cornes is this weekend due to play his 200th game1 . He will not be at home in front of the Port fans who have come

to adore his family name after decades of torment from Chad’s father Graham, as a Glenelg player and coach, Crows coach and now media commentator. But Fremantle supporters are best advised not to heckle, not even from the cheap seats. “I keep reading articles that I am the most hated player in the AFL – and I like that stuff,” Cornes says. “It spurs me on. If the opposition wants to boo me, they’ll ﬁre me up, get me in the zone – and the more passion there is, the more pressure I feel to perform … and deliver.” Had Cornes not followed his father’s well-paved path to elite football, he suspects he would today be taking the bait of critics in the art world. “I never knew what I’d do when I was in school other than play footy – and, until I was 17, I never thought I’d be good enough,” Cornes says. “I had a dream of being in a band, a rock

band with me at lead guitar.” He would be loud and now getting mellow. “I hate being quoted in boring clichés,” says Cornes, whose throwaway lines – particularly baiting Crows supporters – have become a staple of back pages in Adelaide. “But the way footy is now, teams will use everything you say to claim an advantage. I can’t get away with it anymore. Those headlines are now coming back as extra pressure on us, not the opposition.” The two galaxies have collided for Cornes. After a clash against the Crows – where Cornes can always guarantee himself a giggle as the Adelaide fans take issue with him and “losing my hair” – he found in his email box a note from devoted Adelaide fan and music man Greg Champion. “He was very complimentary about me,” Cornes says. “Having grown up listening to his music in the 1990s, to think he would take the time out to send me an email was very humbling.” Michelangelo Rucci is a reporter with The Advertiser in Adelaide. 1 He will become the fourth Port Adelaide

player to reach the mark and the 628th in League history. Fremantle’s Chris Tarrant is set to become the 627th - his match starts some three hours before Port’s.

RECRUITING

Clubs punt on rookies PAU L DA FFEY

n 2003, ’04 and ’06, the Western Bulldogs had one rookie on their list. In 2004, the Kangaroos had no rookies – not one. St Kilda and Hawthorn this year have nine rookies each, while Carlton and Fremantle have eight. Even the Bulldogs and North Melbourne have six.

Former Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley to coach Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships in Sydney in July.

8 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 8

1/4/09 5:33:10 PM

So what’s happened? Why have rookie lists exploded? John Peake, St Kilda’s recruiting manager, last year made a presentation to the club board seeking approval for the Saints to draft the full quota of players at the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft. He gave three reasons: the draft pool was exceptional, the onset of draft concessions for Gold Coast would mean that future drafts would be thin, and the Saints had to do everything possible to develop a key defender to replace Max Hudghton. Before the rookie draft in December, the AFL increased rookie lists by two as compensation for the Gold Coast concessions, allowing clubs to have eight rookies, or seven rookies and one veteran, or six rookies and two veterans. Clubs can also have up to three players picked via the NSW scholarship scheme. These players must turn 18 during their ﬁrst year on the rookie list. The Saints put Hudghton on the veterans’ list and selected seven rookies. They also chose two players who had progressed from the NSW scholarship scheme. The selection of rookies is a punt. Generally, these are players who were deemed not good enough to be taken at the main draft. But the Saints believe all their rookies have the potential to develop into long-term AFL players. Steve Gaertner, Tom Simpkin and former Hawk Zac Dawson (who played last week) are potential key defenders. Of the NSW players, Blake McGrath is a developing ruckman (208cm) and Khan Haretuku (198cm) looms as ruckman or forward. Karetuku’s parents are New Zealanders. He was a rugby union player until he joined friends who were Australian footballers, and decided to stick with the game. McGrath and Haretuku both come from Sydney. Neither has played much footy, but clearly they have the physical capabilities to make an impression. Hawthorn has eight rookies and one NSW scholarship

NEWS TRACKER

product, Will Sierakowski from Sydney’s Riverview College, which has links to Melbourne’s Xavier College. The Hawks’ 2008 premiership team included ﬁve players who started as rookies: Brad Sewell, Clinton Young, Robert Campbell, Stephen Gilham and Michael Osborne. West Coast ruckman Dean Cox is perhaps the most ‘famous’ rookie. The Eagles last year became the ﬁrst club to choose a product of its NSW scholarship scheme for a senior game. Ryan Davis from North Shore made his debut against the Brisbane Lions at Carrara, just before his 18th birthday. He played 11 games as a half-back in an exceptional debut season.

HERO: Rhan

Hooper celebrates one of his four goals.

INJURIES

The curse of the hamstring TOM MINE A R

amstring strains and tears are the most common injuries in elite level football. The AFL Injury Report released last year found each club had players missing a combined average of 24.3 games in 2007, the highest level in a decade. No one needs to remind Richmond’s Ben Cousins, who sustained one late in last week’s match against Carlton. After a year out of the game, he is likely to be sidelined for at least another four weeks. What is a hamstring injury?

According to experienced sports physician Dr Peter Brukner, there are three general forms of hamstring injuries. “Grade one is where a few ﬁbres of the hamstring are torn, but the majority of the muscle is still intact,” he says, using this description to classify Cousins’ injury. “Grade two is where a signiﬁcant part of the muscle is torn; grade three is a complete tear, which is very unusual and

tends to happen when you tear the muscle off the bone.” How does it happen?

In general, Brukner cites “problems in the lower back and tightness in the gluteal muscles” as factors which can predispose athletes to hamstring injuries. There also seems to be the perception that the growing speed of the modern game is placing an increased strain on the muscle, and Brukner does see fatigue as being a signiﬁcant issue. “When the muscle is tired, it may not contract in the organised fashion that it does when the body is fresher,” he says. Recurrence is another problem and, despite signiﬁcant advances in sports medicine, 22 per cent of hamstring injuries in 2007 were repeat cases. “Every time you tear it, you increase the chances of injuring it again,” Brukner says. Can it be prevented?

In a word: no. “We don’t really understand why, at a particular moment, a player’s hamstring will give out,” Brukner says. Building up core stability, improving endurance, strengthening leg muscles and stretching regularly are important for all athletes, yet none of these strategies can be considered empirical preventative measures.

How is it treated?

While it’s important to rest, ice, compress and elevate an injured hamstring, Brukner points to some recent changes in treatment. “We get the players moving a lot earlier, rather than doing nothing until the pain goes. We get them jogging, to a level of discomfort, and we do lots of it to get endurance into the muscle.” Although Tiger Mark Coughlan and Cat Max Rooke have trialled more radical treatments in Germany, Brukner maintains the need for a steady rehabilitation process. “The techniques in Germany involve a lot of injections and homeopathic treatment, and I’m not convinced they offer any great advantage; rather, they just present an alternative.” For an injury that can occur so quickly, the best solution is patience – Cousins will need plenty over the next month.

REDEMPTION

Issues behind him, Hooper enjoys fresh start NICK BOW EN

hen Michael Voss reﬂected on his ﬁrst home and away match as Brisbane Lions coach, one of the most pleasing aspects would have been Rhan Hooper’s key role in the win against West Coast. With the Lions down by 25 points at half-time last Saturday night at the Gabba, Hooper helped spark a third-quarter revival, kicking three of his team’s nine goals for the term, as its surged ahead. CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE

The round one attendance of 349,054 was the ﬁfth-best single round in League history. AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 9

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 9

1/4/09 4:24:12 PM

thebounce

VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE

In one of his best games for the club, Hooper, 21, finished with four goals for the match, including a freakish soccer-style effort from deep in a pocket in the third quarter. But the small forward’s performance would have been even more pleasing for Voss, given it followed a difficult pre-season when the rookie coach suspended Hooper for 28 days and fined him $40,000 for disciplinary breaches. Presumably, it would have given Voss hope that Hooper was finally ready to show the commitment necessary to make it as a regular senior player. Just how important that is for the Lions can’t be overestimated. Don’t forget Anthony Corrie was traded to Collingwood at the end of last season, while Ashley McGrath now plays predominantly in the backline, leaving the Lions light on for quick, small forwards. Hooper played the perfect small forward’s game, combining attack with defensive pressure – he had five tackles for the game. Hooper’s defensive qualities have never been in question, since his debut against Essendon in round two of 2006, when he laid seven tackles (three more than any other player on the ground). But while Hooper was fifth at the club for tackles last year (89), he managed just 19 goals from 20 games, a far cry from the output of the competition’s leading small forwards such as Stephen Milne (60 goals from 24 games) and Paul Medhurst (50 from 24). Voss, not one to shower praise on individuals, was predictably guarded in his

assessment of Hooper’s round one performance. “We spoke about getting more goals out of our small forwards and we got a lot more crumbing efforts,” Voss said. “I enjoy seeing players like Rhan get rewarded for their efforts. But we’re all about consistency and performing well every week.”

RECOGNITION

Crows will have one extra A NDR EW WA L L ACE

delaide is set to field a ‘19th man’ at AAMI Stadium matches this season, but will avoid any breach of AFL interchange regulations. The Crows will fly a giant blue flag bearing the No. 19 above its soon-to-be-completed $19 million facility. Visible from a kilometre away, the flag recognises the club’s supporter base, its ‘extra man’ when it takes the field. To support the concept, the club has retired the No. 19 guernsey, while the No. 19 locker has been dedicated to fans. Before each game, a Crows ambassador and supporter will raise the flag. This week, the club will hand out 10,000 19th man flags at its first home game. Youngster Patrick Dangerfield was the last Crow to wear the No. 19 – this year, he is sporting the No. 32 last worn by former captain Mark Ricciuto.

UNVEILED:

Adelaide’s 19th man will ‘ﬂy the ﬂag’.

NEWS TRACKER

T R AC K I N G A P O T E N T I A L D R A F T E E

Nash won’t think, he’ll simply do The AFL Record will follow Jonno Nash this season as he works towards being drafted by an AFL club. Jonno Nash was not drafted last year. He likened the feeling to someone having failed their last year of secondary school and having to go back the next year to complete the mission. Initially, he felt uncomfortable and uneasy. But he thought about his past and what he wants to achieve, and understood it was the best thing to do. Nash will play for Sandringham in the TAC Cup as an over-age player, starting this weekend. He turns 19 in June – a veteran of sorts at TAC Cup level, having already played for two seasons. This year will likely be the last chance he has to impress scouts. He knows it’s not going to be easy. Nash’s relationship with football has been far from smooth. At 15, he seriously injured his knee in a tackling mishap, leading to 12 weeks on the sidelines. He suﬀered other knee injuries and he’s missed 18 months of football all up. “It “It has made me more resilient and determined to be my best and to strive for success,” he says. “It’s been more a mental battle than physical. You become more hesitant, it changes the way you play. I always said the hardest thing when you’re injured is watching other

people develop when you can’t do anything about it.” Growing up alongside the likes of draftees Jack Watts (Melbourne) and Tom Lynch (St Kilda) and having played with and captained North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell at Caulfield Grammar last year, Nash is aware of what’s required. Tall and strong, he anticipates playing in the midfield and wants to be a team leader. He’s focusing on his weakness by trying to increase his speed with the help of specialist fitness and running trainer Bohdan Babijczuk. He’s already seeing improvement. At a TAC Cup testing day last month, Nash ran a personal best over 20 metres and completed a 15.1 beep test, third best in the competition. With a wise head and an excellent grasp of the game, Nash is channelling former Hawthorn coach John Kennedy in his quest to be drafted. “I’m trying to do this new thing where I don’t think about it too much and just do it, like John Kennedy’s old line, ‘Don’t think, do!’ I want to be consistent. “That’s the driving point. I know I’m ready, and it’s just a matter of doing it.” CALLUM TWOMEY

Hawk Lance Franklin has kicked at least one goal in his past 59 matches, dating back to round 12, 2006.

10 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 10

1/4/09 4:24:26 PM

147915_P01_NAU.pdf

Page

24/3/09,

2:37

YOUR HD

DESTINATION R E IL A T E R V T L E N A P T A AUSTR ALIA’S #1 FL Harvey Norman has the largest range of LCD & Plasma TVs from all the leading brands. Come in and check out our FLAT SCREEN TVs on display now!

For a High Definition Experience

200Hz For the Ultimate

For a Better High Definition Experience

100Hz

High Definition Experience

For a Greater High Definition Experience

Our friendly, well-trained staff can talk you through all the latest technology and advancements to help you ﬁnd the model that suits your needs.

Whether you’re after an LCD or Plasma panel, big, small or something in between, we have the Television for you. for your nearest store call

www.harveynorman.com.au Harvey Norman stores are operated by independent franchisees.

147915

thebounce

VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE

A MOMENT WITH... IN GOOD HANDS:

PHOTO: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/AFL PHOTOS

Victorian police commissioner Simon Overland still has a feel for the game, as he did in his playing days with Eastlake (below, far left, punching the ball).

Simon Overland Victoria’s new police chief commissioner has a long association with football. We love the action photo from your playing days. You were obviously a high ﬂier. SIMON OVERLAND: I don’t know

about that. But I do know that people won’t recognise me – I actually had hair back then. You played 117 games for Eastlake in the ACT league as a ruckman described as a strong mark, athletic, and a team man. Is that a fair assessment? SO: I’d say I was a big bloke

who was just good at getting in the way.

NEWS TRACKER

Did you resemble any AFL players in style? SO: I don’t think anyone who kicked like me ever made it to the highest level. I had a unique style. (Rod) ‘Curly’ Austin was similar, but he was a far better and more stylish kick. You won the ACT league best and fairest, the Mulrooney Medal, in 1985. You must have starred? SO: I just happened to ﬁnd myself in the right place quite often. I have no other explanation for it. Did you enjoy any team success? SO: No. We played in three successive Grand Finals and lost them all. It was a pretty sad run.

Was representing the ACT some consolation? SO: That was a great thrill. We actually won a minor states’ series against Queensland, NSW and Tasmania. That was the pinnacle of my very average football career. I retired at 27 because of family, work and study. Is it true you were also a ﬁery fast bowler for the ACT under-21 cricket side? SO: I thought I was quick at the time but, on reﬂection, I was only a pie-chucker. You’re a proud Hawks supporter. How did that come about? SO :I come from an underprivileged background – a family of Collingwood supporters.

But I didn’t want to go with the flow, so I went for Hawthorn, and it proved a pretty astute decision because in that time Hawthorn has won 10 flags while Collingwood has only one. . You also sit on an advisory board with Football Victoria, focusing on community and game development. What does that involve? SO: It combines two passions of mine. I love the game and, from a professional perspective, football clubs deal with the very people we (the police) are most interested in reaching – young men between 15 and 25, who are over-represented as both victims and offenders. BEN COL LINS

Melbourne Football Club renews formal relationship with the Melbourne Cricket Club after a break of 19 years.

12 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 12

1/4/09 4:24:43 PM

C AT C H A F L O N YOUR NEW S A M S U N G F 4 8 0 T. COMMUTING JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE EXCITING. Yo u won’t m is s a m inu te o f th e a c t ion w i th AFL video replays, highlights, live scores a n d m o r e 1 o n y o u r n e w S a m s u n g F 4 8 0T. I t h a s a 5 m e g a p i x e l c a m e ra , c o l o u r to u c h s creen a n d s leek b r ush ed a lum in ium f in ish .

Yours on a

Phone Plan for 24 months2

V i s i t t e l s t r a . c o m t o c h e c k f o r c o v e r a g e i n y o u r a r e a ^.

VISIT A T[LIFE]™ STORE | CLICK TELSTRA.COM FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE DETAILS, WE’VE GOT THEM HERE: ^Next G™ coverage depends on your location, device type and whether

it has an external antenna. 1. 300min/month & 15min/session usage limits apply. 2. Minimum cost is $960 plus usage (including applicable browsing and content) charges. Next G and T [ LIFE ] – Registered trade mark and trade mark of Telstra Corporation Limited. ABN 33 051 775 556. BWMTEL9760

TEL9760_AFL_Rec_FP_R24.indd 1

27/3/09 10:22:44 AM

thebounce

VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE

NOTEWORTHY

A round for stars Round one debutants naturally grab our attention, but some of the game’s genuine stars played their first matches in the second week of a season. From modernday superstars Chris Judd (left, 2002) and Dean Cox (2001) to Collingwood icon Bob Rush (1899), round two ‘starters’ have included a host of the elite. The roll call is football royalty, with the likes of Jack Dyer, Gary Ablett snr, Bill Hutchison and Peter Hudson leading the charge, ably supported by Brownlow winners Ross Smith, Peter Bedford, Malcolm Blight and Gavin Wanganeen, and goalkicking machine Jason Dunstall. Carlton’s legendary Horrie Clover (1920) and the captain-coach of Fitzroy’s final premiership team, Fred Hughson (1938), are also in the club, while Bulldog immortal Charlie Sutton (1942) made his debut in the same game as Hutchison. Other club favourite sons and cult heroes to have emerged this round include Barry Davis, Terry Waters, Dick Clay, Barry Price, Robert Walls and Ian ‘Bluey’ Hampshire, who played their first games in the 1960s; Michael Moncrieff, David Cloke, Trevor Barker, Geoff Cunningham and Paul and Tony Morwood (1970s); Maurice Rioli (1982), Mick Martyn and Damian Monkhorst (both 1988) and Leon Cameron, Dustin Fletcher, Chris Johnson, David King, Warren Tredrea and Luke Power (1990s).

TRAINING

Roos, Dogs looked stateside for advice NICK BOW EN

he search for an edge, however small, is endless in the AFL. As the pace of the game continues to quicken, clubs are increasingly looking overseas to learn from other sporting codes to help players keep up. If a club wants to increase its players’ explosive power, it seems it should consider an off-season trip to the home of power-based sports, the United States. That’s where North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs headed during pre-season to investigate power and agility training techniques, an area in which the Americans are acknowledged as world leaders. Roos strength and conditioning coach Paul Turk spent three days at UCLA in October, working with the

college’s gridiron coaches. Turk said while Australian Football had far greater endurance demands than gridiron, aspects of the American game’s training could benefit AFL players. “At North Melbourne, we are trying to make every training session game-specific, which means more power running and less longer running,” he said. “At UCLA, we didn’t pick up any amazing new ideas about running, but they did show us specific exercises in the gym that can also build power. “Their program focuses on getting the right strength-power transition; it’s not just about being strong, but being powerful and explosive. “You’ve got to incorporate the overall body movements, make it sport-specific, which often means getting away from the machines in the gym that isolate a few muscles only.” In November, the Bulldogs travelled to Arizona, training at Athletes’ Performance, an elite training centre regularly used by professional baseball, gridiron and basketball players in their off-seasons. The Dogs’ head of physical performance, Bill Davoren, ON YOUR BIKE: Young

Roo Matt Riggio goes through a warm-up routine with a diﬀerence.

BRUCE E VA

accompanied the team. Like the Kangaroos, the Bulldogs came away with new ideas on strength training (including how best to develop younger players) and warm-up exercises. “It was all about exposing our players – and the coaching staff – to new ideas, and then looking to see how we can incorporate them into our training regime here,” Davoren said. “Our big aim was improving our one-percenters throughout the pre-season – how can we improve a whole series of little things that collectively will improve us on the ﬁeld? The trip was just one of those things.”

THE GA ME ABROAD

AFL wild about South African chances MICH A EL LOV ET T

ustralian Football is widening its boundaries and if an ambitious but meticulously planned program in South Africa succeeds, a new and legitimate football frontier could be established. Those charged with developing the game here and abroad are saying it’s not a case of ‘if’ a South African will be playing AFL football, rather ‘when’. “I have no doubt a South African player will be playing in the AFL in the near future,” AFL youth and high performance coordinator Jason McCartney said. “When we (the AFL) ﬁrst opened up in South Africa some time back, it was all about participation but now we are at the stage where we can identify the best young talent and bring them out here.” The AFL and four of its clubs are supporting a program that CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE

NEWS TRACKER

North Melbourne players to help the Heart Foundation promote its healthy living campaign.

14 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 14

1/4/09 4:25:01 PM

A G U I D E T O FA N D O M

A NDR EW WA L L ACE

PASSIONATE PARTISAN As the name suggests, they obsessively want their team to win. They form the hardcore support base of the competition, and become despondent when their team loses. However, they will endure a wet day or long trip to a ground for the chance of success.

AFICIONADO Shows only moderate concern about who wins and loses. Major motivation is watching high skill levels, tactical complexity and athleticism – not necessarily a close result. More likely to attend games at a quality venue, as it enhances the spectacle.

$5.99 9

In football, we love to classify. The modern vernacular sees us label players specifically: inside midfielders, run-with types, defensive forwards. But when it comes to typecasting supporters, we rarely diverge from sweeping generalisations: the fairweathers or the die-hards. Sometimes, reference is made to the mysterious “average fan”, but associate professor Bob Stewart from Victoria University is adamant this does not exist. From extensive research dating back to 1999, Stewart and colleague Aaron Smith have categorised five types of Australian Football fans. Next time you are at a game, study those around you. Stewart contends there are three kinds of parochial supporter (passionate partisan, champ follower and reclusive partisan), and a further two (aficionado and theatregoer) whose reasons for attending are more entertainment-based. You might want to consider where you fit in.

$7.9

ILLUSTRATIONS: GUY SHIELD/THE SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP

The demise of the average fan

RECLUSIVE PARTISAN While opinionated and apparently loyal to their team, this is not always translated into attendance. They may pledge to become passionate partisan again if the game reverts to its old values and skills, or if friends and partners showed more interest.

CHAMP FOLLOWER Their level of loyalty is determined by team success, and allegiance can change according to performance. Alternatively, they will remain hidden until their favourite team starts winning, but quickly become active and vocal when it does.

THEATREGOER Like the aficionado, they seek entertainment and comfort, but usually prefer a significant or themed match, the participation of star performers and a close contest. They follow a specific team but are not passionate. Thus frequent losses by that team will cause them to lose interest, although they still may attend other games.

HAVE YOUR SAY Let us know what you think of these fan categories. Are there any others that might be appropriate? Write to us at aﬂrecordeditor@ slatterymedia.com or AFL Record, Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC, 3008.

PREPARE FOR EVERY GAME.

HEAR IT LIKE YOU’RE IN IT. 3AW is football. Get the complete run-down on Sports Today with Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell from 6pm Monday to Thursday on 3AW 693.

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 15

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 15

1/4/09 4:59:58 PM

thebounce

VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE

I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T

Dogs, Cousins in the news Herald Sun chief football writer Mike Sheahan lauded the slick Bulldogs for their 63-point win over Fremantle. “Now that’s the way to play footy.” Andrew Capel from The Advertiser reported on the Adelaide Crows’ desire to capitalise on their great start against Collingwood. “Neil Craig’s summer-long emphasis on creating an impenetrable zone has paid instant dividends.” In The Age, Andrea Petrie reported on Hawthorn star Lance Franklin’s pledge to remain a Hawk for life. “With his contract up at the end of 2010 and speaking on the same day the AFL granted a licence for the Gold Coast team, Franklin said he would gladly re-sign with Hawthorn this year.” In The West Australian, Craig O’Donoghue wrote about an injury cloud over Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich. “Mystery surrounds the ﬁtness of Pavlich following his inauspicious start to the season ... (His) usual explosive nature was nowhere to be seen.” Foxtel’s On the Couch introduced panelist James Hird and analysed the comments of Collingwood president Eddie McGuire on Tiger coach Terry Wallace, and Richmond president Gary March’s response. Channel Nine’s Footy Classiﬁed debated Ben Cousins’ decision to write for the Herald Sun, while Network Ten’s new program One Week at a Time discussed Carlton’s projected rise with coach Brett Ratten. A NDR EW WA L L ACE

NEWS TRACKER

will fast-track a South African player into the AFL and the early signs are encouraging. Several years ago, the AFL started making inroads into South Africa using the FootyWILD program (based on the successful Auskick system) and this year the AFL, together with West Coast, Fremantle, Carlton and Collingwood, have expanded that program to help identify talented players coming out of FootyWILD. ROAR Talent has been created to further develop talented players in four South African provinces: Gauteng, North West Province, Western Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal. Former Geelong under-19s player Stuart Edge has been appointed by AFL South Africa as talent manager and he will be identifying the best youngsters in South Africa over a four-month period. Part of Edge’s role over the next two months will include high performance testing of 30 players from each of the four provinces. “We want to look at their make-up as athletes and we will be tapping into other sports,” McCartney said. “A lot of these players have backgrounds in cricket, touch rugby and soccer and we are getting good support from those sports because if they stay with football over winter, then they will also remain with their other sports during summer.” When the 24-man AIS-AFL Academy squad heads to South Africa later this month, three South African players will be added to play in games in Johannesburg and Cape Town. “They might come on and play for shorter periods but they will be lining up alongside the best young talent from Australia,” McCartney said. The journey from South Africa to possible AFL player will move a step closer after the South African national championships in September. A four-day camp will be held after the championships and the four most talented players will be selected to attend an AIS camp in December.

WILD ABOUT FOOTY: South Africa

is football’s next frontier.

Those players could potentially be listed by an AFL club under the international scholarship scheme. “It’s big picture stuff at the moment, but the potential to discover some serious talent there is very exciting,” McCartney said.

RULES

Smooth ﬁrst week for rules MICH A EL LOV ET T

he rushed behind rule, which some had been predicting might be the most contentious of the new rules introduced for the home and away season, had a seamless introduction, with no free kicks awarded for a deliberately rushed behind in round one. “Defenders made every effort to keep the ball in play, which was the main purpose of the rule,” AFL director of umpiring Jeff Gieschen said. There were 23 rushed behinds – all legal – in the eight games played last weekend, at an average of about 2.9 a game.

Last year’s average was just over six a game, up from 2007 (5.7) and 2006 (5.1). “All the clubs were well briefed after the rule was trialled in the NAB Cup so we were pleased with how players and the umpires dealt with it,” he said. The rule penalising players who dump or interfere with an opponent after an act of play also proved successful, according to Gieschen. “There were a couple of unwarranted ones paid but, by and large, players adapted well and there were fewer instances of players being pulled down or interfered with,” he said. The new rule awards a 50-metre penalty as well as a free kick to the player who has been interfered. In the opening round, nine free kicks were paid against players who transgressed in six of the eight games. In other assessments from the opening round, there were two instances of umpire contact but no free kicks were paid as they were referred to the AFL match review panel after the game. Sydney’s Adam Goodes was the only player found guilty and he was fined $1950 – a first offence for making negligent contact with an umpire is a $2600 fine. He accepted an early plea, which reduced the sanction by 25 per cent. The umpiring department also backed the decision of rookie field umpire Sam Hay to award a behind to Essendon during the last quarter of the match against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium when Bomber Alwyn Davey thought he had kicked a goal.

There were 23 rushed behinds – all legal – in the eight games played last weekend “The goal umpire was unclear whether Davey’s shot had been touched by a Port defender so he instigated our consultation process,” Gieschen said. “He checked with the ﬁeld umpire (Hay) and the two boundary umpires and none of

Simon Wiggins, Darren Jolly and Justin Koschitzke are the round one nominees for the Hungry Jack’s AFL Mark of the Year.

16 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 16

1/4/09 6:03:52 PM

them knew for certain whether the ball had been touched. “When that occurs, the ﬁeld umpire will make the call to revert to the lower score.” Gieschen said. Hay, who was an emergency umpire, made the correct call. “He’d only just come on to replace Scott Jeffrey who injured his calf so it was his ﬁrst really big decision but he got it right,” Gieschen said. Interestingly when the video was slowed down in freeze-frame, it showed the ball was touched.

TRENDS

Hand over foot C A L LU M T WOMEY MEY

evin Bartlett, rmer the former mond Richmond pion, jokes champion, that his Tigers coach Tom ell him not to Hafey would tell andballing worry about handballing ught it because he thought

was “going to be a fad and won’t take off”. Bartlett, now a commentator and member of the AFL Laws of the Game committee, played 403 matches from 1965-83, an era when kicking dominated. Barlett developed a reputation for rarely handballing – maybe because he was so good around goal. Today, handballs are being executed at frantic levels. In fact, since the start of 2005, the average number

T H E C O M PA R I S O N

Average possessions per team in round one matches from 1999-2009 Year

Kicks

Handballs

TOTAL

1999

189

121

310

2000

203

110

313

2001

199

102

301

2002

185

111

296

2003

197

104

301

2004

188

105

293

2005

193

112

305

2006

213

133

346 346

2007

200

138

338

2008

198

146

344

2009

197

172

369

HANDS OFF:

Shaun Higgins helped the Dogs’ big handball tally last week.

The Western Bulldogs’ statistics highlight the changing nature of handball o of handballs per team per game h has increased by more than 50 p per cent while the number of k kicks has generally remained ssteady, as the chart left indicates. Last weekend, the 16 tteams handballed 18 per ccent more than they did in tthe corresponding round last sseason, edging the game ccloser to a scenario where h handballs could outnumber k kicks across the board. The Western Bulldogs’ sstatistics highlight the changing n nature of football. In their 63-point drubbing o of Fremantle, the Bulldogs a amassed 234 handballs and ‘‘only’ 212 kicks, playing a llightning-quick brand of football tthat saw them post the round’s h highest score – 25.7 (157). Matthew Boyd, Shaun H Higgins, Daniel Cross, Dale M Morris, and Daniel Giansiracusa ccombined for 90 handballs, nine m more than the Bulldogs had as a team in their ﬁrst game of the 2 2001 season. When Bartlett was going to g games as a youngster, “players w would handball in the backline a and people would scream out a and abuse them”. Things have certainly cchanged.

KICK EVERY GOAL.

HEAR IT LIKE YOU’RE IN IT. 3AW is football. Listen to four quarters of all-star commentary with Rex Hunt, Dennis Cometti, Tony Leonard and Shane Healy at 3AW 693.

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 17

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 17

1/4/09 5:00:12 PM

thebounce

VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE

WHAT IF ?

Pondering alternate history * BEN COL LINS

ivals Collingwood and Melbourne meet for the 222nd time this weekend. Melbourne icon Norm Smith enjoyed tremendous success as a player and coach at Melbourne, but how might things have turned out had he joined the enemy?

THE SCENARIO

In 1936, Collingwood won its sixth premiership in 10 years, but with the game’s greatest goalkicker Gordon Coventry in the twilight of his career, the Magpies tried to lure promising young forward Norm Smith from Melbourne. Just 12 months earlier, the Demon had rejected an approach from Essendon after the Dons refused to also take his older brother Len in a package deal. THE REALITY

It’s unknown just how much consideration Smith, then 20, gave to the Collingwood option, but it must have been tempting. He’d worshipped the Magpies as a boy and would have had the chance to play with many of his idols, including his favourite, Albert Collier. Victoria Park was also closer to home and work. It was an offer he probably would have accepted a year or two earlier. Although workingclass Smith had been ostracised by those he considered toffs at Melbourne, he stayed out of loyalty to boyhood buddies Ron Baggott and Richie Emselle, and Ron Barassi snr. Smith ultimately played 210 games and kicked 546 goals for Melbourne from 1935-48, winning four premierships (1939-40-41 and 1948), two best and fairests and four club goalkicking awards and was named full-forward in the club’s Team of the Century. NEWS TRACKER

Renowned Sporting Globe football writer Hec de Lacy regarded him as the greatest forward between the two world wars – better than Coventry and Bob Pratt. Smith coached Fitzroy from 1949-51, Melbourne from 1952-67 for six premierships (1955-56-57, 1959, 1960 and 1964) and South Melbourne from 1969-72. He was named coach of the AFL Team of the Century and has Legend status in the Australian Football Hall of Fame. The medal for the best player in the AFL Grand Final is also named in his honour. WHAT IF?

Collingwood lost three straight Grand Finals after being rejected by Smith, including in 1939 to Melbourne by 53 points (with Smith kicking one goal). An unselfish player who always promoted ‘team’ before individual, it’s fair to assume he would have the made the Pies a more potent team, his addition complementing a talented attack boasting Coventry (for one season only) and young stars Ron Todd and Des Fothergill. A Smith-less Melbourne might still have enjoyed similar levels of glory, particularly in the 1939-41 period when Smith was the focus of its forward line but the club also boasted numerous avenues to goal. Without him, Melbourne might not have upset Essendon in 1948, when Smith was close to best-afield in both the drawn Grand Final and the replay. Away from Melbourne, Smith would not have been exposed to the minds of coach ‘Checker’ Hughes and club great Ivor Warne-Smith, great influences on him. At Collingwood, he would have played under a decent substitute – Jock McHale, who generally vies with Smith for the title of the greatest coach ever, although McHale was not as tactically astute as Hughes. But, there is no certainty Smith would have been given an opportunity to coach the Magpies. McHale was replaced at the end of 1949 by Phonse Kyne, who held the job for 14 years for nine finals campaigns, six Grand

PIE IN THE SKY: Norm Smith went on to become a Melbourne legend but Collingwood tried to lure him to Victoria Park in the 1930s.

Finals and two ﬂags (1953 and 1958). Kyne might have been favoured over Smith, which would have forced Smith to pursue coaching elsewhere. It’s irresistible not to ponder the prospect of Smith coaching Collingwood instead of Melbourne in the 1950s and ’60s. He was more of a thinking coach than Kyne, who often relied upon the ‘bleed-for-Collingwood’ theme. Without Smith at the helm, Melbourne likely would have kept La Fontaine in charge, a potentially precarious position for him, considering he did not have the respect of all the players. Smith did. In fact, many of Smith’s former players rate him as one of the greatest inﬂuences in their lives, not just football, and

even the great Ron Barassi (jnr) doubted the Demons would have won more than three of their six flags without him. Smith’s influence looms large over Melbourne. As Lionel Frost observed in his 2005 book Immortals, Melbourne won 10 premierships in the 30 years Smith was actively involved as a player or coach, but has won just two other flags. No coincidence there. The man was a winner. Ben Collins is the author of The Red Fox: The Biography of Norm Smith.

* One of the great facets of our game is that it allows for plenty of debate about the merits of players and teams and the chance to test crazy, never-to-be-proven theories. Send your alternate history scenarios to benc@slatterymedia.com

Brisbane Lions Luke Power and Jed Adcock supporting Mater Foundation Easter appeal, which aims to raise $1 million for hospitals.

18 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 18

1/4/09 5:40:28 PM

H AV E Y O U PI CK ED YO U R TE AM FOR 20 09? GO TO AFL.COM . AU Untitled-1 1

24/3/09 3:23:51 PM

thebounce

VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE

MEMENTO

A ring to remind them GLENN McFA R L A NE

eff Kennett doesn’t like tattoos. So when the Hawks president was contemplating the possibility during last year’s ﬁnals series that a host of Hawthorn players might feel the need to ink themselves up to mark a premiership, the president immediately set to work on a plan to provide a more ﬁtting reminder. In doing so, he might have started a new Grand Final tradition. Coach Alastair Clarkson and the 22 players who secured Hawthorn’s 10th premiership last September were presented with specially designed premiership rings, paid for by the club. They were not the gaudy ‘bling-rings’ usually associated with American sports culture, particularly the NFL, but a more appropriate 18-carat ring complete with the Hawk emblem and a simple inscription: Premiers 2008. “I was trying to discourage tattoos because I am not a great supporter of them, and I think we managed to do that,” Kennett said. “The ring is a concept that exists in many other parts of the world for successful teams. We wanted to give them something that would be cherished and could be worn proudly.” An initial roadblock stood in Kennett’s path when it was deemed the rings would have to be included as part of the AFL salary cap, but that was soon overcome in the lead-up to the Grand Final against Geelong. “We spoke to the AFL and they said it would be a salary cap issue,” Kennett said. “They went to Geelong and told them that if they wanted to

NEWS TRACKER

do something to commemorate a win for their team, that it would be ﬁne. That way it avoided any salary cap issues.” The ﬁrst thing the players knew about the Grand Final bonus was when staff from Gary Holloway Jewellers came to the premiership celebrations at Glenferrie Oval the day after the Grand Final. All team members and the coach were measured for rings, which they received at the best and fairest function. Kennett would not reveal the value of the rings, but said “they are not inconsiderable, I can assure you”. “We, at Hawthorn, are always looking ahead,” he said “If we were to win another premiership, and one of the boys from last year is playing in it, the question is, ‘Do you strike another ring or do you put something in the eye of the Hawk (emblem)?’ “So if you see a guy with just a gold ring, you will know he has played in one premiership, and if he has got a diamond in the eye of the Hawk, then he has played in two.”

Consider the contrast The Sydney Swans team that played St Kilda at Docklands last week featured players with the ﬁrst names Jude, Amon, Jared, Kieren, Jarrad, Jarred, Lewis and Jesse. When the Swans beat Geelong at Corio Oval in the opening round of the 1909 season, they ﬁelded a team including three Jims and the likes of Bob, Des, Vic, Dick, Bert, Ted and Len.

So did Kennett’s plan to discourage tattoos work? Premiership captain Sam Mitchell, who wears his ring proudly, says it did for the most part. “The rings are a great gesture from the club,” Mitchell said. “I think there are a couple of tattoos around the place, but it is not my place to say who got them.” Glenn McFarlane is a reporter with the Sunday Herald Sun.

What’s on my iPod...

Brent Staker (WCE)

Now Playing

Loves: The Rolling Stones, anything from the 1980s, Timberland, 50 Cent and Notorious B.I.G. On high rotation: A good mixture of Aussie rock, including Midnight Oil, AC/DC, Choirboys, Crowded House and INXS. Pre-game, I’ll listen to: The Rolling Stones’ Start Me Up – it’s a cracker. Won’t listen to: I pretty much like everything except the alternate or arty stuff. It doesn’t get me going.

C O M E B AC K

Short run gets longer BRUCE E VA

t was Richard Hadley’s 26th birthday last Sunday, but the real cause for celebration was three days earlier when the Carlton midfielder made a successful return to the AFL. In just his 21st match since playing in the 2004 Grand Final for the Brisbane Lions, and first since round eight last season, Hadley’s 22 disposals, a goal and a game-high 12 tackles in the season-opener against Richmond was another positive on a night full of them for the Blues. He’s still to double his age in games – this weekend he’s due to play only his 49th, against his former club, at Docklands. The slow pace is courtesy of two full seasons (2005-06) on the sidelines recovering from knee reconstructions while a Lion, and groin problems that restricted him to six games last season, his first as a Blue. Moreover, Hadley’s first three years in the system coincided with Brisbane’s premiership campaigns of 2001-03 and, while he was a member of the 2003 team, his three finals that September took his total games to just four. For the trivia buffs, aside from the two lead acts – Ben Cousins and Chris Judd – he was the only other premiership player on the MCG in the season’s fi rst match. Yet Hadley’s comeback, and importance to Carlton’s running brigade, is anything but trivial. His determination to get back to playing regularly at the highest level is matched only by his tenacity on the field, and he is a vital link between the established (Judd and Nick Stevens) and emerging (Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs) stars. Bruce Eva is the producer for 3AW’s Sports Today program and a commentator for the National Indigenous Radio Service.

Sydney Swan Patrick Veszpremi placed on the long-term injury list after ﬁnger tendon injury.

20 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p07-20 Bounce.indd 20

1/4/09 5:50:34 PM

We’ve kicked a few goals over the years JELD-WEN is the name behind the St Kilda Football Club. And we’re also the name behind iconic brands like Stegbar and Corinthian – leaders in door, window and showerscreen manufacture, supply and installation. Great club, great brands. jeld-wen.com.au

M A J O R PA R T N E R

DISEGNO STE2928

It’s been very easy for me to coach them because if you say it’s black, it’s black to them. If you say it’s white, it’s white to them GUY McKENNA

AR02 p22-23 McKenna.indd 22

1/4/09 4:12:28 PM

the interview

Guy McKenna Former Eagle Guy McKenna is the public face of the Gold Coast Football Club, which this week received AFL Commission approval to oﬃcially become the League’s 17th team. The 39-year-old knows it is a daunting task building a new club from the ground up, but is relishing the challenge and is conﬁdent of succeeding. CALLUM TWOMEY

uy McKenna knew when he took the Gold Coast coaching job that it came with an element of risk. He knew it would be tough. He knew he would have to get back to basics. But he didn’t know it would also involve cooking lunches and washing dishes. “What you think is ahead of you is not quite what it is in reality,” McKenna says, days before his first official game as coach of the fledgling club, an under-18 TAC Cup match this weekend against the Eastern Ranges at Gold Coast Stadium. “It’s certainly been a case of rolling up the sleeves, and rolling them up further than what I thought I might have to. It’s been quite remarkable – having to get down and dirty, cooking lunches for the boys and doing the dishes. But it’s been great,” he says. McKenna is on the Gold Coast primarily in a developmental role, having signed a two-year contract that runs to the end of 2010. Despite urgings from friend and mentor Mick Malthouse that he push for a three-year deal to ensure he would become the club’s first AFL coach, McKenna is confident that by putting in the right work now, the rest will come together – he knows “it’s all about the now”. “In the end, as you do in life,

you’ve got to take chances. What I’m doing is making sure my first two years are that good that the board sees that and gives me a chance to take on the group in 2011,” McKenna says. “It’s like building a house and making sure the foundations are rock solid. If we rush through it and make poor decisions, all of a sudden there are cracks in the foundations, cracks in the walls and soon enough the roof comes tumbling down.” The Gold Coast squad consists of eight contracted players, with the club able to sign another 12 from Queensland or the Northern Territory. There are 33 players training full-time, and another 15 on a part-time basis. McKenna predicts the club will trial about 50 players this season, giving a diverse group the chance to impress and fill the 12 contracted spots up for grabs. He also nominates developing ruckmen Zac Smith and Charlie Dixon as two likely to attract significant attention this season. Smith is 204cm and Dixon 202cm. McKenna’s five years as an assistant to Malthouse at Collingwood, coupled with significant experience as a player at West Coast (267 games from 1988-2000, a twoseason stint as captain and two premierships) has him loaded with experience, knowledge and wisdom, which he’ll need to help develop his players.

“It’s been very easy for me to coach them because if you say it’s black, it’s black to them. If you say it’s white, it’s white to them. They’re a very compliant bunch of boys,” he says. “They’re certainly appreciating their part in history, and it will be history. We’ll look back on this in 20, 30, 40 years’ time if we’re all still alive, and they’ll know they played a part in building Gold Coast Football Club by basically rising out of the sands of the Gold Coast. They’re living that spirit, and certainly enjoying being part of it.”

We’ll look back in 20, 30, 40 years’ time ... and they’ll know they played a big part in building Gold Coast Football Club McKenna seems to be revelling in the job. Respected as a hard but fair player, he appears to be taking the same approach into his coaching. McKenna speaks openly and enthusiastically about the challenges ahead, yet sounds more than ready. “If you’d asked me 20 years ago if I’d be coach of a 17th club potentially, on the Gold Coast, I’d have thought you’d have rocks in your head. But that’s the fascinating and great

thing about football. If you’re prepared to work hard, you can go as far as you like,” he says. With his experience from West Coast (which he describes as a “business-like club”) and Collingwood, with its rich history, McKenna is aiming to build a club culture somewhere in between these two extremes. And he knows the trick. The club submitted its bid for the 17th licence last year, with the AFL confirming last Tuesday that the bid had been accepted, albeit with provisions relating primarily to the stadium slated to become the club’s home ground. McKenna, however, is adamant that if even the club had to wait longer for the go-ahead, it would not have altered his approach. “From day one, it’s been about providing the best environment for the players. Ultimately what we’re delivering to the players is not going to change a great deal,” he said. “It’s all about discipline. It’s not sacrifice,” he says. “I heard someone from the rugby league talk about sacrifice, but it’s not a sacrifice. It’s a choice you want to make. You choose to be the best player and you choose to become the best coach. It’s part of it. “It’s your choice. If you think you’re missing out on something, then go and do it. But you’re not going to have the career you want to have.” AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 23

AR02 p22-23 McKenna.indd 23

1/4/09 4:12:47 PM

Chugg Entertainment, Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and CMC present

After selling over 40,000 tickets on their last tour of Australia, the most awarded duo in American country music history are coming back!

DIERKS BENTLEY

& JASMINE RAE PERTH & BRISBANE ONLY & ADAM HARVEY SYDNEY & MELBOURNE ONLY FRIDAY 1 MAY • BURSWOOD DOME • PERTH MONDAY 4 MAY • ROD LAVER ARENA • MELBOURNE WEDNESDAY 6 MAY • ACER ARENA • SYDNEY FRIDAY 8 MAY • BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE • BRISBANE LD OUT! SATURDAY 9 MAY • BRISBANESOENTERTAINMENT CENTRE • BRISBANE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW BOOK AT COWBOY TOWN available now through Sony Music

FOR STAY AND SEE PACKAGES VISIT www.showbiz.com.au OR CALL 1300 4 SHOWS www.brooks-dunn.com www.chuggentertainment.com

132 849

QSP0108/ABTAFL. Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901.

≥

Ofﬁcial airline of

We would like to wish the teams and players all the best in achieving their goals in the 2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. That’s the spirit. The Spirit of Australia. qantas.com

QSP0108_275x205_ABTAFL.indd 1

23/3/09 10:45:18 AM

Adam

AR02 p58-60 Cooney.indd 58

1/4/09 4:10:55 PM

LIFE ON THE RUN

Adam Cooney hardly had time to think over the pre-season as he juggled a growing family, injury concerns and a burgeoning television career. A NDR EW WA L L ACE

onsidering the off-season is supposed to be a less eventful time in a footballer’s life, it’s been a crazy six months for Bulldog Adam Cooney. The wild ride started with end-of-season festivities on the Monday following the Dogs’ preliminary ﬁnal loss to Geelong, which happened to land on the day of the Brownlow Medal count. Arriving at Melbourne’s Crown in less-than-peak condition, Cooney was astonished to claim the game’s highest individual honour with 24 votes, one clear of Brisbane Lion Simon Black.

While the majority of Palladium room had been behind the charge of Tiger cult figure Matthew Richardson, Cooney cleared his head in time to win over guests – and a national television audience – with a memorable acceptance speech that detailed a Burger Ring proposal to his fiancée Haylea MacCann and an apology to his grandmother for not calling her. The laconic nature and deadpan wit of the star Bulldog earned him a spot on Channel Nine’s Footy Show for the start of season 2009, an experience that gave the 23-year-old a bigger bellyful of butterflies than any packed house at the Docklands. AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 59

AR02 p58-60 Cooney.indd 59

1/4/09 4:11:14 PM

“I didn’t know what to expect or what mood Sam (Newman) was going to be in, but the guys were very supportive out there and I really enjoyed it,” Cooney said, noting that the Bulldogs were also approving of his exploits. “The club is happy to get a bit of exposure, as long as you don’t create too many headlines, like ‘Aker’ (Jason Akermanis) tends to do!” he said laughing. The South Australian’s newfound stardom is not confined to one television network, as he also finds himself front and centre in the AFL’s new ‘In A League Of Its Own’ marketing campaign. In the commercial, as the football pings from a basketball court to a racetrack to a gridiron field, Cooney emerges from a dusty pack to be confronted by a raging bull. Dancing around the beast as he has done to countless opponents, the redhead gives it a cheeky shove on the head before spearing a pass to Geelong champ Gary Ablett. Cooney’s three-anda-half seconds of fame was a result of more than eight hours of filming at Flemington racecourse and Victoria’s You Yangs over two days.

FAC T F I L E

ADAM COONEY Born: September 30, 1995 Recruited from: West Adelaide (SA) Debut: 2004 Height: 186cm Weight: 90kg Games: 113 Goals: 114 Player honours: Brownlow Medal 2008; 2nd best and fairest 2008; All-Australian 2008; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2004

TOP DOG: Adam Cooney is

not expecting increased pressure or expectation after winning the Brownlow Medal last season.

He remains tight-lipped about exactly how the stunt was executed, other than the fact that the bull was indeed real. However, the aftermath of the Brownlow Medal and offfield activities overshadowed Cooney’s struggle to prepare for the 2009 season. A fractured kneecap, which he believes occurred in the club’s qualifying final loss to Hawthorn, limited his output to 15 and 16 possessions respectively in the subsequent semi and preliminary finals. Surgery to clean up the knee in October put the first dent in pre-season training, before a recurrence of osteitis pubis prevented Cooney from participating in early NAB Cup and NAB Challenge matches. “I’ve missed a lot of training,” Cooney said. “I had an achilles problem as well, so there’s been quite a few dramas.” Thankfully, Cooney was declared fit enough for the

Bulldogs’ round one win over Fremantle last week, where he accumulated 20 disposals despite spending only 57 per cent of the game on the ground. He is undergoing a range of therapies including acupuncture and doing pilates in order to overcome the groin problems and rates himself 85-90 per cent fit. “I’m not really where I’d like to be at this stage, but I’m slowly building up my match fitness.” Cooney predicts he will be at full capacity in three to four weeks’ time, until which he will play a limited role rotating off the bench in short bursts. Cooney does not want to make bold statements so early in the piece, but shows the mentality at the Whitten Oval by emphasising that the club was disappointed, rather than satisfied, with last year’s third place finish. “We’ve got a really good team to attack it this year,” he said. According to Cooney, the improvement should come from

the availability of injury-prone key defender Tom Williams – who has played 20 of a possible 94 games since arriving via the 2004 NAB AFL Draft – and the move up the ﬁeld of talented youngster Shaun Higgins. “Brian Lake does a great job down back, but he needs a bit of a chop-out sometimes, while Shaun has already shown he adds an extra dimension to our midﬁeld,” Cooney said. Despite carrying the title of reigning Brownlow medallist, Cooney does not expect to receive any additional attention from opposition run-with players this year, because it’s probably not possible. “I copped a fair bit last year in terms of taggers, so I would have thought it would just be the same,” he said. While believing it shouldn’t be necessary, Cooney has the wisdom of Akermanis, the 2001 Brownlow medallist, to fall back on should he need advice on handling increased pressure or expectations. The Bulldogs will be more than happy if Cooney can match

WATCH BEFORE THE GAME SATURDAY NIGHTS ON TEN

beforethegame.com.au LADDER ANDY MICK SAM DAVE LEHMO STRAUCHANIE

6 5 4 4 4 2

TIPSTERS

MICK Adelaide Richmond Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Essendon Western Bulldogs Port Adelaide

60 b4thgame_RD02.indd AFL RECORD visit aﬂ1record.com.au

AR02 p58-60 Cooney.indd 60

LEHMO Adelaide Geelong Cats Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Essendon Western Bulldogs West Coast Eagles

DAVE St Kilda Geelong Cats Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Essendon Western Bulldogs West Coast Eagles

STRAUCHANIE Adelaide Richmond Melbourne Brisbane Lions Sydney Swans Essendon North Melbourne West Coast Eagles

SAM Adelaide Geelong Cats Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Essendon Western Bulldogs Port Adelaide

ANDY Adelaide Geelong Cats Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Essendon Western Bulldogs Port Adelaide

1/4/09 4:37:23 PM

1/4/09 5:52:09 PM

AFLRecord Advert:Layout 2

19/3/09

09:56

Page 1

KICK OFF THE 2009 SEASON IN STYLE WITH AFL CHIPZ! THE AWESOME COLLECTABLE FROM TOPPS IS BACK AND IT’S NOW EVEN BIGGER.

IN STORES NOW

This season’s collection is action-packed with brand new specials featuring all the top AFL superstars from all 16 AFL clubs. A must-have for AFL fanatics! AFL Chipz is not only a really cool thing to collect, there are mega games to play too! Build up your collection, select your best team and go head-to-head with your mates in exciting showdowns. Don’t miss out! • 192 Chipz to collect • Silver Metallic Star Player Chipz • Cool foil subsets including Leading Goal Kickers and Rookies • Mega Best and Fairest Winner Foil Chipz

AVAILABLE FROM PARTICIPATING OUTLETS AND ALL GOOD NEWSAGENCIES AND HOBBY STORES:

www.chipzafl.com VISIT US ONLINE AT:

®™ THE AFL LOGO AND COMPETING TEAM LOGOS, EMBLEMS AND NAMES ON THIS PRODUCT ARE ALL TRADE MARKS OF AND USED UNDER LICENCE FROM THE OWNER THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BY WHOM ALL © COPYRIGHT AND OTHER RIGHTS OF REPRODUCTION ARE RESERVE

his 2008 output, which saw him the balance between mucking average 25 touches and boot 23 around and being serious, so goals, including ďŹ ve against the thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I can work on.â&#x20AC;? Sydney Swans in round seven. Unlike AFL colleagues such In his sixth season at Whitten as Chris Judd, who captained Oval, Cooney said he has tried to his former club West Coast at follow the lead set by club legend 22, Cooney does not see himself and now Melbourne assistant as a leader, preferring to focus on coach Scott West, who ďŹ nished his own game. his playing career last year after â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not that loud on the ďŹ eld, 324 games. but when a couple of the older â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m my own guys retire, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be player, but you do look to others a gap that needs to be ďŹ lled. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m for inspiration, and Scotty was probably not that comfortable one of those,â&#x20AC;? Cooney said. with it at this stage.â&#x20AC;? An expert on handling rival Cooney is certainly OK with shadows, West taught Cooney a leadership role off the park, the art of playing in the midďŹ eld, happily raising children Ashlea instructing his protĂŠgĂŠ to use (eight) and Jackson (11 months) taggers to his advantage. with Haylea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He played there for so long â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been really good for me,â&#x20AC;? he knew all the ins and outs of he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown up a lot in getting tagged, which is just the last couple of years with something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to get looking after the kids. It gives used to. Scotty said that the you a sense of belonging and I good thing is you can dictate love coming home every day.â&#x20AC;? the terms, and over time it does One of Cooneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite become easier.â&#x20AC;? pastimes is watching episodes While focused on success and of Family Guy with Ashlea, ďŹ ercely competitive, Cooney which gives an insight into his admits that the inner larrikin offbeat sense of humour. Along sometimes get the better of him. with pack-busting breakaways â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty jovial and like to and telling goals, this funny side have a joke now and then,â&#x20AC;? he is something we will be seeing a &2 "RERETON&INAL PDF 0said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I probably need to ďŹ ne tune lot more of in 2009. No bull.

SES, volunteers recognised The Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and the AFL will recognise members of the Victorian State Emergency Service by hosting them at this weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s match at the MCG. Volunteers who gave their time during the recent Victorian bushďŹ res have also been invited. Before the match, representatives from each organisation will be invited onto the arena to be acknowledged. The pre-match party will include Victorian

Premier John Brumby, Bulldogs president David Smorgon and Kangaroos chairman James Brayshaw. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another way we can show our appreciation to our men and women volunteers who have given so much of themselves,â&#x20AC;? said Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Bob Cameron. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Football is a great way to relax and take time out and I thank the AFL for giving our volunteers this well-earned opportunity,â&#x20AC;? he said.

THANK YOU: Kangaroo Adam Simpson and Bulldog Ben Hudson with

members of the Victorian SES and others who helped during the bushďŹ res.

Dermott

Brereton

5 day, 5 night premiership player

One of the toughest players of all time

Veteran of 1116 SENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Award Winning AFL Commentary Team

5 games every week. First at the footy and last to leave. Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home of Footy

ON-LINE SPORT HAS A NEW HOME

.com

62 AFL RECORD visit aďŹ&#x201A;record.com.au

AR02 p58-60 Cooney.indd 62

1/4/09 5:58:38 PM

Introducing the number one pick for 2009

Join in with Origin and score a full-sized Sherrin® footy^ Collectively, footy fans of participating clubs - together with Origin and the AFL - have offset approximately 63,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions since Green for Footy® launched in 2006. And this year, with our energy plan looking better than ever, we expect Green for Footy® will kick even bigger goals for our environment.

1688.Mar09.ALL

Join in and become a leading possession getter with a full-sized Sherrin® footy plus a complimentary^ in-home assessment. We’ll also contribute $27.50 (inc. GST) to help your favourite club offset its greenhouse gas emissions through the Origin Carbon Reduction Scheme™. Go Green for Footy® in 2009. Together we can make a difference.™

Join in. SMS your name to 0427 016 325 or visit originenergy.com.au/footy ^Terms and conditions apply and will be explained to you by an Origin representative. Offer only available to eligible customers in Victoria and South Australia.

Official Partner

Own the elation, action and excitement AFL Photos capture the momentous moments ■ ■ ■ ■

View the latest behind-the-scenes and game day images. Select your images and sizes. Have your AFL photos delivered to your door. Visit aﬂphotos.com.au to order your personalised prints now!

AFL Photos Ad - 275x205 - Rd2.indd 1

1/4/09 5:27:13 PM

skills analysis

GARY ABLETT

Defining Gazza He’s almost universally recognised as the best in the business, but what makes Gary Ablett so good? TOM MINE A R

ho’s the best player in the AFL? It’s a perennial question and one that almost always creates heated debate. Just ask Mike Sheahan, the Herald Sun writer whose task twice a year is to rank the game’s 50 best. Right now, on the back of some masterful performances, it’s pretty easy to mount a case for Geelong’s Gary Ablett. But only a short while ago, this wouldn’t have seemed possible. At the end of a disastrous 2006 for the Cats, Ablett faced his teammates as part of the club’s in-depth review of all operations. Then a 22-year-old mop-haired and flashy young forward, Ablett was brimming with natural talent but struggling for consistency, burdened perhaps by the weight of his name and the expectations that come with it. The review was based on honest feedback. Ablett was shocked to hear teammates tell him he was wasting his talent, that he didn’t train hard enough and that he was coasting. He wasn’t making the most of his talent. A move to the midfield at the start of 2007 has seen Ablett go to another level. He has transformed himself into one of the League’s most damaging midfielders. Last year, he finished second in the best and fairest and third in the Brownlow Medal, averaging 28 touches a game. He was superb in the Grand Final and would have been a worthy Norm Smith medallist. This year, he went close to winning the Michael Tuck Medal as the best player in the NAB Cup Grand Final and was outstanding last week in

Geelong’s win over the Hawks. Here we break down the key aspects of his game.

Strengths “Gary’s greatest strength is that he doesn’t have any noticeable weaknesses,” assistant coach Brenton Sanderson says. Ablett’s coming of age has coincided with shaking his reputation as a one-trick pony. Now, he can do pretty much everything, which makes him such a dangerous player. As a midfielder, his success begins and ends with his instinctive ability to find the ball. Ablett generally starts at right-angles to the ruckmen at stoppages, and tries to position himself close to the drop of the ball – much like the way he gets front and square when hunting for goals. Occasionally, he’ll take possession by swooping quickly through a pack, but he’s particularly strong in contested situations where his brilliant hand-eye coordination allows him to snatch the ball while others scramble. When Ablett has possession, good things happen. Like most great players, he knows how to get teammates involved. Such is his reputation, Ablett attracts a gaggle of defenders and, when he wins the ball in this situation, he’s able to release fellow midfielders with sharp handballs into space that only few others have the vision to spot. If he has more time, Ablett can turn on the jets and break the lines, a trait that clearly impresses. “He’s very good at making the first tackler miss with that core strength through the hips,” Sanderson says, acknowledging Ablett’s tremendous balance.

COMPLETE PACKAGE:

Gary Ablett’s greatest strength is that he doesn’t have any weaknesses, according to Cats assistant coach Brenton Sanderson.

When Ablett has possession, good things happen. Like most great players, he knows how to get teammates involved AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 65

AR02 p64-68 Scouting.indd 65

1/4/09 5:51:36 PM

skills analysis

GARY ABLETT

FREAKISH TALENTS: Gary Ablett’s agility, balance and core strength through his hips make him almost impossible to tackle and he then has the accelaration

to speed away and set his team up with exquisite disposal skills by hand or foot.

Super speed – combined with a rugby player’s nous for dummying and side-stepping – allows him to explode into space. When confronted, Ablett can stop instantly or change direction without losing his momentum. Of course, others also possess this type of agility and athletic ability, but rarely is it combined with exquisite disposal skills. Aside from effective handball skills, Ablett is an excellent kick on both feet. A slightly crouched running style allows him to get his head over the ball and guide passes expertly to teammates, and he has exceptional perception of space, mixing up stinging kicks with ﬂoated lob-like passes that guide forwards into advantageous areas. Complementing Ablett’s excellent vision is his ability to read the game. A genuine threat at stoppages because of his ability to win possession, Ablett can also work over a defender in the forward line. He knows how to create space and make leads, while being able to out-position opponents and gain front spot in marking contests. Ablett is a small player but has ‘good hands’ in overhead marking contests and the strength to hold off his man. Having spent long periods playing mainly as a forward – and having grown up watching

His decision-making under pressure is almost always sound. As Sanderson acknowledges, Ablett is “the cog that makes the team run smoothly dad Gary, a freakish and prolific goalkicker, as closely as anyone – Ablett knows where the goals are and can convert from most positions and circumstances, from difficult set shots to crumbing snaps on the run. Obviously, he’s a dynamic attacking player, but his aggressive instincts are not nullified when the opposition has the ball. Ablett is an excellent tackler – he anticipates where the ball is going, and ferociously attacks his opponents by pinning their arms and using his powerful shoulders to wrestle them to the ground. His tackling wins him plenty of free kicks and, more importantly, often provides inspirational momentum shifts for his team.

Role in the team Ablett is Geelong’s ﬁrst-choice rover. It’s a role in which he excels, not only because of his ball-winning ability, but also because of the way his creativity meshes with Geelong’s frantically aggressive style. Ablett gets to plenty of contests and wins possession, but it’s his work without the ball that is central to Geelong’s success.

Regularly, he takes a risk and runs ahead of the ball carrier, working to provide the next option, receive the ball and execute the final pass to the forward line. His decision-making under pressure is almost always sound. As Sanderson acknowledges, Ablett is “the cog that makes the team run so smoothly”. With the ongoing development of Joel Selwood – and the consistency of Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey, Cameron Ling and Paul Chapman – Geelong’s midfield is flush with ball-winners, which could allow coach Mark Thompson to be more flexible or daring with Ablett this season. Although likely to remain inside the square at most centre bounces, Ablett could spend time on a wing or across half-forward, where he can be more creative with his disposal or finish off the work of other midfielders.

Weaknesses Can Ablett be stopped? He’s been harassed by most taggers in the competition, faced glaring media attention, fought through injury and still managed to perform at a consistently high level.

Numbers man According to Champion Data’s assessment, Ablett took his game to another level last season, becoming one of the most damaging players in the competition. In 22 matches since the start of the 2008 season, Ablett has averaged more than 29 disposals per outing (about 14 kicks and 15 handballs), with an average of about ﬁve clearances and tackles. He is also a favourite of Dream Team players, with more than 96,000 players having him in their round one teams, behind only Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin. Last week, he scored 123 points – 16th highest in the League. Last year, Ablett averaged 111.7 points in 18 home and away matches, second to teammate Jimmy Bartel.

Even as Hawthorn steamrolled to last year’s premiership, Ablett was relentless, collecting 34 possessions and booting two goals. Sanderson says Ablett is the complete package “with no discernable weakness”. But there’s evidence to suggest a taller opponent can exploit Ablett one-out. Also, Ablett often leaves his man, which can open up the game for his opponent.

66 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p64-68 Scouting.indd 66

1/4/09 4:09:55 PM

LX4179-AFLR.pdf

Page

20/3/09,

4:44

Premier Partner of the Collingwood Football Club

THE PERFORMANCE HYBRID THAT OUT- PERFORMED ONCE AGAIN. This is the third consecutive year that the GS 450h has been crowned The Best Luxury Car in Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Car Awards. Over the last 3 years the GS 450h has faced formidable competition, which this year included several luxury diesel models. Its triumph proving that the combined 254kW V6 petrol and electric engine of the GS 450h is the most progressive solution to reduce consumption, emissions and environmental impact. And whilst another accolade in arguably this nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most comprehensive car awards is a splendid result, as with every pursuit Lexus embarks on, we never stand still. We are committed to continually redefine expectations of what has gone before. For more information or to book a Personal Preview, contact 1800 023 009 or visit lexus.com.au

skills analysis

GARY ABLETT

But because opposition coaches and players are usually so concerned with trying to stop him, they rarely aim to set up play through his direct opponent, such is Ablett’s ability to read the play and the Cats’ commitment to team-ﬁrst football that almost always sees players cover for one another. There appears to be no single legal tactic that can be used to curb Ablett’s inﬂuence. Last season, North Melbourne chose to not tackle him and instead tried to corral his run – he responded by claiming 39 possessions, kicking two goals and setting up another four.

Natural talent isn’t uncommon. What puts Ablett in the ‘special’ category is his ability to apply his individual talents to a greater cause Perhaps the best way to go is to harass him as much as possible: scrap, restrain, nudge, push and prod him until he cracks. Ablett has shown in the past he can become frustrated when taggers have bent the rules to keep him out of the game, and he can struggle to work his way back in. As Sanderson points out, it’s not like the Cats run plays speciﬁcally for Ablett. His teammates will stick up for him, but they aren’t necessarily instructed to block or create space just to get him a touch –

IN FULL FLIGHT:

For all his individual brilliance, Ablett epitomises Geelong’s team-ﬁrst approach.

the Geelong midﬁeld works as a team. And what if a team successfully curtails Ablett? Doing it requires so much effort that, in all likelihood, Geelong’s other midﬁelders will end up controlling the game.

Verdict At 24, Ablett is younger than Carlton skipper Chris Judd, and just two years older than Lance Franklin. He has two-plus seasons of midﬁeld experience and is surrounded by a dangerous support cast – some say it’s the best midﬁeld group assembled in the modern era. It appears his best football might still be ahead of him – a delightful thought for most, but a disturbing one for opposition players and coaches.

His speed, goal-sense, agility, aggression and ball-winning instincts are all ﬁrst class. His ability to overwhelm opponents with his endurance running is also noteworthy. But natural talent isn’t uncommon. What puts Ablett in the ‘special’ category is his ability to apply his individual talents to a greater cause. Ablett has fused his natural talent and his determination to improve as an individual into a package that places team success above all else. Importantly, he has the respect of his teammates, and is emerging as a leader. “He’ll come to the coaches and bring up issues, and he’s very good at helping younger players on the list to develop,” Sanderson says. “Gary is deﬁnitely a team man.”

Better than his old man says Cats great The rise and rise of Gary Ablett has started the inevitable comparisons with his famous father, Gary snr. Having shaken the “you will never be as good as your old man” tag, there are some who believe the junior version is a better all-round player. Former Geelong captain Michael Turner, who played alongside Gary snr and mentored Gary jnr as he came through the TAC Cup system, believes the younger model is the more complete package. “I think Gary jnr is a better all-round player,” Turner says. “Gary (snr) was one of the most spectacular players the game has seen and we all remember the great marks and individual highlights. “But young Gary is one of the great team players I have seen at Geelong. He is so creative by hand and foot and he has outstanding defensive skills such as his shepherding, tackling and smothering.” Asked for a rating out of 10, Turner gave Gary snr 9.2 and Gary jnr 9.5. “Gary (jnr) is the best player in the AFL without doubt. If he’d been playing at a club that hadn’t performed as well as Geelong in the past couple of years, he would have won two Brownlow Medals,” Turner says. MICH A EL LOV ET T

visit aﬂ.com.au

NAB AFL Tipping - Win $20,000 The ofﬁcial tipping competition of the AFL The round one winner is Isabella Del Vecchio who tipped eight winners with a margin of seven. The celebrity tipping saw Jason McCartney, Wayne Schwass and Mark Williams all tip seven with the same margin of 63. There are fantastic cash prizes to be won every week – join in the fun now at aﬂ.com.au

68 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au NAB_Tipping_60x179_Rd 2.indd 1

AR02 p64-68 Scouting.indd 68

1/4/09 5:47:05 PM

1/4/09 5:51:19 PM

timeon

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

time on Answer man

NAB AF RISING STL AR

p76

AFL history guru Col Hutchinson answers your queries Leading from the front Which captain or acting captain has kicked the most goals in a senior match? Robert Saunderson, Box Hill, Vic CH: In round 10, 1948,

Geelong’s, Lindsay White became the ﬁrst skipper to boot as many as 11 goals, against Melbourne at Kardinia Park. Twenty-one years later, another Cat captain, Doug Wade, equalled the tally at the same venue, against Footscray to kick his 100th for the 1969 season. In the opening round of 1981 at the MCG, Hawthorn leader Leigh Matthews also LEADING WAYS: Doug Wade booted 11 goals as captain.

notched 11 majors, opposed to Melbourne. Wayne Carey inspired North Melbourne to victory with the same total against the Demons at their home ground in round 17, 1996. Ironically, just a fortnight later, Hawthorn captain Jason Dunstall established a record by kicking 14 goals from 16 scoring shots to frustrate the Bulldogs at Waverley Park. Brad Johnson is the only current player to participate in that encounter.

WRITE TO ANSWER MAN The Slattery Media Group 140 Harbour Esplanade Docklands, 3008 or email michaell@slatterymedia.com

P L AY E R I N F O R M AT I O N S E A R C H

Are you, or do you know, a descendant of former player Jim Watson? As a full-back, Watson played 91 games for Carlton from 1921 until 1929, and a further six for

Fitzroy in the latter part of 1929, after being recruited from Carlton District. His full name was James Hamish Watson and he married in NSW during the 1930s. One of his sons predeceased him in 1951.

Jim died in Victoria on December 28, 1978. Should you have any information regarding Watson, including his date of birth, contact Col Hutchinson on (03) 9643 1929 or col.hutchinson@aﬂ.com.au.

NAME GAME

The House of Stewart The name Stewart is sometimes said to be derived from “sty-ward”, a keeper of pigsties. But there is no authority for this, so Port Adelaide’s Paul Stewart can rest easy. Stewart is an occupational name for an administrative oﬃcial and is made up of the Old English words stig (house) and weard (guardian). It would seem to be an ideal name for defenders such as Stewart. The good news for the Stewarts is that the marriage of Walter, the High Steward of Scotland, to Marjorie, daughter of Robert the Bruce, in 1315 began the royal house of Stuart (a French spelling). So Stewart/Stuart could signify a royal connection. However, since every bishop, earl and manor also had a steward, the surname is no proof of royal descent. K E VA N C A R ROL L

Because we love

a good sport

At Holiday Inn, we love a good sport which is why we’re proud to be the Official Hotel Group of the AFL. So whether you’re home or away, on holidays or catching up with mates for the game, stay where your heroes stay and enjoy comfortable rooms, warm surroundings and really friendly service. Relax. It’s Holiday Inn.

To book online visit holidayinn.com.au/afl or call 1300 666 704.

The Official Hotel Group Of The AFL

70 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p70 TimeOn_Ask Col.indd 70

1/4/09 4:08:55 PM

“‰” an and “PLA PLA PL PLAY L LAY A AYSTAT YSTA ST S STAT TAT TAT TA ATION” ION ON” O ON N”” are N arrre a e reg re re eg giste iste is stte ered re red ed tra ed trad trad ad demar ema em e mar m ma arks a rks ks of S So on nyy Comp ompu ompu puter ter Ente te Ente erta rtai ta aiinmen nme nme nm nmen m men ent In nc. c. is s a re regis giistered gis gist ered ere re ed d tra ttrra adema de dem ema em marrk ma mark k of So Sony ny C Corpo orpo orpo orp p ra rrat rati attiion. ati a on n n. Bu Buzz B uzz uzz uz zz!™ !™ !™: ™:: Brai Brra B Bra ra rai aiin o off O Ozz ©200 ©20 ©20 200 0 9 So S Sony ony ny Compu om o omp mpu mp puter te ter err En Ent Ent Ente nte t rtai rta rta tai ain nm nme n me me en nt Eu E rop rop rope ro op ope pe e. Pu Publis blis lliished hed he ed by by Sony onyy Comp on Comp Co Com o om mp pute uter ut uter terr Ent En E nterta nt erta er ert rta ainme inm nme nm nme ment nt E Europ urop urop uro ope op e.. Devel eve ev veloped vel op o ope oped ped pe ped d by by Rel Rele Re R elle e ele lentle ntle ntl ttllle ess ss Softw oftw of oft ftw ft tware arre ar e Lt Ltd. L Ltd td. Buz td. td Bu Bu z! z! and nd the he Buzz uzz! uz uzz! zzz!! log zz lo lo og go a arre ttrrad ad dem de emarks em arks ark ks of of Sony Son So Son ony ny Com Co om mpute pu ute tte er En Ente ter ttert errttainm er ert tainm ainm inm nment ent en nt Euro Euro Eu urro u rope pe. All pe. Allll righ A righ rig iig ghtss reser es ese sse e ved er ved ved. ed. e d SPS2 SP SPS SP PS2 S2030/ S2 030 030 03 30/AFL 30/ AFL AF FL

More Mo ore re Buz uzz ffu un av ava aiila lab blle on on PS S2 2 an nd d PS SP P. Bu B uzz zz! b bu uzzzzer errss rre equ quiirre ed d fo orr plla ay o on n PS3 / PS S2 2.

PM 3:58 4/3/09, 1 Page SPS2030_AFL.pdf

Frrus F Frus ustrat trat tr atiio on, n, con once cent ntrra attiio on n, ce cele ele eb brratio atiio at on n.. Chall ha h allen llllen eng ge e fa am miilly, y, fri rie en nds ds and nd allll of Au Aust Aust strra alilia wiith w th th ho ous usa an nds ds of q qu uiizz qu ue essttio ion ns s on Au Aust strali ralian ra lilia an n cu ullltu ttu ure re an nd d sp po ort. rrtt. Ju Jum Jump mp p ont nto tth he he Plla P ay yStat Sta St attio ion®Ne Netw Netw two orrk rk ffo or ‘sso offa vs vs sof ofa a’’ o onl nlliin n ne ac acti tion on, to to dow own nllloa oa o ad ne ad new qu quiizzzze es on on an a ny ssu ubj bjec ect, ctt,, eve ven tr tra ac ck yyo ou urr na attiona io ona nal ra rank ank nkin nkin ng tth hro roug roug ugh th the new ne n ew onli onliline on ne leade eader ea de d er bo boar ard d.. You can Yo ca c an a allso so cre rea atte a an nd ssh har are yyo ou urr ow wn n qu uiiizz zze zz es s via ia MyyB Bu uzzzz..™

Get yo Ge your ur Bu uz zz! zz! z! fac ace on on an nd d ta ak ke on on the he na atttio iio on w wiith ith th Bu uz zz z!! Bra ra ain in of O in Oz z.

timeon

COLLECTABLES WITH RICK MILNE

Things go better… A weekly look at collectables, memorabilia and all footy things stored in boxes and garages. I have two special commemorative Brownlow Medal bottles of Coca-Cola which I souvenired from the table each time St Kilda’s Robert Harvey won his medals in 1997 and 1998. I was lucky enough to be at the counts and thought these bottles of Coke would be good souvenirs. Value? JIM, via email RM: These sell well and would

be worth up to $350. Plenty of those who attended the count opened the bottles and drank the contents.

RM: It most certainly would. Port Adelaide items are by far the most collectable of any SANFL club – and always have been. If you would like to give me details of the collection, and the asking price, I could advise. My grandfather played in Richmond’s 1920 and 1921 premiership sides. We still have the membership cards and wonder whether they have any great value. ANNE, via email RM: Plenty! Considering the

We have bought quite a few Bulldog collector items at charity auctions over the years and I was wondering whether they have any value? DENISE, via email RM: Football fans usually pay over the odds at charity auctions as the money paid generally is regarded as a donation. I’m afraid you are unlikely to make a proﬁt on the items you bought. I have been a collector of Port Adelaide merchandise since the Power joined the AFL in 1997. I also have been oﬀered a Port Adelaide Magpies collection from the 1920s to the ’80s. Would this be worth considering? T. WILSON, Thebarton, SA

RICK’S RARITY

Not every football collectable is a work of art, as this sew-on St Kilda patch proves. These unusual patches were produced for all 12 then-VFL clubs in the 1970s and although I have seen dozens of duﬄe coats adorned with club patches, I have never seen one from this series sewn on any of them. It seems fans had good taste after all. Still, they are rare and are worth $100 each.

Tigers joined the VFL in 1908 and won consecutive premierships a little over a decade later, this was a mighty effort. The 1920 card would be worth at least $1000 and I value the 1921 version at $750. DON’T DRINK:

These Coca-Cola bottles are worth up to $350 each.

CONTACT RICK MILNE mrpp@iprimus.com.au or drop him a line: 5 Cooraminta St, Brunswick, Vic, 3056 or call (03) 9387 4131. One query per reader.

72 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p72 TimeOn_RickMilne.indd 72

1/4/09 4:08:15 PM

CARD ZONE AUS TR ALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TR AD I N G CAR D SH O P

2009 SELECT AFL CHAMPIONS CARDS

Stunning design. Great box value! 09 Champions Factory Box ( 36) $105

MAIL ORDER: send to CARD ZONE, 262-266 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051 (Opposite Vic Market) OPEN: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 10am-12pm PH: (03) 9326 9588 FAX: (03) 9326 7511 EMAIL: stevewang@cardzone.com.au WEB SITE: www.cardzone.com.au

2. Gold Foil Printed Signature (64): 1: 6 Pks

3. AFL Stars Gem Cards (32): 1: 18 Pks 2 cards per team. From $12-$20 each

***Value Package: RRP $19.95

09 AFL Champions Base Set (195) $35

SUBSET 1. Holofoil Jersey Die cut (195): 1 Per Pack Full Set (195) $230

12 Foil Jersey Die cut cards/ team. Hawthorn, Essendon, Collingwood, Geelong, Carlton, Richmond $22/set W. Bulldogs, N. Melb $18 Other Teams: $15/set

CardZone_AD_fullpage.indd 1

4. Superstar Mascot Gem (16): 1: 36 pks

Gold Foil Print Signature Cards/Team Sets:

4 cards per team: Haw, Coll, Ess, Geel, Carl, Rich $36 W. Bulldogs, N. Melb $32 Other Teams: $26

09 AFL Champions Album $19.95

L ED IM IT ITE IO D N

SG1: Brett Burton (Adel) $12 SG2: Scott Thompson (Adel) $12 SG3: Jared Brennan (B. Lions) $12 SG4: Simon Black (B. Lions) $12 SG5: Brendan Fevola (Carl) $20 SG6: Nick Stevens (Carl) $15 SG7: Paul Medhurst (Coll) $20 SG8: Scott Pendlebury (Coll) $20 SG9: David Hille (Ess) $15 SG10: Brent Stanton (Ess) $15 SG11: Rhys Palmer (Frem) $12 SG12: Luke McPharlin (Frem) $12 SG13: Paul Chapman (Geel) $15 SG14: Joel Selwood (Geel) $15 SG15: Luke Hodge (Haw) $15 SG16: Sam Mitchell (Haw) $15 SG17: Drew Petrie (N. Melb) $12 SG18: Aaron Edwards (N. Melb) $12 SG19: Brad Miller (Melb) $12 SG20: Brad Green (Melb) $12 SG21: Brett Ebert (P. Adel) $12 SG22: Daniel Motlop (P. Adel) $12 SG23: Nathan Foley (Rich) $15 SG24: Trent Cotchin (Rich) $15 SG25: Brendon Goddard (St K) $12 SG26: Lenny Hayes (St K) $12 SG27: Nick Malceski (Syd) $12 SG28: Brett Kirk (Syd) $12 SG29: Matthew Priddis (WCE) $12 SG30: David Wirrpanda (WCE) $12 SG31: Jason Akermanis (Bulldogs) $15 SG32: Daniel Giansiracusa (Bulldogs) $15

MG1: Jason Porplyzia $25 MG2: Daniel Bradshaw $25 MG3: Chris Judd $45 MG4: Travis Cloke $40 MG5: Scott Lucas $35 MG6: Matthew Pavlich $25 MG7: Gary Ablett $45 MG8: Lance Franklin $45 MG9: Brent Harvey $30 MG10: Russell Robertson $25 MG11: Shaun Burgoyne $25 MG12: Matthew Richardson $40 MG13: Nick Dal Santo $25 MG14: Adam Goodes $25 MG15: Daniel Kerr $25 MG16: Adam Cooney $25

5. Draft Rookie Cards (16): 1: 36 Packs

DR1: Jack Watts (Melb) $40 DR2: Nick Naitanui (WCE) $40 DR3: Stephen Hill (Frem) $40 DR4: Hamish Hartlett (P. Adel) $30 DR5: Michael Hurley (Ess) $35 DR6: Chris Yarran (Carl) $35 DR7: Daniel Rich (B. Lions) $30 DR8: Tyrone Vickery (Rich) $30 DR9: Jack Ziebell (N. Melb) $30 DR10: Phil Davis (Adel) $25 DR11: Steele Sidebottom (Coll) $30 DR12: Lewis Johnson (Syd) $25 DR13: Tom Lynch (St K) $25 DR14: Ayce Cordy (W. Bulldogs) $25 DR15: Mitch Brown (Geel) $25 DR16: Ryan Schoenmakers (Haw) $30

6. Double Trouble (6)1: 108 Packs DT1: Simon Black/Jonathan Brown $45 DT2: Judd/Fevola $55 DT3: Thomas/Davis $55 DT4: Franklin/Roughead $55 DT5: Ablett/Bartel $55 DT6: Koschitzke/Riewoldt $45

31/3/09 4:27:15 PM

timeon

TESTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AC R O S S 1

Dual Norm Smith Medal winner (6)

5 9 10 11 12 13

Kicked 150 goals in a season (3, 5)

DOWN 2 3

Matt, a premiership Blue from WA (5)

Wally was a star back pocket for Footscray (6)

5 6 7 8

Michael, brawny Eagle (5)

Played when scores are level in a ﬁnal, except the Grand Final (5, 4)

2001 Norm Smith medallist (4) ‘Scratcher’ (5) Former Bomber champion James .... (4) Former Hawk and Docker (3, 5) Total of 82 points, with ...... goals and 16 behinds (6)

14 Given name of record-breaking

‘The Kid’ from Hawthorn (8) Coached the Bulldogs (5) Term of contract often given to coaches (5, 4)

Blue from Port Adelaide (5)

16 Nickname of former-Tiger, now Cat (4) 18 Russell .... , dual Essendon premiership player (4)

20 Coached Swans to 1996 Grand Final (4) 21 Former Fitzroy half-forward .... Abrahams (4)

22 Leaping Leo ..... (5) 24 Type of boots; a version is used for skating (6)

26 Closer to goal (8) 28 Diminutive of AFL boss’ given name (4) 29 Played in 2002, 2003 grand ﬁnals against old club (5)

30 Former Hawk Chris shares surname

15 This twin retired from the Pies in 2008 (4, 5)

Former Demon David Schwarz was known as ... Ox (3)

18 Brother Craig played in 1996 and 1999 North ﬂag sides (4, 5)

19 Big, tough former Hawk skipper (3, 5) 23 Terry, a former Collingwood skipper (6) 25 Super-soppers are used to ... .. damp patches (3, 2)

26 Geelong rookie wears 37, Jarrod ..... (5) 27 Former Tiger forward Michael Roach’s nickname (5)

with former Demon Andrew (4)

31 Another term for deliver (8) 32 ‘The Big Fish’ (6)

He said what? Who is the owner of this quote?

We didn’t mean to take our foot oﬀ the gas. Sydney lifted and I think our boys were pretty buggered

1. Chris Judd 2. Farren Ray 3. Luke Hodge 4. Brett Kirk

Scrambled footballer Bounciness

Cryptic footballers 1. Tiger recruit? Not really. 2. First crossroad at Hawthorn. 3. In maths disaster,

0 for Magpie. 4. First great rover

for Fremantle. 5. Bet he plays for the Cats! 6. Western Bulldogs captain? No. 7. Power’s measure at Arden

These four footballers are spying on an arch rival's closed training session, but have gone undercover. Can you work out who’s who?

Street. 8. Bomber has nothing on

abstainer. 9. Blue has big return

on basic skills. 10. Lion right between

(Richmond)

(Collingwood) My surname suggests I play for another side. 3.

woman and man.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

I’m a Tiger in a new role.

SCRAMBLED FOOTBALLER: Ben Cousins CRYPTIC FOOTBALLERS: Newman, Croad, Thomas, Grover, Gamble, Skipper, Watt, Lovett, Gibbs, Sherman

I’m an angry Bulldog.

GUYS IN DISGUISE: 1. Dane Swan, 2. Chris Newman, 3. Darren Glass, 4. Daniel Cross

When the Eagles lose, I’m shattered.

(Western Bulldogs) BIG MOUTH: Farren Ray (St Kilda)

(West Coast)

74 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p74 TimeOn_Crosswords.indd 74

1/4/09 4:16:27 PM

MLK0931_AFL

What you’re up against if you don’t take public transport. Public transport is the easiest way to get to AFL matches. Visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au and use the Journey Planner to plan your trip to the footy. You’ll face less opposition and reach your goal with ease.

MLK0931_AFL HS 275 x 205.indd 1

30/3/09 10:50:07 AM

timeon

ANSWERMAN NAB AFL RISING WITH STAR COL HUTCHINSON

Striking it rich Talented midﬁelder Daniel Rich is riding a wave of euphoria in his ﬁrst season with the Brisbane Lions. A NDR EW WA L L ACE

magine being widely touted as a top-three selection in the NAB AFL Draft, with two of the contending clubs based in your home state. Then imagine, at just 18, missing out and being forced to move from the western-most capital of the continent to the eastern-most. More than 3600 kilometres away. For Daniel Rich, it’s a perfect start. Overlooked by West Coast and Fremantle despite dominating the binocular lenses of recruiters at last year’s NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, the West Australian surprisingly slipped to No. 7 at the draft table, where he was seized by a hungry pride of Brisbane Lions. “The guys picked ahead of me are obviously very good players and really deserved it,” Rich said. “To be honest, it doesn’t matter to me – I achieved my goal of being drafted and couldn’t be happier to be in Brisbane.” An avid surfer, Rich has lapped up the lifestyle in southeast Queensland, regularly making the trip to Snapper Rocks and Duranbah Beach on the Gold Coast to take up his favourite non-football pursuit. “The waves here are deﬁnitely better than Perth, where the local breaks weren’t the best,” he said. “And the water is a lot warmer, so it’s been great.” The strong bodied left-footer is thankful to Lions staff, such as player welfare manager Craig

FOCUSED:

Daniel Rich is relishing life in Queensland and as a Brisbane Lion.

NAB AFL Rising Star nominees Round 1 Daniel Rich (BL) HIGH FIVE

‘Vossy’ just said to soak it up and make the most of it – you only have one ﬁrst game so get out there and enjoy it Lambert, and teammates in helping him settle into his new home, as well as the sacriﬁce made by girlfriend Justine, who moved across from WA after Christmas.

With his off-field life in order, Rich shone in his much anticipated debut against West Coast last week, racking up 21 possessions and earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination through his damaging disposal and ball-winning ability. As a midfielder, Rich has benefited from the tutelage of new coach Michael Voss, who gave the youngster simple yet sound advice before running out to face the Eagles at the Gabba.

Nickname is Bamm Bamm, the adopted son of Barney and Betty Rubble from The Flintstones. Sporting hero is Australian Surﬁng Hall of Fame member Taj Burrow. Lives with girlfriend Justine, who works in the Brisbane Lions marketing department. Would like to improve his work-rate around the ground, along with every other area of his game. Has already played in back-to-back senior premierships with Subiaco in the WAFL.

“‘Vossy’ just said to soak it up and make the most of it – you only have one ﬁrst game, so just get out there and enjoy it.” Despite his early success and recognition, Rich immediately switched his focus to this weekend’s game against Carlton at Docklands. With such talent, professionalism and adaptability, it is clear why he is the early favourite to take home this year’s Rising Star Award.

Each week throughout the home and away season, a panel of judges will select the nominee for the 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star. At the completion of the season, one outstanding player will be chosen as the 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star winner. He will receive an investment folio, a dedicated personal banker, a financial planner and the Ron Evans Medal, all courtesy of the NAB. The NAB Rising Star award is the final stage of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.

76 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p76 TimeOn_Rising Star.indd 76

1/4/09 5:52:33 PM

NAR2264_275x205.pdf

Page

27/3/09,

3:21

timeon

TALKING POINT

Cult of fast Eddie There has been no shortage of cult heroes to excite the Carlton faithful. HOWA R D KOT TON

or those who think the only Eddie in town is the Collingwood president, think again. When the Carlton supporters chant “Eddie, Eddie”, they are continuing a tradition of idolising their stars to the point of turning them into cult figures. These days it is Eddie Betts who excites the Carlton faithful. Youngster Matthew Kreuzer also has his fair share of fans who chant “Kreuuuzer” whenever he does something special, but Betts has the silky moves, particularly around goal, to bring the Blues brethren consistently to their feet. In the season-opener against Richmond at the MCG last week, the speedy rover enhanced his status as a fan favourite with a five-goal display, his excitement palpable as he showed his delight by sharing high-fives with teammates. Although it seems as if he enjoys his interaction with the crowd, waving and acknowledging as they celebrate his slick skills around goal, Betts says he does not hear the fans’ chants on the field. He has become aware of it only after watching replays of games. “It’s great that the Carlton fans show their support for me,” the talented small man said. “But I’m not the only player who attracts the attention. “They also become excited when Matthew Kreuzer and ‘Fev’ (Brendan Fevola) get the ball and do something special.” After last week’s sizzling effort against the Tigers, pencil in Mitch Robinson and Jeff Garlett as two others likely to cause a commotion among Carlton fans. Turning players into cult figures is not an exclusive Carlton domain. Each fan base has a select number of players who are idolised and given instant recognition with a chant.

FAN FAVOURITE:

Eddie Betts is the latest Blues star to set the pulses racing.

Some other cult heroes Brett Burton (Adel) Jared Brennan (Bris Lions) Leon Davis (Coll) Alwyn Davey (Ess) > Aaron Sandilands (Frem) Cameron Ling (Geel) Stuart Dew (Haw) Austin Wonaeamirri (Melb) Matt Campbell (NM) Daniel Motlop (Port) Matthew Richardson (Rich) Stephen Milne (StK) Brett Kirk (Syd Swans) David Wirrpanda (WCE) > Robert Murphy (W Bull)

Betts has the silky moves, particularly around goal, to bring the Blues brethren consistently to their feet Two who readily come to mind are Sydney coach Paul Roos in his playing days with Fitzroy and the Swans (“Rooooos”) and a slight variation on this from Demons fans with former Melbourne star Adem Yze (“Oooooze”). Hawthorn fans greet Stuart Dew with a hearty and elongated (“Deeew”). But the Blues seem to make a habit of it, and the Betts chant has reminded long-time supporters of Carlton cult ﬁgures of the not-too-distant past: Anthony Koutouﬁdes (“Kouta, Kouta”), his former teammate and now-business partner Ang

Christou and dual premiership defender Val Perovic. The chant of “woof” started with Perovic on the old hill at Princes Park in the early 1980s (before the construction of the John Elliott Stand) after he joined Carlton from St Kilda, and continued when Christou took up the baton in the early 1990s. In both cases, fans were paying respect to their ability to kick the ball a long, long way. Christou said the chant ﬁrst started during a match against the Brisbane Bears at Princes Park in 1993. He thought the supporters were expressing themselves in a derogatory manner towards him, but felt better when the historical signiﬁcance was explained to him. Business commitments and

a three-year stint living in Greece have prevented Christou seeing as much football as he would have liked in the past few seasons, but he had noticed particularly in the past year that the noise around a stadium rises when Betts gains possession. His advice for the young Blue? “Just keep getting the ball. Put it this way, the more you hear it, that means he’s getting more of the ball,” he said. Perovic, the subject of the original “woof”, has also noticed Betts’ cult-ﬁgure status among the Blues faithful. “It’s just fantastic,” said the former defender, who is now based in Ballarat in Victoria’s west and working in the building industry. “It’s great for him and for the club. It can only be a positive thing. I hope he takes it on board and embraces it,” he said.

78 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

AR02 p78 TalkingPoint_Column.indd 78

1/4/09 4:58:42 PM

TY6055-AFL.pdf

Page

Aurion V6: In a league of its own

10/3/09,

3:15

The rules of the Big 6 game have been re-written. Now it's a game of power and efficiency, performance and control. The Toyota Aurion V6. The most fuel efficient big Aussie 6 at 9.9L/100km,* while also pumping out 200 kW. An aerodynamic body thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s F1 inspired. Plus, Driver Assist Technologies including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Active Braking with intelligence, all standard. No wonder the Toyota Aurion changed the game. *ADR81/02

combined cycle. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

oh what a feeling!