Cats looking beyond 2013: Scott

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Geelong coach Chris Scott has defended the club's decision to sign two 28-year-old players. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has not compromised its long-term future by re-loading with experienced pair Hamish McIntosh and Jared Rivers for a shot at next year's flag.

While many see the recruitment of the two 28-year-olds plus the introduction of Gold Coast midfielder Josh Caddy as a sign the Cats are positioning for another premiership run, coach Chris Scott says it's not a short-term fix.

"We were keen to look at things that would help improve us in the short-term without compromising the long term at all which is what these three things do," he said.

"Caddy is a top-10 pick from two years ago so he's still years away from his best footy but he's going to help short-term and long-term.

"The other two I think help our best team but they also help our depth as well and the ability to transition young players into our team without depending on them completely.

"The only way bringing in old players comprises you long term is if you give up too much for them and we have given up very little. The other thing is if you pay them too much and we're certainly not doing that either."

The Cats gave up theirs second round pick (No.36) to the Kangaroos for McIntosh while Rivers came as an unrestricted free agent from Melbourne on a two-year deal.

Scott said he understood there was an element of risk in the Cats' trade strategy.

"Hamish at his best is a very good player, we know he comes as a 28-year-old who hasn't played much footy in the last couple of years and he's got a significant injury history so there are risks associated with that and if it doesn't work, we are prepared, we can accept the worst case scenario there," he said.

"It's a little bit the same with Jared Rivers, he comes as a free-agent who basically takes up the last spot on our list if you want to look at it that way.

"He is a pretty well credentialed player but he and Hamish understand that we also have got some pretty good players that play in the same position as them."

Importantly, Geelong has retained its first-round pick, No.15, but will have only one other live pick in next month's national draft given the Cats already committed to upgrading rookie Jessie Stringer.

After a shock exit to Fremantle in the first week of the finals this year, Scott is confident that despite the loss of club great Matthew Scarlett the Cats will be a contender again.

"We know it's going to be difficult for us and history suggests that we shouldn't be one of the premiership favourites next year but that's an outsiders point of view," he said.

"We don't think that the players we brought in are the answer. We think they are going to help a little bit but more we think it satisfies multiple objectives."

Rivers described as "ridiculous" any suggestion that he came to Simonds Stadium as Scarlett's replacement.

"To be compared to, or to try and play a similar role, to Matthew Scarlett is just ridiculous," he said.

"He's going to go down as one of the best full-backs of all time. I'm just grateful for the opportunity Geelong has given me.

"It was a massive decision (to leave Melbourne). The last two years have definitely been more challenging mentally than physically.

"I can't wait to have some success at Geelong as I still think they are a real chance of winning a premiership."


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Cooney's cutting-edge treatment

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Western Bulldogs are hoping Adam Cooney can return to his best with the help of radical surgery in Germany. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

BROWNLOW Medallist Adam Cooney is set to undertake cutting-edge treatment in Germany on the troublesome cracked patella that has jeopardised his career.

Cooney will fly out to the club's European training camp on Sunday, October 28,  to visit a specialist in Dusseldorf.

The Dogs are highly encouraged by the progress Cooney made with his knee this year and his form in the last weeks of the season.

The treatment is worth several thousand dollars but will not involve surgery and has the club hoping it might further allow Cooney to train and play to his undoubted potential.

He will join the Dogs after his three-day treatment process at their London base, as they train there before their exhibition game against Port Adelaide.

Cooney is not attending Munich's Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, the controversial specialist who injects calf blood into patients.

He has helped Geelong's Max Rooke and Richmond's Mark Coughlan and Dylan Grimes with their soft-tissue problems.

The 27-year-old has battled for years with the effects of the cracked patella, which limits his ability to train regularly.

"The treatment has been used by elite athletes around the world in basketball and gridiron and other sports, so we have explored it," football manager James Fantasia said.

"Adam is very keen to have a go at it. He has got himself into this particular treatment and we go over to London on Tuesday so he will leave two days early and join the group over there."

Meanwhile, the Dogs are hopeful of satisfying West Coast's demands after 21-year-old midfielder Koby Stevens nominated them as his club of choice.

The former Gippsland Power inside midfielder chosen the Dogs ahead of Essendon and St Kilda, and while he has real potential despite an injury-plagued start to his career Brendan McCartney's side has the whip hand.

They hope to satisfy West Coast with a second or third round pick for Stevens, but have the fourth selection in the pre-season draft should West Coast play hard ball on a trade.

It is a boon for the Dogs to be chosen ahead of more highly-fancied Victorian rivals, and with five picks inside 50 they should be able to satisfy West Coast.

His decision, revealed by superfooty.com.au yesterday, comes after he managed only 11 games in his three seasons at West Coast because of their midfield depth and his injuries.


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REPLAY: AFL trades chat

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Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett could join Sydney as early as today. Picture: Tait Schmaal Source: The Advertiser

COULD today be the day Adelaide and Sydney broker a deal for key forward Kurt Tippett?

Tippett's defection from the Crows has dominated the AFL's marathon trade period which is now well into its third week.

But a deal could be struck as early as today which would see the once homesick Crow head to Sydney in exchange for Jesse White, 24.

Don't miss: Live chat with Herald Sun footy expert Jay Clark from 1pm, below

White will today meet with Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson and the Crows medical team at West Lakes.

Swans boss Andrew Ireland said talks with the Crows were progressing well.

"We think it's getting closer and I hope to have some news by the end of the week," he said.


More news: Department of Trades

Tippett walked out on the Crows last month under the guise of returning to his home state of Queensland.

But the 200cm forward shelved his homesickness when the reigning premiers bobbed up with a lucrative $1m a year offer.

Adelaide and Sydney must reach agreement on a trade for Tippett by next Friday's deadline. If not, he will fall into the pre-season draft where he will move away from the Crows without compensation.

REPLAY LIVE HQ AFL TRADES CHAT FEAT. HERALD SUN FOOTY WRITER JAY CLARK BELOW: 


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Rivers set to join Cats

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Melbourne defender Jared Rivers is bound for Geelong. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has recruited Jared Rivers and Hamish McIntosh in a one-two trade punch.

The out-of-contract Melbourne defender and the Cats today struck a deal that will see Rivers move down the highway in 2013.

The Cats have also confirmed they have signed Kangaroos big man McIntosh on a three-year deal.

Rivers' management and Geelong are meeting now to formalise a two-year contract, ending an anxious fortnight for the 27-year-old.

Rivers was an unrestricted free agent and was allowed to move to the club of his choice.

That club has long been Geelong, who made it clear they wanted a ready replacement for recently retired full-back Matthew Scarlett.

The Cats' recruitment of Gold Coast youngster Josh Caddy and their ongoing pursuit of North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh had delayed the Rivers deal.


The league-wide uncertainty over compensation picks also muddied the waters.

Every deal at Department of Trades

The Demons will receive AFL compensation tomorrow for losing free agents Rivers and Brent Moloney, although the compo will be off-set by their acquisition of former Cat Shannon Byrnes.

McIntosh is contracted to North and the clubs will have to work out a trade deal.

Rivers is a good friend of Geelong defender Andrew Mackie - a former schoolmate in South Australia - and knows several players at Simonds Stadium.

Port Adelaide also expressed an interest in Rivers after losing Troy Chaplin to Richmond.


2012 Trade and Free Agency period

MELBOURNE

IN: Chris Dawes (Collingwood), Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), Jack Viney (father-son pick), Jesse Hogan (via 17yo mini-draft), Dom Barry
OUT: Jared Rivers (Geelong), Brent Moloney (Brisbane)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Scott Gumbleton, Cam Pederson
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Jordan Gysberts, Cale Morton
DRAFT PICKS: 4, 58, 64, 82, 100, 118

GEELONG

IN: Josh Caddy (Gold Coast), Jared Rivers (Melbourne)
OUT: Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Hamish McIntosh
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Mitch Brown, Tom Gillies
DRAFT PICKS: 15, 36, 55, 73, 91, 109

Join the live trades chat from 2.30pm


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SuperCoach 2013 - Have your say

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Injuries to star players including Hawk Lance Franklin caused big headaches for SuperCoaches in 2012. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL has settled on its new rules for 2013 - here's your chance to have a say on possible changes to SuperCoach for next season.

The AFL's Laws of the Game committee spent months compiling recommendations for changes to the rules, most of which were accepted by the league yesterday.

Meanwhile, planning is underway to make next year's SuperCoach competition the biggest and best ever.

Fans often feel left out of the AFL's decision-making process - but here is your chance to have a say in potential changes to Australia's biggest fantasy sports game.

One innovation likely for 2013 is a new and improved version of SuperCoach Pro - a new game that you can play for free alongside your traditional SuperCoach side.

Already hugely popular in major leagues such as the NFL and NBA, the draft-style game is focussed on head-to-head competition with your mates including on a league draft in which each player can be selected only once - if you take Gary Ablett with your first draft pick, none of your mates can select him.

The draft-style game would include a host of other innovations including mid-year trade deals with other players in your league.

In the main game, the boffins at SuperCoach HQ are closely examining the number of trades each team will have next season.

Many coaches were caught short during the three-week bye period in 2012, which is set to be repeated in the 2013 fixture, while injuries to key players forced many to use up their trades far earlier than they would have liked.

Another growing frustration for SuperCoaches is the large number of late team changes.

Forcing clubs to tell the truth seems a long shot, so options to ease the stress for SuperCoaches include an extra emergency on the bench to cover for late withdrawals, and a rolling lockout all weekend for every round of the season.

A partial rolling lockout is already in place for rounds featuring Thursday matches, and extending it would allow coaches to change their side up to the bounce of every match across the weekend - with players who have already taken the field progressively off-limits.

Tell us what changes you would like to see by voting in the polls and leaving a comment below.
 


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Dawes to keep Watts in defence

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Jack Watts is likely to spend more time in defence next season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Chris Dawes has been traded from Collingwood to Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

NEW Melbourne signing Chris Dawes will play as a second tall target option to Mitch Clark.

Coach Mark Neeld said the pair had been recruited specifically as the cornerstones of the Demons' forward set-up.

And there could be more tall forwards to come as Neeld said the Demons would continue to talk with possible trade targets Scott Gumbleton and Cameron Pederson, but would be unlikely to recruit both.

He said the arrival of Dawes - picked up in a trade deal with Collingwood that cost the Demons picks 20 and 45 in the draft - was likely to see Jack Watts spending more time in defence.

"It's terrific for Mitch Clark (recruited from Brisbane last season) and the rest of the team to have a second big body down there,'' Neeld said today.


"Dawesy has been brought in to play as a key forward. He won't be doing the 'key forward who goes into the ruck' role with us. We think he's really suited to play as a key forward.''

Neeld said the young Demons will benefit from the premiership experience of Dawes and Geelong forward Shannon Byrnes.

"We talk about the long-term aspect that Chris brings to the club. He's 24 and he also brings a lot of experience coming out of a good culture, the way the Pies go about it, the way they play and the way they train,'' he said.

"He has also managed to play in the last five finals series. Include the drawn Grand Final, he has played in three Grand Finals and cracked it for a flag. We're certainly not underestimated what that brings to our group.

"And we've added Shannon Byrnes as well. Between them, there's a lot of experience at great clubs and the knowledge they can pass on to our boys of what it's like to play at the pointy end.''

Department of Trades

Neeld and assistant coach Leigh Brown, both key members of Collingwood's 2010 premiership, had a chat at Dawes' home recently to convince him that his future was with Melbourne.

"We've got a fair handle on the type of person he is and what he brings to our club,'' the coach said.

"I would describe Dawesy as a really solid citizen. He's very serious about his footy, he's very intelligent, he's studying law off the field. He's an aggressive trainer and plays an aggressive brand of footy. All the things that he wants.

"We did all those medical checks that you need to do (on Dawes' knee). He's already running, so he's over that. He has done the little bit of rehab that you need to do.''

Neeld said the inclusion of Dawes and Clark's recovery from an ankle injury will allow them to continue to develop Watts as part of the backline set-up.

And he's confident the Demons have the midfield to get quick and clean delivery to the big forwards.

"Mitch wasn't playing and we had half our backline playing in the forward line for various reasons,'' Neeld said.

"For the boys in the midfield, like (Jack) Grimes and (Jack) Trengove and (Nathan) Jones, to look up and see two big targets, that's the way we want to play.''


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Eddie's EPO fear at bench change

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The substitute will remain, but there will be a cap on the number of interchange rotations next season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Eddie McGuire has warned a change could lead to drug use. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

EDDIE McGuire has sensationally declared a cap on interchange rotations could drive AFL players towards taking performance-enhancing drugs.

The Collingwood president today declared the mooted cap of 80 rotations per match could result in players doping to be able to run out games, such is the emphasis on endurance athletes now.

The AFL baulked at announcing its second change to the interchange system in three years after introducing the 3-1 substitute rule in 2011, with the commission deciding against the mooted change.

Clubs were hopeful that if the league insisted on change it would opt for a 3-2 policy, expanding the bench to five but including two substitutes.


AFL on world record pace for rule changes

"They're driving players into taking EPO," McGuire said on Triple M.

"It's going to drive professional sports people into the ground by making the game deliberately so they are exhausted.

"All I'm saying is that we're now driving players to a situation where they will be looking to get their endurance up.

"I'm not saying it's going to be widespread, I hope it's not.

"There's only so many times you can train… what they are trying to do is make the players tired."

EPO boosts endurance by enabling blood to carry more oxygen to muscles.


League set to cap rotations at 80

The infamous drug has been at the centre of the Lance Armstrong drug scandal and has long marred cycling.

The AFL Players' Association has resisted another change to the bench rules and has won its wish for at least one more season.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou ignored McGuire's comments, saying: "I'm not sure what Eddie's talking about there."

Former coach Terry Wallace praised the theory, telling the Herald Sun: "I think that's better than two interchange and two subs.

"It's the best of both worlds."

Under the AFL's drugs code any players which test positive to performance-enhancing drugs would face lengthy bans.
 


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Roos poised to keep Hansen

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Kangaroos forward Lachlan Hansen is expected to re-sign at the Roos. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne football manager Donald McDonald expects key forward Lachie Hansen to re-sign with the club.

But ruckman Hamish McIntosh looks destined for a move as negotiations with Geelong enter their final stages.

"Lachie's keen to stay which is great… It's just a case of finalising the negotiations and hopefully we will be in a position to announce something shortly," McDonald told the Kangaroos website.

"Negotiations are continuing (McIntosh) and we are meeting them (today)… these things take time, but something could happen sooner rather than later on this."


Live chat: Ask our experts what will happen at the trade table


McDonald confirmed McIntosh's departure could open the door for Majak Daw to make his senior debut after three years on the rookie list.

But he would not rule out going after Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey despite the 21-year-old requesting a trade to St Kilda.

McDonald said small forward Matthew Campbell has requested a trade while there has been a "little bit" of interest for fringe player Cruize Garlett who plans on leaving Arden St to return home to Western Australia.

Meanwhile, the futures of forwards Ben McKinley, Aaron Edwards and Ben Warren hang in the balance with the club shelving their contracts until after the trade period.

"A lot of deals are being held up until the compensation picks are announced on Friday," McDonald said.


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LIVE: AFL trades chat

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Collingwood's Chris Dawes wants a move to Melbourne. Source: Herald Sun

CAN Melbourne broker a deal to lure Chris Dawes from Collingwood? And where will free agent Clinton Young sign? Chat live with our experts from 11am.

THERE are two weeks of trade period left.

Names in the ilk of Kurt Tippett, Chris Dawes, Hamish McIntosh, Mitch Brown x2, Cam Pederson and Jamie Cripps are all eager to find new homes.

Today, Greater Western Sydney sealed the important signature of ruckman Jon Giles, with the big man penning a three-year deal.

Unwanted Port Adelaide midfielder David Rodan has reportedly met with several clubs about landing a third chance, with the explosive jet confident he has more to offer.

Who does your club want to deal for and delist? Join our live AFL trades chat below as all 18 clubs look to enhance their lists ahead of the 2013 campaign.


AFL KEY DATES AHEAD:

October 19, 5pm - End of free agency period
October 26, 2pm - End of Trade Period
October 31, 2pm - List Lodgement One
November 1 - Commencement to delisted free agency period
November 13, 2pm - End to delisted free agency period

November 22 - AFL Draft, Gold Coast Convention Centre
December 11, 11am - AFL Pre-Season Draft.
December 11, 11.10am - AFL Rookie Draft.


JOIN OUR LIVE CHAT FROM 11am BELOW



AFL DRAFT ORDER - ROUNDS 1 AND 2

1. Greater Western Sydney
2. Greater Western Sydney
3. Greater Western Sydney
4. Melbourne (GWS compensation - Tom Scully)
5. Western Bulldogs
6. Western Bulldogs (GWS compensation - Callan Ward)
7. Port Adelaide
8. Brisbane Lions
9. Richmond
10. Essendon (father-son selection committed to Joe Daniher)
11. Carlton
12. Greater Western Sydney
13. Greater Western Sydney
14. North Melbourne
15. Geelong
16. Fremantle
17. Collingwood
18. Collingwood
19. Adelaide
20. Melbourne (GWS compensation - via Adelaide - Phil Davis)
21. Western Bulldogs
22. Sydney Swans
23. Brisbane Lions (GC compensation - Michael Rischitelli)
24. St Kilda
25. Gold Coast
26. Melbourne (father-son selection committed to Jack Viney)
27. Hawthorn
28. Port Adelaide
29. Richmond (GC compensation - via Port Adelaide - Nathan Krakouer)
30. Brisbane Lions
31. Richmond
32. Essendon
33. Carlton
34. St Kilda
35. North Melbourne
36. Geelong
37. Fremantle
38. West Coast
39. Collingwood
40. Adelaide
41. Western Bulldogs
42. Sydney Swans
 


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Suns zone in on Cameron

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Clay Cameron will join the Suns through their zone drafting ability, just like Alex Sexton (pictured) did. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GOLD Coast has tapped into its zone recruiting allowances to snare a key position talent capable of performing at both ends of the ground.

The Suns today signed Clay Cameron, a highly-rated athlete which the baby club has already invested considerable time into developing.

Cameron, who won a rising star nomination playing for NEAFL club Mt Gravatt in 2011, battled osteitis pubis in 2010 - delaying his start in the big time.


Live chat: Ask our experts what will happen at the trade table

"Clay looks a real player, we have been thrilled with the way he has developed, and his football has continued to impress us," Suns list manager Scott Clayton said.

"He is quick and agile and can play at both ends of the ground. Clay is strong overhead, with and outstanding natural leap and clean hands."

The 191cm product was a prominent track and field athlete as a teenager but athletics and rugby union, which his father played, to pursue a career in footy.

"I can't wait to join start my AFL career, and what makes it even sweeter is being able to do it in Queensland," Cameron said.

The Suns have also signed 17-year-old Jack Martin, the hottest bottom-age draft prospect in the country, this off-season, but have lost Josh Caddy to Geelong.

Gold Coast could also offload ruckman Tom Hickey and powerful defender Josh Toy this trade period.

Hickey wants to move to St Kilda to be closer to his girlfriend, while Essendon-raised Toy has a one-year offer on the table from the Suns but has met with three Melbourne clubs.
 


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Using greatness to create leaders

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The 2007 Geelong premiership team, which includes assistant coaches Brenton Sanderson, Ken Hinkley and Brendan McCartney, who are all now senior coaches. Senior coach Mark Thompson is now an assistant coach at Essendon. Source: adelaidenow

GEELONG chief executive Brian Cook has lifted the lid on the strategies that helped make the lieutenants from Sleepy Hollow among the most prominent coach candidates in the land.

South Australia is the chief beneficiary of the 2007 Cats premiership with the next winning Showdown coach being either Brenton Sanderson or Ken Hinkley.

A third assistant, Brendan McCartney, is now the senior coach of the Western Bulldogs.

Cook (below), who is widely regarded as the architect that turned the Cats from handbag carriers to slick hand-gun assassins, said the first piece of the puzzle was to secure someone who knew greatness. They appointed Mark "Bomber" Thompson as senior coach.

Other former Geelong players in Adelaide include Garry "Buddha" Hocking, a Port assistant and one of the best players to have worn the Cats guernsey, and premiership backman Darren Milburn, who now looks after the Crows' backline.

The qualities that made Sanderson an instant success, McCartney a surprise first-time appointment at his ripe age (50), and Hinkley the choice of Port Adelaide, were among a string of beliefs fostered at the Cats for the past decade:

LEAVE the club after your playing days. You need a break. If you come back, you'll be better then.

LOOK for ways to coach your own club, even if it is in a competition considered inferior to the AFL or the state leagues.

TALENT is important, but character is essential. How to manage people and how to lead is what makes a coach.

SENIOR coaches play a significant role in taking his assistants to the next level. In Geelong's case, it was both the man they brought in for his part of greatness and the one who developed the aforementioned trio: Mark "Bomber" Thompson.

Cook took over as Geelong chief executive in 1999, was instrumental in tandem with president Frank Costa in clearing the club's debt and oversaw an extensive review of the club's program in 2006.

Thompson was unimpressed at the time, but warmed when it became clear he was still the required coach - and on the brink of greatness.

Cook saw Port's move to hire Hinkley as a similar one to what they had done at Geelong with the signing of Thompson for the 2000 season.

"Sometimes, you just need to bring in people who have experienced greatness," Cook told The Advertiser. "And when I first came to Geelong, that person was Mark Thompson.

"He had been a successful captain at Essendon and was the first person we brought in.

"He played a large role in developing those guys (as well as winning flags).

"He comes across as understated, but he's very driven and a key teacher, really important in his assistants' development.

"But it was also the characteristics of those people (McCartney, Sanderson and Hinkley)."

Cook and his team looked favourably on those who had left Geelong and returned, be it to coach their own club in the bush or the suburbs or work under another regime.

Not only did it make them more rounded, it also gave them a minute to find perspective.

"Most of the time, they need a rest from the club," Cook said. "They've been here for a long time.

"And if they come back, they come back better for it."

Billy Brownless, an outstanding forward for Geelong who is now prominent in the media, was also quick to credit Thompson.

Brownless noticed a subtle change in Bomber's coaching at Geelong, and in a measured way, he allowed his assistants to grow.

"Later in his career, when he was pretty confident in what he was doing, he gave them a lot of responsibility," Brownless said. "But it was great group. Almost all had coached locally, learnt a lot under Bomber and just about all backmen.

"(McCartney) `Macca' was always a good teacher, you could see that (he would be a coach).

"Sando was a good thinker. Ken? I didn't pick him. He was a loose type of defender. His best game was some of the best you'd ever seen but then you didn't see him for a week."

Brownless is the favourite son, the prankster whose football career sometimes gets lost because of his media presence.

Cook gives his view of the 2007 assistants and adds Darren Milburn, who didn't serve an apprenticeship in local ranks but did follow Sanderson in moving to another club.

On Hinkley:

"He's creative and empathetic, but he can be ruthless."

Sanderson:

"He coached like he played, at 100 per cent."

Milburn:

"Dasher is one who engages the team, perfect in a one-on-one situation."

McCartney:

"He's what I call a meat-and-three-veg coach: He does the simple and basic things really well."


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Mick missing half of his midfield

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New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse, right, with club president Stephen Kernahan. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse will be missing half of his elite midfield group when Carlton players reassemble for the new coach's first pre-season workout later this month.

Prolific possession-winner Marc Murphy and No.1 ruckman Matthew Kreuzer won't be allowed to rejoin full training until after Christmas, following corrective surgery.

The pair, part of the Blues' first-choice on-ball unit with Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo, were among the high-profile victims of Carlton's shocking injury toll this season that ultimately cost Brett Ratten the senior coaching job.

Murphy needed an operation on the fractured left shoulder that forced him out for six matches mid-season. He also had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to allow him to work at full pace in 2013.

Kreuzer bravely toiled for 20 games, despite further damage to the left knee that required reconstruction surgery in the second half of the 2010 season.

Blues football operations manager Andrew McKay said a specialist decided not to insert the standard metal plate into Murphy's shoulder blade to avoid possible nerve complications.

"He had a fracture rather than a displacement," McKay said.

"So they left it and made sure he didn't move it for a long time, and it healed normally because they were concerned if they plated it, it might impinge on the nerve. Now there's a bit of fibrous tissue that's formed and they went in and got rid of that.

"We've just got to manage the knee until Christmas and I imagine he'll be able to train by about December."

Kreuzer will be on a restricted program when Malthouse officially starts working with the players at Visy Park on Melbourne Cup eve.

"He had a partial meniscus (cartilage) tear," McKay said.

"He played with it the whole year and he's had that tidied up."

Defender Andrew McInnes, recovering from a knee reconstruction, began work on a stationary bike last week and will steadily build to a May return.

McKay said Carlton was far better placed to start pre-season training than last year, particularly with several operations, including ruckman-forward Shaun Hampson (knee) and backman Lachie Henderson (hip), late in the season to ensure they're ready to go on November 5.

"We had 20 odd surgeries at the end of last season and a lot of those guys didn't get back into full training until Christmas or after Christmas. But that's not the case this year," he said.


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