A mighty Saint with a heart of class

Adored by his St Kilda fans and acknowledged by supporters throughtout the competition as one tough cookie, Lenny Hayes relaxes at Torch cafe in Richmond. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Hayes played all of the last season with a heart condition. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LENNY Hayes has a game face and a life face. The game face is intense and focused.

And if we can wax lyrical, sometimes you'd swear you can see the determination bursting out of his red, white and black jumper.

The life face is much different. Hayes is a smiler.

Sometimes it's a sheepish smile, when he has to listen to accolades poured on him, but mostly it's a fun, happy smile, a smile of a bloke content in life.

This day, Hayes was smiling aplenty.

He had just come from the Epworth Hospital, where his surgeon had given him the second tick of approval since open heart surgery in early September.

The football world was shocked, and initially fearful, when it was announced Hayes had had heart surgery.

It was to correct a leaking heart valve which was discovered after Christmas when the club put their players through fitness and health checks.

Hayes described it as a simple heart procedure, but a 24cm worm-like scar from the top of the chest plate to below the sternum suggests this wasn't simple keyhole surgery.

"It's about 11 weeks since the surgery, so we just had to tick some stuff off," Hayes said of his visit.

"It's going well and we're off to Colorado next week. Just had to get the all clear."

It was the second consultation since the surgery.

Incredibly, Hayes played with the condition all year. In fact, he played with it all of his career.

Combine it with his return from a second knee reconstruction and Hayes winning the St Kilda best and fairest ... well, this is Lenny Hayes.

Is there a more respected and admired footballer in the competition than "Lenny"?

In a way, he is the new Matthew Richardson.

He's tough, fearless, inspiring and respected and the heart scare only adds to the legend. Typically, Hayes played it down.

"Yeah, it's been beaten up a fair bit," he said. "It's why I wanted to talk about it.

"The club said we could get everyone down at the club and do a press conference, but I would rather just be honest about it, get it out there, and hopefully I don't have to answer questions about it again. I understand everyone's interest, but it was the same with my knee, I get sick of answering the same questions.

"The fact is, they reckon I've probably had it my whole life. But any time you hear anything about the heart, you think, s---, but I had no symptoms.

"But because of where it was in my heart, we had to have the more serious side of the surgery. It's a fairly common thing; all it was was a hole in the heart, and they closed it up.

"Blood didn't circulate like it's meant to - which means one side of the heart had to do more work, which gets a little bit enlarged.

"I found out pre-season, when I had extra tests done, and they said I would have to get something done at the end of the year.

"I asked if it could wait another year, thinking I might have one year left, but they said we'd feel better if we get it done now."

The initial fears were swapped for relief, and then comedy.

That his heart was too big for his body, that it needed a reduction, that it pumped too hard, etc etc.

Of course, they were compliments.

Always, there's a price to pay to play the game and most often it's injuries. For Hayes, it's injuries and fame.

He admits, sheepishly again, he struggles with all the hero-worship.

"I've always liked letting my footy do the talking. At the end of the day, we're good at football. It's not like we do anything life changing. I don't know, I've always seen football as just a game and a passion of mine."

Still, his teammates love him, the media bluster about him, women want to be with him, and men want to play footy like him.

I don't think I've done too much differently than what I've done these past 10 years, and I don't know whether it's the fact you get over 30 that it comes. It's like any job, the longer you are in a position the more people get to know you, and to be successful you have to do it over a long period of time.

The public's response to his heart issues was at times overwhelming.

I'm appreciative of all the support I've had. I get non-St Kilda fans wishing me all the best, and that means a lot. You don't expect it. It's a little embarrassing.

"I don't like talking about myself, I don't think anybody does, but, yeah, the footy community is good like that. If you see a guy get a big injury, the footy community gets around people."

Part of the love is Hayes's normalcy. He's not a big-head and he's not flamboyant, and he plays footy hard and socialises hard enough.

It's another Richo trait.

"That's fair," he said. "I consider myself professional but a big part of playing team sport is enjoying each other's company and that's something I enjoy as much as the next bloke. I love having a beer with the teammates. As you said, do the hard work and then you enjoy it together. It's a big reason why I play team sport.

It's changed a lot and it's different perhaps because I'm older and married, but there's still times when you need to have a couple of beers. Maybe that's just me."

Pressed to remember any time of his career when he was criticised, he says: "Oh yeah, I've copped some over the fence at times. From the media ... yeah, I've been put under the pump. Every player has.

"After playing bad finals early days, and when I first got drafted I was questioned over my pace, which was fair enough, and then when I did my knee - Is he going to be right? - so there's always things out there."

Hayes first did a knee in 2006 and the second in 2011.

He had the regular surgery procedure for both.

The second created a few self-doubts, mainly about whether he could come back and be the same Lenny Hayes aged 32.

"I suppose 2011 was a bit different because I had been through it before, so I knew what to expect. I had the conventional surgery and if there's blessing to doing one, it's doing it early in the year so you can come back and have a full pre-season and get into it.

"And of course I had doubts. You never know what will happen and you need a little bit of luck coming back from injuries as well, and I was able to do a lot of training. Still, I went into the season a little underdone. I played a half in the NAB, I got knocked out against Collingwood in the first two minutes in the practice game, and then we went to Perth and played three quarters.

"So I felt a little underdone and then I played s---house against Port in Round 1."

His form after that was more consistent than his team's. The Saints won 12 games and lost 10, and could never string more than two wins together.

Hayes admitted to believing at times that a premiership was not beyond the team.

"When you get older all you need is a sniff, even just to play finals. OK, I didn't think we were ever in the best position to win a flag, but I think every team in the eight were a chance on their day."

Post-season centred on the heart operation, and then three weeks in America with his wife Tara, mainly to attend the wedding of teammate Nick Riewoldt in Waco, Texas.

Up to 15 teammates and former coaches Grant Thomas and Ross Lyon were there, and in small-time Waco the local sports bar called Crickets took a hiding, simply because it was the only drinking establishment..

"Yeah, it was a great weekend," Hayes said. "The boys had the footy trip in Cancun (Mexico), which I was shattered about because I couldn't go on, but, yeah, it was good to spend a couple of weeks over there."

Hayes is as excited about next year as any other year.

He says the club is arresting its youth shortage and, in coach Scott Watters' first season, it had seen an injection of new talent.

"And we will pick up another four or five at the draft," he said.

On a tailored program, Hayes arrived at the first day of pre-season training and naturally became the story.

"The way he presented himself after the operation he's been through, in terrific condition, on a modified program, but really looking forward to going to Colorado," Watters said.

He's a terrific story for a million reasons. He's an outstanding guy."

Starting his 15th season, you suppose the next question is: Will it be his last?

He's 32, turning 33 in January, but age does not seem to weary him.

"I'm not going to stick around if the club wants to play more young guys or we're no chance to play finals," he said.

You have to earn your ride. No one deserves a game for what they've done in the past. If the coach sees a role for an experienced midfielder, maybe playing a different role, and not inside, inside, inside all the time, then it might be all right.

With a smile, he said: "I always thought I could play forward."

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Buddy not going anywhere

Buddy will stay a Hawk, his manager says. Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin will resist the lucrative offers of rival AFL suitors by committing long-term to Hawthorn, according to his manager Liam Pickering.

Pickering insisted yesterday that Franklin, who comes out of contract at the end of next season, wanted to stay with the Hawks well beyond 2013.

"We'll get it done with Hawthorn, don't even worry about that,'' Pickering said on SEN yesterday.

"There is no need to be test the free agency market with Lance Franklin. Let's be honest, every club would want Buddy Franklin.

"But he will stay with Hawthorn. It will all be sorted.''

The Brian Lake trade has handed the Dogs the next Sam Mitchell

When asked if he believed Franklin wanted to remain a one-club player - as the champion forward has long suggested - Pickering said: "I would assume so, yeah.''

Fremantle ruled itself out of chasing Franklin this week, baulking at a massive offer that would be needed to tempt the one-time WA kid.

Hawthorn has stated one of its priorities before the start of next season is to secure Franklin on a new long-term deal to ensure it is not a distraction.

Hawks chief executive Stuart Fox confirmed this after the Grand Final loss to Sydney.

"Once everyone has a break, we will get back into it and we will have a good look at it (Franklin's contract),'' Fox said in late September.

SuperFooty Draft Tracker: See who your club snared

Asked whether he wanted to have it done before Hawthorn's first game next year, he said: ``Absolutely.''

Fox said the club would follow the same policy as this year in trying to limit distractions by getting as many contracts completed before the season.

"(President) Andrew (Newbold) and I will use that same philosophy,'' he said. "We will try and just focus on our footy.''

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Seven things you see at the draft

EVERY AFL national draft is different, yet some things will never change. As certain as death and taxes, here is the list of things to expect.

1. The certainty of the No.1 draft pick

REMEMBER the last time there was genuine suspense about who will go pick No.1? Me neither. These days, the mystery of who will have their name read out first is solved sometimes months out. The inclusion of the Suns and Giants the past two years has made it even worse given they have also owned the picks No.2 and No.3. But despite this, the No.1 to be - which tomorrow night will be Lachie Whitfield - will still sit stony-faced in the front row surrounded by his parents and claim to be "nervous" in the minutes beforehand despite knowing exactly where he is going.

Surprise, surprise - No.1 draft pick David Swallow and Guy McKenna in 2010. Source: Herald Sun

2. The player/players who don't want to go

ALL players who enter the draft say the same thing - they don't care where they get picked, they just want to play AFL football. That sounds great on paper, but it is much scarier when it hits you square in the face. Take 1998 No.1 draft pick Des Headland, for example. Headland was desperately hoping to go pick No.2 - as Fremantle had the selection and he wanted to stay in his native Western Australia. But the Lions wanted him. Headland put on a brave face as his name was read out, but it was written all over his face. Headland is not alone - every year there is at the very least one youngster shattered that he is about to pack up and move to Adelaide/Perth/Brisbane etc. Sometimes the parents take it harder than the player himself.

Des Headland meets Lions coach Leigh Matthews on draft day in 1998. Source: Herald Sun

3. The Sheeds declaration

NOT to be outshone by the recruiting managers, the great Kevin Sheedy has a tendency to interject himself into the draft. Not shy to make big calls, don't be surprised if Sheeds stays true to form and declares one of his new GWS recruits will be the next James Hird or Matthew Lloyd.

Then Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy with pick No.2 Scott Gumbleton in 2006. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

4. The obscure smokie

JOURNALISTS and news organisations spend countless hours preparing player profiles for draft night. But you can be sure there will be at least one player taken at the back end of the draft where almost everyone turns to the person next to them and says: "Who?" Ah yes - everyone loves a good draft smokey. The best ones are players from a very small town who play maybe one reserves game that year in the middle of nowhere to fulfil the minimal draft requirement before vanishing until there name is read out on draft night.

Any self-respecting recruiting boss, such as Scott Clayton, loves a good draft smokey. Source: Herald Sun

5. The awkward set-up shots with the first three picks

Each year, the top three draft picks are required to pose together with the cameras at the conclusion of the draft. This makes for some awkward set-up pictures, as you can see below in 2005 with fresh-faced teens Marc Murphy, Dale Thomas and Xavier Ellis. The players tend to tire of the long photo shoot after about five minutes. Two years ago, Suns' No.2 draft pick Harley Bennell walked off after only a few clicks of the camera because he had had enough. When you look at some of the set-up pictures from years gone by, few can blame him.

Fresh-faces - Marc Murphy, Dale Thomas and Xavier Ellis after the 2005 AFL National Draft. Source: Herald Sun

6. Your club will be thrilled with the result

Relax, you can go to bed after the draft knowing your club aced it. How do you know? Because they will tell you so. It is the one night of the year where club recruiting manager becomes a rock stars and laps up the attention. Fans are hungry for reaction and clubs are happy to oblige. You are almost 100 per cent certain to hear this line at least three times: "Very happy to get John Smith at pick No.28 - we rated him much higher than that." Often these don't work out as history says. One example, but there are many more, is Tasmanian big forward Billy Morrison - taken by Collingwood at pick No.17 in the 2003 draft. Then recruiting chief Noel Judkins said at the time: "He's a big, strong boy - he's got a great work ethic, uses his body in contests, has huge hands. We rated him in the top 12." Big Billy never played a game and was delisted two years later. Never in the history of the draft has a club publicly claimed to be anything but thrilled with the players they pick on the night. Just once, it would be refreshing to hear something along these lines: "Yeah, not the best result. We were really hoping for John Smith at pick No.12, but he got snapped up at Pick No.10. Our bloke is not too much chop, but fingers crossed because you never know. He might come on. But for now, not happy with how it unfolded."

Stephen Silvagni, back when he was working out at Collingwood, does some work with Billy Morrison in 2005. Source: Herald Sun

7. Supporter outrage/euphoria immediately concluding the draft

As well as club reaction, the immediate supporter reaction is even more predictable. Despite the vast majority of supporters having little knowledge of the players in question, everyone suddenly becomes a draft expert on draft night. A quick check of Facebook and/or Twitter or footy bulletin boards following the draft and you will see posts like this: "Yes! Joe Blobbs at 4 and John Citizen at 18!!! We killed it!" Or you might see a few posts like this: "What the hell?! We overlooked Joe Blobbs at 3?! Idiots! Can't believe how bad we stuffed up again." It takes many years to determine the success of draft selections, but many supporters on draft night declare it then and there.

Fans are at their passionate best on draft day. Source: Herald Sun

Do you agree and did we miss any? Comment below!

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We must win flag by 2015: Suns

Gold Coast Suns chairman John Witheriff and CEO Travis Auld unveiled the bold vision this morning. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

AFL cellar-dweller Gold Coast has declared it will win the premiership in the next three seasons.

Suns chairman John Witheriff made the extraordinary statement at the launch of the club's "20-One-3" plan at Kurrawa Beach this morning with the Gold Coast hoping to have 20,000 members and a flag by the end of 2015.

Witheriff acknowledged the club could be held to ridicule with such a "bold'' and "aspirational" declaration.

But he is not stepping back from the claim despite the Suns winning just six games in their first two seasons.

Witheriff said he had visions of Suns captain Gary Ablett holding the premiership cup aloft at Metricon Stadium in front of thousands of Gold Coast supporters, celebrating the club's first flag.

"We're not around to just fill in numbers and what other objective can there possibly be for a football club but to win a grand final?" he said.

"Everything that I've done with this football club has been the butt of someone's joke.

"This whole journey has been about people turning around and saying 'you can't do it'. Well I love it.

"I don't want to be arrogant about it but I love it. I love people who say you just can't do it, because you can do it and we're able to do it and we're going to do it."

"We have put together, in our opinion, a great team of people to support a great team of players.

"I don't apologise for being bold. If you have a look at the Gold Coast, it didn't exist. A lot of people have done a lot of bold things to make the Gold Coast happen."

Gold Coast CEO Travis Auld backed his chairman, saying the vision put welcome pressure on the club's players and coaching staff.

"It's supposed to stretch people, it's supposed to make you feel a little uncomfortable when you first hear it. Comfortable visions don't take you anywhere," Auld said.
 

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AFL closes cup ban loophole

Richmond midfielder Reece Conca during last year's pre-season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Sydney's Gary Rohan is stretchered off with a serious leg injury after a sliding incident at the SCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Limited

PLAYERS suspended for offences during next year's NAB Cup will serve their ban in the home-and-away season under a series of changes to the match review panel.

The league has made several changes to the match review panel for next season, including cutting a player's poor record from three years to two and cracking down on players sliding feet-first into contests.

General manager of football operations Adrian Anderson has written to all clubs and briefed the CEO conference on the Gold Coast after the AFL Commission approved the changes on Monday.

In other changes, demerit points for misconduct will be increased to be in line with kicking offences.

Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson escaped with a reprimand after pleading guilty to stomping on Swan Kieren Jack in Round 21.

The NAB Cup loophole allowed Tiger Reece Conca to play in Round 1 this season despite being banned for three weeks for a high off-the-ball bump on North Melbourne forward Leigh Adams in the first week of the pre-season competition.

While Conca sat out the NAB Cup and played in Round 1, players suspended the previous year - including Kangaroo Jack Ziebell - were permitted to play in the NAB Cup but missed games in the season proper.

The league said the change had been made "to ensure consistency and to provide a sufficient deterrent for players not to offend".

Meanwhile, AFL bad boys will get a break at the tribunal with offences committed more than two years ago consigned to history.

Calculations for a players' poor prior tribunal record will now only take into account the previous two seasons, down from three.

A player will now only qualify for a poor record if they are suspended for two or more matches within the previous two years.

But there is more incentive to stay clean with concessions a good tribunal record extended from five years to six next season.

Carlton captain Chris Judd arrives at the AFL tribunal hearing at Docklands. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

Under the MRP system, players receive a 10 per cent loading on the demerit points value of an offence for every match they were suspended during the previous two years.

A player who has not been found guilty of any offence in the previous six seasons receives a 25 per cent deduction.

Anderson said under the previous rules it was "too easy" to qualify for a good record and three years was "too long" to carry a bad record for a single offence.

The changes don't address the issue of a good record applying even when players don't play matches - a rule former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham took advantage of this season. Wellingham claimed a 40 per cent discount for his hit on Carlton's Kade Simpson due to an early guilty plea and a five-year good record - the first of which was spent as a rookie.

Draft Tracker: Exclusive analysis, video & preview

As revealed on SuperFooty yesterday, the AFL will also deal much more harshly with sliding feet first into contests and forceful contact below the knees in 2013.

Players can now be reported for both offences.

The crackdown on contact below the knees has been rapid fire.

In October, the AFL Commission announced it would tighten the forceful-contact-below-the-knees rule, informing clubs umpires would pay free kicks on the spot from next season.

Yesterday, the commission was told those rules had been further tightened to the extent that dangerous front-on contact could lead to a player being reported.

Sydney's Adam Goodes was reported for sliding into Port Adelaide's Jacob Surjan at AAMI Stadium Picture: Simon Cross Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said yesterday the crackdown was simply to protect players.

"Sliding knees or feet first can now be a reportable offence for rough conduct and forceful conduct below the knees if it's unreasonable in the circumstances," Anderson said.

"Now it's backed up as a tribunal offence.

"Players owe a duty to their opponents players."

Already players have raised concerns about how incidents and impact below the knees can be policed and in fact be avoided.

"There's always interpretations, debate and discussion and that's the part of the tribunal, but no more than anything else," Anderson said.

"PLayer welfare, that's the consistent theme."

This season the league took a strong stance against players sliding into opponents, sending a memo to clubs in May warning of the potential risk of injury.

Sydney's Gary Rohan suffered a sickening broken leg when Kangaroo Lindsay Thomas slid into him at the SCG in April.

Thomas was charged with rough conduct and initially banned for two weeks, but later cleared by the tribunal on appeal.

Charges are expected to be more common next season.

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KB says Cotch should keep No.9

Crows to keep draft plan simple

Trent Cotchin is set to be named Richmond's next captain. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND legend Kevin Bartlett says Trent Cotchin should ignore tradition and keep his No.9 if he is named Tigers captain.

Cotchin is expected to be named Richmond's new skipper as soon as next week.

Following recent tradition, that would mean trading in his No.9 guernsey for No.17.

But the Brownlow runner-up is reluctant to make the switch, according to reports in Fairfax Media.

He received backing from Bartlett today, who tweeted: "Richmond has to dump the notion all captains have to wear number17. Let each individual carve out their own history #cotchin9"

The tradition was instituted in 2003 in honour of Jack Dyer, the Tigers' greatest player. Dyer passed away soon after.

It has been followed by Wayne Campbell - who switched from the No.9 he had worn most of his career - Kane Johnson and Chris Newman, who stood down as captain at the end of last season.

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Swans, Giants save pick for Kurt

Elite, elite, elite. It seems every expert throws the E word at Whitfield.

GWS plans to pick Kurt Tippett in the pre-season draft. Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY and Greater Western Sydney will both save a pre-season pick for Kurt Tippett.

Giants recruiting manager Steve Silvagni said uncertainty over the Adelaide player won't alter his plans for Thursday's draft.

Once again Silvagni has the keys to the city in this week's upcoming national draft with the first three picks as well as selection 12 and 14.

The former Blues star said yesterday while he would keep the football world guessing, the privileged first three led by Lachie Whitfield would likely be informed on Thursday afternoon.

The candidates to follow Whitfield in the top three include South Australian midfielder Jimmy Toumpas, rebounding defender Lachie Plowman and slick midfielder Jono O'Rourke.

"We are in a position where we can get some good talent through the door, and having those early picks should almost, not guarantee us, but give us every chance in getting some real quality players,'' Silvagni said.

"We will inform (the top three players) just before the draft. I guess it is to keep them at ease. We are able to do that because we have the first three picks, but we haven't done it yet.''

The Giants are yet to pick an elite ruckman with early selections in the national draft, and are awaiting an AFL Commission decision on Tippett's availability.

Silvagni said the club had enough ruckmen not to have to recruit a young tall in case Tippett falls through its fingers.

"With the ruckmen situation, we have got Jonathan Giles, Andrew Phillips, Tom Downie, and Setanta (O'hAilpin) who can play that position so we feel as though we have enough ruckmen on our list,'' Silvagni said.

"The situation with Tippett is we have got an interest in him. We have to wait now and sit back and see what the outcome is in terms of the AFL Commission.''

Veteran ruckman Dean Brogan has been delisted and and will likely be re-drafted if Tippett is deregistered or not taken by GWS.

"We have the first pick in the pre-season draft, so certainly we have a spot available,'' Silvagni said.

Sydney's position on Tippett is unchanged - considerable interest but nervousness GWS will take him.

Silvagni says he feels the pressure to get his selections right given the importance of the GWS experiment.

"In a lot of ways it is a privilege. There is a fair bit of responsibility because as a club we want to be as competitive as possible. For the first 12-14 games this year we competed hard but then we got tired. We really want to win games next year and take it up to teams. We want to build the best possible list which gives us sustained success."

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Anthony, McPhee depart Fremantle

Jack Anthony has been sacked. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE has sacked maligned forward Jack Anthony with a year to run on his contract.

And defender Adam McPhee has announced his immediate retirement, citing family reasons for his shock decision to return to Melbourne.

Anthony was told yesterday that his services at the Dockers were no longer required after managing just eight games in two seasons since crossing from Collingwood in late 2010.

The 24-year-old was advised by Fremantle last week to consider his football future and came to an arrangement yesterday that, according to the Dockers, was in the "best interests" of both the player and club.

"Jack has always been very professional in his approach to training and playing during his two years at the club and we wish him all the best in the future," Fremantle football operations general manager Chris Bond said.

McPhee's decision to return to his native Victoria with wife Bree and their two young children is believed to have stunned the Dockers, who saw the veteran defender as a key part of their plans for next season.

The 30-year-old played 81 games in two stints with Fremantle as well as 142 games with Essendon, where he won a best and fairest award in 2004.

Like Anthony, McPhee struggled in his first two seasons since crossing from the Bombers, but found his feet last season as a third tall defender under new coach Ross Lyon.

McPhee, who plans to take up a position with his father-in-law's defence and security marketing company, said he was putting his family first over one last hurrah on the big stage.

"Bree and I and our two boys are really close to our families in Melbourne and, while I don't regret any moment of my time at Freo, we have found it difficult at times being apart from the rest of the family," McPhee said in a statement.

"I knew the difficulties they experienced when I travelled and was frequently away for two or three days at a time. I knew, in the background, that wasn't exactly what Bree and I wanted.

"I felt I had to make the decision to retire and return home, regardless of whether I was fit enough to play one or two more seasons of football or not."

The Dockers last week delisted Nick Lower, Jesse Crichton and Dylan Roberton, but have allowed Lower and Crichton to continue to train at the port in a bid to win back a spot on the club's list via next month's rookie draft.

Roberton, who unsuccessfully sought a trade back to Victoria last month, has been granted permission to train with St Kilda.

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We don't need Tippett

Brenton Sanderson and Kurt Tippett talk strategy during a game against Hawthorn earlier this year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson says the Crows can win next year's premiership without Kurt Tippett and won't be distracted by an ongoing investigation into the Crows' salary cap.

Sanderson fronted the media after his side's first preseason training session today and said his side was capable of going two steps further than this year's preliminary final finish.

"We can, yeah," Sanderson said."It's only November though, let's be realistic. I didn't talk about September until about August last year. We'll just get through the summer first."

Sanderson said he had personally moved on quickly from Tippett's departure but noted it would take some of his players longer to deal with the issue.

"There's different emotions amongst the boys," Sanderson said.

"Some are probably going to carry it longer than others... But most of the guys I've spoken to one on one have been, 'You know what, we're fine, we've got this'."

Tippet's name mud at Crows

Sanderson said after Tippett informed him of his intention to leave West Lakes he had immediately pulled his coaching group together to start planning on how to replace him.

"We spent about half an hour on it and we did move on pretty quickly to how we can make the group better in 2013," Sanderson said.

"Straight away we're talking about (Shaun) McKernan and (Josh) Jenkins and these sort of guys who have to stand up next season. Without putting too much expectation on those boys in particular, it's important they understand there's a great opportunity for them to step into a really good side next year."

He believes his playing group understands the possibility to have a major say in next year's premiership race.

"There's a really good sense of expectation that 2013 might be something special for the group and I think we saw that today with the energy amongst the group," Sanderson said.

Basketball converts Ben Dowdell, Tim Klaosen and Jack Osborn earnt praise for their efforts in today's sessions, while Sanderson said he expects to be talking about promising youngster Brad Crouch "all summer".

Crows kick off pre-season minus Tippett

He said there wasn't a particular focus for the group this preseason and that he was happy to stay in Adelaide while other AFL clubs head overseas for altitude training.

"The players are in good spirits, the coaches were fantastic, it's just great to be back at work," said Sanderson of the first session.

"The energy and the spirit amongst the group is fantastic. We trained well today... it's just nice to be back and preparing for another footy season."

List manager David Noble and recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie have been instructed to select the best available talent with the Crows first pick (No. 20) in Thursday's draft.

Earlier Sanderson, who in his first year in charge at Adelaide took the club to within a kick of the grand final, put the acid on nine players he expects to take the next step in their development next season.

They include defenders Andy Otten and Luke Thompson, midfielders Luke Brown, Brodie Martin, Jarryd Lyons, Sam Kerridge and Aidan Riley and tall utilities Tom Lynch and Lewis Johnston.

"They should be looking to break into the side more than they did this year, which shows the depth we've got," Sanderson said.

The second-year Crows coach said he also is expecting big things from 17-year-old mini-draft selection Brad Crouch, who spent his first year at the club refining his game in the SANFL with West Adelaide.

Sanderson said the teenage ace  who would have been a top-three pick if he was in this year's national draft pool  was so advanced in his devdhelopment he could be in contention for a round one spot.

"If Brad's good enough we'll certainly pick him," Sanderson told the club's website.

"It's been so beneficial having a year to develop him. He knows our game plan already and he's got an AFL body now compared to the kids in the draft pool this year. If he's in our best 22, we'll play him and I'm sure a lot of weeks he will be in our best 22. At the same time, we have to be realistic with our expectations. He only turns 19 in January, so he's still learning."

Sanderson said after regaining the respect of the competition last season, Adelaide would be carrying expectations of "going a step better" next year.

"They're realistic expectations but at the same time you'd expect the competition to get tighter again," he said.

- with Andrew Capel
 

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Richo tip as Fev fill-in

AFL has shot itself in Crows case

Former Richmond star Matthew Richardson could play a one-off game for Yarrawonga in 2013. Picture: Craig Borrow Source: Herald Sun

THE Yarrawonga Pigeons need a full-forward to cover for suspended star Brendan Fevola - and Richmond champ Matthew Richardson could be the man.

Richardson, who booted 800 goals for Richmond before retiring at the end of 2009, is at the centre of speculation as the Pigeons prepare to big more big-name recruits to the Ovens and Murray league in 2013.

The Pigeons have already convinced Fevola to return next year, hoping the two-time AFL Coleman medallist can repeat his 100-goal effort from last season.

But with the former Carlton and Brisbane gun set to miss the Pigeons' Round 1 Easter Sunday blockbuster through suspension, rumours are rife the club is working on another former AFL champion to help launch its premiership defence.

Retired Richmond star Richardson is the name at the centre of speculation, tipped to line-up in Fevola's place.

The Weekly Times reports Geelong premiership hero Brad Ottens is also set to play a handful of games.

"It all depends on draws and once we find out all that, then we can sit down and work out what's in front of us," club president Glenn Brear said.

"Fevola is our man and we want him playing."

Brendan Fevola playing for Yarrawonga against Lavington at Mulwala. Picture: Andrew Henshaw Source: Herald Sun

Another former Richmond player Kayne Pettifer has reportedly signed with Yarrawonga, joining former teammate Craig Ednie in the Pigeons line-up.

Fevola will play his first game for the season against Jason Akermanis' North Albury in Round 2.

Akermanis presided over his first training session at the Hoppers last week.

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Judd vows to fight for deal

Chris Judd and Carlton are preparing the fight the AFL's decision to scrap his deal with Visy. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Judd has the option of walking away from the cash component of his Visy deal to spare his teammates pay cuts and help Carlton fit under the salary cap.

The AFL's ruling that his third-party deal must be included in the salary cap has the Blues assessing their legal options and refusing to rule out court action.

Judd is determined to continue his ambassadorial work for Visy, which has paid him what is understood to be $200,000 a year for the past five seasons.

One option available to Judd is to effectively end the financial aspect of the agreement mid-deal to ensure the Blues are under the salary cap.

But before that the club, Judd's management and the AFL Players Association have vowed to fight to defend his position.

Carlton may ask for a stay of proceedings over its total player payment position from the AFL until the dispute is resolved, effectively allowing it to be over the cap until a final ruling is made.

The Blues were shocked to be told of the ruling only on October 22, but need to be under the salary cap by the November 29 third list lodging ahead of the December 11 pre-season draft.

It would give them time to consider their options, which include back-ending salaries of Judd's teammates, pay cuts or even extending Judd's player contract.

The AFL Players Association will support Judd in his grievance tribunal hearing against the AFL, and are likely to launch their own grievance hearing.

AFLPA general manager player relations Ian Prendergast said yesterday the association would fight for the rights of players to enter into independent arrangements "provided they meet the criteria set out under AFL rules".

"We also have an interest in ensuring the AFL applies its discretion in a reasonable way that reflects the deals in place," Prendergast said.

"It would seem to us the AFL have made a policy decision to apply the rules in a more onerous way on players."

The grievance process is binding under AFL rules, but Carlton chief executive Greg Swann has not ruled out Supreme Court action.

"I am pretty sure there are avenues to go (down) - grievance tribunals, court," Swann said.

"People are just having a bit of a look-see at what options we've got. It's certainly going to keep going."

Blues teammate Kade Simpson said Judd was "flying" in Arizona, and refusing to let it bother him.

"He is fit, I don't think it is bothering him too much," Simpson said.

"A lot of the boys wouldn't even know it is happening.

"It is just the sort of guy he is, he doesn't let anything bother him."

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Infant clubs are over-indulged: Eddie

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire says the expansion clubs get too many concessions. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire has warned the AFL that it should consider repealing long-term concessions for Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

Fearful both teams could become competition superpowers, McGuire has declared his next "crusade" in his push for equality and an unencumbered draft and salary cap that sits with the start-up AFL clubs.

"The AFL has got to be quick to work out whether they have given GWS and Gold Coast too much," McGuire said.

"We have given the AFL the imprimatur to give them the best possible start, but if it ever gets to the stage - and I think we are getting close to it - they need to look at it.

"I trust the AFL to do the right thing ... but if they (the two clubs) have taken a position that is counter to what was intended - to build a super team that will dominate - we have to start looking at it and read the play about what is going on."

Fresh from having a win on the Chris Judd-Visy deal, which the AFL has declared must now be a part of Carlton's salary cap, McGuire said he wanted to keep fighting AFL inequalities.

"This is not about Collingwood, it is about giving a level playing field for all clubs," he said. "To be honest, the clubs that are being smashed are Melbourne and the Bulldogs.

"The AFL has done a lot of things to compete against rugby league, rugby union and soccer, and I applaud them for doing it. But at some stage we have to be careful that we are not running a marketing competition - we are running a football competition.

"The best times we have had in football was when we had an unencumbered draft, when there was no salary cap inequalities, except for the Judd one, and when the system was working as it was intended to.

"We had record ratings, attendances and memberships. We have to get back to that system as quickly as possible."

McGuire is concerned that Gold Coast and GWS have been able to "stockpile" young talent in a way that was not intended when the rules were made.

And he fears for the future of some clubs as a chasm between the haves and have-nots grows wider by the year.

Both new clubs have extra players on their lists and salary cap allowances in their infancy - with the Gold Coast's concessions set to expire in 2014 and GWS's in 2018.

McGuire said the inflationary market could account for why Adelaide was tempted to do everything in its power to try and keep Kurt Tippett.

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