Battle of the codes heats up out west

Western Sydney Wanderers marquee signing Shinji Ono is a big drawcard for fans. Picture: Gregg Porteous. Source: The Daily Telegraph

THIS derby will never be settled on the field but it is arguably the most intriguing battle Australian football will ever see.

It is the tale of two football codes - one is global football while the other is Australian-made.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Greater Western Sydney Giants, Australian Football League v Football Federation Australia.

This sports turf war is played out west of Sydney nearly 50km from Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Introducing the Wanderers, the A-League's newest club, to the people of western Sydney was a walk in the park. But selling the AFL's Giants - the Australian game's newest club - to the area is as hard as selling ice to an Eskimo.

The Wanderers were born last May, the Giants were founded in 2009.

GWS Giants' Chad Cornes kicks a goal and celebrates a win over former club Port Adelaide, one of the fledgling club's few victories last year. Picture: Mark Evans.

Both clubs have targeted greater western Sydney as their sports hubs.

The western Sydney area is Australia's third largest economy behind Sydney and Melbourne.

The area houses 2.02 million people, a population larger than SA.

By 2036 about 2.96 million will live there.

About 30 per cent of the people have migrated to the area from other countries, more than 70 languages are spoken and about 30 per cent of the people are currently under the age of 24.

Western Sydney has been a breeding ground for the most famous Socceroos since coach Rale Rasic led Australia to the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany.

Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Mark Bosnich, Paul Okon, Zeljko Kalac, Steve Corica and current Wanderers coach Tony Popovic all grew up and learnt their football in western Sydney before making their mark abroad.

The AFL on the other hand has a 20-year plan to make western Sydney a production line for the Australian game.

There's no doubt the universal language for the growth area is football.

But which one are punters flocking to? Which football will survive?

Wanderers' executive chairman Lyall Gorman was born out west of Sydney in Bankstown where he played football and attended high school.

He helped grow Central Coast Mariners from an embryo in 2004 to a well-established community club armed with massive projects on the central coast of New South Wales.

He was promoted to head the A-League competition in 2010 before FFA put him in charge of an ambitious football project west of Sydney.

After the FFA made the announcement that a new western Sydney team will join the 2012-13 competition on May 26 last year, Gorman and his tight-knit small team had just 134 days before the new club made its A-League debut on October 6 against, ironically, the Mariners.

It was a 0-0 draw where 10,458 fans turned up at Parramatta Stadium.

The first block had been laid after the club's football foundations had been put down 133 years ago.

"Well, August 14, 1880 was the first game of football in western Sydney. It was played between two teams, the old Kings school and the club called the Wanderers, and its been the traditional heartland of football ever since," Gorman said.

"You know in this area immediate football association partners roughly have about 100,000 players within their ranks, they have major sporting schools.

"It's had a richer history since the 1970s with the national soccer league with Marconi, Sydney United, Parramatta and I've sort of taken the view we've been handed the baton.

"We stand on the shoulders of many pioneers before us who have put in a tremendous amount of work to imbed the cultures and traditions of football in this region.

"Time was never our friend. These people working here are spending, from day one, seven days a week. Our staff are remarkable for their contribution and passion.

"Every single one of our staff all fit that same vision and culture.

"We've also been blessed with long-term sponsors and coach Tony Popovic has been locked in for a four-year term.

"We're all joined at the hip and four years will make or break this club.

"Our decision making is easy because we've got clarity of vision and culture.

"It either fits or it doesn't and the next opportunity is to consolidate where we are and take it to new levels."

Giants' chief executive David Matthews believes football, Aussie Rules and rugby league can live in harmony out west of Sydney and the fledgling AFL club would continue to reap rewards by capturing the region in a long-term plan.

The Giants played their first AFL season last year and had no inkling the FFA was set to invade the western turf with Wanderers after the death of Queensland club Gold Coast United.

FFA needed a 10th team not only to balance the A-League's fixtures but because a new TV rights deal was looming.

If FFA took nine teams to the negotiation table it's highly unlikely Fox Sports and SBS would have thrown about $160 million towards a four-year TV agreement.

Matthews has been in charge of the Giants for the past 14 months after he was part of the AFL executive for 14 years.

His Giants contract was extended for a further three-year term last October.

Matthews knows the club was positioned in an area that wasn't all that familiar with the Australian game.

"The point the AFL has made about the investment in greater western Sydney is that it's a generational investment," Matthews said.

"It's a long-term strategy.

"The Sydney Swans have been in Sydney for 30 years and the AFL has been investing in the development from an infrastructure and a community point from about 10 years.

"The oldest Auskick graduate is now about 18 here so there's this generation of families that we're connecting and coming through.

"The Wanderers introduction we understand the size of the market is one for all sports with rugby league here as well.

"We've got the problems that everyone has got in Australia, and that's getting kids off the couch and a lot of the kids that are playing are playing multiple sports.

"We need to collaborate with soccer, league and rugby union and what sport they choose and want to attend depends on the quality of the experience."

But Gorman believes Wanderers will continue to set new standards for the area because of football tradition and the amount of new Australians arriving in the area already familiar with the world game.

"If you read the AFL they have a 20-year plan because what they don't have is a natural fit," Gorman said.

"It's a bit of a square peg in a round hole.

"They don't have the junior pipeline and a rich history whereas the western Sydney region has been crying put for its own national representation for a long, long time.

"We've been blessed with that and with seven wonderful football associations with whom we dedicate all of our energy trying to be the panacea of all the Sydney metropolitan area.

"We've held seven fans forums before the club was born and listened to them and what they wanted us to represent and the values and culture would be."

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Karmichael set to hunt AFL's best

Ready to shine: Gold Coast Suns defender Karmichael Hunt at pre-season training. Picture: Tim Marsden. Source: The Courier-Mail

KARMICHAEL Hunt will be unleashed on the competition's best clearance players as he enters his third season in the AFL with the challenge to kill or be killed.

Suns coach Guy McKenna has a two-year plan to transform Hunt from a bodyguard to an elite ball-winning AFL midfielder that will begin with the 26-year-old assuming the mantle of chief tagger a tactic the Suns have only occasionally employed over their two season in the AFL.

It is a make or break season for the code-hopper who must discover a way to continue to earn a game in a midfield that includes superstar Gary Ablett and three of the brightest young players in the game Harley Bennell, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara.

Hunt's transition from NRL superstar to bona fide AFL player has been a success to date but in 2013 the bar has been lifted.

He has impressed with his ability to win clearances and the bullocking work he does around stoppages but his possession average of a little over 14 a game is no longer enough.

Hunt's biggest possession count was 22 against Fremantle in Rd 6 while twice, against the Kangaroos and Lions, he gathered 21 touches.

Until he can regularly deliver those numbers, he must start delivering some big name scalps.

In a tough opening month Hunt could take on Saint veteran Lenny Hayes, Sydney ball magnet Josh Kennedy and Brisbane's evergreen Brownlow medallist Simon Black.

Hold his own against that esteemed trio and by the time Rd 4 arrives, Port Adelaide might tag him.

"Playing on them and squeezing the life out of them and then learning to work off them, the good taggers end up doing that," McKenna said.

"Eventually, the best way to stop them is to beat them to the ball but that tends to happen over years.

"'It is the evolution."

While McKenna's plan is ultimately all about increasing Hunt's possession count, he will not be judged on his touches during the early days of the new role when his primary focus will be in negating.

"We will look at what his opponent does," he said. "Lenny Hayes averages 27 or 28 possessions and gets seven or eight clearances.

"If we can reduce that by a chunk and make sure the touches he gets are under extreme physical pressure and `K' is responsible we'll be thrilled."

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Dawes, Byrnes join Demon leaders

Former Magpie Chris Dawes joins Melbourne pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE recruits Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes have walked straight into the Demons' leadership group for 2013.

The Dees announced today they would have a nine-player leadership group this season, with youngsters Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove to continue as co-captains.

The other addition to last year's leadership team is 22-year-old midfielder Jordie McKenzie.

The full group is: Grimes (co-captain), Trengove (co-captain), Nathan Jones (vice-captain), Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes, James Frawley, Colin Garland and McKenzie.

Clint Bartram (retired) and ruckman Mark Jamar are the two members of the 2012 leadership group that are not part of this year's group.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Demons' training latest

Coach Mark Neeld said the changes reflected strong competition among the playing group for leadership positions.

Players were chosen based on input from coaches, players and senior staff assessing players on 10 leadership categories including character and competitiveness.

"Jordie McKenzie continues his great story, coming from the rookie list to where he is now. Jordie's work ethic, competiveness and attention to detail have earned him this position," Neeld said.

"We are also pleased at the impact of Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes since their arrival. Their leadership and experience was one of the reasons we pursued them during the free agency and trade periods.

"Both Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove experienced a challenging year in 2012, but in their first year as captains, we were very happy with their development and have full confidence that this will continue in 2013."

Neeld said Jamar was disappointed to miss out on this year's leadership group but "handled it like a professional".

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Smart takes senior Crows post

ADELAIDE has appointed deputy chairman and former All-Australian full-back Nigel Smart as the club's new chief operating officer.

Club chairman Rob Chapman today said Smart would fill the key off-field position -- made vacant by former Channel 9 boss Mark Colson's move to Tasmania.

"Nigel Smart is highly accomplished and brings to our club an irresistible blend of achievement as a manager, businessman and footballer,'' Chapman said.

"Nigel knows business and he knows football. He has a record of success both inside and outside the Adelaide Football Club as a leader of people and builder of businesses. We chose him in an exacting national selection process from a first-class field of candidates.''

Smart's appointment fills an existing vacancy and is not related to the shuffle at the top following the suspension of CEO Steven Trigg for his involvement in the Kurt Tippett saga.

Chapman said Smart, who has been deputy chairman since 2009, would immediately step down from the Crows board.

Smart joins the Crows from children's charity Variety, where he was chief executive.

"I look forward to continuing to do all that I can to contribute to the success of our great club,'' Smart said.

"The Crows and its people -- players, staff and supporters -- have been at the centre of my life for the greater part of it. I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to return here as a leader of a terrific group of people, many of whom I have grown up with and admire tremendously.''

Summer Barometer: Click here for Crows' training latest

Smart played 278 games for the Crows from 1991-2004 and was vice-captain in the premiership years of 1997 and 98 and again in 1999. He was an All-Australian in his first year of AFL and again in 1993 and 1998.

He served on the AFL Players Association's executive board throughout his playing career.

Smart's previous business posts during the past 20 years include national sales and marketing manager with the Jobs Statewide Group, national business development manager of Disability Works Australia, network development manager SA/NT for the Toyota Motor Corporation and sales and sponsorship manager SA/NT for Lion Nathan Australia.

He holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Adelaide's Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from the Flinders University.

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Pies plug leaky defence

Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan get a little rough at a Collingwood training session at Gosh's Paddock. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD wants to stop the bleeding in the back half which undermined its premiership ambitions last season.

After revolutionising the game with its famed "press" tactics in 2010-11, the Pies pressure weakened last season, prompting a thorough review of the team's defensive operations over summer.

According to Champion Data, Collingwood was ranked No.1 for time the ball spent inside forward-50m in 2010 and 2011, but slid to 11th last year, when they were beaten by premier Sydney in the preliminary final.

While the early-season return of key backman Lachlan Keeffe from a knee reconstruction will help defend the back-50m, the Pies have also zeroed in on how they protect the ball up the ground.

Coach Nathan Buckley said yesterday the Pies wanted to put the brakes on the opposition's scoring in 2013.

"We had heavy scores against, especially against good opponents, which we've clearly identified in our review," Buckley said.

"We allowed too many scores per percentage of inside 50s and we allowed too many inside 50s, so it's definitely a focus of ours.

"We need to be able to slow the opposition ball movement down a bit better than we did in 2012.

"Good defensive sides are generally good transition sides - sides that can be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

"We are practicing that and we'll get a chance to practice that in real time in the NAB Cup and early in the season."

Nick Maxwell, who is critical to the defensive setup with the aerial support he provides teammates, is again set to lead the Pies this year.

Summer Barometer: Pies' training and injury latest

Buckley said although the leadership process was still incomplete, Maxwell had his vote.

"Personally, I've got no reason why Maxy wouldn't be (captain)," Buckley said.

Dale Thomas has removed the moon boot from his recovering ankle, but won't train with the main squad for another three weeks.

First-choice ruckman Darren Jolly is continuing an impressive pre-season but Buckley lauded the impact new tall recruits Ben Hudson and Quinten Lynch had had some arriving at Lexus Centre.

"Ben Hudson has been fantastic, he brings a bit of mongrel into the way that our big fellas go about it," he said.

"I think already that's starting to rub off on our younger talls and we're looking forward to that continuing."

Lynch lost his place in the Eagles' side last season but is set to play a key role in attack for the Pies, as a ruck-forward replacement for new Demon Chris Dawes.

Buckley said Lynch's work ethic had been so strong he needed to be "held back" over summer.

"He's been great, he's a work horse and he's everything we thought we were recruiting," Buckley said.

"You need to put a leash on him.

"If you said we've got 20 x 400m and we're only going to give you 15 seconds break in between, he would put his foot on the line and put his head down and get ready to run. There's no questions."

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Surgery for Port forward

Port Adelaide forward Cameron Hitchcock has suffered another injury setback. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide hopes small forward Cameron Hitchcock will recover from foot surgery in time to play in the NAB Cup.

Hitchcock will not be able to run for two weeks after surgery to fix plantar fasciitis - inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of his foot.

"He has had plantar fascia soreness in the last week," Port football manager Peter Rohde told the club website.

"He managed training on Monday but is still sore and we've planned to have him undergo surgery.

"He won't run for two weeks and will resume full training after about four.

"We think it's likely he'll be available for the opening week of the NAB Cup."

Hitchcock has had a cursed run with injuries since making his AFL debut in 2010, with shoulder and hamstring problems restricting him to two matches last season.

The news comes as Port defender Alipate Carlile is in the shape of his life as he readies himself to lead Port Adelaide's reshaped backline this season.

The key defender endured a rocky 2012 season, getting axed from the Power line-up for failing a skinfolds test mid-season and battling to find consistency on his return from the SANFL.

But the arrival of new coach Ken Hinkley at Alberton appears to have shocked the at times laconic backman into action, with Carlile reaching peak fitness this summer.

Summer Barometer: Port injury and training latest

Even a holiday to Fiji for his mother's 50th birthday failed to halt the 25-year-old's momentum, who was yesterday spotted tearing up the track in Port's training session at Alberton.

"Bobby Carlile has really stepped up this year," Port defensive coach Matthew Nicks said. "He's in the best nick I've seen since I arrived at the club. It's fantastic to see him working hard and getting results for it as well."

Nicks said the clean slate created by Hinkley's arrival was spurring on the playing group. "I think that's probably the best part about our group this year, there are no givens," Nicks said. "Everyone has to earn their spot and Bobby knows that."

The departures of Troy Chaplin, Danyle Pearce and Jacob Surjan mean Carlile is now the sixth-most experienced player on Port's list with 111 career games.

He faces a defining year alongside fellow defensive mainstay Jackson Trengove as they look to make the transition from emerging players to full-blown on-field leaders.

"Trying to get that consistency back in my game (is) one of my main goals," Carlile told his club's website.

"(I'm) wanting to help the back six settle and get as much improvement as we can next year and try to get some wins on the board."

Carlile credited Hinkley for instilling new discipline at Alberton.

Exciting forward Cam Hitchcock had surgery yesterday to relieve plantar fascia in his foot. The club expects he will resume running "in a few weeks" and should be available for the Power's NAB Cup campaign.

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Morabito opts for LARS surgery

Anthony Morabito (left) will have LARS surgery in an attempt to save his AFL career. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

STRICKEN Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito will travel to Sydney for LARS surgery in a bid to keep his AFL career alive.

The 21-year-old last week reinjured the left knee he had twice had reconstructed in the past two years, suffering a tear in the graft of the ligament during an attempted tackle.

Having previously had two traditional reconstructions, Morabito and the club elected to use the LARS procedure, with the youngster to fly over east for surgery next week.

The Sunday Times last week revealed Morabito had spoken with LARS pioneers Nick Malceski and Luke Webster about the merits of the procedure, but last night the young midfielder was still weighing up his future.

The controversial procedure has allowed players including David Rodan and Nick Malceski to return to action within half a season, but Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said it was too early to plot a return date for the midfielder.

"Anthony really just needed some time and space to weigh up his surgery options," he said.

"After discussions with people close to him and the football club, Anthony has decided that this surgery will give him the best chance to resume his playing career.

"Obviously with LARS there's a shorter time frame with coming back, but we think he just needs to get back from the surgery and make sure that everything is OK first.

"We'll see how he recovers from that and then we'll have a better idea."
 
Summer Barometer: Dockers' injury and training latest

Last night a source close to Morabito said he was in two minds about attempting another comeback.

"He's changing his mind on a daily basis.

"After two years of rehab, he doesn't know if he wants to do another year of it.''

The No.4 draft pick has not played since his excellent debut season in 2010.

Morabito missed the 2011 season with a left knee reconstruction after a pre-season mishap, then re-injured the knee when he was preparing for a return to the field in mid-2012.

Last week he tore the graft on his repaired left anterior cruciate ligament in a training drill.

- with Jay Clark

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Morabito hopes for LARS

It could be more heartbreak for Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito after suffering a knee injury at the Dockers' first training session of 2013.

Anthony Morabito is considering his future after suffering a third serious knee injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE midfielder Anthony Morabito will have LARS surgery in a bid to save his career after a third serious knee injury.

Sources close to the young Docker said he was considering his future and could give the game away after his devastating run of knee injuries.

But the Dockers said today Morabito would try the controversial procedure, which has allowed players including David Rodan and Nick Malceski to return to action within half a season.

"Anthony really just needed some time and space to weigh up his surgery options," Fremantle football manager Chris Bond said.

"After discussions with people close to him, the football club and medical experts, Anthony has decided that this surgery will give him the best chance to resume his playing career."

Morabito will fly to Sydney early next week for the procedure.

Last night a source close to Morabito said he was in two minds about attempting another comeback.

"He's changing his mind on a daily basis.

"After two years of rehab, he doesn't know if he wants to do another year of it.''

Summer Barometer: Dockers' injury and training latest

The No.4 draft pick has not played since his excellent debut season in 2010.

Morabito missed the 2011 season with a left knee reconstruction after a pre-season mishap, then re-injured the knee when he was preparing for a return to the field in mid-2012.

Last week he tore the graft on his repaired left anterior cruciate ligament in a training drill.
 

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Knee will be Goodes to go

Sydney Swans captain Adam Goodes is on the comeback trail from a knee injury and is confident of being fit for Round 1. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

SWANS captain Adam Goodes admits he is underdone after a pre-season dominated by rehabilitation on an injured knee, but remains confident of being ready for the season opener in March.

Goodes said he would do whatever it takes to be ready for the Round 1 clash with GWS at ANZ Stadium.

The dual Brownlow medallist, who turned 33 last week, partially tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Sydney's epic grand final win.

Goodes was unable to do any serious training until eight weeks after their premiership celebrations. He will not return to full training with teammates for another five weeks as he continues to ramp up his rehabilitation.

"No pain. No swelling. Nothing to worry about. Just got to get back to the fitness that everyone else is at," Goodes said.

"Every year offers different challenges. Coming back with a premiership medallion makes you feel pretty good about having a sore knee.

"I've been around footy for 15 years. You have to deal with a lot of different things throughout pre-season and you know what you have to do to get yourself right for Round 1.

"I know what I have to do to be ready before we play GWS. There's no worries about am I going to be fit enough.

"It's feeling good. I'm very comfortable. I'm looking forward to getting back to training with the rest of the crew in a couple of weeks."

Summer Barometer: Swans' injury and training latest

Goodes has spent the pre-season in the rehab group alongside defender Martin Mattner (hip), speedster Gary Rohan (leg), midfielder Nick Smith (knee), promising talent Tom Mitchell (knee), grand final hard luck story Ben McGlynn (hamstring) and full-back Ted Richards (ankle).

While his straight-line running has been promising, Goodes has been reduced to limited agility work and direction changing.

His average session has involved running for half an hour, an hour on the cross-trainer in the gym followed by a 1.5km swim.

Goodes will be among 20 big names at the Cadbury Super Team Family Day at Skoda Stadium on Australia Day. He will run a clinic and scratch match with his fellow AFL stars on the day, which is being held in western Sydney for the second year in a row after a Quakers Hill resident won a promotion to have the event hosted in their home town.
 

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Ban won't change Brown

Gold Coast veteran Campbell Brown tangles with Bulldog Liam Picken. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GOLD Coast hard man Campbell Brown says he won't curb his aggression despite sitting out the first six rounds of 2013 through suspension.

Brown says he would be "useless" to the Suns if he tried to play differently.

The 29-year-old former Hawk was suspended for six weeks for a high bump on Adelaide youngster Aiden Riley in the final home-and-away round of 2012.

The original penalty of five weeks was bumped up to six because of Brown's bad tribunal record, but the AFL website reports he won't be changing his ways.

"I don't think it's something I can temper too much because I think if I do, I'll be useless out there, because it's one of my main attributes," Brown said after Suns training.

Summer Barometer: Suns' training and injury latest

"The coaches certainly haven't told me I've got to temper it. I've got to get the balance right because obviously I'm no good sitting on the sidelines.

"I've got to make sure that when I do [go to bump], I get it right, because when I don't, the ramification are quite high."

Brown is still eligible to play in the NAB Cup and expects to make two or three appearances to gain match fitness before embarking on a specially tailored training program to get him right for Round 7.

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Cotch plays the man

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is keen on building player relationships at Punt Road. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND skipper Trent Cotchin says he wants to focus on building player relationships under his captaincy at the Tigers.

In his first pre-season as captain since taking the reins from Chris Newman, 22-year-old Cotchin said strong off-field relationships would help deliver results.

"The most important thing in my eyes from a leader's perspective is the way that they train and play and get everything done," Cotchin said. "But I'm also massive on relationships.

"You don't have to be best mates with everyone ... but you have to have something to do with them so you can show a general interest in their life.

"If you can have that relationship going into games and so forth it makes it a lot easier to give someone some constructive feedback - whether it's positive or negative."

Cotchin said the support of the leadership group and Newman had helped him settle into the role.

"I'm quite lucky. You look back to when Newy took over, while there were some senior guys there, the core group really weren't a strong body and didn't have too much to say," he said.

"I've got the backing of not only our leadership group, but the core group are also having opinions on what we're doing in training, what our game plan is looking like.

"It just makes it easier and takes a bit of weight off my shoulders and lets me focus on what I can do and how I can help the team. Everyone else is picking up the slack around me."

Cotchin said the Tigers had shown encouraging training form so far this summer, but he expected a return to the redeveloped Punt Rd Oval to give the group a boost for the final leg of the pre-season.

The players will have their first session on the surface today after six months of work on the ground.

The Tigers had to train at venues around Melbourne including Victoria Park, Craigieburn and Monash University during the $1.9 million redevelopment, which the club's Fighting Tiger Fund helped finance.

The Punt Rd ground has been reconfigured into an Etihad Stadium-sized oval without cricket wickets.

"It will be great to be back at our home ground," Cotchin said. "It's probably come at the perfect time. It is something fresh for us to get us up and about for the last part of the pre-season and then games start in about a month's time.

"We are all just looking forward to firstly getting out here and making use of what our club and our fans have given us the opportunity to do and into the real stuff.

"To have that little bit more area and covering that much more ground is only going to make it that much more beneficial for us going into games."

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Sorry Lake says he needs to win respect

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

Lake with his wife, Shannon. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis, Source: Herald Sun

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake (right) at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: BRIAN Lake says he wants to get the respect of the Hawthorn playing group back after a drunken night out led to a $563 fine and four hours in the police slammer.

Speaking today, the star recruit said he was embarrassed and apologetic for the incident following the Portsea Polo on Saturday night.

"I've worked my butt off to get my body right. To have too many drinks on the weekend, I've taken a step back," Lake said today.

"From here I want to move on and gain respect. It was a very embarrassing incident.

"I'm here to apologise to everyone involved at the football club, my family and the fans."

The Hawthorn leadership today put the onus on Lake to come up with ways to help victims of the Tasmania bushfires as a sanction.

Lake and his wife Shannon were locked up by police after a drunken verbal stoush in Sorrento.

The two-time All Australian AFL player and wife Shannon were each slapped with a $563 penalty notice for being drunk in a public place.

The couple were placed in a police divvy van and spent four hours in the cells before being released.

Young Hawk fears second knee reco

The pair, who married in 2010, were at the official Portsea Polo after-party at Morgans in Sorrento when they started to argue outside the venue about 10pm on Saturday.

But witnesses said tensions boiled over when others attempted to intervene and then police stepped in.

The onlookers said the altercation was not physical but the couple's argument escalated when others became involved.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson announces Brian Lake has been traded to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

In a statement last night, Hawthorn said: "The club considers Lake's conduct to be unprofessional and he will be required to address the leadership group."

The weekend incident caps off a turbulent off-season for the AFL.

A group of Melbourne players was involved in an ugly spat with fans during the Boxing Day Test.

A decision into the Melbourne tanking allegations is due this month and Adelaide was hit with massive fines over salary cap breaches and draft tampering that lead to its former star Kurt Tippett being banned from playing for his new club, Sydney, until Round 12.

Hawthorn's leadership team, which includes Lance "Buddy" Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Josh Gibson and Luke Hodge, will determine whether sanctions will be placed on Lake, who is yet to play a game for the Hawks.

Lake, 30, crossed to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs in a surprise trade deal.

Lake and his wife were among many socialites at the Portsea Polo.

Lake played 197 matches with the Bulldogs.

His manager Marty Pask did not return calls yesterday. Victoria Police said the couple would not face any further action.

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Bolter in line to lead Blues

Andrew Carrazzo is one of the leading candidates to captain the Blues if Chris Judd steps down. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON midfielder Andrew Carrazzo could cause a boilover in the Carlton captaincy race, with the hard-running midfielder firming as the Blues next on-field leader.

Superstar midfielder Marc Murphy was considered the early favourite to replace Chris Judd, but Carrazzo's standing among his peers has continued to soar this pre-season.

Carrazzo, 29, became a father to triplets late last season and if he can show he can juggle fatherhood with the official leadership duties in the NAB Cup next month the job could be his.

The Blues hope the leadership change will help ease some of the burden on Judd, 29, after five years in the top job.

Forwards coach John Barker said Judd would continue to play a lead role on-field and flagged more time in attack for the champion onballer.

"Juddy is the type of guy who will be a leader no matter whether he is a leader by name or not, because he is just a leader by nature," Barker said.

"What it will do is release some shackles for him and it will allow him to play with a bit more freedom than what he perhaps has over the past couple of years, which is great for him.

"I'd love to have him spend a bit more time in the forward line.

"I've been chipping away at it with him and he's been receiving my advances pretty positively."

The Blues are set to decide on their new captain after the NAB Cup, with Murphy and fellow midfielder Kade Simpson in the running.

Barker said the Blues had excellent options.

"Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Marc Murphy are all outstanding candidates for the club," he said. "As we sit, that decision is still up in the air, but I tell you what, she's going to be a tough decision trying to decide who leads the club."

The Blues have put a tumultuous year behind them, with coach Mick Malthouse helping renew confidence after they missed finals in 2012.

Barker said the club did not want to predict where it should finish this season.

"This year is going to be one of the most hotly contested years in football," he said.

"You want to be there at the pointy end of the season, but I don't think there is any point putting out (expected) positions in the top eight.

"Hopefully, we can get there (finals) and we are looking forward to seeing how a fit and healthy list under Mick Malthouse operates this year."

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Dogs tip a new-year resurgence

Western Bulldogs star Adam Cooney has enjoyed a strong pre-season. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs intend to rise up the ladder quicker than expected under second-year coach Brendan McCartney.

The Dogs suffered an horrendous injury run sidelining some of their biggest stars last year, resulting in only five wins - their least since 2004.

But the return of four key senior players, including inspirational broken leg victim Dale Morris, has fuelled hope of a resurgence beyond 2013.

Morris is targeting a Round 1 return after a full year out, along with key backman Tom Williams (shoulder), onballer Daniel Cross (shoulder) and reinvigorated midfielder Adam Cooney (knee).

Cooney, 27, is believed to be enjoying his most productive pre-season since his 2008 Brownlow Medal year, while powerhouse No.5 draft pick Jake Stringer is also on track for an early debut after an impressive summer campaign.

The Dogs are rated $13 outsiders with TAB to play finals this season, ahead of only Gold Coast ($26) and Greater Western Sydney ($51).

But Dogs chief executive Simon Garlick said the club had high hopes of a swift resurgence after investing heavily at the draft table.

"We've seen so many examples of these things where it can turn around quicker than what people might have anticipated otherwise," Garlick said.

"We have got some pretty exciting kids, but throw into that some potential recruits in the likes of Cooney, Morris - and we missed Cross for a period of time last year - and Williams as well.

"So considering all that, we think there is a fair bit to be excited about.

"We are not going to think that it will take 'x' amount of years (to regenerate)."

The Dogs will launch their season with four of their first five games at home ground Etihad Stadium, but have a tough draw overall, playing GWS and Gold Coast only once each, despite a bottom-four finish last year.

Morris has continued to improve over the pre-season after scrapping comeback plans last year when a stress fracture developed in his recovering leg.

 The 30-year-old is not expected to play a major role in the NAB Cup but could press for selection soon after.

"Everything's tracking as you would hope it to be and he's doing as much training as the (fitness) guys want him to do at this stage of the year," Garlick said.

"So it's all geared up for him playing in Round 1. There hasn't been a setback or anything like that."s

"He makes a pretty significant difference for us, having him back there. He's a beauty and he plays on talls and smalls."

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