First Bloke Tim's footy fit over Abbott

Julia Gillard's partner and staunch Richmond supporter Tim Mathieson reportedly demanded that Richmond revoke Tony Abbott's match day privileges. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun FREE tickets to Richmond games apparently aren't enough for Julia Gillard's partner, Tim Mathieson. While most footy fans were focusing on reconciliation and the social and cultural significance...

Read More..

LIVE: Hawks v Tigers

Hawk Derick Wanganeen pounces on Tiger Brandon Ellis during the first quarter at Aurora Stadium. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images FOLLOW today's NAB Cup action with games featuring powerhouses Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong and Collingwood. 2.07pm - Jack gives Tigers breathing spaceHawks 0.5.3 (33)Tigers 0.8.4 (52)JACK Riewoldt has helped Richmond to a handy 19-point lead at the main...

Read More..

Goodes steps down as captain

Adam Goodes with the 2012 premiership cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun ADAM Goodes has stepped aside as Sydney captain, handing the baton to rising star Kieren Jack. Goodes made the call after four years in the job. The 319-game veteran will remain in the Swans' leadership group. The announcement continues Jack's remarkable story. The son of rugby league champion Garry,...

Read More..

Dockers primed for flag tilt

LOFTY GOALS: Fremantle will be hoping to build on a successful 2012 campaign this year. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library FREMANTLE came of age last year, but they don't have long to push for premiership glory. With skipper Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands and defender Luke McPharlin nearing the end of their careers, the Dockers probably only have this year and...

Read More..

New dad Pavlich ready to play

BABY BONUS: Matthew Pavlich is set to make a NAB Cup on Saturday after becoming a father during the week. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow FREMANTLE skipper Matthew Pavlich has been cleared to play against the Western Bulldogs in Mandurah on Saturday after his wife gave birth to their first child. Pavlich missed last week's 70-point pre-season loss to Carlton in Melbourne so...

Read More..

Judd locked in for Round 1

Chris Judd before Carlton training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun CARLTON says star midfielder Chris Judd is a certain starter for its Round 1 blockbuster against Richmond despite his absence from the NAB Cup. The former skipper was again left out of the Blues side to face Adelaide that will automatically book a place in the NAB Cup grand final with a win at AAMI Stadium...

Read More..

Wellingham set to miss season opener

SIDELINED: Eagle Sharrod Wellingham is likely to miss the start of the season after suffering an ankle injury while bouncing on a trampoline. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow WEST Coast recruit Sharrod Wellingham could miss the opening two rounds of the AFL season, with surgeons electing to leave his injured ankle in its moon-boot casing for longer than expected. Wellingham,...

Read More..

Concussions up but injuries down

Geelong doctors treat Joel Selwood after he was knocked out against St Kilda. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun THE injury rate for AFL footballers dropped last year, with the games missed per club during the 2012 season at its lowest level since 2008. The league's annual injury survey, released today, reveals that quad and groin strains were at lower levels than 2011,...

Read More..

Goodes set to return for Swans

Adam Goodes is set to open his NAB Cup campaign against Gold Coast. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: Herald Sun SYDNEY co-captain Adam Goodes is set to make his long-awaited return from a knee injury on Saturday night. The Swans host Gold Coast in a pre-season clash at Blacktown in Sydney and coach John Longmire has confirmed Goodes will play, barring any mishaps at training."We should...

Read More..

Bench cap 'will end careers'

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson has warned an interchange cap of 80 moves per match will change the game. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson wants the AFL to cap interchanges at a minimum of 120 a game next year. And he has warned that if the league cuts the rotation number by any more, some players will have their AFL careers cut short and clubs...

Read More..

Ultimate SuperCoach formguide

Adelaide Crows midfielder Patrick Dangerfield's performance was one of the few highlights for the club in the NAB Cup match against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun OUR SuperCoach scouts review every game of the weekend and uncover some serious bargains. Western Bulldogs 75 d Hawthorn 74Adam Goodes might have two Brownlows and a pair of premiership...

Read More..

Saint Stanley to miss a month

SCANS have cleared St Kilda's Rhys Stanley of serious knee damage but he will miss the start of the home-and-away season. Stanley had impressed in a new role as a key defender during yesterday's NAB Cup win against Sydney before hyper-extending his left knee in the third quarter.The 22-year-old left the field and was immediately subbed out of the game.Stanley had scans this morning which revealed...

Read More..

Steeplechaser set for Cats ruck gig

Mark Blicavs taps the ball over Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs. Picture:Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun Geelong thrash a flat Adelaide outfit by 63 points in their NAB Cup clash at Simonds Stadium. HE'S played just six games since under-14s but Mark Blicavs has emerged as a wildcard to be Geelong's starting ruckman in Round 1. The former steeplechaser, who had dreams...

Read More..

AFL clears the way for ducking tactic

TAKING COVER: Hawthorn's Lance Franklin takes Eagles forward Ashton Hams high last season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow WEST Coast has been given the all clear to continue its controversial "ducking" tactic to draw free kicks, despite protests from several AFL clubs. The Eagles won more head-high tackle frees than any other club last season, a total of 177 in the home-and-away...

Read More..