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 of the occasion at last year's Dreamtime game between the Tigers and Essendon, Mathieson was concerned with only one thing - how that pesky Tony Abbott managed to score himself an invite into the Richmond rooms.

The first bloke was so dirty on his own club after seeing opposition leader Abbott taken down into the rooms after the game that he promptly fired off an angry email to Tigers CEO Brendon Gale to complain about it.

The Australian reports Mathieson demanded that Gale raise the matter with Gillard's chief of staff, Ben Hubbard.

"Mate u need to speak with Ben Hubbard on why abbott was taken down to the rooms..." the email raged.

"...it's just not on Who authorised it < it was a shocker it was a Don's function and he should not have gone down there..." he continued.

"...<this sort of crap has to be addressed ASAP <also why the dons had abbott his chief of staff and his 2 daughters on the head table is a disgrace."

So much for peace and understanding.

Read the full story in The Australian here.

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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 space
Hawks 0.5.3 (33)
Tigers 0.8.4 (52)

JACK Riewoldt has helped Richmond to a handy 19-point lead at the main break kicking his second goal of the match.

Riewoldt could have had three in the half but passed off to an unmarked Shaun Grigg in the goalsquare when lining up from 25m directly in front.

The Tigers dominated play in the first half barring a five-minute burst in the first quarter when Hawthorn kicked three goals to level the scores.

Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

2.07pm - Tigers in control over Hawks
Hawks 0.5.3 (33)
Tigers 0.7.3 (45)

RICHMOND is making light work of a sluggish Hawthorn outfit at Aurora Stadium.

Veteran Chris Newman gave the Tigers the ideal start in the second quarter when he converted a set shot from close range.

Newman was the beneficiary of a 50m penalty against Hawk recruit Matt Spangher, who failed to return the ball to Newman after the umpire blew his whistle.

Jack Riewoldt added to the Hawks woes when he found an unmarked Shaun Grigg in the goalsquare to make it a 12-point ball game.

Hawthorn answered through Jarryd Roughead but it short-lived as Jake King pounced late in the term kicking his second goal.

Sam Mitchell leads allcomers with 15 disposals including five rebound 50s. Mitchell has also laid six tackles.

1.33pm - Hawks strike back
Hawks 0.4.0 (24)
Tigers 0.4.1 (25)

HAWTHORN is mounting a charge at Aurora Stadium after letting Richmond skip away to a cheap lead.

The Tigers kicked four of the first five goals before back-to-back Hawks goals cut the margin to one point.

Opportunist Shane Savage opened the floodgates snapping truly from the top of the square before Jed Anderson and Shane Burgoyne chimed in with goals in a hurry.

Burgoyne kicked the Hawks' first goal marking about 30m out uncontested.

Richmond threatened to kick away midway through the term when Tyrone Vickery and Jack Riewoldt slotted two goals in as many minutes.

Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

1.22pm - King gives Tiges the lead
Hawks 0.1.0 (6)
Tigers 0.2.0 (12)

RICHMOND has started the better of the two sides with Jake King and Brett Deledio giving the Tigers an early lead at Aurora Stadium.

The 'Pushup' King made no mistake from directly in front after winning a free kick in marking contest.

Enter classy Deledio who rubbed salt into the Hawks wounds taking a strong pack mark before converting his shot on goal.

The near full-strength Tigers have dominated play early in the first quarter.

Join in our Live HQ coverage by tweeting your thoughts on today's games @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

But Hawthorn veteran Shaun Burgoyne answered for the Hawks taking an uncontested mark in the pocket before cutting the margin to six points.

Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

1.10pm - Hawks, Tiges do battle
Hawks 0.0.0. (0)
Tigers 0.0.0 (0)

RICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin has drawn first blood, winning the toss against Hawthorn who remains winless in the NAB Cup.

The Hawks line up with Jarryd Roughead playing out of the goalsquare replacing the injured Lance Franklin.

Check back for regular updates and breaking news throughout the day.

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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, Jack was recruited with pick 58 in the 2006 rookie draft. He is now a Sydney best-and-fairest winner (2010), premiership player (2012) and co-captain.

"Kieren is a pretty unique story and it is a great credit to him and just how hard he has worked that he now gets the opportunity to lead the club," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"He has come off the rookie list and joins Jarrad McVeigh as co-captain of the club he barracked for as a kid.

Kieren Jack celebrates his last-quarter goal during the Grand Final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

"Over the past few years we have seen Kieren develop enormously as player, but also as a leader. I'm sure he will continue to grow into the captaincy role but I'm really confident he and Jarrad will be a fantastic combination to guide our group," he said.

Longmire paid tribute to outgoing co-captain Goodes.

"Adam has been a tremendous leader of our club for a long time and while he won't be a captain, he will still play an important role in our leadership group.

"The club fully supports Adam's decision to stand down after four years as co-captain and think it is a great show of faith from him in our younger leaders."

As revealed on SuperFooty this morning, the Swans also announced new contracts for Goodes and Jack.

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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 next before their premiership window closes.

Coach Ross Lyon's first year at the helm was a topsy-turvy one.

After the club's 48-point loss to West Coast in round nine, Lyon was bombarded with criticism.

Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett labelled the Dockers "unwatchable", while former Carlton skipper Mark Maclure accused Lyon of destroying the game with his shut-down style.

Understandably, it took Lyon a fair chunk of the season to truly comprehend his team's strengths and weaknesses, and which players best carried out his game plan.

After 14 rounds, the Dockers were struggling in 13th place on the ladder.

But by the end of the season, Fremantle had gained the respect of the football world, with their elimination-final triumph over Geelong at the MCG showcasing just how much progress the club had made under Lyon.

Fremantle were meant to be easy-kill in that match.

Instead, they stunned the Cats with a 5.7 (37) to 0.1 (1) opening quarter, before holding on grimly at the death as Geelong made a determined charge.

It was arguably Fremantle's greatest-ever victory, and they followed it up with a gutsy performance in a semi-final loss to Adelaide.

The challenge now for the Dockers is to make back-to-back finals for the first time in their history.

And if they're to be a serious threat for the premiership, a top-four finish is a must.

The Dockers' squad is reasonably strong, but their forward line again looms as their weakness.

Pavlich is an out-and-out star, and if he stays fit, should kick in excess of 60 goals.

Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters are excellent small forwards whose pressure when not in possession can be just as important as the goals they kick.

And the medium-sized Chris Mayne has transformed himself into one of the most accurate goalkickers in the league, booting 39.7 last season.

But the absence of another stand-out key forward to back Pavlich up remains a worry, and gives opposition defences a greater chance to halt the 279-game veteran.

Another concern for Fremantle is the fitness of rucking colossus Sandilands, who has been blighted by toe problems over the past two years and will miss the early rounds of 2013 due to a torn hamstring.

"He's obviously an important player to us. But we don't want to rely on any one player," Lyon said.

A fit-again midfield shapes as Fremantle's strength.

The recruitment of speedy rebounder Danyle Pearce from Port Adelaide will alleviate some of the pressure on Stephen Hill, while 2012 Doig Medallist Ryan Crowley is one of the competition's best taggers.

And with Michael Barlow, Nat Fyfe and David Mundy entering the season fully fit, the Dockers will be able to hit the ground running rather than having to nurse their best midfielders into top form.

Fremantle proved last year they are no longer easybeats on the road, with the team embracing Lyon's "anywhere, anytime" philosophy.

And after tasting finals success last year, the Dockers will be hungry to go even deeper in 2013.
 

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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 he could be with his heavily-pregnant wife Lauren in case she went into labour.

And after welcoming a baby girl into the world on Wednesday night, Pavlich is free to play his first game of the pre-season.

Pavlich underwent operations on his hip, Achilles tendon and back during the off-season.

But coach Ross Lyon said the 31-year-old had fully recovered and was ready to play the majority of the game against the Bulldogs.

"He's in really good nick," Lyon said this morning.

"He's done a lot of work. He would have played last week.

"We've got his minutes planned, but he's really ready to go. He's ahead of schedule and we're thrilled to have him back."

Stephen Hill, Michael Barlow and Chris Mayne will also return to the side for the Dogs clash.

More to come

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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 tomorrow night.

Training strongly in the heat at Visy Park today, Judd will definitely play next week - either in the decider or a NAB Challenge game against another AFL club.

Assistant coach Gavin Brown said there was no danger of the 29-year-old Judd missing game one against the Tigers on Thursday March 28.

He said Judd supported the club's stance which was designed to make sure he played out the season.

"Juddy's going really well and training wonderfully well," said Brown.

"It's more about management and getting him right and we expect him to be right next week."

The Blues say they have no concerns about Judd adapting to their new game style, initiated by incoming coach Mick Malthouse.

"We do a lot of structural work and game style at training and Chris has been involved in that," Brown said.

"That, plus he's a very smart footballer ... it's certainly not a concern."

Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues against the Crows in his audition for the vacant top job but Brown wasn't giving away anything on who was likely to permanently lead the team.

"Mick said from the start he was going to give the leadership players a chance to captain at each of the NAB Cups and that finishes off tomorrow night.

"The match committee will then sit down and discuss the pros and cons but, whichever way we go, we're confident we'll have a very good leader."

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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, recruited from Collingwood in an active trade period by the Eagles last year to add run to the midfield, sprained his ankle last month while jumping on a trampoline.

Eagles coach John Worsfold, speaking this morning at the club's season launch at Crown, said the injury had taken longer than expected to heal.

"Yeah, well, you can see he's still in a boot," Worsfold said.

"It's like a normal sprained ankle. The surgeon saw him on the weekend at our game and elected to leave the boot on for a longer period.

"So, straight away, that's making it pretty tough and means he won't have put any weight on that leg for about three weeks.

"You would expect it would take another three weeks or so to really get him up and going, back ready to play.

"That, at a guess, would take Round 1 and maybe Round 2 out of the equation, but it's hard to predict from here about what his program will be."

Worsfold said Wellingham was likely disappointed with the nature of the injury, having not hurt the ankle in a game or training scenario.

"I think he's hurting because of how it happened," he said.

"You hurt if you get injured on the field - you're always disappointed to know you're going to miss games - and can that be magnified if it's something that's happened off the field?

"I'm sure there's some regret or a fair bit of regret that it didn't happen around the high-risk sport that (he) plays."

West Coast travels to the Northern Territory this week to take on Port Adelaide on Saturday in the club's final pre-season hitout, before the season-opening derby later this month.

Worsfold said the squad's depth would be tested early, with the likes of Nic Naitanui (groin surgery), Andrew Embley (hamstring) and Mark Nicoski (hamstring) adding to Wellingham's absence.

However, the Eagles will this week welcome back Beau Waters and Adam Selwood, while small forward Mark LeCras will continue his strong return from last year's ACL injury.

"You would like to have your best 22 out there every week, but that's very rare," Worsfold said.

"We're happy with the squad that we've got and we're confident that we'll put a great team on the field.

"(Embley is) good, it's not a bad hamstring.

"Take into account that he's a little bit older, we'll always give him a bit more leeway. But with this sort of hamstring, I think he would have been available next week, if we had a game."
 

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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, but  players were suffering more calf strains and concussions.

But the AFL Medical Officers' Association would not comment on whether a proposed cap on interchanges – set to be introduced next season – would have any definable impact on injuries.

AFL active general manager Gil McLachlan said: "In the interests of player health and welfare, the injury survey helps to identify the most important areas for further AFL-funded research, with the primary goal of ensuring the game is safe and that our players have the best possible treatment and support when returning from any injury.

"The AFL will continue to consider and implement rule changes when necessary to improve player safety, not just at the elite level, but across all levels of our game for both adults and children."

Dr Hugh Seward said the recent rise in games missed for concussion had a lot to do with more conservative medical practices.

"The rise in concussion incidence over the last two years in the AFL corresponds with a worldwide trend amongst many sports to recognise the potential long-term effects of concussion and the adoption of a more conservative approach with return-to-play decisions," Dr Seward said.

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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 be getting a few players back this week,'' said Longmire on Tuesday.

"Hopefully Kieren Jack, Adam Goodes and Rhyce Shaw will certainly be playing if they get through this week.

"Just how much they play is yet to be determined.''

Goodes has spent the majority of the offseason recovering from a knee injury he sustained in last year's grand final win.

Longmire said the dual-Brownlow Medallist would be among six to seven players returning on the weekend.

"He (Goodes) has been training really well the last few weeks.

He won't play the whole game, but he'll come in and hopefully get some quality game time under his belt.''

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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 would be forced to change their recruiting tactics.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said this morning a cap would be imposed next year but the league was yet to settle on a number of allowed rotations.

"It would certainly affect the way we pick players at the draft and how we train,'' Sanderson said of the AFL's controversial plan to cap interchange rotations in 2014.

"If they cut it by too much we would need more players between the heights of 188 and 192cm with a really good aerobic capacity.'

'Adelaide averaged a league-high 160 rotations a game last year and Sanderson conceded "we can't make any more''.

"So that's the limit, that's the maximum,'' he said. "And we wouldn't want any more than that."

But he said cutting rotations to fewer than 120 would change the nature of the game.

"If it's (down to) 130 or 120 we could live with it and it wouldn't impact on things a great deal,'' Sanderson said.

"But we rely on speed, it's a fast game with us, that's how we train our players.

"Eighty (rotations) certainly impacted us on the weekend (against Geelong). So it's important clubs get their say and they get listened to.

"I think what will probably happen is the 18 clubs will unanimously vote against it (a cap on interchanges) and it will still come in.

Bulldogs players join cap backlash

"The cap's OK, we'll play by whatever rules the AFL brings in and that won't be the issue. I guess the number is what's important.

"So we'll have to make sure that after consultation with the AFL we're all happy.''

Clubs are allowed only 80 interchanges a game in the NAB Cup as the AFL experiments with rotation capping, prompting Melbourne coach Mark Neeld to say that it had put the game back five years.

Sanderson, meanwhile, said the Crows would welcome back five first-choice players for Friday night's NAB Cup clash against Carlton at AAMI Stadium.

Jared Petrenko (shoulder) and Sam Shaw (knee) will play their first games for the season after recovering from long-term injuries while Rory Sloane, AFL Rising Star winner Daniel Talia and Ian Callinan will return to the side.

Twelve Crows players left training early on Monday after being "violently ill'' with a gastro bug, but Sanderson said all had recovered and were at training today.

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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 74

Adam Goodes might have two Brownlows and a pair of premiership medallions, but his brother Brett (pictured below) might have something to brag about at this year's family dinners as a more popular pick in SuperCoach. Goodes ($128,200 mid/def) seems to have cemented a spot in the Bulldogs defence and in most SuperCoach sides for Round 1. He had 17 disposals, three tackles and a goal against the Hawks.

We got our first look at another potential bargain at the kennel on Friday night, with former Eagle Koby Stevens ($176,700 mid) impressing in his first outing in red, white and blue.

The Hawks had another disappointing night but it wasn't any fault of Lance Franklin ($618,000 fwd). Some brave SuperCoaches who were thinking of leaving him out of their side might be recalculating after his 17-disposal, five goal performance that landed 134 SuperCoach points.

And if you're looking for a sneaky mid-price option in the midfield, you could do a lot worse than Isaac Smith ($384,100 mid) who seems to be set for more time on the ball in 2013. He picked up 19 disposals and pumped the Hawks inside 50 four times, but his price makes him an awkward choice.

Did not play: Brian Lake

Brett Goodes kicks at goal. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Geelong 128 Adelaide 63

The Cats turned it on at home, with Jimmy Bartel ($527,400 fwd/mid), James Kelly ($553,200 mid) and Corey Enright ($502,400 def) picking up a mountain of the footy. All look safe picks this season, while Harry Taylor ($465,000 def) could be a surprise star if he repeats his 31-disposal, 159 SuperCoach point game.

At the cheaper end of the scale, Travis Varcoe ($268,900 fwd/mid) looks an absolute steal returning from injury after another 17 disposals and a super goal while Mark Blicavs could be the surprise selection of the season - the former steeplechaser is set to play in Round 1 after impressing in the ruck. Unfortunately he's only available as a midfielder in SuperCoach. The only bad news for the Cats was a quad injury to Paul Chapman ($535,600 fwd/mid).

The Crows had a day to forget, but Patrick Dangerfield ($636,000 mid) showed he won't be satisfied with his breakout 2012 season. Check out these numbers: 31 disposals, 22 contested possessions, three goals, four tackles and 149 SuperCoach points. Can you fit him in your midfield?

Popular bench option Brad Crouch ($115,900) started as the sub and picked up 10 disposals after coming on at halftime while Sam Kerridge ($115,900 mid/fwd) is an option for your forward line bench after 11 disposals and a goal against the Cats.

Did not play: Joel Selwood, Rory Sloane

Get more SuperCoach tips from Al Paton on Twitter at @al_superfooty

North Melbourne 102 Gold Coast 89

Forget breakout players, North Melbourne could be the breakout team of 2013. The Roos midfield is stacked with young midfielders ready to take the next step, the only question is which one to jump on. Ryan Bastinac ($407,800 mid) is the latest to put up his hand, picking up 110 SuperCoach points against the Suns, while Jack Ziebell ($434,100 mid) was also impressive, although Ben Cunnington ($412,800 mid) was a bit quieter this week with just 12 touches.

The most interesting story at the Roos might be the battle for the No.1 ruck spot. Todd Goldstein ($497,900 ruck) and Daniel Currie ($109,500 ruck) shared the role on Saturday and former Swan Currie (below) just took the honours, with his two goals making him a bench lock for SuperCoach - could he go one better and start on the field?

Speaking of breakout contenders, the Suns have a couple of their own in Harley Bennell ($521,900 mid) and David Swallow ($418,200 mid) who had 93 and 104 SuperCoach points respectively on Saturday. Young gun Jaeger O'Meara ($115,900 mid) picked up 15 disposals and will be on plenty of midfield benches.

Did not play: Drew Petrie, Majak Daw

Daniel Currie of the Kangaroos rucks against God Coast's Zac Smith. Source: Herald Sun

Richmond 86 Essendon 78

An exciting game for Wangaratta footy fans, but not a lot of SuperCoach news to report with the Tigers resting most of their big guns. No.9 draft pick Nick Vlastuin ($159,500 def/mid) is firming for Round 1 after another strong display, but it's worth noting his 15 disposals and four tackles netted just 49 SuperCoach points.

Other Tigers worth a look are defender Alex Rance ($464,800 def) who could get more licence to attack once Troy Chaplin joins the line-up. Rance did pretty well without him on Saturday with 23 touches, 11 marks and 107 SuperCoach points, while Dustin Martin ($473,500 fwd/mid) had 61 to his name before being subbed out at halftime.

Brent Stanton ($559,700 mid) led the way for the Bombers with 119 SuperCoach points while Jobe Watson ($647,200 mid)  eased his way back from a knee injury with 15 disposals. Brendon Goddard ($541,500 def/mid) played all over the field and had 22 disposals. This could be the last year he can be picked in defence - don't miss out!

Another Bomber to catch the eye is 22-year-old Western Australian Nick Kommer ($109,500 mid) - and not just because of his haircut. Kommer (below) had 12 disposals and two goals and should see plenty of early games.

Did not play: Trent Cotchin, Ivan Maric, Brett Deledio, Chris Knights, David Zaharakis

Essendon's Nick Kommer takes a strong mark. Source: Getty Images

Brisbane 100 GWS 97

Smokie alert! Write down the name Pat Karnezis ($262,500 fwd).

The forgotten forward struggled to get a game for Brisbane last year but he has been reinvented as a midfielder, picking up 26 disposals (and 108 SuperCoach points) against the Giants in Wagga.

This game seemed to be about challenging the old SuperCoach rule of not picking second year players. Dayne Zorko ($535,000 fwd/mid) looks like he's ready to pick up where he left his amazing debut season (17 disposals, two goals and 112 SuperCoach points on Sarurday night), Jon Giles ($498,900 ruck) showed he could be a legitimate ruck option with 16 disposals, two goals and 124 SuperCoach points, Adam Treloar ($445,000 mid) got a heap of the footy and Toby Greene ($506,300 mid) picked up 19 disposals, seven marks and a goal - after coming on at halftime!

Meanwhile, a first-year player was putting his hand up to justify a high price tag with No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield ($199,500 mid) collecting 17 classy touches and nine marks, a sign of his ability to find space.

Everyone's second ruckman Matthew Leuenberger ($301,100 ruck) was eased back into action after a year out with an Achilles injury, only coming off the bench late in the third term and picking up six kicks. We'll get a much better idea of how he's traveling when he plays a full game next weekend.

Young backman Sam Docherty ($115,900 def) put in a much improved display with 15 disposals (although 11 of them were handbills which isn't ideal for SuperCoach scoring) while bargain Tom Rockliff ($520,500 fwd/mid) sat out the first half before finishing with 11 touches and a goal. The best news for him is that the Lions are finding other avenues to goal which means he can return to the midfield full-time.

Did not play: Tom Scully missed with what the Giants described as a minor knee injury.

Get the latest SuperCoach news and join the debate on Facebook at facebook.com/supercoach

Carlton 124 Fremantle 54

SuperCoaches have a lot to thank Mick Malthouse - and Brett Ratten - for. Ratts played Bryce Gibbs ($509,800 def/mid) as a loose man behind the ball all last year, which hurt SuperCoaches at the time but meant he can be picked as as a defender this year. Malthouse has completed the plan by throwing him on the ball, where he has dominated so far in the NAB Cup - leading the pre-season comp for clearances. He is primed for a super year - we should see a lot more games like Saturday's 22-disposal, four-tackle, two-goal and 110 SuperCoach point effort. Get him in your team now!

Mick might get extra points if he can transform Mitch Robinson ($474,400 fwd/mid) into a player who scores 144 SuperCoach points on a regular basis, as he did on Saturday for his 26 touches and two goals.

Marc Murphy ($602,900 mid) wasn't bad either, with 21 touches and 98 SuperCoach points and looks seriously underpriced for a blue-chip player, while Kane Lucas ($217,400 mid) had 20 disposals and could be a good buy if he finally gets a decent run of games - over to you again, Mick. But last week's hero Sam Rowe ($115,900 fwd/ruck) took a hit in SuperCoach terms - he could find the footy only three times.

It was an ugly afternoon for Fremantle, typified by young star Nathan Fyfe ($498,800 mid). Playing his first NAB Cup game for the year, Fyfe had just one disposal to halftime and finished with 10. His midfield mate David Mundy ($477,300 mid) did a lot better - 18 disposals and two goals - and is on track to return to his elite form of two seasons ago.

Did not play: Chris Judd, Matthew Pavlich

Bryce Gibbs and Simon White celebrate a goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne 78 Port Adelaide 76

Who needs Gold Coast or GWS?

In the past two years the expansion teams have supplied us with a long list of bargain players for our bench - and to start on the field - and the lack of a new franchise this year was creating headaches for SuperCoach players looking for reliable cheapies.

Enter Port Adelaide (and, to a slightly lesser extent, Melbourne).

Those who made the drive to Renmark on Saturday - hats off, by the way - saw a bevy of potential steals jump onto our radar.

Ken Hinkley has brought the broom to Port and is ready to give games to kids and a second chance to guys you probably didn't notice the first time. Here are some names to consider:

Kane Mitchell ($126,200 mid) - Sandover medallist with flowing black locks who just finds a stack of the footy. He had 26 touches on Saturday and 91 SuperCoach points but it should have been more - his kicking efficiency was a worrying 31 per cent.

Ollie Wines ($169,500 mid, pictured below) - top 10 draft pick who loves the hard stuff. How's this for a stat - Port had 21 clearances and Wines had 10 of them. Add 21 touches and 15 contested possessions (for 92 SuperCoach points) and he's very hard to ignore despite the high price tag for a teenager.

Sam Colquhoun ($109,500 mid/def) - Highly skilled (and very skinny) flanker who slipped through to the pre-season draft. Had 19 disposals and 99 SuperCoach points on Saturday.

Lewis Stevenson ($115,900 def) - Played 10 matches for the Eagles in 2010 then dropped off the face of the earth - at least outside WA. He was a star for Claremont in the WAFL and looks set to slot on to a back flank this season at age 23. He notched 76 SuperCoach points on Saturday and you can expect more scores like that.

Jake Neade ($115,900 fwd/mid) - tiny Cyril Rioli clone who is smart around goal and runs down opponents. As a small forward don't expect huge scores - he had eight disposals, four tackles and a goal in a typical performance on Saturday - but he looks a good chance to play. And that dual-position link could be very handy.

The Dees also had some good rookie options on show with former SANFL defender Dean Terlich ($109,500 def) picking up 16 disposals across half-back and another mature-age recruit Dean Kent ($109,500 mid) kicking two goals.

Did not play: Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas, Shanon Byrnes, Jack Watts, Jack Grimes. Cam Pedersen was subbed on at three quarter time and had one kick.

Ollie Wines clears from congestion. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

St Kilda 90 Sydney 67

With so many top-liners missing this game was a chance for some second-string players to push their case for a spot in our SuperCoach sides.

Could David Armitage ($460,100 mid) finally be about to have his long-awaited breakout season? The evidence yesterday was encouraging - 20 disposals, seven tackles, a goal and 113 SuperCoach points.

Another player firmly in the breakout window is Swan Dan Hannebery ($439,700 mid) who picked up 30 touches and 114 SuperCoach points in his first hitout for 2013.

Leigh Montagna ($530,700 mid) is hardly a breakout contender but we know he's capable of high scores and he seems to be relishing being released from the run-with roles that impacted his scores last year. Joey ran around Etihad Stadium yesterday collecting 28 disposals, 10 marks, a goal and 103 SuperCoach points.

Arryn Siposs ($316,000 fwd) impressed again in his audition to replace Brendon Goddard in the quarterback role with his booming kicks a highlight, but you would want more than 12 disposals and 56 SuperCoach points from him each week to justify picking him over a rookie.

Speaking of rookies, St Kilda's top draft pick Nathan Wright ($109,500 def) could get early games after an impressive 17 touches yesterday, and mature-age Swan Dean Towers ($114,500 mid) was good without demanding a Round 1 start with his nine disposals. Watch closely when the Swans have something close to a full-strength side to see if he's in the best 22.

Did not play: Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Jack Steven, Adam Goodes, Tom Mitchell, Shane Mumford

Leigh Montagna gets off a handball in front of Jude Bolton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood 96 West Coast 76

Viva la NAB Cup! The Frenchman is back - in a big way. Eagle Mark LeCras ($369,200 fwd) made the dream return from injury in Perth last night, booting four goals against the Magpies.

He collected 97 SuperCoach points, helped by starting at two centre bounces, a tantalising glimpse of a possible midfield-forward role that he was tracking towards before getting hurt last year.

Otherwise it was the usual suspects at work with Scott Pendlebury ($667,300 mid, 27 disposals, 137 SuperCoach points), Dane Swan ($675,300 mid, 23 touches, 109 SuperCoach points) and Heath Shaw ($541,300 def, 24 disposals) leading the way for the Pies and Scott Selwood ($556,700 mid), Matt Priddis ($588,300 mid), Andrew Gaff ($483,500 mid) and Luke Shuey ($553,100 mid) racking them up for the home side.

Dean Cox ($600,700 fwd/ruck) slotted in seamlessly after missing the opening NAB Cup round with a dislocated finger, picking up 15 disposals, 26 hitouts and a goal on his way to 128 SuperCoach points.

Rookie bench option Jarrod Witts ($115,900 ruck) played the second half and had nine hitouts and four kicks, while West Coast forward Josh Kennedy ($299,600 fwd) kicked one goal and had eight disposals in his first game for the year.

But the Eagles - and SuperCoaches - suffered a blow when attractive mid-price option Andrew Embley ($283,600 mid)  limped from the field with a hamstring injury. Cross him off your list.

Did not play: Daniel Kerr, Dayne Beams, Brent Macaffer, Darren Jolly.

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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 bone bruising but no structural damage to the knee.

He is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.

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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 of representing Australia before giving up his running career last year, more than held his own against Adelaide's Sam Jacobs in yesterday's NAB Cup game to put his hand up for the season-opener.

All of Geelong's senior-listed ruckmen are on the injury list - Trent West (knee), Dawson Simpson (back), Hamish McIntosh (knee), Nathan Vardy (groin) - which means Blicavs and fellow rookie Josh Walker have had to carry the load in the pre-season.

Blicavs, 21, joined the Cats midway through last year and played four VFL games - the first time he'd pulled on the boots since representing Taylors Lakes in the under-14s.

When asked if he was ready to carry the ruck load against Hawthorn in Round 1, he said: "Hypothetically if that happened, I versed (Aaron) Sandilands two weeks ago and Jacobs who are two of the best ruckmen in the league in my eyes.

"It can't be anymore daunting than that so I'll just take it as it comes . . . . against the Hawks would be pretty exciting I guess."

Assistant coach Blake Caracella said Blicavs' improvement over the summer had surprised everyone.

"His rate of improvement has been remarkable," Caracella said. "He's obviously an outstanding athlete, his spring is pretty good, he's a fantastic runner but his game sense and knowledge of how to play the game, for someone who hasn't played footy since U/14s is amazing.

"He has somehow managed to learn at a rapid rate and come along heaps. He's certainly going to push for selection come Round 1 or certainly during the season.

"I think (he could handle it). I think his game two weeks ago he jumped over Sandilands at his first centre bounce he took and obviously against a quality ruckman today he rucked quite OK.

"He and Josh Walker add some midfield depth as well because they don't just ruck, they get after the footy as well, they get after the tackles and contested footy as well. It brings certainly a different element to the game.

Blicavs had 14 hit-outs and eight possessions yesterday including an impressive mark and goal in the third quarter.

The new ruck rule which has outlawed scragging at ball-ups certainly helps the rookie whose outstanding leap is his best weapon.

"I'm 198cm and for a ruckman that's not that tall and I'm 96kg so for a ruckman that's tiny so I don't want to be trying to body on Jacobs or anything," Blicavs said. "That one-metre rule does advantage the jumpers who don't want to wrestle.

"I've found moving into the ruck and doing a bit of work in the midfield has helped (over the past two weeks). I guess it has given me a bit more free rein to run a bit and play a bit on instinct.

"I'm just loving it at the moment. It's really good."

Geelong has already placed Simpson on the long-term injury list which means they can elevate a rookie onto the main list for Round 1.

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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 season - 37 more than the second team, Greater Western Sydney, and almost 65 more than the AFL average.

AFL director of umpiring Jeff Gieschen confirmed yesterday there would be no change to the head-high interpretation this year.

A number of Eagles and several other players, including Geelong skipper Joel Selwood, were accused of ducking to elicit head-high frees.

But Gieschen told the 18 AFL clubs recently that "the clear mandate is to protect the player with the ball and to protect the head".

"We have said very clearly that the onus is on the tackler to get as low as he can to make sure the tackle is legal," Gieschen said.

"When a player has won the ball and is about to be tackled, he is entitled to evade and try and beat the tackle," Gieschen said.

"This isn't so much about the player with the ball; it is about the player tackling."

Gieschen admitted some clubs had asked for a clearer interpretation and for a possible change after several coaches last year accused the Eagles of milking free kicks.

But after some discussion at the AFL laws of the game committee meetings, the panel ruled the head had to remain sacrosanct.

"Some of the feedback was that there was probably a risk that some players will adopt the same tactics to try and beat the tackles," Gieschen said.

"We have said that we don't have an issue with that providing the tackler does it legally, which is below the shoulder."

Gieschen stressed: "This is not a West Coast thing.

"You have players at every club who are very good at trying to evade tackles.

"Individual players have their own skills and idiosyncrasies. Some feel comfortable with the ball in their hands, taking on the tacklers; others don't.

"I don't see it as certain players trying to get an advantage, because for some it is a part of their footy DNA."

Last year North Melbourne's Brad Scott and Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson questioned some tactics used by players to chase free kicks in a tackle.

With the issue of concussion and protecting the head paramount, Gieschen said the laws of the game committee - which he attends but does not vote on - had opted for no changes.

Gieschen said a free would be paid against a player with the ball if he put his head down and initiated contact with another player.

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