Zaharakis firms for Round 1

David Zaharakis looks in top shape at Essendon. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun ESSENDON star David Zaharakis emerged unscathed from his pre-season debut last night to enhance his chances of taking on Adelaide in next week's season-opener. The goalkicking midfielder was ruled out of the Bombers' NAB Cup campaign with a quad injury, but he returned through the VFL yesterday...

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Geelong demolishes Pies at Cattery

Jimmy Bartel breaks clear against Collingwood. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun IT WAS a mix of reliable regular performers and exciting new talent for Geelong in its practice match romp against Collingwood yesterday. Gold Coast trade Josh Caddy and former athlete Mark Blicavs put in their bids for AFL season starts with impressive performances in the 51-point win at Simonds...

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No pressure on Robbie return

Robbie Gray at Moonta Bay during the Port Adelaide Power Football Club Community Camp on the Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser PORT Adelaide forward Robbie Gray will make his comeback from knee surgery earlier than expected in the SANFL tomorrow. But Power coach Ken Hinkley is putting no timeline on when Gray will return to AFL action this season."He'll play...

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Drubbing doesn't bother Dogs

Tory Dickson of the Bulldogs cools down during the practice match against Fremantle in Mandurah. Source: Getty Images THE Western Bulldogs deny any momentum gained from the NAB Cup win against Hawthorn a fortnight ago was lost in last week's Fremantle drubbing. The Bulldogs took a severely under-strength lineup to Western Australia last Saturday and paid the price with a 109-point loss.But...

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The Barometer: Round 1

Collingwood's Dale Thomas is struggling to be ready to go in Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun COLLINGWOOD could be without Alan Didak, Luke Ball and Dale Thomas for Round 1, but Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs could boast full-strength sides. See how your club is shaping up for its all-important Round 1 clash with the first installment of The Barometer for season...

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Free parking in Cat parody

Geelong premiership forward Mathew Stokes has little regard for parking spots down at the Cattery Travis Cloke has been sanctioned for parking in Gary Pert's car spot. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun VIDEO: WATCH Geelong forward Mathew Stokes' take on Travis Cloke's parking problem. The Magpies forward was this week fined $1000 for repeatedly parking in the...

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Power set for Swans litmus test

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will measure his side's improvement against Sydney. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser PORT Adelaide believes its practice match against premiership side Sydney will be its best indication yet on how much the Power has improved under Ken Hinkley. The club considers the Swans as the ideal opponent to use as a springboard into the home-and-away season...

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Blues, Lions set for bumper years

Jonathan Brown will try and lead Brisbane to its first ever pre-season title on Friday night. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun LOCK in at least one of Carlton or the Brisbane Lions to burst into the top four this season and expect both to see September action. That is if recent NAB Cup form is any guide to the season proper. Not since Denis Pagan's bizarre pre-season success...

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Roo accepts one-week ban

North Melbourne defender Scott McMahon is set to miss the Roos' Round 1 clash against Collingwood. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun NORTH Melbourne has lost another key player to suspension for its Round 1 clash against Collingwood. Defender Scott McMahon must sit out the match with veteran Brent Harvey after accepting a one-game penalty for striking. McMahon, who played...

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Geelong season preview

2013 preview: The Cats can cling to a finals berth with a mix of old heads and young talent, says Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson. Geelong captain Joel Selwood is a bridge between two generations at Geelong. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun WILL the Cats bottom out or can they stay at the top and contend again in 2013? Geelong is at the crossroads. The core...

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Ultimate SuperCoach formguide

Travis Varcoe takes off out of the Geelong defence on Saturday. Picture: Mitch Bear Source: Geelong Advertiser OUR SuperCoach scouts review every game of the weekend and reveal who's burning and who's stinking it up. Round 1 is getting nearer which means pre-season form is becoming more and more relevant - and it's only two weeks until the new Nissan SuperCoach season begins! With...

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NAB Cup final round schedule

BRISBANE have been forced to travel to Melbourne for the NAB Cup grand final, but where are the other teams playing? Despite finishing on top of the NAB Cup ladder, the Lions will take on the Blues at Etihad Stadium next Friday night. Join SuperFooty for live coverage of that match from 7.30pm AEDT. Next weekend's practice matches kick off with the Magpies making a rare trip down the highway...

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Porplyzia out of hospital

Adelaide forward Jason Porplyzia is in line for Round 1 after going into hospital with stomach ulcers. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser CROWS specialist forward Jason Porplyzia is out of hospital today after suffering severe stomach pains - caused by an ulcer - after the NAB Cup win against Carlton on Friday. Porplyzia was mystified by the pain after recalling no hit to his...

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