LIVE: Saturday arvo footy

David Mundy will captain Fremantle. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

LATE CHANGES:
Hawthorn: Brent Guerra out, replaced by Shane savage
Fremantle: Luke McPharlin out, replaced by debutant Tanner Smith
Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack out, replaced by Brent Macaffer
Richmond: Nil

SUBSTITUTES:
Hawthorn: Shane Savage
Fremantle: Lachie Neale
Collingwood: Josh Thomas
Richmond: Brandon Ellis

VIDEO: Watch highlights of new Docker Tanner Smith here

DAVID Mundy will captain a further weakened Fremantle side against Hawthorn today, which has also lost star defender Luke McPharlin.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The full-back was a late withdrawal after suffering concussion in the opening minutes of last week's loss to Essendon in a collision with Paddy Ryder that cost him a three-week suspension.

The Hawks also swung a late change, with Shane Savage replacing Brent Guerra.

Savage and young Docker Lachie Neale will start in the green vests.

Track the match with live SuperCoach points, scores and more at Live HQ

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Craig silent on Dank claims

Neil Craig speaks with Mark Neeld today. Picture: Mark Dadswell

MELBOURNE'S director of coaching Neil Craig refused to answer questions today whether he or the club had links with controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Craig was quizzed before today's training session at Gosch's paddock as the Demons prepare for tomorrow's clash against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.

"As you know there is obviously an inquiry in place so I have to respect that and I can't make any comment on any of that,'' Craig said.

Dank and Melbourne club doctor Dan Bates, who stood down yesterday, allegedly exchanged several text messages where details of supplements, injections and player names were disclosed.

The AFL and ASADA are now investigating the allegations, but AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is furious that the Demons had earlier told the league the club had no involvement with Dank who had applied for a job with Melbourne.

Mark Neeld coach of the Demons addresses his players during the Melbourne Football Club's AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock in Richmond, Melbourne, on Saturday 20th April, 2013. Picture: Dadswell Mark Source:

Melbourne co-captain Jack Trengove, one of the players named in the text messages, was also asked about the supplement program after today's leisurely 45-minute training session.

"We are very confident with the processes the club has undertaken and we are going forward from here and we have a game to play on the weekend,'' he said.

"I can't wait to get out there.''

Asked about Dank, Trengove replied: "As I said again, we are very confident with the processes of the club going forward.

"It's a big game this weekend and a really important one for us.''

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld stepped in and told reporters that Trengove had answered enough questions.

Only about 30 people watched the Demon session. Most interest centred on the clean shaven Jack Watts who had just shaved off his much-talked about Ned Kelly beard

Jack Watts of the Demons kicks for goal during the Melbourne Football Club's AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock in Richmond, Melbourne, on Saturday 20th April, 2013. Picture: Dadswell Mark Source:

Watts' beard sparked a frenzy, with some commentators saying the out-of-form player, who was recalled for tomorrow's clash after being dumped after the Round 2 Essendon mauling, should not be drawing attention to him when he's struggling for form.

Channel 7 and Triple M's Luke Darcy was particularly scathing in his criticism of Watts' facial hair, saying he should not "have a flare over his head'' when he can't get a kick.

Everyone has high expectations on Jack Watts. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

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Demons' two years from hell

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has faced a string of off-field distractions since taking the top job. Source: Getty Images

ON-FIELD disaster and off-field drama have followed Melbourne over the past two years. Here's a quick refresher.

July 29, 2011: Melbourne loses to Geelong by 186 points, the second-biggest losing margin in VFL-AFL history.

July 31, 2011: Coach Dean Bailey sacked. CEO Cameron Schwab initially sacked but then reinstated.

September 11, 2011: No.1 draft pick Tom Scully leaves the Demons, signing a five-year deal with GWS.

September 17, 2011: Former Collingwood assistant coach Mark Neeld appointed Demons senior coach on a three-year deal. "I simply want to coach the team that is the hardest to play against in the AFL," he says.

May 31, 2012: Melbourne thumped by 41 points by the Brisbane Lions at the MCG in Neeld's first match as coach.

March 12, 2012: Melbourne president Jim Stynes dies after a long battle with cancer. Thousands of Melburnians farewelled the AFL icon at a state funeral.

April 3, 2012: AFL employee Jason Mifsud issues an apology to Neeld for "clearly inappropriate" comments about the club's management of indigenous players. Melbourne were furious at the allegation that Neeld spoke with non-indigenous players individually over the pre-season, but only addressed indigenous players as a group.

Former Demon Liam Jurrah is currently training with Port Adelaide. Picture: Alex Coppel. Source: Herald Sun

September 3, 2012: Exciting forward Liam Jurrah quits the Demons to return to South Australia and prepare for court charges over an alleged machete attack in Alice Springs. In March this year Jurrah was found not guilty of assault. He has since appeared in court in relation to another brawl.

February 19, 2013: The AFL hits Melbourne with a $500,000 fine following league probe into claims the Demons deliberately lost matches to gain early draft picks in 2009. Former football operations manager Chris Connolly banned from football for 11 months and ex-coach Dean Bailey suspended from coaching for 16 rounds for "actions prejudicial to interests of the AFL", but the AFL says the club didn't tank - and can't explain what tanking is.

The AFL investigation has centred on comments made in a Demons football department meeting run by football operations manager Chris Connolly, pictured with Dean Bailey, allegedly reminding staff about the importance of the extra draft pick. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

March 31, 2013: Melbourne begins its season with a 78-point loss to Port Adelaide. The next week the Demons go down to Essendon by 148 points. No.1 draft pick Jack Watts is subsituted out of the game then dropped the next week. After not playing at any level, he is recalled to the senior team for Round 4.

April 9, 2013: Cameron Schwab stands down after being asked to quit by president Don McLardy, two days after McLardy said it would be wrong to blame Schwab for the club's problems. "The unity of our club is absolutely vital and at the moment we have a divided supporter base. Cameron, for whatever reasons, fair or unfair, polarises that," McLardy said.

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab faces the media with club president Don McClardy after resigning his position at the Demons this morning. April 9, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

April 18, 2013: Text messages emerge linking the Demons to controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank, the man at the centre of Essendon's drug investigations.

April 19, 2013: Melbourne releases a statement admitting Dank was in contact with club doctor Dan Bates but denying any drugs breached WADA rules. A fuming AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says "there will be consequences" if the club is found to have lied to the league about Dank.

DEMONS ON THE FIELD

2011: 8 wins, 13 losses, 1 draw, percentage 85.3. Position: 13th
2012: 4 wins, 18 losses, percentage 67.5. Position: 16th
2013: 0 wins, 3 losses, percentage 35.0. Position: 18th

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Hardwick welcomes big stage

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick calls the shots at training. Source: Getty Images

DAMIEN Hardwick has backed away from claims tomorrow's clash with Collingwood is the most important game in his time at Punt Rd.

But the Tigers coach acknowledged the match will give him a great guide to see where his side is at and will be a massive challenge for his group.

After three wins to open the season, the Tigers would go to 4-0 if they beat the Magpies - a feat they haven't achieved since 1995.

"The thing is all the games are worth the same amount of points,'' Hardwick said.

"(But) because we are playing Collingwood, it is certainly going to be an exciting game, there is obviously going to be a big crowd and we are going to be playing Saturday afternoon footy.

Punters say Tigers are favourites

"There is no doubt Collingwood is a side (that) over the past 3 to 4 years have been a very impressive unit. Our guys are starting to see the work-rate and the talent that is required to get to that level.

"It is going to be a great test for our guys - our midfield forwards and backs are going to learn something.

"We think we have certainly got the ability to beat Collingwood.''
 

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Roos clash a final for Lions

Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberg (right) battles with Charlie Dixon during Brisbane's first win of the season against Gold Coast. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE ruckman Matthew Leuenberger says North Melbourne does not have a mortgage on desperation ahead of Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium.

The winless Kangaroos are already walking the finals tightrope after falling to the last three premiers but Leuenberger said the Round 4 match-up was also "massive'' in the context of Brisbane's season.

The Lions broke their duck for 2013 last Saturday night with a gripping two-point win over Gold Coast in Q Clash 5 to be 1-2 after three rounds.

Leuenberger said it was another must-win for Brisbane this weekend if the Lions were any hope of climbing the ladder this season

"It's a massive game. We've got the potential to go 2-2 or go 1-3,'' he said.

"1-3 looks shocking in comparison to 2-2.

"I think we are pretty well aware of how important this game is to us, to be honest.

"We've talked about it a lot, if we want to move forward, it's these sort of teams that sit around the middle of the pack where we are, that we need to beat.

"If you look back over the past few years, us and the Kangaroos have sat in a relatively similar position on the ladder (but) they've been fractionally a bit better.

"If we want to bridge that gap and be the team we want to be, this is the sort of team that we need to beat.''

Leuenberger said the Lions did not need reminding that their last visit to Etihad Stadium resulted in a thrashing at the hands of the Western Bulldogs in Round 1, adding Brisbane was keen to exorcise the demons this weekend.

The 24-year-old said his body was holding together well in his comeback from Achilles and calf problems that all but destroyed his 2012 season.
 

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Mainy link lives on through Cripps

FRESH START: Jamie Cripps (right) has enjoyed a new beginning at West Coast after crossing from St Kilda. Picture: Darrian Traynor Source: Getty Images

WEST Coast recruit Jamie Cripps is proud to be following in the footsteps of his late cousin Chris Mainwaring at the Eagles.

Mainwaring was a star at West Coast during his 201-game career, with the wingman playing key roles in the club's AFL premiership campaigns of 1992 and '94.

His death in 2007 at the age of 41 caused an outpouring of emotion among football fans.

Cripps, who grew up in Northampton, only saw Mainwaring about once a year due to the 500km distance between the pair.

But he said Mainwaring's on-field feats played an inspirational role in his own development.

"I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and play AFL. I just wanted to be like him and play footy like him," said Cripps, who switched from St Kilda to West Coast at the end of last season.

"It's an awesome feeling to be able to play where he's played. Just keeping it in the family, which is good."

Cripps, who has type 1 diabetes, notched 16 games over two seasons at the Saints, but said his desire to be closer to family in Western Australia prompted his move to the Eagles.

West Coast gave up pick No.40 to get him, and the 20-year-old has kicked four goals in his three games this season.

But with the likes of Andrew Embley, Sharrod Wellingham, Matt Rosa, Beau Waters and Nic Naitanui set to return over the next month, Cripps knows he'll have to lift his form if he is to keep his spot in the side.

West Coast will be aiming to make it two wins on the trot when they take on Carlton at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

The Blues (0-3) are desperate to taste their first win under new coach Mick Malthouse, but will enter the match without injured ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (thumb).
 

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Giant whack for Brogan

Dean Brogan 'disappointed' at getting three-match suspension.

Dean Brogan was sent straight to the tribunal after an AFL investigation. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Herald Sun

Dean Brogan leave the AFL tribunal. Source: Herald Sun

A WARNING to players on high bumps was reinforced last night with GWS Giants ruckman Dean Brogan suspended for three matches.

Brogan was found guilty of rough conduct against St Kilda midfielder Jack Newnes who needed surgery to repair a fractured jaw yesterday.

It's another massive setback for the Giants preparing to play Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday - key forward Jon Patton is out with a knee injury and midfielder Devon Smith accepted a one-game penalty for rough conduct.

The AFL Tribunal assessed Brogan's hit on Newnes as negligent conduct with high impact and rated it as worth 300 demerit points and the three match penalty.

Brogan argued that he instinctively turned and braced for contact when Newnes deliberately cut across his path as the 201 cms ruckman ran towards the interchange bench midway through the opening quarter at Canberra last Saturday.

"I saw Jack getting ready to come into my path by lowering his centre of gravity to give me a decent bump,'' he said.

"I braced, we collided. I didn't think the contact was that significant. I don't expect to be checked or bumped or hit when you're going to the interchange with the ball so far away.

"It was lucky I saw it otherwise I would've been the one on the ground.''

Brogan said he was shocked when Saint Lenny Hayes told him that Newnes had to be subbed out of the game with concussion at quarter-time when they shook hands at the end of the game.

He said he "made a beeline'' to Newnes to apologise and said he was upset and texted the injured Saint when he heard that an X-ray had revealed a fracture on the right side of the jaw.

Asked by AFL legal counsel Jeff Gleeson where he struck Newnes, Brogan said:"I can't explain where I hit him.'

'The Giants big man said he was "fully aware'' of the league's crackdown on "a lot of stuff'' off the ball.Newnes said in a statement to an AFL investigations officer that "I decided to run over and bump (Brogan) to provide a presence."

He said he felt contact to the jaw, but couldn't be more specific.

"I think I stayed on my feet, but I don't remember too much after that,'' he said.

St Kilda trainer Andrew Waddington told the hearing that he saw the clash as he ran towards Newnes with a drink bottle.

"I saw his (Brogan) shoulder come up. The elbow wasn't out, but considering his height, I believe that's what hit Jack,'' he said.

Medical reports submitted by the Saints said Newnes was "dazed and confused'' when taken off for a formal assessment and eventually subbed out at quarter time.

He was sent for a scan and X-ray after complaining of soreness to the jaw and he's expected to miss at least the next two rounds.

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Beams out for another month

Collingwood onballer Dayne Beams is out for another month. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: The Advertiser

COLLINGWOOD best and fairest winner Dayne Beams has reinjured his thigh and the midfielder is at least another month away from playing again.

Beams' setback has cast a pall over the Magpies' preparations for the blockbuster against unbeaten Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

The classy midfielder felt pain in his thigh when he tried to step up training last weekend and he has been ordered to rest.

"The last thing you want to do when you walk into a medical meeting is to hear one of your better players is probably another three or four weeks (out) longer than you anticipated,'' coach Nathan Buckley said today.

"Beamsy is incredibly frustrated by it and our medics are working hard to get him up to speed. At the same time, it's no use pushing a player up if he's 85 percent fit. The intensity of the game requires full fitness and we won't be putting any of our players in that danger zone by pushing them up before they're ready.

"It's a bit of a rebleed which just signals to us that it (injury) was more significant than we initially thought and we've just got to give it a little more time.''
 

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Hird confronts drugs investigators

Mark Thompson has spoken of the strain James Hird is under as the Essendon coach faces an ASADA investigation.

Essendon coach James Hird could be banned by the AFL if found guilty using a banned substance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

ESSENDON coach James Hird has reaffirmed his determination to clear his name ahead of interviews with drugs investigators today.

Hird left his Toorak home this morning, dressed in a suit and Bombers tie, saying he was looking forward to meeting Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) officers.

"I'm just looking forward to having my say," he said.

Asked if he was confident he could clear his name, Hird said: "Yes mate."

Hird will not be under oath when he faces drugs investigators for the first time today.

But he nevertheless would face tough penalties if found not to have told the truth.

ASADA officers are probing claims that players received banned intravenous injections - one of several concerns raised about the club's sports science regimen last year.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank has said that during his time at Essendon he injected Hird with the performance-enhancing drug Hexarelin, which is banned for players.

The AFL Anti-Doping Code demands players and coaches must:

FULLY co-operate with any investigation.

FULLY and truthfully answer all questions.

PROVIDE documents if requested.

New doubt over Dank's credentials

The questions Hird must answer today

Bomber fans plan show of support

Players and coaches who fail to do this face a minimum $10,000 fine. If a breach of this section is referred to the AFL Tribunal by the league, there is no limit on the sanction that can be applied.

The code prohibits coaches from supplying and administering performance-enhancing drugs, but not from taking them.

The AFL can sanction anyone it believes has brought the game into disrepute.

Evidence gathered by ASADA would ultimately come before the AFL Tribunal if the agency found players or officials had a case to answer.

Former ASADA chief Richard Ings said: "In the infraction notice (from the AFL), it will say ASADA has told the AFL that you have a case to answer for breaching these provisions of the anti-doping rules; the penalty for this breach is a ban, or whatever -- two years, say; you have an opportunity now to either accept the ban, or to request a hearing before the AFL anti-doping panel.

"The hearing, the tribunal, is held by the AFL.

"ASADA would be the counsel prosecuting the case, because they've got the evidence, and the player and his attorney would be the defence."

Hird is expected to be accompanied by a lawyer, or lawyers, today.

Under common ASADA practices:

THE interview would be conducted by two ASADA officials.

AN investigator from the AFL's integrity office could attend and ask questions.

THE interview would be recorded.

Hird is not bound by privacy laws and can share anything from the interview.

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Herald Sun Player of the Year

Trent Cotchin is leading from the front this season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND skipper Trent Cotchin and Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh are joint leaders of the Herald Sun Player of the Year Award after Round 3.

It seems captaincy has a positive impact on form, with the top four players on the leaderboard all club leaders.

Cotchin has polled in every match this season, pulling another two votes against the Bulldogs on Saturday. He was ranked second-best on ground by Jon Ralph behind tearaway Dustin Martin, while Brett Deledio ensured the Tigers midfield dominated the podium.

McVeigh, meanwhile, was awarded three votes for his performance against the Kangaroos in Hobart, sending him to six votes and a tie with Cotchin.

Votes this year will be awarded on a 3-2-1 basis for the best three players on the field.

LEADERBOARD
6 Jarrad McVeigh (Syd)
6 Trent Cotchin (Rich)

5 Kieren Jack (Syd)
5 Jobe Watson (Ess)
4 Dyson Heppell (Ess)
4 Sam Mitchell (Haw)
 
ROUND 1

ESSENDON v ADELAIDE
Reece Homfray's votes
3 Jobe Watson (Ess), 2 Ben Howlett (Ess), 1 Dyson Heppell (Ess)

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST
Braden Quartermaine's votes
3 Michael Barlow (Frem), 2 David Mundy (Frem), 1 Danyle Pearce (Frem)

RICHMOND v CARLTON
Warwick Green's votes
3 Trent Cotchin (Rich), 2 Brett Deledio (Rich), 1 Chris Judd (Carl)

W BULLDOGS V BRISBANE LIONS
Glenn McFarlane's votes
3 Will Minson (WB), 2 Nick Lower (WB), 1 Brett Goodes (WB)

GWS V SYDNEY
Neil Cordy's votes
3 Kieren Jack (Syd), 2 Ryan O'Keefe (Syd), 1 Adam Treloar (GWS)

GOLD COAST V ST KILDA
Greg Davis's votes
3 Gary Ablett (GC), 2 David Armitage (StK), 1 Jarrod Harbrow (GC)

MELBOURNE V PORT ADELAIDE
Bruce Matthew's votes
3 Hamish Hartlett (PA), 2 Travis Boak (PA), 1 Brad Ebert (PA)

NORTH MELBOURNE V COLLINGWOOD
Jon Ralph's votes
3 Scott Pendlebury (Coll), 2 Andrew Swallow (NM), 1 Dane Swan (Coll)

GEELONG v HAWTHORN
Bruce Matthews' votes
3. Joel Selwood (Geel), 2. Sam Mitchell (Haw), 1. Mathew Stokes (Geel)

ROUND 2

ST KILDA v RICHMOND
Mark Robinson's votes:
3 Jack Riewoldt (Rich), 2 Ben McEvoy (StK), 1 Trent Cotchin (Rich)

W BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE
Matt Windley's votes:
3 Nathan Fyfe (Frem), 2 Luke McPharlin (Frem), 1 Ryan Crowley (Frem)

SYDNEY v GOLD COAST
Neil Cordy's votes:
3 Jarrad McVeigh (Syd), 2 Kieren Jack (Syd), 1 Charlie Dixon (GC)

BRISBANE v ADELAIDE
Greg Davis's votes:
3 Patrick Dangerfield (Adel), 2 Pierce Hanley (BL), 1 Scott Thompson (Adel)

PORT ADELAIDE v GWS
Andrew Capel's votes:
3 Justin Westhoff (PA), 2 Chad Wingard (PA), 1 Jasper Pittard (PA)

ESSENDON v MELBOURNE
Warwick Green's votes:
3 Dyson Heppell (Ess), 2 Jobe Watson (Ess), 1 Tom Bellchambers (Ess)

NORTH MELB v GEELONG
Bruce Matthews' votes:
3 Allen Christensen (Geel), 2 Lindsay Thomas (NM), 1 Mathew Stokes (Geel)

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON
Scott Gullan's votes:
3 Jamie Elliott (Coll), 2 Sam Dwyer (Coll), 1 Jeff Garlett (Carl)

WEST COAST v HAWTHORN
Braden Quartermaine's votes:
3 Cyril Rioli (Haw), 2 Sam Mitchell (Haw), 1 Matt Priddis (WC)

ROUND 3

FREMANTLE v ESSENDON
Braden Quartermaine's votes
3 Jake Carlisle (Ess), 2 Michael Hibberd (Ess), 1 Nathan Fyfe (Frem)

NORTH MELB v SYDNEY
Brett Stubbs' votes
3 Jarrad McVeigh (Syd), 2 Daniel Hannebery (Syd), 1 Nick Malceski (Syd)

MELBOURNE v WEST COAST
Jay Clark's votes
3 Dean Cox (WC), 2 Josh Kennedy (WC), 1 Matt Priddis (WC)

GWS v ST KILDA
Tyson Otto's votes
3 David Armitage (StK), 2 Jack Steven (StK), 1 Callan Ward (GWS)

GEELONG v CARLTON
Glenn McFarlane's votes
3 Mathew Stokes (Geel), 2 Chris Judd (Car), 1 Allen Christensen (Geel)

GOLD COAST v BRISBANE
Greg Davis's votes
3 Jonathan Brown (BL), 2 Jared Brennan (GC), 1 Pearce Hanley (BL)

RICHMOND v W.BULLDOGS
Jon Ralph's votes
3 Dustin Martin (Rich), 2 Trent Cotchin (Rich), 1 Brett Deledio (Rich)

COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN
Bruce Matthews' votes
3 Luke Hodge (Haw), 2 Grant Birchall (Haw), 1 Josh Gibson (Haw)

PORT ADELAIDE v ADELAIDE
Michelangelo Rucci's votes
3 Travis Boak (PA), 2 Hamish Hartlett (PA), 1 Rory Sloane (A)

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Hawk baffled by slide report

Luke Hodge slides in to Harry O'Brien's legs and umpires award the Hawks skipper a free kick, and report O'Brien.

Harry O, Brien collides with Luke Hodge, Picture: Ludbey Wayne

HAWTHORN midfielder Jordan Lewis says he is mystified by the sliding rule and Harry O'Brien's report yesterday.

O'Brien was reported for rough conduct on Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge in the second quarter when popular consensus suggested the Collingwood defender should have received a free kick.

A smothered kick landed in between O'Brien and Hodge on the members wing and each player, coming from several metres away from each other, charged at the footy.

O'Brien went low, Hodge slid in head first and got to the ball a fraction of a second before his opponent.

Hodge's head crashed in to O'Brien's shin and O'Brien went flying.

"The way it's been explained to us is, if you slide in and contact someone front on in the legs, it is a free kick to the guy who is standing over the ball," Lewis said today.

"That's what we've been told.

What's your decision? Round 3's biggest umpiring calls

"It will be good to see the outcome today, because it will give us more clarification on what the rule actually is.

"The umpires may have made a mistake, we don't know," he told the AFL website.

"From what we've been told, we can only try and keep our feet and not slide in as much, and not put ourselves in the position to give away a free kick."

The Tackle with Robbo: Umps giving me the hump

See the incident in the video player above

The Twittersphere went into meltdown after the incident, with calls for umpire Heath Ryan to be demoted next week.

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, Harry O, Brien colides with Luke Hodge, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source:

Essendon's Jason Winderlich voiced player concerns when he tweeted soon after: "The Hodge and Harry O contest has confused me even more?!!''.

While @getemgaz encapsulated the mood of the fans when he tweeted: "he (O'Brien) should be reported, but also get a free kick. (It's) Encouraging people to run into someone who puts their head over the ball''.

Whether these views are right or wrong in the eyes of AFL officials they prove, if nothing else, that no one knows for sure what is going on.

It came after a first quarter incident yesterday in which Magpie Jamie Elliott was awarded a free kick after Ben Stratton slid in to a contest.

But Elliott was the process of kicking the ball off the ground and in seasons past he probably would have given away the free kick.

Live HQ: Collingwood v Hawthorn

What did you think of the decision? Watch the replay in the video player above and tweet us @SuperFooty, or leave a comment below.
 

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Crows leave too much to too few

Ben Rutten tries to shake Jay Schulz. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

CROWS full back Ben Rutten says there is only way for Adelaide to get out of its rut - by having more players pull their weight.

Adelaide's troubled start turned sour on Sunday with a nine-point loss to Port Adelaide in Showdown XXXIV exposing more problems in the Crows' game. This was Adelaide's second loss in two games at AAMI Stadium this year.

"We're not playing the way we want to play," Rutten said today as Adelaide started its post-mortem after handing the Showdown trophy back to a rejuvenated Power.

"Yesterday we were beaten in a fair few areas - we were pretty poor in winning the ball and around the contest. Port spread harder than us as well. That's not a good combination."

Captain Nathan van Berlo and Ben Rutten deep in conversation after the loss. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

As Crows coach Brenton Sanderson says he has to start the review with himself, the Adelaide players acknowledge they have to return to their ways of 2012 rather than rely on being carried by midfielders Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield.

"We have to strip it right back," Rutten said. "We need more guys playing well - that was our strength last year when we would often have 22 contributors. This year we have too many guys who are not playing to a standard we are accustomed to."

Adelaide's team selection for the home clash against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday is subject to Sanderson's view on many of his players, the report on Bernie Vince for charging Power forward Chad Wingard and the recovery of captain Nathan van Berlo after he took a knock to his knee in the derby.
 

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The Halftime Report

Geelong v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Cat Tom Hawkins battles with Michael Jamison Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Sunday Herald Sun

THE Swans and Eagles show who's boss with 11-goal third-quarter bursts to swamp the 'Roos and Demons but Jeremy Howe gives Melbourne fans something to smile about.

Sydney's Nick Smith marks in front of North Melbourne's Ben Cunnington. Source: News Limited

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, WE CAN DO BETTER

IT was poetry in motion. Sydney and West Coast put their rivals to the sword with 11-goal third-quarter bursts against North Melbourne and Melbourne respectively. The Swans piled on 11.4 in the term to set up their convincing win over the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena, Hobart. It was the Swans best quarter effort since 1995. Meanwhile, the Eagles slotted 11.3 on the way to thrashing a hapless Demons outfit by 94 points. The Eagles kicked a club-record 11.4 in a quarter against GWS Giants last year.

STILL STRUGGLING: Drew Petrie of the Kangaroos jumps for a mark. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

PETRIE'S DROUGHT

NORTH Melbourne forward Drew Petrie's struggles in Hobart continued yesterday with the veteran 'Roo held without a goal by All-Australian fullback Ted Richards. Petrie has kicked just two goals in three appearances at Blundstone Arena. To make matters worse it was the 30-year-old's second below par effort in three weeks after having his colours lowered by Collingwood defender Nathan Brown in Round 1.

Demon Jeremy Howe marks over Andrew Embley. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HOWE GOOD WAS THAT?

MELBOURNE might have plunged deeper into the doldrums yesterday, but high-flyer Jeremy Howe was at his acrobatic best again. Howe soared over Eagle Andrew Embley to take a trademark hanger.

See the awesome photo sequence here.

Melbourne Demons v West Coast Eagles at the MCG. Demons fans not happy. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Sunday Herald Sun

WHEN WILL THE DEMONS GET PHYSICAL?

THE Dees' first quarter yesterday was probably their best for the season. The intensity was up, they forced turnovers and they booted goals. Four in a row, in fact, to hold the lead up until the dying minutes. But they still amassed just six tackles for the term and tracked at 50 per cent efficiency. They need to learn how to wrap a man up and hit a target by foot, preferably before next Sunday's showdown with the Giants.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Jonathon Patton of the Giants leaves the ground with a knee injury during the round three AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the St Kilda Saints at StarTrack Oval on April 13, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source:

PATTON'S GIANT BLOW

THOUGHTS go out to Jon Patton today. The star big man has had a wretched run with injuries in his short career and last night he suffered by far his biggest blow. Patton spilled a mark, followed up, was tackled and went down grimacing in pain. The result? A torn ACL meaning he'll now likely spend the year on the sidelines. The No. 1 pick doesn't deserve that.

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Brisbane star Jonathan Brown celebrates one of his five goals against Gold Coast. Picture: Clark David Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

BROWN STILL THE LION'S KING

FORGET his disappointing first two rounds, Jono Brown reigned supreme last night with five goals against the Suns. His first half was inspirational, monstering young Sun Rory Atkins with the Lions staring at a 0-3 start to the season.

Suns players after to the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium. Picture: Darren England Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

YOUNG SUNS STILL NEED THAT KILLER INSTINCT

TOO harsh to pot a kid in his second game, but Jackson Allen would love his defensive effort against the Lions back last night. The young Sun had the chance to bend down and touch Tom Rockliff's snap before it trickled through for a goal, but didn't. Strange. It proved a changer in the last quarter, while Aaron Hall would also love a moment back. Two huge - and inspirational - Ablett tackles set up a set-shot that he sprayed wide. The Suns still lack that killer instinct.

Melbourne Demons v West Coast Eagles at the MCG. Eagle Dean Cox in action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CAPTAIN COX CAN PLUG THE HOLE

HAVE you figured out how to take advantage of the SuperCoach captain's loophole this year? Because if you did you've probably banked 342 points courtesy of Dean Cox. With the rolling lockout in place, select a non-starter as captain (and have an emergency as cover) and put the vice-captaincy on a star like Cox. If they score well, leave it there and his score will count double. If not, simply change your choice back to someone else who hasn't played yet. It's a free hit.

Geelong v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Matthew Kreuzer injured during contest with Steve Johnson in the first quarter Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE WALKING WOUNDED

IT was a battle of attrition at Etihad Stadium last night with keys players from Geelong and Carlton cut down with injuries.

Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer faces a nervous wait after breaking a bone in his thumb during the second quarter. Meanwhile, Cats excitement machine Travis Varcoe was subbed off with a shoulder injury following a heavy collision with Blues star Bryce Gibbs.

Cats Steve Johnson (knee), Andrew Mackie (ribs/back) and Harry Taylor (winded) found themselves in the hands of club medicos at different times but played on untroubled.

Terry Milera of the Saints controls the ball during the round three match against Greater Western Sydney Giants in Canberra. Picture: Ryan Pierse Source: Getty Images

SAINTS' MOSQUITO FLEET

ST KILDA small forwards Stephen Milne, Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera ran amok at Manuka Oval yesterday combining for eight goals and six score assists.

Milne led the brigade with three goals including his almost customary first of the match.

It was a welcome return to form for Milne who had managed just two goals in his first two matches of the season.

DONS SWEATING ON VIDEO

ESSENDON star Patrick Ryder and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer will come under scrutiny for these hits on Fremantle opponents.

Ryder KO'd Docker Luke McPharlin with a hip and shoulder to the jaw that saw the defender substituted out of the match with concussion.

Kommer on the other hand clipped Docker Kepler Bradley in an attempted shepherding attempt off the ball.

Bradley was forced off the field with blood gushing from his face.

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Live HQ: Tigers v Bulldogs

Richmond star Brett Deledio will play a massive role in the Tigers pursuit for a 3-0 start to their season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

LATE CHANGES

Richmond - Jake Batchelor OUT for Chris Knights

Bulldogs - Ayce Cordy (sore) OUT for Tom Campbell

Substitutes: Brandon Ellis (Tigers) and Clay Smith (Bulldogs)

RICHMOND recruit Chris Knights will make his debut for the Tigers after coming as a late replacement for defender Jake Batchelor.

Knights arrived at Punt Rd as a free agent from Adelaide last year.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be without young gun Ayce Cordy who pulled up sore during the week.

Ruckman Tom Campbell comes into the team despite not being named on the original emergencies list.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Bulldogs recruit Nick Lower will be looking to continue his hot streak of form tagging Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.

Lower has quickly become one of the most dangerous stoppers in the game beating Daniel Rich (Brisbane) and David Mundy (Fremantle) in his first two games at the Kennel.

The Bulldogs have the added incentive of putting on a strong display for courageous midfielder Daniel Cross in his 200th AFL game.

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