Four big men at the crossroads

Adelaide's Shaun McKernan is one of four South Australin-based big men in trouble, according to Michelangelo Rucci. Picture: Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

BY the AFL's figures, the average career in the big league lasts 6.2 years.

The average salary is $265,179. And even with Treasurer Joe Hockey's hit on the hip pocket, the average player will collect more than a million dollars playing the game he loves.

Not too many 24-year-olds enjoy such a start in life.

But — as Power ruckman-defender Jackson Trengove noted so well last week — it can be a very short first chapter in life.

And filled with many regrets for those who fail to become the much-wanted "10-year player" every AFL club recruiting manager craves to find in the draft pool each November.

McKernan at training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

In Adelaide today there are four players who have reached or are closing in on that 6.2-year milestone and find themselves at football's unforgiving crossroads. Shaun McKernan and Angus Graham at the Crows. John Butcher and Brent Renouf at Port Adelaide.

Of all four, Renouf can at least hold an AFL premiership medal — from his part in Hawthorn's extraordinary campaign in 2008 — and say his career was fulfilled. But will every premiership reunion at Waverley bring that moment of looking in the mirror and asking: "What more can there have been?"

That question today haunts McKernan and Butcher.

McKernan is in his AFL sixth season. The ruckman-forward wanted out of Adelaide last year, but could not find an AFL club to complete the homecoming trade to Melbourne. So, with nowhere to run, McKernan returned to West Lakes where the Crows needed insurance while Josh Jenkins recuperated from a serious ankle injury and Taylor Walker from his knee surgery.

Adelaide's Angus Graham in action during a SANFL game. Picture: Mark Brake Source: News Corp Australia

Adelaide offered only a one-year contract. And new hope emerged in the summer, Crows list manager David Noble left the impression this would be McKernan's breakout season.

Just a third of the way into the AFL premiership season, McKernan resembles a broken man.

McKernan has played just two AFL games this season. He has not been seen in AFL company since he was dazed and perhaps concussed in the Showdown against Port Adelaide in the re-opening of Adelaide Oval.

All those who saw McKernan's three-disposal effort in the Adelaide loss to West Adelaide in the SANFL at Richmond Oval on Saturday night may wonder if McKernan will add to his 34-game tally.

At Alberton, the summer promised the same new hope with Butcher. The player dubbed by his teammates as "The Future" appeared ready to deliver in the present when Port Adelaide needs to find the third key forward to work in tandem with Jay Schulz (who has certainly beaten the "6.2-year" gravestone since leaving Richmond).

John Butcher in action in the SANFL. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Butcher is in his fifth AFL season and quickly approaching the 6.2-year marker for the average AFL player with many questions to answer.

As Power coach Ken Hinkley famously said last year, "You walk on a twig with Butch". The issue that posed that response — Butcher's infamous erratic kicking for goal — is now a subplot as the AFL world waits to see if Butcher can turn that curse of "potential" into a reality.

Hinkley played Butcher for the Power's first three AFL games. Staying true to his theme of no favourites and no gold passes at Alberton, Hinkley has parked Butcher in the SANFL where his numbers have not been imposing — and left the jury outside Port's inner sanctum less convinced.

Back at West Lakes, Graham is in his seventh year as a senior-listed AFL player. The former Richmond ruckman passed the 6.2-year marker by having a contract at Adelaide this season.

But — with both Sam Jacobs and Josh Jenkins standing sound — Graham may finish the year as the first player traded to Adelaide who fails to play an AFL game.

Port Adelaide's Brent Renouf rucking against star Fremantle big man Aaron Sandilands. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Renouf was last year delisted from the Power's senior squad and retained as a rookie-listed ruckman for this season.

He is now an invaluable insurance policy at Alberton where young ruckman Jarrad Redden has had his season wiped out by two rounds of knee surgery and lead ruckman Matthew Lobbe may need to be rested — as he was on Saturday.

Renouf's chances to stay at Alberton for his ninth season in the AFL system now hinge on him seizing opportunity — and he need not look far to appreciate how players who take control of their destiny usually thrive.

As Hinkley says of Schulz who left Richmond after crossing the 6.2-year marker with 71 games in seven seasons: "On his own admission, Jay in his early days in football was not focusing on everything as he should have. But once he sorted that out ..."

WHERE NEXT?

SHAUN McKERNAN

Age: 23

AFL games: 34

This season: 2

Prospects: Wanted out last season, but could not find an AFL club in Melbourne prepared to trade for him. Returned to Adelaide to sign a one-year contract and started the season in the lead for the role of back-up ruckman working from a key forward role. Was concussed in the historic Oval Showdown with Port Adelaide in round two and has not stood out in the SANFL. Seems a broken man.

JOHN BUTCHER

Age: 22

AFL games: 23

This season: 3

Prospects: Dubbed "The Future" but needs to quickly become part of the Port Adelaide's present, particularly as the Power craves that third key forward to release Justin Westhoff and back-up Jay Schulz. Coach Ken Hinkley may have faith in Butcher, but he does not play favourites nor issue the "gold passes" that existed in the previous era at Alberton. Time on his side, but only just.

ANGUS GRAHAM

Age: 27

AFL games: 48

This season: 0

Prospects: In the last year of a two-season contract with the Crows — and has not played an AFL game with Adelaide since joining the Crows from Richmond at the end of the 2012 season. Could become the first mature player traded to Adelaide to never play an AFL game unless injury strikes lead ruckman Sam Jacobs. Difficult to see Adelaide offering a new deal.

BRENT RENOUF

Age: 25

AFL games: 68

This season: 1

Prospects: Discarded from Port Adelaide's senior list last year, but kept in reserve on the Power's rookie list. Was upgraded at the start of the season as the Power lost young ruckman Jarrad Redden for 10 weeks after knee surgery and was left with one specialist ruckman (Matthew Lobbe). He is now critical to Port's insurance plans on Lobbe after Redden's season ended last week with more knee surgery.

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Buddy returns to torment Bombers

Buddy Franklin inspired the Swans to a convincing 50-point win over Essendon on Friday night, turning around last week's lacklustre showing in front of goal to nail five of his own.

Lance Franklin lets Michael Hurley know he still loves playing the Bombers, booting five goals to help Sydney sink Essendon. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

SYDNEY's twin talls Lance Frankin and Kurt Tippett once again underlined their lethal forward combination on Friday night.

The pair shared eight goals to put the finishing touches to the Swans' dominant display, whipping Essendon by 50 points at Etihad Stadium.

Franklin's bag of five left him just one short of becoming the 28th player to tally 600 goals in AFL/VFL history.

UMP CONCUSSED IN NASTY HEAD CLASH

CARLISLE SAGA TAKES GREEN TURN

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire commended his side's high pressure start in the 50-point drubbing of Essendon on Friday night.

While Buddy proved too strong for Bomber backman Michael Hurley, Tippett's contribution, all in the second half, smudged a sterling defensive effort by opponent Cale Hooker.

The frightening and imposing options of the 198cms of Franklin power and Tippett's towering 201 cms frame was the envy of an Essendon forward set-up that was patchwork at best.

Franklin in full flight. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

The Bombers relied on young Joe Daniher, playing just his 14th game, and alternating ruckmen Paddy Ryder and Tom Bellchambers, playing his first game of the season.

Ryder was the only one to consistently worry the Swans' defence. He played forward for most of the second half, his mobility providing a better option than Bellchambers.

And the lack of viable tall targets made the decision to nominate Jake Carlisle as the substitute even more puzzling. Particularly when Carlisle booted two goals in the last quarter after being released of the sub's vest just before three-quarter time.

Dan Hannebury will come under the scrutiny of the MRP. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Alas, the game was lost long before the interchange bench switch after the Swans blew away Essendon with a devastating seven goals opening salvo.

It was the fourth time in the past five games that Essendon hasn't reached a double figure goal tally after booting 15, 12 and 21 to win two of the opening three rounds.

The Swans' percentage-boosting win may come at a high cost as Dan Hannebery and Nick Malceski have left the AFL match review panel to adjudicate on a couple of contentious incidents.

Michael Voss and Tony Shaw believe Sydney's Daniel Hannebery will have no questions to answer after being allegedly involved in a bump with Essendon's Michael Hurley.

Hannebery risks being cited for a front-on bump to Hurley late in the third quarter in a contest on the dockside wing.

Both players were crouched in pursuit of a loose ball when Hannebery delivered a bump with such force that both players needed spells on the interchange bench.

Malceski will come under scrutiny for a collision that caused field umpire Troy Pannell to be subbed out of the game midway through the third term.

Umpire Troy Pannell lies on the ground after clashing with Sydney's Nick Malceski. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

A slow jogging Malceski ran into Pannell who was backing away from play and the head clash KO'd the unsuspecting umpire. Play was held up for three minutes while the distressed Pannell was stretchered off on a motorised cart and replaced by the emergency umpire.

Sydney asserted an early grip on the contest with its energised start that caught Essendon offguard and under-prepared.

Jarrad McVeigh slotted two of the Swans first four goals before the Bombers had even hit the scoreboard.

David Myers and Malceski become accustomed. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

The ebb and flow of play was largely forward of centre for Sydney and it took a hurried kick from Dyson Heppell for a behind for Essendon's first score after 14 minutes.

Brendon Goddard as usual set a fine example for his Bomber teammates with a fearsome tackle that trapped Swan Nick Smith in possession for the home team's opening goal.

But it did little to stem the Swans' opening rampage that split the game wide open with a 7.1 to 1.1 first quarter.

Essendon coach Mark Thompson conceded the Bombers were simply outplayed by a red hot Swans side on Friday night.

Playing catch-up was always going to be a herculean task for the Bombers, particularly against such a lethal Sydney forward set-up.

Such was the Swans' dominance that a Heath Hocking snap shot and Daniher on the run heading into time-on in the second term were the first successive Bomber goals.

Heath Hocking and the Bombers were under pressure from the Swans all night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

While Essendon players lifted the workrate in the second quarter after the sluggish start, they still slipped steadily behind on the scoreboard until the half-time and three-quarter time sirens provided a brief respite from the collective mauling.

Bombers defender Cale Hooker is doing a fine job on Kurt Tippett, who has been held to three possessions and no goals so far, while veterans Brendon Goddard (18 touches) and Jobe Watson (20) have led from the front.

Before the opening bounce, Bombers coach Mark Thompson made the perplexing decision to start utility Jake Carlisle as the team's substitute.

Essendon (4-4) sits ninth on the AFL ladder, however its unconvincing and inconsistent recent form has AFL pundits wondering if players are entirely focused on footy.

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ASADA needs more proof to charge Bombers

Richard Hinds, Paul Kent and Todd Balym discuss the implications for NRL and AFL players as ASADA steps up its investigations into misuse of supplements.

Stephen Dank was guest speaker at a sportsman's lunch at Burleigh Sports Club. Pic by Luke Marsden. Source: News Corp Australia

ASADA must put up stronger evidence than is on the public record to make a charge of thymosin beta 4 use stick to Essendon players.

In the absence of a positive test, ASADA must build strands of evidence to show "use or attempted use" of a banned substance.

Evidence such as doctors' prescriptions, filled scripts from pharmacists, witness statements — possibly from the person who injected players — and any admission from an athlete or support person could add up to the smoking gun that was missing when the AFL and ASADA ceased their joint investigation last August.

Former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank stated yesterday that he did not administer thymosin beta 4 or any banned drug to Essendon players and he "looked forward to ASADA putting up its evidence".

PLAYERS FEELING STRAIN: SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST

The league used part of ASADA's interim report to build a circumstantial case of thymosin beta 4 use when charging Essendon for governance breaches in August.

But in a paper published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine published in March this year, AFL chief medico Peter Harcourt and integrity boss Brett Clothier admitted the league had not established which players were given which substances and in what doses.

ASADA has continued its investigations since then, and the Herald Sun yesterday reported Bombers players would be issued show-cause notices asking why they should not be put on the Register of Findings over alleged use of the peptide thymosin beta 4.

The club has stated its confidence that players were given the permissible thymomodulin, and not the banned substance.

ESSENDON SUPPORT STAFF IN ASADA'S SIGHTS

Dank has not cooperated with ASADA and player interviews were completed during the time the AFL was active in the investigation.

As an annexure to the governance charges against Essendon, the AFL released a 34-point document that refers to a series of text and email exchanges between Dank and "Dr Ageless" Shane Charter, as well emailed instructions from Charter to compounding pharmacist Nima Alavi and Dank on how to prepare and use thymosin beta 4.

Thymosin was also listed on consent forms signed by Bombers players in 2012, but the variant of the peptide to be given was not specified.

The National Anti-Doping Scheme which deals with "use or attempted use" reads: " It is each athlete's personal duty to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his or her body. Accordingly, it is not necessary that intent, fault, negligence or knowing use on the athlete's part be demonstrated in order to establish an anti-doping violation for use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method.

"The success or failure of the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or prohibited method is not material. It is sufficient that the prohibited substance or prohibited method was used or attempted to be used for an anti-doping rule violation to be committed."

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Danger holds no fears of Magpie’s tag

Patrick Dangerfield looks down field for an option. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

PATRICK Dangerfield is expecting Brent Macaffer as his opponent tonight, but doesn't know what to expect because he hasn't played on him before.

But Dangerfield does know he's dealing with taggers far better than what he was in the first four weeks of the season.

"I think I will get him," he said of Macaffer.

"Maybe Macaffer goes to Sloane and maybe (Dayne) Beams sort of runs-with in attack and runs off when they get the ball.

"If it wasn't Macaffer, maybe Beams because Beams and I played opposite each other last year, but I did my shoulder early in that match and played predominantly forward."

If it is Macaffer — and surely it will be — then the Magpies stopper has an enormous task.

Magpies tagger brent Macaffer in action. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

In the first four weeks of the season, Dangerfield was matched up by Geelong's Cam Guthrie, against Port Adelaide it was combination of John Butcher, Brad Ebert and Tim Jonas, against Sydney it was mainly Ben McGlynn and against St Kilda mainly Tom Curren.

He was let go by GWS in Round 5 and carved them up, he punished Lin Jong from the Western Bulldogs in Round 6, and was almost the matchwinner against the Demons in Round 7 playing mainly against former teammate Bernie Vince.

While he was a contested ball monster in the first four weeks — 47 contested possessions to 34 uncontested possessions — he has found a better balance in the past three weeks.

In that time, the ledger is 58 uncontested to 29 contested.

"The real key is being on the move more around stoppages, rather than standing still and being an easy target," Dangerfield told the Herald Sun yesterday.

"They'd prefer you just to stand still and blanket you that way. I've been a bit more smarter, getting on the move a bit more.

"If you don't win the ball inside that 5m-10m radius, then you can actually move and have the speed to get to that 20-30m area, the next play.

"That's helped a lot and I've played predominantly more in midfield in the past three weeks."

As one of the premier midfielders in the competition, he is rarely without a run-with player, yet you don't hear him complaining.

"If you start to whinge after the game and say, "Gee, I've been hard done by' ... well it doesn't work that way," he said.

Dangerfield hunts the ball during the Crows' match against St Kilda. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

"At the end of the day you've got to almost make it a personal battle between you and him and you can't look to rely on other people to help you out."

Dangerfield called tonight's game "massive" and says the Crows, who are 11th with three wins from seven games, have to improve their consistency from quarter to quarter.

Clearly, the Magpies are in good form and to stop them, you must curtail their star-laden midfield.

"They are pretty even up forward and pretty even down back and I think where it's going to be won is through the midfield,'' Dangerfield said.

"They have a potent midfield with well-established stars and our challenge is to nullify the impact of their guns and try to get an even performance from our end."

He said that Daniel Talia would likely get first crack at Travis Cloke, they had to be aware of Steele Sidebottom rolling back to play the plus-one in defence.

Dangerfield asked that Crows fans show Tex Walker patience as he returns after a year on the sidelines with a knee injury.

"It's a massive game for us," Dangerfield said.

"We've played some teams that I believe we have competed well against and beaten sides we should have.

"We haven't played really good footy against a really good side, and they (Collingwood) are a top-four side.''

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We can go undefeated: Westhoff

Port Adelaide Power coach Ken Hinkley and star Chad Wingard address the press following their side's win over Fremantle.

Justin Westhoff and Tendai Mzungu. PIC SARAH REED. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide key forward Justin Westhoff believes the Power are a realistic possibility of recording their first undefeated season at home this year.

The Power has quickly turned Adelaide Oval into a fortress — posting four convincing wins against Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong and Fremantle.

Reigning premier Hawthorn looms as a significant test next weekend and Sydney in round 20 is another tough match-up.

But Port will be heavily favoured in home games against St Kilda, Western Bulldogs, Essendon, Melbourne and Carlton and has a chance to top the 11-1 mark it set at AAMI Stadium in 2004 when the only game the Power lost was to the Crows.

"We'd like to think (it's realistic)," Westhoff said.

"I think we can make it a real fortress (and) have other teams worried about coming over here.

"I think we play the ground pretty well — our game style really suits it. There's no reason why we can't go undefeated.

"But we've got some tough games coming up at Adelaide Oval so we'll see how that goes."

Jasper Pittard celebrates a goal against Fremantle at the Adelaide Oval. PIC SARAH REED. Source: News Corp Australia

If the Power can get past Hawthorn — which will be missing a host of stars including Sam Mitchell, Cyril Rioli, Brian Lake and Jarryd Roughead — they'll also be in position to target the club record eight game winning streaks set in 2002 and 2003.

Port enters Saturday night's blockbuster against the Hawks on a five game run and has Melbourne and St Kilda in rounds 11 and 12.

"We want to stay at the top and we've got an opportunity in the next month to really dig in," Westhoff said.

"We want to get the win against the Hawks and really set our season up."

Westhoff believes Port's forward line is the most complete attacking unit he's played in, rating it ahead of the 2007 version which featured Warren Tredrea, Daniel Motlop and Brett Ebert.

"In terms of everyone contributing, absolutely," Westhoff said.

"Schulzy has been kicking bags of goals, Chaddy can turn it on whenever he wants ... it's a pretty exciting forward line.

"I think other teams are a little bit worried about what we've got down there which is a good thing."

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Reilly gets dumped for Collingwood clash

Brent Reilly will wait for his 200th game. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

ADELAIDE defender and crowd favourite Brent Reilly will have to wait for his 200-game milestone after being dropped ahead of Thursday night's game against Collingwood.

It comes as the Crows had a busy day at the selection table, with Taylor Walker returning to the side after recovering for 12 months from a knee reconstruction and Charlie Cameron, who has been upgraded from the rookie list, making his debut.

Do you agree with Sando's decision to drop Reilly?

Coach Brenton Sanderson said it had been difficult decision to drop Reilly, a first-round draft pick who is sitting on 199 games, but was confident Reilly would return to celebrate joining the 200-game club and be an important part of the side.

MORE: HART WILL 'PICK APART' CROWS

At the heart of the decision was for Reilly to go back and tweak his defensive game. He is a beautiful player to watch with the ball, but has had goals kicked against him of late and will work on his defensive action in the SANFL.

Sanderson said it was one of his most difficult selection decisions he he'd had to make as coach of the Crows for the blockbuster against the Pies and his best mate Nathan Buckley.

The Melbourne Demons have beaten the Adelaide Crows 70-67 at Adelaide Oval, their second AFL season win.

``We've left Brent Reilly out this week which is probably the toughest decision I've had to make as a senior coach so far,'' Sanderson said. ``On the eve of a milestone game, it seems that it can be quite cold. But unfortunately for Brent we've left him out.

``He's going to be fine though. He's a player with a lot of resilience. He's obviously got a lot of experience. He'll be back. He will be a 200-game player. But he needs to be in really good form. We can't play him this week but he won't be far away from getting back in the team, I'm sure.''

Sanderson also cleared Patrick Dangerfield from an ankle injury and will be picked to play.

Scans to Matthew Jaensch has cleared him of broken ribs and he will be available for selection.

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Seven changes in fans’ greatest team

Carlton footballer Craig Bradley, who you voted in, on the run against Collingwood in 1997. Source: News Corp Australia

HERE is the fans' team. With almost 11,000 votes cast by readers of The Advertiser and its website, seven changes have been made to the Greatest SA Football Team of All-Time.

The significant difference in the team named in The Advertiser on Friday and the fans' team is the absence of any player who featured in the SANFL before 1929.

MORE: SEE RUCCI'S GREATEST SA TEAM

Scroll down further to see the fans' picks for SA's greatest footy team

The fans have preferred:

GLENELG champion Peter Carey to lead the ruck rather than Magarey Medallist Tom Leahy.

PORT ADELAIDE and Collingwood key defender Greg Phillips and Crows defender Ben Hart in the back six rather than triple Magarey Medallist Dan Moriarty and North Adelaide premiership hero Ian McKay. McKay was pushed to the interchange bench.

CHAT LIVE WITH RUCCI FROM 12.30PM BELOW

CROWS heroes Darren Jarman and Tony Modra and Carlton key forward Stephen Kernahan make the forward six ahead of dual Magarey Medallist Bob Quinn, Hall of Famer Neil Kerley and Sturt champion Paul Bagshaw. Kerley also has been pushed to the bench.

What do you think of fans' picks for SA's greatest footy team?

CROWS premiership great Andrew McLeod and Carlton and Port Adelaide stalwart Craig Bradley take the wings in place of Port Adelaide legend John Cahill and triple Magarey Medallist Lindsay Head who move to the bench.

For coach, Jack Oatey won the fans' vote ahead of Fos Williams.

AND Ken "KG" Cunningham joins the touring group as umpire ahead of Murray Ducker.

Removed from The Advertiser all-time line-up are Bagshaw, Quinn, Moriarty, Leahy, Glenelg great Graham Cornes and pre-1945 champions Walter Scott and Tom Mackenzie.

The fans' line-up has just one star from the SANFL's first 60 years — legendary North Adelaide forward Ken Farmer who remains SA football's greatest goalkicker with 1417 goals from 1929 to 1941.

The fans' greatest SA football team. Source: The Advertiser

THE PLAYERS WHO MISSED OUT
Paul Bagshaw
Graham Cornes
Tom Leahy
Ian McKay
Dan Moriarty
Bob Quinn
Coach: Fos Williams
Umpire: Murray Ducker

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Bump comes under fire after SANFL hit

Sturts Jack Stephens gets bumped hard by Henry Slattery. Courtesy: Sturt Football Club

Sturt's Jack Stephens is bumped hard by Port Adelaide's Henry Slattery. Source: Supplied

THE SANFL tribunal is expected to come down hard on Port Adelaide player Henry Slattery for this brutal bump which left Sturt opponent Jack Stephens with a broken jaw.

After a week in which the bump was the most talked about topic in the football world, the SANFL will set its own benchmark on dangerous hits to the head.

RICCIUTO: PLAYERS KNOW THE RISKS OF FOOTY

In this vision shared by the Sturt Football Club on its Facebook page, Slattery appears to leave his feet before making contact with Stephens' head.

What do you think? Comment and have your say below

The incident was referred directly to the tribunal and will be heard at 5.30pm today.

MORE: FANS' GREATEST SA FOOTY TEAM REVEALED

The vision on Sturt's Facebook page was accompanied by the following statement: "Good luck Jack Stephens as he recovers from surgery after having his jaw broken on the weekend against Port. Pity his mother had to witness it at the ground on Mother's Day."

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