Let the flag dream go, Saints

Nick Riewoldt with the premiership cup. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

IN THIS week's installment of his weekly column, Please Explain, Glenn McFarlane asks the tough questions of the Saints.

Dear St Kilda,

You're stiff. Very stiff.

But for the bounce of a ball in 2010, or an audacious toe-poke in 2009, you might have a second premiership cup sitting in the trophy cabinet at Seaford.

The fact is you haven't and, barring a miracle, won't with this group of players. And while that's cruel for the likes of Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes who deserve a flag, it's the cold, hard reality.

It seems more certain than ever that your premiership window has slammed shut. The only way to prise it open again is to be bold, daring and invest in the national draft.

You had the chance to start that last year, but went with the present instead of the future.

In a sense, that's understandable given your record with drafting over a long period.

As revealed in Champion Data's AFL Prospectus, of the 24 players you drafted, elevated or traded in from 2008-2010, only five remain. None has yet made a telling impact.

Is Macca right? Leave a comment below

We know Ross Lyon coached for the moment, and it almost won you that elusive cup.

He failed to trade out any high-profile players when they had currency – Justin Koschitzke must have been an option several years ago – and followed the Sydney model of chasing experience over youth.

Justin Koschitzke kicks at goal. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Scott Watters has to learn to coach for the future and you - the club - need to back him and highly-rated head of football Chris Pelchen to make this happen.

Short to medium-term pain might equate to long-term gain.

We're still surprised by what you did last year when you got your hands on picks 12 and 13 in last year's draft then jettisoned them during the trade period.

Fair enough on Tom Hickey. He is 22 and a promising young ruckman. But with Ben McEvoy locked in for the best part of the next decade, and with your young midfield stocks almost bare, maybe snaring one of the best young onballers in the land might have been a better option with pick 13.

It's harder to fathom why you traded pick 12 for Tom Lee, who kicked 60 goals in the WAFL last year. While the worry is the quality of your young midfielders, you seemingly have an endless supply of forwards.

And here is a damning fact for the future.

You have the second oldest playing list in the competition - at an average age of 24.54 years - and the fifth most experienced - averaging 77.08 games.

The best players in your side are in the twilight in their careers.

St Kilda players on the ground after the 2011 Grand Final draw. Picture: David Caird Source: Herald Sun

There are some young guys coming through - Jack Steven, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes, Seb Ross, Rhys Stanley, Sam Dunell, and perhaps Tom Ledger.

But it is time to seriously plan for the long haul. That doesn't mean you won't win quite a number of games this year – you will. But a premiership? It isn't going to happen.

If it comes to a 50-50 decision at the selection table between a kid and an older player, go with the kid.

The focus needs to be on identifying - and drafting - the best youngsters available in November, not trading out any first-round picks you might get.

Better to punt on kids and chase a flag in 2018 than wallow for an extended period in the bottom half of the ladder with a delusion that a premiership remains within reach with this group.

Yours Sincerely,
Glenn McFarlane

PS

MELBOURNE
It's good to hear how well you trained in the lead-up to last week's game against Port. Just imagine how bad things could have been if you had trained poorly.

JEFF KENNETT
Jeff, you've apologised, but surely now it's time to channel your predecessor Ian Dicker and quietly and constructively assist the football club that you profess to love.

BRENDAN McCARTNEY
Hey Macca, great win last week, but can you please do us a favour? Play Adam Cooney and Tom Young at opposite ends this week. We couldn't tell the difference between them last week and neither could Haylea Cooney.

BRIAN TAYLOR
It's OK to call Ben McEvoy "Big Boy McEvoy" a few times. But when it is ad nauseum, it's annoying.

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the Adelaide Crows should not be taking part in next week's AFL draft. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

 

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Chat live with Josh Jenkins

Josh Jenkins chases a loose ball at Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

HOW are the Crows shaping up ahead of their round 2 clash with Brisbane? Ask Adelaide ruckman Josh Jenkins from 3pm.

The Crows, preliminary finalists last season, suffered a surprise 35-point loss to Essendon in their season opener at AAMI Stadium.

They will be desperate to register their first win of the season when they take on the Lions, also 0-1, this Saturday.

Got a question about the match, what the Crows have been doing in preparation for Round 2 or any other footy issue?

Join the live chat with Josh Jenkins from 3pm (Adelaide time) below:

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'Nothing but respect for Mick'

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says he has nothing but respect for former mentor Mick Malthouse. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has played down suggestions of a rift with Carlton coach Mick Malthouse ahead of Sunday's blockbuster encounter.

"There's plenty of people keen to drum that up and to try to make it an adversarial relationship,'' Buckley said today.

"I've got nothing but respect for Mick.

"I learnt a lot from him, played under him for a number of years as his captain and worked under him as an assistant coach in the plan to eventually become senior coach.

"We've had many frank discussions, not in recent times, (but) we've had many frank discussions about that situation.''

Buckley said he did not think there would be any pre-game acknowledgment between the two coaches before Sunday's clash.

Jon Ralph: Mick's private war against Buckley

"I very rarely go to any of the opposition coaches on game day,'' he said.

"I caught up with Mick at the coaches' AGM last week, I will see him tomorrow morning at the Peter MacCallum breakfast and I am sure, watching the TV shows, I will see plenty of his head between now and Sunday.''

Buckley inadvertently brought some humour to the build-up when asked if the two coaches had had any recent conversations.

"He's the coach of Collingwood,'' he said of Malthouse before correcting himself.  ``He was ... he's the coach of Carlton.''

Dayne Beams (quad) will miss Sunday's clash and could be on the sidelines for a few more weeks, but Buckley remained confident Ben Reid (concussion) and Ben Johnson (thigh) will play.

Heath Shaw (illness) is a certain starter.

Buckley refused to rule out Dale Thomas, who missed yesterday's training session, but played 75 per cent of last week's VFL match.

Clinton Young, Alex Fasolo, Paul Seedsman and Andrew Krakouer are also in the mix.

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Minson to dish SuperCoach dirt

Will Minson rucks against Stefan Martin Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

BIG man Will Minson will reveal the inside SuperCoach info on his Bulldogs teammates on The SuperCoach Show.

Minson is fresh from smashing out a huge score of 126 in the Bulldogs' surprise win against Brisbane in Round 1.

With a starting price tag of $508,800, Minson was the highest-scoring ruckman in the competition in Round 1, beating more popular - and much more expensive - options including Dean Cox (96), Patrick Ryder (54) and Jarryd Roughead (58).

Minson will reveal the secret to his success and which Bulldogs to jump on in SuperCoach - the Dogs had 10 players score 97 or higher in Round 1 including unlikely heroes Tory Dickson (118), Brett Goodes (113) and the much maligned Shaun Higgins (97).

Got a question for Will? Send an email to supercoachtips@heraldsun.com.au then watch The SuperCoach Show on Fox Footy from 6pm Thursday.

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Betts out with broken jaw

Carlton small forward Eddie Betts has a broken jaw. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON has been dealt a double blow ahead of Sunday's blockbuster against Collingwood, with Eddie Betts and Shaun Hampson both ruled out.

Betts has been diagnosed with a broken jaw in the wake of last week's loss to Richmond, while Hampson had surgery on Saturday night to have his appendix removed.

Betts' injury slipped through the net until Carlton confirmed it today. The goalsneak played through the pain against the Tigers after he involved in a collision in the first quarter against the Tigers.

He consulted surgeons earlier today. The Blues said they would be guided by medical advice, but have already ruled the influential forward out of their Round 2 match.

"Eddie sustained the injury early in the game, so it was a great effort in his behalf to keep playing. But he won't be playing this week and we'll be guided by the doctor," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

"Shaun felt really terrible on Saturday afternoon, saw the doctor and was diagnosed with appendicitis. He went straight into hospital and had his appendix removed.

"Obviously we'll have to replace a 'tall' and a 'small' in our forward line, so there are a couple of spots up for grabs."

The Blues are already without first-choice pair Jarrad Waite (calf) and best and fairest Heath Scotland (suspension), but Mitch Robinson (concussion) is expected to prove his fitness.
 

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Cats have speed, grunt, impact

Geelong stars Tom Hawkins and Travis Varcoe celebrate their victory over Hawthorn with the fans. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

IF FOOTY was five a side, Geelong would have the ideal set-up.

Skipper Joel Selwood in the middle and the quartet of Mathew Stokes, Allen Christensen, Travis Varcoe and Steven Motlop on the perimeter.

That's grunt and leg speed, although the Fab Four aren't averse to getting their knees dirty.

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CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL TACKLE

Speed is symbolic. The Cats have always moved the ball quickly and had composure, and now they have leg speed to complement the lot.

They used it again against Hawthorn, which was brave enough but not good enough and the Hawks will kick themselves for giving up a game they should have won.

Up by 30 points late in the second quarter and dominating possession and clearances - they led 21-11 at the half - the Hawks could not drive the dagger deeper into a Geelong team which maybe, just maybe, might have thought the streak was over.

Two goals just before the siren, however, to Tom Hawkins and Varcoe, and the difference at halftime was only 20 points.

Round 1's most controversial umpiring calls

That was the momentum swing.

A kick there, a handball here, and the Hawks could easily have been seven or eight goals in front.

Gee, you've got to love the Cats.

Thomas feared he might be suspended

They took the lead at the 15th minute of the third quarter and were never headed. That's 10 in a row against a team many believe is about 2cm off a premiership.

Don't know how curses work, or myths, or karma, but it's got to be more than bad luck.

For whatever reason, the Hawks choke against the Cats.

Be it kicking for goal, disposal under pressure, nerves, or fear of taking responsibility ... the Hawks somehow find a way to fail.

Yesterday, they had poor performers in Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston, Liam Shiels, David Hale and Shane Savage; Luke Breust who kicked three behinds; and a midfield that won plenty of the ball that wasn't reflected on the scoreboard.

Cats v Hawks: 10 things we learnt

The Cats hung and hung and, on the back of Joel Selwood, Paul Chapman after quarter-time, and Andrew Mackie, Harry Taylor and newbie Jared Rivers at the back, they wrested control.

The Fab Four and a rebuilt group of flankers, which includes Jordan Murdoch, Josh Caddy, Billie Smedts and star in the making, Mitch Duncan, all played a role.

"It's different isn't it?" coach Chris Scott said of his speedy midfield.

"(Josh) Caddy is a very hard runner as well and we've injected some speed in the last couple of years that hasn't played together all that often.

"Varcoe was obviously a big loss for us last year, but it was more the combination of Varcoe, Motlop Murdoch, Smedts, Caddy, Taylor Hunt that makes us look a little bit different."

Yep, the contested ball is there and it's always welcomed in a footy team, yet it is the speed of the Fab Four that gives the Cats an edge.

Time and again, Christensen, Varcoe and Motlop dazzled the opposition. They opened up space, which creates overlap, which in turn draws defenders, which in turn leaves their forwards, at worst, in one-on-one contests.

That's what leg speed does.

Stokes is the more mature and rounded performer and had 29 possessions. Motlop and Christensen had 18 each and Varcoe 13.

But this isn't about numbers. It's about impact. And they had plenty.

THE TACKLE: CATS V HAWKS

LIKES

1. Joel Selwood
Can't be likes without mentioning the captain. Can harp on about the start of his third quarter, but he was more than that. When the Hawks dominated the first half, Selwood battled the tide, winning 17 touches. He would finish with 33, six tackles and very sore body. His effort yesterday, of influencing the game when it was needed, was not as spectacular as Gary Ablett's game on Saturday night, but equally as important.

2. Billie Smedts
Had the footy world all over him last year, mainly because the Cats' expectations were enormous. Played 14 games, averaged 12 touches and kicked six goals, playing defence and attack. Yesterday he played forward and kicked two goals and looked dangerous throughout. Is one of a bunch of Cats youngsters helping to keep the team a premiership contender.

3. Paul Chapman
Have to admit I was worried about Chappy, but the coach wasn't . ''He can be one of the dominating players in the competition,'' coach Chris Scott said last night on Channel 9. His move into the midfield yesterday helped turn the contest and after winning just three touches in the first quarter, he would gather 22 in the next three, which included seven inside 50s. His ability to be composed with the ball was a standout

Honorable mentions: Cats' defence, Cats' speed, Brad Hill's first 45 minutes, the debut of Blicavs, Paul Puopolo as a mid, Sewell's heart and the Buddy v Selwood scraps which were five at final count.

Joel Selwood escapes from the centre clearance with the footy during the third quarter. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

DISLIKES

1. Jarryd Roughead
Sat next to a veteran AFL watcher and he lamented about the output from Roughie. He dropped a mark, and the veteran said: ''He wouldn't have done that in 2008.'' Long memory, hey? The fact is Roughie is critical to the Hawks, especially with Franklin roaming far and wide. Just four marks and 15 touches and 1.2 on the scoreboard. Had Harry Taylor when in the forward line and honors went to Harry. With the Hawks wanting to create more speed in the midfield , and possibility of Franklin playing even more minutes there, Roughie will need to kick goals at full-forward.

2. Jack Gunston
Three touches in the first quarter and eight for the game, plus just the one tracke, meant three of Hawthorn's key forwards didn't have a huge impact on the game. The good news for the Hawks is it's rare for that to happen.

3. Liam Shiels
Huge fan of this bloke's work ethic, but can't get away with just seven touches. Had a host of opponents, mainly Mackie and Murdoch, but couldn't impact the game. Makes the game even more extraordinary considering so many Hawks players played below expectations.
 

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Round 1: Studs and duds

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

Jack Viney was a rare shining light for Melbourne against Port Adelaide. Source: Getty Images

SUPERCOACH STUDS AND DUDS: WHO starred and who stank in the first round for SuperCoach points in 2013?

ESSENDON 117 d ADELAIDE 82

Crows stud: Not many. Sam Jacobs and Matthew Wright cracked the ton - both scoring 102.  Taylor Walker's last-quarter goals boosted his score to a respectable 91, but there was little joy elsewhere for the home side.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

Crows duds: Patrick Dangerfield finished with 63 points, about half of which were scored in the first term. After that Heath Hocking was sent to the explosive star and didn't give him an inch. Ouch, particularly for those who made Danger captain.

One to watch: Luke Brown was substituted out with a foot injury. The popular rookie-priced defender accumulated 44 points before that, but won't require a trade after being cleared of bone damage. With Michael Doughty retired, this young lad could be set for a promising season.

AFL round 1 - Adelaide Crows v Essendon Bombers at AAMI Stadium - LUke Brown Taken off at the end of the game Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Dons stud: Captain Jobe did it again. He racked up 121 points and, given his supreme consistency, looks a mega captaincy contender, particularly if you don't have little Gazza. Ben Howlett played out of this world with four goals and 164 points, but can't see too many having him. Brent Stanton and Courtenay Dempsey also cracked the ton, while the lively Nick Kommer looks a bargain. A handy 70 points on debut. Cash cow goes: "Mooooooooo".

Essendon's Nick Kommer runs through the middle of AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Dons dud: Paddy Ryder finished with only 54 points, and that almost seemed generous given he had just two kicks. Brendon Goddard finished on 86, but showed damaging signs from limited involvements. If he gets a heap of it expect booming scores.

Vested interest: He'll build on his match fitness with a VFL hit out next week, and that surely means no more substitute action for David Zaharakis. The goalkicking midfielder scored 28 points from one quarter on Friday night and that means he's set for a big price drop. Keep an eye on Zaha in about a month or so.

Got a SuperCoach question? Send it to supercoachtips@heraldsun.com.au and watch The SuperCoach Show on Fox Footy at 6pm Thursday for expert advice

FREMANTLE 108 d WEST COAST 11.14 80

Dockers stud: New boy Danyle Pearce was the SuperCoach standout. A bumper 130 points from the $460k steal, who is even dual-position (defender/midfield). Ross told us Pearce had "bought in" - and it showed. Seven Dockers cracked triple figures in a monster display, with Michael Barlow (144) and David Mundy (126) leading the charge.

Danyle Pearce celebrates kicking his first goal in Dockers' strips. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Dockers dud: Skip Matty Pavlich finished with no goals, just 60 points, a report and a night in hospital. Ouch. Won't see that too many times again.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

True to form: Jon Griffin's excellent pre-season held true. The ruckman scored 116 from four kicks and could be a handy point of difference with the big fella Sandilands out for a while.

Eagles stud: Has to be Josh Kennedy. Worked hard all night, kicked a couple and cracked the ton. Not bad for a player under $300k. Gee, he'd be handy in navy blue, wouldn't he? The ever-reliable Beau Waters top scored with 117, while Dean Cox scraped his way to 99.

Eagles dud: "Dud" a harsh term but none of West Coast's star-studded midfield hit three figures. Masten (87), Scott Selwood (81), Gaff (66) and Shuey (56) were all quiet, while Priddis's efficiency of just 39 per cent also kept him under 100.

Fire the Frenchman: It's a tragedy, but Mark LeCras has to go. If you had him, give yourself a pat on the back as his first half looked splendid. LeCras was on track to smash past 100 before a collision with Tendai Mzungu broke his arm, which requires surgery. And that means 4-6 weeks. Look for LeCras' teammate, Josh Kennedy, who is about $70k cheaper.

Eagle Mark LeCras comes off the ground with a serious arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

RICHMOND 106 d CARLTON 101

Tigers stud: Over the past week many SuperCoach players have been agonising over whether to pick Trent Cotchin or Brett Deledio in the midfield. Turns out either would be great. Deledio's three big goals shot him past triple-figures first but a huge last quarter put the new skipper just head, notching 119 points to Deledio's 116. For some value how about maligned big man Ty Vickery ($282,400 fwd) who pulled down nine marks and 94 points.

Tigers dud: Brandon Ellis had a great pre-season but didn't get a chance to use his precise kicking in the Thursday night pressure cooker. He was subbed out with just 35 points and will need a big game next week to avoid a price drop after Round 3.

The Tackle: Footy's hardest-hitting column

Blues stud: If you haven't got Bryce Gibbs, hang your head in shame. We talked all pre-season about how a move to the midfield under Mick would turn him into a SuperCoach jet and last Thursday night was exhibit A. He had 34 touches including 16 contested possessions, six clearances and two goals for a massive 150 points.

Blues dud: There was pain for Mitch Robinson on the field and for his SuperCoach owners off it. Robbo had just 20 points to his name when he launched a kamikaze attack on the footy and Ty Vickery, and came off second best.

It's not too late to join - sign up here for a shot at $1000 every week

WESTERN BULLDOGS 127 d BRISBANE LIONS 59

Bulldogs stud: Ryan Griffen (138) was everywhere, Daniel Giansiracusa (118) and Bob Murphy (106) turned back the clock and Tom Liberatore (130) has a huge neon "breakout season" sign flashing above his head, but we can't go past Brett Goodes. The fairytale story of 2013 already, 29-year-old Goodes - who cost us just $128,200 - pulled on the boots for the first time at AFL level and scored 113 points, in a stroke salvaging many floundering SuperCoach backlines.

Bulldogs dud: Koby Stevens was in plenty of our midfields thanks to the promise of more game time after crossing from West Coast. That didn't factor in him getting subbed off after scoring 59 points.

Brisbane stud: The Rock is back. Tom Rockliff had a disappointing end to last season but bounced back to his best on Saturday with 33 disposals and 122 points. Not bad for a guy we can pick in the forward line.

Brisbane dud: Plenty of candidates but we have to go with Michael Tuck Medal winner Daniel Rich. Suspect he won't be the first player to fall victim to the Nick Lower clamps this season, but after averaging 119 points in the NAB Cup, Rich didn't touch the footy until almost quarter-time and finished with just 61.

If you don't mind umpire: Round 1's most controversial calls

SYDNEY 106 d GWS 76

Swans stud: Josh Kennedy showed pre-season form does count for something. He scored 121 and 134 in his final two NAB Cup matches, so 147 against the Giants wasn't a surprise. He's got Gold Coast next week so expect another monster score. An impressive 104 from Canadian Mike Pyke showed his Grand Final was no fluke.

Swans dud: Tony Armstrong looked genuine value in defence after a good pre-season, but he was handed the subs vest and registered just 12 points. Ouch. Lewis Jetta (37) was unusually quiet.

Giants stud: Dylan Shiel had plenty of backers last year, but this could be the season he stamps himself as a star midfielder. He made a good start, topping the GWS scoresheet with 117 points. And how about 102 to Dean Brogan?

Giants dud: Ball magnet Toby Greene registered the lowest SuperCoach score of his career with just 45 points. It could have been worse if he hadn't slotted a goal from an impossible angle in the forward pocket.

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GOLD COAST 90 d ST KILDA 77

Gold Coast stud: Could Gary Ablett be the first SuperCoach player to top the $800k mark? That might be pushing it, but if you were hoping to snare Ablett after an early-season drop from his starting price of $740,500, you could be in serious trouble. Gazza obliterated his ridiculous break-even of 137, scoring 178 including 91 in an awesome final quarter that included 13 disposals, eight contested possessions, six score inolvements and three goals. Read more about Ablett's incredible performance HERE.

Gold Coast dud: Shane Crawford has picked Brandon Matera as his SuperCoach smokie this season and we suggest he stick with him despite just 50 points on Saturday night. When you consider they all came after Matera was subbed in early in the final quarter, the figure is a whole lot more impressive.

Saints stud: If you picked Jarryn Geary in your defence, well done. The small defender had 28 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency, plus six tackles, to score a super-impressive 144 points. David Armitage (113) won the battle of the breakout contenders with Jack Steven (89) while Ben McEvoy recovered from a very slow start to finish on 99 points. Suspect he scores a lot of his points in final quarters when everyone else is out on their feet.

Saints dud: Jack Newnes was talked about during the pre-season as a unique midfield option, but had three clangers in his 12 disposals for just 31 points at Metricon. 

Gary Ablett dominated against St Kilda. Picture: Jerad Williams Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

PORT ADELAIDE 133 d MELBOURNE 54

Power stud: Port could be the SuperCoach goldmine of 2013, with cheap options delivering on just about every line yesterday. Down back Hamish Hartlett (123) delivered on his promise while bargain basement picks Jasper Pittard (93), Campbell Heath (70) and Lewis Stevenson (66) all justified their selection in our sides.  Up forward Jake Neade chimed in with a handy 57 - perfectly acceptable considering the lack of depth in forward rookies this season - and in the midfield Ollie Wines was a beast with 24 disposals and a crazy 125 points in his first game. And have to give a shout out to veteran Kane Cornes who racked up a massive 166.

Power dud: The only rookie who missed out on the party was Kane Mitchell, who started as the sub and only came on in time to register 13 points. Hope you didn't have him on the field and Wines on the bench.

Demons stud: Wines' best mate Jack Viney was clearly the Demons' best player in his AFL debut, scoring 122 points. He just fell short of Ollie's total but beats him on value considering he started the year $60,000 cheaper.

Demons dud: Jack Watts scored 160 in his final pre-season game two weeks ago, but yesterday could manage just 48. Yuck.

Port Adelaide midfielder Oliver Wines. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD 103 d NORTH MELBOURNE 87

Magpies stud: If you picked Ablett, Kennedy and Scott Pendlebury as your starting midfield, you're off to a pretty good start. Pendlebury was pure silk all day, finishing with 160 points. Dane Swan scored 136 without really standing out. Special mention to rookies Jack Frost (72), who didn't know he was playing until five minutes before the game, and Sam Dwyer (49) who started as the sub.

Magpies dud: Brent Macaffer had barely passed his break-even score of 24 until he took a one-handed mark and kicked the sealing goal. A score of 44 should ensure a very modest price rise.

Kangaroos stud: Andrew Swallow doesn't get the recognition of the SuperCoach guns mentioned above but he fits neatly into the same category - and he's just about a unique pick. Another 137 points yesterday.

Kangaroos dud: Ben Jacobs generated plenty of hype when the Roos beat seemingly every other Melbourne-based club to sign the former Port Adelaide defender. But he didn't live up to it yesterday, subbed off with just 45 points to his name.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Brent Macaffer celebrates his goal in the last quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

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LIVE Hawks v Cats: Lake out

Brian Lake at Hawhorn training. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

BRIAN Lake is a late withdrawal from the Hawthorn team to face Geelong at the MCG today in the final match of Round 1.

LiveHQ: Follow the match live with live SuperCoach points, stats, commentary and more

Lake was named in the Hawks' defence despite not playing since he hurt his calf in the first round of the NAB Cup.

The team sheets for today's match have just been submitted and the former Bulldog is out, replaced by ruckman Max Bailey.

The late inclusion means the Hawks have three potential rucks in their line-up - Bailey, David Hale and Jarryd Roughead - while the Cats are playing first-gamer Mark Blicavs as first ruck. Trent West is on the bench.

The Geelong team is unchanged.

The subs are Jed Anderson (Hawthorn) and George Horlin-Smith (Geelong).

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Hawks punt on star's fitness

Underdone Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli will step out against Geelong tomorrow. Source: News Limited

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson admits Cyril Rioli and Brian Lake's preparation leading into tomorrow's blockbuster against Geelong at the MCG is not ideal.

He said both sides had taken a little bit of a punt on selections, pointing out that  Geelong had named Trent West.

"It's not always ideal going into round one and we'll just see how we go,'' Clarkson said before today's 30-minute training session at Waverley Park.

And he confirmed that 19 year-old Jed Anderson, whose wife is due to give birth in the next few days, will make his debut after being traded by Greater Western Sydney for Stephen Gilham.

"It's pretty exciting for Jed,'' Clarkson said.

"It's been a great effort for a lad to get drafted and then force his way into a side that played off in a grand final.''
Rioli (ankle) and Lake (calf) have not played since Hawthorn's opening NAB Cup game.

Lake, recruited from the Western Bulldogs, will be assigned key Cat Tom Hawkins as the Hawks attempt to break a nine-game losing sequence against Geelong.

Clarkson said the Bulldog veteran had been  recruited specifically to play on bigger players.

"Hopefully he will acquit himself well,'' he said.

"Hawkins has turned into an outstanding player in the competition and whoever plays on him, no matter what stage of the game it is or what stage of the season, it is a formidable task, so we'll see how we go.''

Clarkson said Rioli and Lake were "okay'' going into clash, despite their lack of game time

"It's not ideal going into round one without the same game time as some of the other players. They are quality players and both of them are All Australian players.

"Sometimes first up they can play really well too, and sometimes it's the second and third game that you're worried about.''

Clarkson said that after a long pre-season, Geelong and Hawthorn had to wait until the last game of the opening round.

"There is so much excitement and anticipation  around the first round of the season,'' he said.

"It's the latest game of the round and we can't wait to get out there and perform.''

Clarkson said he was again expecting a great contest from Geelong.

"We have always had great games against Geelong and we just haven't been able to get over the post in the pressure of last minutes of games so we need to get better at that,'' he said.

Clarkson was reluctant to make any comment about the controversial sliding rule.

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LIVE: Demons v Power

Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney bursts forward against Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

2.27pm: Demons 44 - Power 73

THE case for goal line video technology is mounting with contentious marks being paid to Port Adelaide sharpshooter Jay Schulz and Melbourne utility Cameron Pederson.

Schulz was awarded a mark on the goal line despite an inconclusive review.

Moments later, Pederson clunked a strong mark next to the goal post which looked at real speed to have crossed the line.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The Power dominated the first half setting up a 29-point buffer at the main break.

Paul Stewart booted three goals while Kane Cornes leads the Power with 14 disposals.

Meanwhile, debutant Jack Viney is the pick of the Demons with 15 touches -- 12 contested -- and a goal to his name.

The tough as teak midfielder also has four clearances to his name.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

2.04pm: Demons 31 - Power 58

MELBOURNE continues to find a way of keeping up with Port Adelaide at the MCG today.

The Power have made all the early running but until now have been unable to shake the pesky - at times outclassed - Demons.

Goals to Shannon Byrnes and Jeremy Howe, his second, cut the margin to 27 points midway through the second term.

Port Adelaide has kicked three goals in the term, its last in somewhat controversial circumstances with Jay Schulz awarded a mark on the goal line.

Schulz, who launched over the pack, looked to clunk the ball over the line. The umpires paid the mark despite a video review showing Schulz, his Demon's stepladder and the football clearly over the line.

Regardless, it was a goal, and great mark, either way. Play on!

1.49pm: Demons 19 - Power 45

ALL Port Adelaide and Melbourne's Jack Viney in the first quarter with the Power running rings around the hapless Demons.

The boom father-son prospect leads the Demons with nine disposals.

But the Power look superior to their rivals with Hamish Hartlett on track for a best on ground performance.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The classy midfielder has 10 disposals and two goals early in the second quarter.

Mitch Clark made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in as many minutes during the first quarter.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Hamish Hartlett of the Power passes the ball during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

1.34pm: Demons 13 - Power 27

MELBOURNE spearhead Mitch Clark has made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in a hurry to claw the Demons back within striking distance.

Port Adelaide made all the early running at the MCG with midfielders Hamish Hartlett, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes and young gun Olli Wines dominating the stoppages.

Clark's timely goals helped the Demons get back in the match before Power sharpshooter Jay Schulz's courageous mark in the goal square.

It took Melbourne about four minutes of play to register its first kick, a free kick to co-captain Jack Grimes at half-back.

PRE-GAME

Melbourne lines up as selected in today's match against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

The Demons will unveil prized recruits Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas in the Easter Sunday clash.

Port Adelaide also boasts a couple of new faces including No.7 pick Olli Wines and mature-aged recruit Kane Mitchell who will start as the substitute.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Demon Sam Blease will also start on the pine wearing the green substitute's vest.

Melbourne will join Port Adelaide in wearing black armbands today in memory of Power midfielder John McCarthy.

The former Collingwood and Sorrento utility fell to his death while on holidays in Las Vegas with Power teammates last year.

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