Magpie goes Solo in AFL Star Wars epic

Collingwood star Dane Swan is a natural for the Han Solo role. Source: HeraldSun

YOU may have noticed a distinct Star Wars flavour about this week's round of footy.

While the AFL isn't officially calling it Star Wars Round, characters from the famous film series are popping up at press conferences and photo opps and clubs are flogging Star Wars T-shirts and merchandise (although original plans to feature Mick Malthouse as Darth Vader were binned by the Blues).

It's all to coincide with Sunday May 4 — international Star Wars Day: "May the fourth be with you".

It got us to thinking what a footy team from the Star Wars universe might look like.

To get us started, we've matched each character to a current AFL player — via similarities in playing style rather than appearances, it must be said.

Geelong players (from left) Jordan Murdoch, James Kelly and George Burbury get into the spirit of the Star Wars themed-round. Picture: Mitch Bear Source: News Corp Australia

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, from the backline ...

FULL-BACKS

Joel Patfull (Brisbane Lions)

Stormtrooper: A reliable defender and dual best-and-fairest winner who gets the job done every week with little fanfare and even less recognition.

Dustin Fletcher (Essendon)

General Grievous: The ageless stalwart of Essendon's backline. At times, seems to have four arms as he manages to find a way to spoil his opponents.

Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)

Imperial Guard: Stands like a sentinel in the Hawks' defensive 50m. Constantly at attention and ready to unleash a timely fist.

The multi-limbed General Grievous would be tough to beat in one-on-one contests. Source: Supplied

HALF-BACKS

Corey Enright (Geelong)

Wedge Antilles: Like the Rebel Alliance general, Enright launches guerilla raids on the enemy from the half-back line.

Luke McPharlin (Fremantle)

Admiral Ackbar: It's a trap! ... sorry we couldn't help ourselves. McPharlin marshals the stingiest defence in the league. He bears no resemblance to a giant fish.

Ryan Crowley (Fremantle)

Darth Maul: Appears at his opponent's side like a malevolent shadow and cuts them down. Can pinch an opponent 300 times without an umpire noticing.

Which of these two guys would you rather have standing next to you at a centre bounce? Source: Supplied

CENTRES

Dale Thomas (Carlton)

Anakin Skywalker: We're not saying Carlton is the dark side ... but many Collingwood fans believe Daisy gave up his soul.

Chris Judd (Carlton)

Darth Vader: Was once the pin-up boy of the AFL but as he's got older has used some dark tactics (pressure points and chicken wings). Anakin and Darth are both at Carlton ... just sayin.

Joel Selwood (Geelong)

Boba Fett: Willing to get his hands dirty to get the job done. A ruthless leader who can escape a tackle with a simple shrug of his shoulders.

Boba Fett is a clone and Joel is one of four Selwoods to play AFL. Coincidence? Source: Supplied

HALF-FORWARDS

Lenny Hayes (St Kilda)

Obi-Wan Kenobi: The veteran has done his apprenticeship and is now a midfield master. As he nears the end, he is passing on his wisdom to the Saints bunch of young guns.

Tyrone Vickery (Richmond)

Jar Jar Binks: Tall, clumsy and often criticised. Sorry Tyrone, but you fit the bill perfectly.

Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)

Ewok: Small and dangerous. Is there a better way to describe Cyril? Defenders never know when he will strike.

Weesa not kicking any goals. That's why you no liking us meesa thinks. Source: Supplied

FULL-FORWARDS

Hayden Ballantyne (Fremantle)

R2-D2: The Fremantle goalsneak is handy in a fight but is perhaps best known for annoying his rivals into a state of despair possibly (although we can't confirm this) with high-pitched beeping noises.

Travis Cloke (Collingwood)

Chewbacca: An old fashioned "gorilla" full-forward, Cloke can handle two defenders at once. Few are brave enough to stand in his way. He hasn't yet pulled a defender's arms out of his sockets after a loss, but it's not a huge stretch of the imagination.

Will Minson (Western Bulldogs)

C-3PO: The droid is fluent in six million forms of communication. Will can speak two languages. We think that's close enough. Regarded as the smartest footballer going around.

R-2 says the chances of victory are 725 ... to one. Source: HeraldSun

RUCKS

Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)

Wookie: The Dockers big man gets a game for one simple reason: He was very nearly in an actual Star Wars movie. Gerard Whately revealed on AFL360 this week that the 211cm Sandilands was reportedly offered a contract to play a wookie on the big screen before Fremantle picked him in the wookie — sorry, rookie draft.

Dane Swan (Collingwood)

Han Solo: The quintessential rebel. Swan is one of the few characters left in the AFL with his various tattoos and famous training standards.

Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)

Luke Skywalker: It has been many years since young Ablett stepped out of the shadow of his famous father. The hero of the AFL, Gaz can pick up 30 touches with ease and kick goals from 50m out as easily as bulls-eyeing womp rats.

Gary Ablett thrives in any conditions. Source: HeraldSun

COACH

Paul Roos (Melbourne)

Yoda: Verging on legendary status after delivering Sydney its first premiership since 1933 and arriving at Melbourne with huge expectations. Hired to mentor the Demons' talented but directionless youngsters.

Paul Roos' message to Demon fans is simple: Patience you must have. Source: HeraldSun

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Tex set for Collingwood clash

Taylor Walker in action for Adelaide's SANFL side against Glenelg. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Adelaide are expected to continue their cautious approach with Taylor Walker with the forward set to play for the Crows' state league side against Port Adelaides reserve team on Sunday.

TAYLOR Walker will play in Adelaide's Round 9 blockbuster against Collingwood if he gets through Sunday's SANFL clash unscathed, according to coach Brenton Sanderson.

Sanderson said the club thought long and hard about playing its ace key forward against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval tomorrow but felt Walker would benefit from a second consecutive SANFL hit-out after missing 12 months following a knee reconstruction.

If he gets through Sunday's game he will be rested from the SANFL next week in preparation for the May 15 match against the Magpies.

The Crows have the AFL bye next week.

SLOANE: WE'LL TARGET BERNIE

"Tex is ready to play (AFL) but we're sticking with the original plan of giving him two games in the SANFL, which will give him the best preparation to play in the AFL," Sanderson said.

"He will go to the AFL program after this round.

"He'll have the 10-day break with the AFL squad leading into the Collingwood game.

"If he plays well and gets through the (Port) Magpies game up in Clare we would be foolish not to play him against Collingwood.

"He was really close to playing this week and he looks strong, he looks fit and we're really excited to get Tex back in the mix after 12 months out."

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Power won’t stop now it’s top

Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas says the Power's painful past is helping them work towards a prosperous future as they prepare to take on GWS in Canberra on Saturday.

Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas, who has extended his contract with the club. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide is drawing motivation from its horror seasons before Ken Hinkley's arrival to remain on course after reaching the top of the AFL ladder.

The memories of 10 and 20-goal beltings remain raw in the minds of the players who were in struggle town only three seasons ago and they serve as a sharp reminder of what can happen if they lose their focus.

Defender Tom Jonas, who has been through both the good and the bad, said the occasional look in the rear view mirror would add fuel to the Power's finals tilt this season.

There is no more obvious clue trigger than the loss to GWS in 2012, which led to Matthew Primus' sacking.

"I think moments like those a couple of years ago make you appreciate how well we're going now and not take it for granted,'' Jonas said.

"Just take every day as it comes and keep improving ... not wanting to go back there.''

There is now a completely different mindset at Port.

Appreciate the pressure and the fact that the Power is being hunted, rather than seeing each week as a threat.

Jonas outworks Geelong's George Burbury. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

"Over the past few years we've had a lot of challenges and (now) we love them,'' Jonas said. "Keep throwing them our way.''

Jonas, who has just signed a new contract, also spoke of the changes that have happened under Ken Hinkley and how the club was embracing the sense of expectation that is now surrounding the Power.

But Port had decided to accept and enjoy the pressure of being on top rather than playing it down.

"We've had a fair bit of expectation all year, so far,'' Jonas said.

"But we've done really well with that.

"We've been to Perth and got a good win, had a really good win against Geelong on the weekend.

"We have high expectations internally, work really hard and do what we can to keep improving.''

The change of form at Alberton made his decision to sign and easy one.

"Kenny's been great,'' Jonas said.

"He's got a great support network but he's also has a massive focus on doing the little things right and have really high expectations from his players.

"He's really riding us and having really high expectations from the group.''

Hinkley, in turn, was quick to make a fuss of Jonas's improvement and commitment.

The other quality that stood out to Hinkley was his versatility.

"He's now announcing himself as a really strong defender, he can play tall, he can play small," Hinkley said.

"He's also one of our really strong young leaders at the club, he's already in the leadership group and he's just gone from strength to strength.

"He's an important part of our backline and an important part of our whole football club so it's really exciting to have him signed on.

"He's the example you want to look for, when you're looking for people who want to get the most out of themselves.

"Tom does everything he can to make himself the best player he can be and the best person he can be."

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Who will be victim of Tex’s return?

Veteran forward James Podsiadly may have to make way for Taylor Walker. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

FOUR into three doesn't go.

And that's why Crows coach Brenton Sanderson is left with one of the toughest selection dilemmas in his three years in charge at West Lakes.

The return of power forward Taylor Walker - the club's best forward - from long term injury is a major boost for Adelaide.

Who should make way for Taylor Walker?

But it also leaves Sanderson with an embarrassment of key forward riches.

MORE: TEX CAN WALK RIGHT IN, SAYS BRENT REILLY

For a team which struggled for goals in Walker's absence last year, it is a good problem to have.

But it will also be causing Sanderson sleepless nights.

Taylor Walker in action for the Crows in the SANFL against Glenelg. Picture: Sarah Reed.

How does he fit Walker, who returned from 12 months out following a knee reconstruction in the SANFL last Friday night, veteran pick-up James Podsiadly, the rapidly improving Josh Jenkins and mobile tall Tom Lynch into the same side?

On paper, the names stack up well.

Offensively, Walker, Podsiadly, Jenkins and Lynch would appear to be an opposition coach's nightmare.

But with such a focus on defensive pressure and team balance in modern footy, playing all four in the one side is fraught with danger.

Sure, it can work on the odd occasion. But long term it will fail.

Gone are the days when key forwards didn't have to chase and apply pressure to the opposition. Now they are required to chase, press and tackle just like their smaller teammates.

High on each club's must-do instructions is the motto "what are you doing when you don't have the ball?''.

Rarely does a forward line consist of more than three talls. Most clubs take the three/three approach - three talls and three smalls.

The tall timber creates contests and wins contested aerial balls while the smalls are there to rove the contests and complement the big guys' work.

When Port Adelaide dropped key forward John Butcher a few weeks ago it went with a two/four attacking set-up, with Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff as its talls.

Sometimes clubs can even opt for a one/five attack - depending on whether they have a standout key forward and a posse of clever, elusive small forwards.

What compounds Adelaide's scenario is that the three forward line talls it played in last Sunday's grinding nine-point win against the Western Bulldogs are all in good form.

Podsiadly and Jenkins both bagged three goals, won contested ball and moved well. Lynch roamed far and wide for 25 disposals, seven marks, two goals and a game-high four score assists.

None of them deserves the chop.

Geelong premiership star Podisadly has been Adelaide's forward 50 barometer. His experience and leadership has been vital in Walker's absence.

He averages an impressive 14 disposals, five marks, three tackles and 1.5 goals in the opening six rounds.

Lynch's stunning performance in his first full game of the season against the Dogs after overcoming a dislocated shoulder showed how important he is to the Crows in his role of linking the midfield to the deep lying forwards.

The mobile role he is able to play is a luxury few clubs have.

The athletic Jenkins past three matches, in which he has booted 11 goals, have been his best in Crows colours.

Unlike Adelaide's other tall forwards, he also can ruck and give Sam Jacobs a valuable breather from his heavy workload.

With Shaun McKernan preferred as the back-up ruck option in the pre-season and opening two rounds, Jenkins is now making up for lost time.

He is hungry and is clearly making every post a winner, averaging 15 disposals, eight marks and 2.75 goals in his four games this season.

The three talls have been well complemented by a posse of smalls, who are all playing their roles well.

These include Carlton pick-up Eddie Betts, who has been one of the best performed goalkicking small forwards in the past decade, Jared Petrenko as a defensive tackling inside-50 pressure machine and Matthew Wright and Rory Laird sharing that extra defensive role.

With resting midfielders Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane also playing cameos inside 50, the Crows' once maligned attack is now a force to be reckoned with.

The stats don't lie.

Adelaide has been efficient in its front half, taking more marks inside forward 50 this season (12.3 average, ranked fifth in the AFL) than it did last year (11.2 average, ranked 13th).

It also has the fourth best percentage of kicks inside 50 resulting in a goal.

Clearly, given Walker's credentials, he will be the centrepiece of Sanderson's attack when he is fully fit and in form.

While there has been some hysteria about Walker's 12-disposal, 3.3 comeback game against Glenelg in the State League, I would give him at least one more match in the local competition before returning him to AFL ranks, especially given the good form of Adelaide's other tall forwards.

But Sanderson will then be backed into a corner and forced to make a big call.

Unless there is an unforeseen injury, one man will be the fall guy.

Podsiadly - as good as he has been - appears to be the player who could be forced out, given he plays a similar role to Walker.

He was the player brought to the club as insurance for Big Tex and he has performed admirably in the opening six rounds.

J-Pod will have a valuable role to play this season - even in defence where he has shown he can also play good footy - but with those around him currently in such good nick and Walker's return to the side imminent, I'm not sure the Crows can afford the luxury of playing both him and Tex inside the forward 50.

This unbalance could affect Adelaide's ability to apply great defensive pressure and subsequently force defensive turnovers.

Few would envy Sanderson's tough decision. But it's one he must make because four into three just doesn't work.

THE SUPER SIX

Adelaide's best starting forward line

F: Eddie Betts (goalkicking small), Josh Jenkins (key forward/ruck release), Jared Petrenko (defensive forward)

HF: Tom Lynch (tall, mobile lead-up forward), Taylor Walker (power forward), Matthew Wright (defensive forward, midfield rotation)

Read More..

Forget ‘Perth Curse’, bring on Cats

The umpire awards a free kick to battered and bruised Chad Wingard, left, after he was charged by West Coast defender Darren Glass, third from left. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide says it is not concerned about the Perth Curse affecting its preparation for Sunday's home blockbuster against Geelong.

Three of the four sides who have played in WA this year have been well beaten the following week, with the past two, St Kilda and Essendon, appearing to struggle to back up physically after the tough road trip.

Bombers coach Mark Thompson questioned his players' rehabilitation after they were upset by the Saints the week after being smashed by Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

But Power midfielder Hamish Hartlett played down concerns over the trip to WA affecting the players, noting that last week's courageous win against West Coast was played in the cool of night rather than the heat of the day.

"A lot of the teams that have come back from Perth have played when it was pretty hot, about 30-31 degrees,'' Hartlett said.

"We played in pretty cool conditions for Perth, so I don't think that took anything more out of us compared to any other game.''

St Kilda, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs have all lost the week after playing in WA this year, with only the Gold Coast (against struggling Brisbane) recording a win.
Easing the burden for Port is that it has the luxury of an eight-day break between games while travelling Geelong has only a six-day break, having played — and beaten — premier Hawthorn at the MCG on Monday.

West Coast Eagles suffer a frustrating fourth quarter wich sees them go down to Port Adelaide 56-70

Hartlett says because of the long break between games, the Power players will not need to do more recovery work and sway from their usual preparation.

"We won't need to prepare any differently,'' he said.

"We had a bit of a run-around on Tuesday, we'll train pretty flat out on Thursday and then have a light run on Saturday, so we'll go about things pretty normally.''

Hartlett said Port has a "few sore boys'' after what he described as a bruising encounter against the Eagles.
"(Jay) Schulz (split lip) is probably the main one — his face is a little bit mangled at the moment, but he'll be right,'' he said.

"Chad (Wingard) and Jackson (Trengove) are just a bit sore through their torso but nothing of any major concern.''

Hartlett said small forward Angus Monfries is making a strong bid to return from a two-match absence with a hamstring injury but he is likely to have to wait another week.

Triumphant Power players leave Patersons Stadium after beating the Eagles. Picture: Paul Kane.

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Mended Monfires ready to return

Angus Monfries is itching to return for the Power. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide midfielder-forward Angus Monfries will push for selection this weekend after training freely at Adelaide Oval on Thursday morning.

Monfries injured his hamstring against North Melbourne in Round 3 and it was feared he would miss several weeks, but he has surprised fitness staff with his speedy recovery and runs like he is ready to play.

TREDREA: LOBBE POWER'S MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER

The former Bomber hurt himself when he was chasing a Brad Ebert kick halfway through the third quarter against the Kangaroos and immediately clutched his right hamstring.

Commentators at the ground feared it would be a long-term injury, if not at least the regulation three weeks that are prescribed for the majority of hamstring injuries.

Port's trading at Adelaide Oval was scheduled to be followed by an appearance at the Burnside shopping centre as the club continues a push to win fans and supporters in new markets.

Port plays Geelong this Sunday at Adelaide Oval/

Read More..

AFL report card: Your dux and dunce

Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh has revealed on AFL 360 he feared his career was over after a string of injuries.

Hawk Luke Hodge is held at bay by Steve Johnson. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

HOT: Matthew Jaensch: Has not put a foot wrong this campaign, Jaensch collected 29 disposals against Greater Western Sydney to take his season average to 24 — up 12 on last year.

NOT: James Podsiadly: Is yet to make the most of his second chance at a club devoid of fit and firing key forwards. J-Pod has kicked six goals in five games, inflated on the back of three against St Kilda.

Lion Dayne Zorko is relishing the opportunity to spend more minutes in the midfield. Picture: Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

BRISBANE

HOT: Dayne Zorko: Has thrived spending more time in the midfield with Simon Black (retired) and Daniel Rich (knee) out of the side. Zorko is doing plenty with and without the ball in hand.

NOT: Matthew Leuenberger: The big ruckman's numbers leave a lot to be desired, ranked 17th with 80 in hit-outs through the first month of football. Injuries don't help.

What you missed on TV last night

The Barometer- Round 6

SuperCoach Studs and Duds

CARLTON

HOT: Robbie Warnock: The 206cm ruckman has emerged as the pick of the tall stocks at Visy Park with Matthew Kreuzer going down injured. Warnock is currently the third most prolific tap ruckman in the business behind barnstorming Aaron Sandilands and 2013 All Australian Will Minson.

NOT: Jeff Garlett: Expected to make inroads following Eddie Betts' departure, Garlett, currently banished to VFL duties, has hardly fired a shot, kicking three goals in as many games.

Magpie Jack Frost brings down Aaron Black. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

COLLINGWOOD

HOT: Jack Frost: Swimming like a pro after being thrown in the deep end, Frost's scalps include Lance Franklin and Drew Petrie. He held Tom Hawkins for three quarters and was far from disgraced against barrage of Fremantle attacks in Round 1.

NOT: Taylor Adams: Made a handy debut in Round 1, but has struggled since for consistency. The sub's vest and a one-match ban for an off-the-ball hit on Joel Selwood hasn't helped his cause.

ESSENDON

HOT: Michael Hurley: Looks to be relishing his move in defence and for the time being — touch wood — his body is holding up to the rigours of AFL footy. If only he'd get a haircut.

NOT: Jake Carlisle: Was an All Australian contender when allowed to play solely in defence. Fast forward 12 months, Carlisle is being asked to play forward, back and pinch-hit in the ruck as the Bombers move to counter injuries and departures. Put simply, he doesn't look comfortable.

FREMANTLE

HOT: Matthew Pavlich: He's fit and firing on all cylinders. Pav has wound back the clock kicking 11 goals the past three weeks. Will need to continue in similar fashion if he's to spearhead an attack missing All Australian Michael Walters.

NOT: Nick Suban: Enjoyed a breakout season as the Dockers marched to their first Grand Final last year. This time around looks to be struggling, missed Round 1 (suspended) and started as the substitute on Saturday.

GEELONG

HOT: Hamish McIntosh: Working up to full fitness after spending the best part of two years on the sidelines injured. The former North Melboourne no. 1 ruckman gives Cats coach Chris Scott greater flexibility to play running machine Mark Blicavs around the ground. McIntosh is a strong contested and goalkicker when used deep in the forward line. Will only improve with more games under his belt.

NOT: Travis Varcoe: Like McIntosh has endured a series of injury setbacks, but with Steve Motlop out injured, Paul Chapman at Essendon and James Podsiadly in Adelaide, it was expected Varcoe would step up and impact the scoreboard. He's tracking OK but it's only going to get tougher when Motlop returns.

Gold Coast Suns star Jaeger O'Meara in action. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

GOLD COAST

HOT: David Swallow: Was all the rage during the pre-season and he's living up to expectation. Not only is he being used as a setup man out of defence, his ability to drift forward and kick goals makes him a valuable commodity.

NOT: Jaeger O'Meara: We're not quite in second-year blues territory, but O'Meara is simply not imposing himself as much as he did last year. The Rising Star is ranked fifth in Suns' disposals behind Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia, David Swallow and Michael Rischitelli.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

HOT: Adam Treloar: Has taken giant strides in 2014 averaging 28 disposals a game — 14 of them contested. Treloar, drafted as a 17-year-old in 2011, enjoyed a strong pre-season under new coach Leon Cameron. With speed to burn and a thirst for the contest, Treloar looms large as one of the best young midfielders in the business.

NOT: Dylan Addison: Dropped after just three games, Addison is well and truly at the crossroads, forced to find touch in the NEAFL. It's not going to be easy for the former Western Bulldogs utility to break back into a Giants' side brimming with talent.

HAWTHORN

HOT: Bradley Hill: The 20-year-old speed machine showed signs of what he was capable of last year dazzling rivals with his speed and smarts. The problem was his tank would run dry by the main break. 12-months on and Hill is back to his blistering best — averaging 25 disposals a game — and playing out a solid four quarters.

NOT: Luke Hodge: It feels wrong even considering Hodge in this bracket, but the harsh reality is we've only seen glimpses of his best this season. The fearless leader is averaging 20 disposals a game — inflated by his 32 against Gold Coast in Round 4. Even yesterday he only had 13 at the final change before racking up eight more as the Hawks made their charge.

Melbourne youngster Jimmy Toumpas. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

MELBOURNE

HOT: Dom Tyson: The obvious class of Josh Kelly has heaped pressure on Tyson, but since arriving at the Demons via the 2013 trade period, the 20-year-old has been hard to fault. He'd be up there in the Melbourne best and fairest award after averaging more than 23 disposals in the first five rounds. Such is his impact, Carlton assigned Andrew Carrazzo to Tyson in Round 4. Time will tell whether the combination of Tyson and Salem will bear more fruit than No. 2 pick Kelly and pick No. 20 (on traded), but Tyson is certainly holding up his end of the bargain so far.

NOT: Jimmy Toumpas: Looked like a boy playing against men in his debut season, but the No. 4 pick enjoyed a bumper pre-season, improving his fitness and kicking four goals in Melbourne's intra-club match. However things haven't gone to plan since, he was dropped after Melbourne's Round 2 thumping against West Coast and spent the last three weeks in the VFL. Toumpas was a classy player in the juniors, but is yet to show he has the tools at AFL level.

NORTH MELBOURNE

HOT: Ben Cunnington: Has emerged from the shadows of injured leaders Andrew Swallow and Jack Ziebell as the Kangaroos' clearance specialist. He's tough, skilful, ultra-competitive and knows how to find space/time under pressure. It will be interesting to see how Cunnington fairs with Ziebell and Swallow back in the mix.

NOT: Shaun Atley: We're yet to see Atley at his explosive, line-breaking, best in 2014 after much hype during the off-season. The 21-year-old was expected to improve in leaps and bounds in his fourth AFL season, but we're yet to see him in full flight. Atley has played bit-part roles in the Kangaroos' three wins to day averaging 20 disposals — 11 handballs.

Power midfielder Ollie Wines bursts through Jack Redden's tackle. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

PORT ADELAIDE

HOT: Ollie Wines: It's hard to recall a more accomplished second-year AFL footballer. Well, Chad Wingard wasn't bad, but the only thing Wingard has on Wines at the moment is the fact he maintained his form for a full season. Wines is just five games into his second season and he looks as though it's his tenth. He is averaging just less than 25 disposals a game and more than six tackles in 2014. He's a jet.

NOT: John Butcher: Anyone who remembers Butcher's 10 goals in two weeks at the end of season 2011 has been waiting for the 197cm forward to step up and take the competition by the scruff of the neck. He kicked a bag in an intra-club game and all the noise out of Port Adelaide was saying Butcher has overcome his injury issues and was ready to be a regular senior player. However, after kicking just two goals in the first three rounds, Ken Hinkley lost patience with the 22-year-old and he was dropped.

Richmond forward Tyrone Vickery has his hands full in the VFL. Picture: Kris Reichl Source: News Corp Australia

RICHMOND

HOT: Matt Thomas: Thomas only played four games for Port Adelaide last year, but had a stellar SANFL season and tied for the Magarey Medal. He has been one of Richmond's best players in a frustrating start for the club, averaging a career-high 20 disposals and he was instrumental in Richmond's Round 2 win over Carlton. Playing in a lockdown role, Thomas would be one of the first picked by Damian Hardwick each week.

NOT: Tyrone Vickery: It's easy to pick on Vickery because of his laconic nature and tendency to regularly make a meal out of the most basic of situations. He has been criticised for his work ethic and defensive pressure when Richmond has been poor, but the flip side of this is he usually performs well when Richmond win — he kicked four goals in Round 2. He is a player of obvious talent, but in a team dying for a foil to Jack Riewoldt, Vickery has failed to step up to the plate in his sixth season and he was dropped after Round 4.

ST KILDA

HOT: Luke Dunstan: There was suspicion this young South Australian was a ready-made AFL midfielder and in five games he has made a liar of no one. Young midfielders are usually afforded the luxury to ease into the game on a wing or a flank, but Dunstan stepped into the centre square in his first game for a side missing a bevy of experienced players and hasn't looked back. In Round 3 against West Coast — playing at the AFL's most hostile venue — Dunstan had 29 disposals and kicked two goals in a game totalling 141 SuperCoach points.

NOT: Shane Savage: When Savage moved from Hawthorn to St Kilda, there was every indication the 23-year-old would flourish with more midfield minutes and greater responsibility. Savage showed at Hawthorn an ability to win the football inside and out of the contest and was a good finisher around goals. In his sixth AFL season and with 60 games under his belt, his time to arrive as a consistent AFL player is now, however he has floundered at St Kilda. His pre-season form was OK, but things have fallen apart in the season proper. Savage's highest SuperCoach score is 55 and was dropped after Round 4.

Sydney takes stock after its loss to North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY

HOT: Luke Parker: Parker is probably the only Sydney midfielder who has improved in 2014. It's hard to believe this 2012 premiership player is still 21 years of age and among the patchy form of his teammates, Parker has lifted his possession average to 24 a game. In a side which has struggled defensively, Parker is averaging five tackles per game and more than 100 SuperCoach points. He and Tom Mitchell were neck and neck at the start of this season, but Parker has taken his game to the next level, while Mitchell has gone the way of his senior teammates — south.

NOT: Dan Hannebery: You could throw a blanket over most of the Sydney side in the first month of the season and for that reason it's unfair to pinpoint one player, but we'll do it anyway. Dan Hannebery emerged as one of the elite midfielders in the competition last year, polling 21 Brownlow votes and winning All-Australian selection. He averaged more than 25 disposals and got 30 or more on seven occasions. This year he is averaging just more than 20 and his burst running and ability to win multiple involvements in a chain of play is non-existent.

WEST COAST

HOT: Luke Shuey: the 23-year-old set the MCG alight in Round 2, booting two goals from 30 touches against the Dees. He backed it up on the weekend with 28 possessions and five tackles against Port Adelaide. Overall, he's averaging 23 disposals in 2014. Shuey is no longer the future of the Eagles' midfield — he is the Eagles' midfield. And, he is starting to grow into that reputation.

NOT: Nic Naitanui: Dean Cox will not play forever, so Naitanui can't play second fiddle forever. The footy world is patiently waiting for the 23-year-old to step up and consistently produce big games and big numbers. Naitanui has never been a big goal kicker, but one goal from five games so far this season is not enough. More of a concern is that he's not accumulated more than 17 hit-outs in a match yet in 2014. How patient are you, Eagles fans?

Bulldogs captain Ryan Griffen takes a breather. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

WESTERN BULLDOGS

HOT: Jack Macrae: He's only 19, but the Bulldogs young gun is already averaging elite midfielder. Macrae has accumulated at least 30 possessions in four of his five games. With a silky left foot and a ruthless hunger for the footy, the No. 6 pick has collected more uncontested possessions than any other player this season. Most impressively, Macrae has injected himself into games when they have been up for grabs, proving his love and will to perform on the big stage.

NOT: Ryan Griffen: A nagging back injury sustained during the pre-season has hampered Griffen's output so far in 2014. The 27-year-old skipper has showed signs of improvements in his past two outings, producing a ripping second half against GWS and picking up 32 touches against the Blues on Sunday.

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Cool hand Crouch gets rising star nod

Patrick Dangerfield has produced a Giant performance against GWS to help the Crows claim two straight wins.

Matt Crouch takes a mark against GWS. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE Crows midfielder Matt Crouch has been given a late birthday present with the round five NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

One of the Crows' best players against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, Crouch celebrated turning 19 yesterday.

VOTE: SHOULD RICHIE DOUGLAS BE DISCIPLINED?

His 28-possession performance in just three quarters was impressive in the Crows' 65-point win at Adelaide Oval. He was subbed out at three-quarter time.

Crouch made his AFL debut in round three against the Swans this season and has averaged 23 disposals since.

"I think I played all right on the weekend and I've been pretty consistent the last couple of weeks so I think that might have helped me get the award," Crouch said.

"I've learnt a lot at training in the preseason... that's helped a lot with my development."

Coach Brenton Sanderson says Crouch has a wise football head on his shoulders.

"Matt has a real hunger to learn more about the game and his role in the team," Sanderson said.

"He is also a fierce competitor, who makes great decisions under immense pressure."

Crouch was the Crows' first selection (at No. 23) in last year's draft.

Crouch's older brother and Crow teammate Brad earned a rising star nod in round 14 last year.

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Power’s fitness policy paying off

Bandaged Power forward Jay Schulz leads for a mark pursued by West Coast's Eric MacKenzie. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide has confirmed its standing as one of the best-finishing and gut-running teams in the league after running over West Coast by 14 points on a warm night at Subiaco on Saturday night.

Port has invested heavily in its fitness regime — among measures used have included heat training and heading to Dubai for a pre-season camp — and it is now cashing in.

In one of the most watchable games of the rounds, one between two teams in good form and looking like finals contenders, the Power did more work through their relentless running but still outran West Coast to cement itself as a top-four side.

You couldn't pick this match until late, and there were only two points in it at half time. One point as the final quarter began.

But there were distinctly different patterns developing and distinctly different ways in which the teams approached the game.

Port has pace and endurance which translates into what is called spread in the modern language and it used it relentlessly; it did not matter if that meant that extra ground was covered to reach a scoring opportunities.

The Power players switched, were prepared the long route and were prepared to work and run just a little bit harder for a shot at goals.

Port's Jared Polec looks to get past the Eagles' Chris Maston. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper.

West Coast, in contrast, is becoming older and smarter as its list matures and develops under the leadership of new coach Adam Simpson.

The Eagles like to take a more direct route, using the wins ruckman Nic Naitanui has in the midfield to bang it into the forward 50 and back their forward.

They also have busy ball getters such as Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa and Jack Darling who are prepared to move the ball on through the centre of the ground even though it carries an element of risk.

Others stood out. Naitainui was occasionally a monster in the ruck, creating a chain of possessions and making the Eagles look like they had the game figured out.

For much of the early stages it was ferocious: a match played with genuine pace and hard hits. But it wasn't his day; his season is on a slow burn even though he continues to provide a few highlights.

But as much as it was a gridlock at Subiaco for much of the match, several of Port's players made an impression.

Alipate "Bobby'' Carlile, who was standing Josh Kennedy, was working far up the flanks and was an important player well outside the traditional area in which you expect a full back to operate.

Matthew Lobbe had been singled out before the match as a key player, having to deal with All-Australian pair Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui, but he handled himself as though he knew nothing about the reputations about the aforementioned.

He didn't smash them, but he played a top-shelf game by not allowing his highly-credentialed opponents to dictate terms.

Jackson Trengove played with a level of authority and, like Carlile, he is covering a lot of ground.

But it was always going to fall on the midfielders. Jared Polec was slick and elusive and set up several attacking forays; former Eagle Brad Ebert was irresistibe both with what he did in the middle and in front of goals.

Ebert was outstanding. He not only outworks his opponents, but he blends his midfield grit with a dash of attacking flair and it would be understandable if the parochial crowd at Subiaco were wondering how they let him go as he danced around his former home ground.

Then there was Matthew Broadbent, Hamish Hartlett and multiple club champion Kane Cornes who did what they always do: work, work and work.

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Injury cloud over two Crows players

Tom Lynch at Adelaide Crows training on Saturday. Picture: Sam Wundke. Source: News Limited

ADELAIDE expects to line up as selected despite injury clouds hanging over two players ahead of Sunday's game against Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

The Crows on Saturday held defender Sam Shaw and utility Brodie Martin out of their SANFL side as cover for two unnamed players who had reported sore spots during the week.

Shaw's presence at Saturday's final training session could indicate Adelaide is concerned about the fitness of one of its key defenders.

Ben Rutten, Kyle Hartigan and Daniel Talia all appeared to complete training without issue, although Talia spoke to a trainer briefly as he exited the field.

The trio will need to be at their best to combat exciting Giants trio Jeremy Cameron, Jon Patton and Tom Boyd in defence.

Boyd cut an imposing figure at Giants training on Saturday. GWS coach Leon Cameron expects the 18 year old to be nervous on Sunday but was excited about seeing last year's No. 1 draft pick make his debut.

"Naturally any first gamer is going to be nervous. He's going to be looking for his first touch of the footy, his first tackle," Cameron said.

Adelaide Crows coach Brendon Santerson admits his defenders face a daunting prospect when they come up against GWS Giants forwards Tom Boyd, Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton this weekend.

"He's a key component in the future of the Giants and we look forward to seeing him strut his stuff tomorrow."

Cameron was full of praise for Adelaide, despite its 1-3 start to the season, suggesting the Crows' 86-point win against St Kilda was a better reflection of their ability.

"They're a terrific side. Their start to the year would have been disappointing - they acknowledged that," he said.

"But their win last week was full of authority ... we expect Adelaide to be a top eight side come the end of the year."

The Crows torched the Giants in Sydney last season - the day Tom Lynch bagged 10 goals.

But Cameron is confident his side has closed the gap, particularly in its ability to limit opposition scoring.

"I think the biggest area (of improvement) is our defence. We've concentrated on that over the preseason," he said.

"Whether that's tackle pressure or transition running ... we feel as though as a whole team we're defending a bit better than we were last year."

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