Razor Ray returns to fray

Umpire Ray Chamberlain will don the whistle for Saturday's NAB Cup clash between Richmond and Essendon. Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

THE umpire fans love to abuse - Ray "Razor" Chamberlain - returns to action on Saturday after missing last season with a knee injury.

The AFL's most recognised flamboyant umpire, Chamberlain said he is excited about officiating at the Richmond v Essendon clash at Wangaratta.

And while some might suggest he doesn't mind his cult following, he said he's learnt more about himself and where umpiring sits in his life in the past 18 months.

Chamberlain said his time out had been a revelation as he realised he had put umpiring before everything else and been oblivious to other things in his life.

After umpiring 110 consecutive games, Chamberlain said his career was going along nicely.

"Sleep, eat, read, rehab, prepare for games, review games ... and all that would come ahead of games and I was oblivious to other things in my life which suffered," he said.

"What 18 months away does - apart from a lot of time on the iTunes because you're training on your own - (is) it gives you a lot of time to think and put your energies into other stuff.

"You realise I'm not Ray Chamberlain the AFL umpire, but I'm Ray Chamberlain the dad, I'm Ray Chamberlain the finance company, I'm Ray Chamberlain the son ... all those things."

The rest has also made him realise how much he loves umpiring and admits he'd lost sight of that because he was getting a bit cranky.

Chamberlain carried a patella tendon injury in the second half of the 2011 season and hoped rest would heal it, but scar tissue forced him to have surgery.

Keen to enjoy a lower profile, he said: "I have no control over whoever this Razor dude is. I didn't create it and I just want to get back umpiring with my mates."

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Get SuperCoach anytime, anywhere

Shane Crawford tries out the new SuperCoach phone app. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NOW you can access your SuperCoach team 24 hours a day with the new apps for iPhones and Android.

Make trades on the run, follow your team's progress over the weekend and - most importantly - make changes to your team before every match.

WHAT'S NEW IN 2013:

- New look - We've rebuilt the interface from the ground up with an all-new look and feel for easier and quicker use.

- Easy management - All-new "field view" makes it even easier to make trades, substitutions, captain and emergency selections.

- Rolling Lockout - Full support for the all-new rolling lockout system - you can make squad changes right through the round of footy wherever you are, up until each of your players' actual AFL game begins.

- Easy Stats - SuperCoach GOLD gets you access to projected scores, breakevens and projected prices for players.

Each app costs just $2.99 for the whole season.

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach iPhone app

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach Android app

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Crows leave out Tambling

Crow Richard Tambling in action. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

RICHARD Tambling's stop-start campaign to make the final year of his contract count at Adelaide has stopped again.

The former Richmond midfielder is a surprise absentee from the Crows' 27-man squad for the NAB Cup clash with Geelong at Geelong on Saturday.

Tambling, a top-three disposal-earner in Adelaide's five-point win against Fremantle on Saturday, has reported back soreness and will not be pushed this weekend.

Adelaide list manager David Noble said: "Richard's back was sore early in the week. It's not a major issue, but we felt it best to rest him this week."

Adelaide has opted to persist with the trial of young defender Luke Brown for the vacancy created by Michael Doughty's retirement at the end of last season.

Adelaide is hopeful Tambling will resume in its last NAB Cup qualifier, against Carlton at AAMI Stadium, next Friday.

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

Adelaide's big search for a new ruck combination - in the wake of Kurt Tippett's defection to Sydney - has put another former Tiger out of the Crows squad with Angus Graham not in the 27 named by coach Brenton Sanderson today.

Lead ruckman Sam Jacobs returns for his first pre-season game of the summer. Adelaide has Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan on audition at Geelong on Saturday to be Jacob's ruck partner.

Adelaide, as expected, has put Jacobs, club champion Scott Thompson and experienced defenders Ben Rutten and Brent Reilly on a team sheet for the first time this pre-season.

All four should play in Adelaide's pen-ultimate game of the NAB Cup series that is set to end for the Crows against Carlton at AAMI Stadium next Friday.
 

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Eagles, Dockers name strong line-ups

BIG INCLUSION: Ruckman Dean Cox will make his first pre-season appearance for the Eagles this weekend. Source: The Mercury

WEST Coast has named a strong squad for Sunday's NAB Cup clash with Collingwood, with as many as 18 first-choice players set to take to the field.

As flagged by coach John Worsfold yesterday, the Eagles will welcome ruckman Dean Cox and spearhead Josh Kennedy back into the fold, with wingman Matt Rosa also set to play his first pre-season game.

Though Daniel Kerr, Nic Naitanui, Beau Waters, Sharrod Wellingham and Mark Nicoski remain on the sidelines, the Eagles are set to start favourites against the side that knocked them out of last year's finals.

Magpies big guns Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas and Steele Sidebottom will all make the trip west for the Patersons Stadium clash, while Quinten Lynch will line up for his first game against his former side.

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Meanwhile, Fremantle will bolster its midfield for Saturday's NAB Cup game against Cartlton at Etihad Stadium, with a trio of key players set to return.

Last year's club champion Ryan Crowley will take to the field for his first pre-season hit-out, with David Mundy and Nat Fyfe also included after missing the NAB Cup opening games a fortnight ago.

Skipper Matthew Pavlich will miss the trip due to the expected birth of his first child, while Stephen Hill (arm) Michael Barlow (rested) are also absentees.

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said he was eager to "get minutes" into the club's up-and-coming players like Hayden Crozier and Lachie Neale as the NAB Cup wears on.

Both the Dockers and Eagles will need victories to keep their hopes of making the pre-season final alive after each club notched one win and one loss on the opening weekend of the tournament.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

TEAMS:

CARLTON v FREMANTLE at Etihad Stadium - Saturday 4.30pm WA time.
CARLTON: Andrew Walker, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson, Matthew Kreuzer, Kane Lucas, Rob Warnock, Mitch Robinson, Chris Yarran, Brock McLean, Jeremy Laidler, Sam Rowe, Eddie Betts, Lachie Henderson, Dennis Armfield, Tom Bell, Marcus Davies, Nick Duigan, Jeffrey Garlett, Frazer Dale, Michael Jamison, Levi Casboult, Zach Tuohy, Simon White, Andrew Carrazzo, Aaron Joseph, David Ellard.
FREMANTLE: Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Dawson, Jayden Pitt, Garrick Ibbotson, Danyle Pearce, Nathan Fyfe, Nick Suban, Matt De Boer, Michael Walters, Tom Sheridan, Jon Griffin, Tendai Mzungu, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy, Hayden Crozier, Luke McPharlin, Tanner Smith, Kepler Bradley, Lachie Neale, Zachary Clarke, Cam Sutcliffe, Lee Spurr, Michael Johnson, Jack Hannath, Paul Duffield, Jesse Crichton, Clancee Pearce.

WEST COAST v COLLINGWOOD at Patersons Stadium - Sunday 4.30pm WA time.
WEST COAST: Mitch Brown, Mark Lecras, Andrew Gaff, Brad Sheppard, Chris Masten, Scott Selwood, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Jamie Cripps, Eric MacKenzie, Josh Kennedy, Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Matt Rosa, Shannon Hurn, Sam Butler, Jack Darling, Ashley Smith, Scott Lycett, Will Schofield, Andrew Embley, Josh Hill, Pat McGinnity, Adam Selwood, Jeremy McGovern, Ashton Hams, Simon Tunbridge.
COLLINGWOOD: Jordan Russell, Nick Maxwell, Harry O'Brien, Martin Clarke, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair, Jarrod Witts, Jamie Elliott, Ben Reid, Quinten Lynch, Steele Sidebottom, Josh Thomas, Ben Hudson, Ben Kennedy, Ben Sinclair, Travis Cloke, Alan Toovey, Dane Swan, Kyle Martin, Peter Yagmoor, Heath Shaw, Paul Seedsman, Sam Dwyer, Adam Oxley, Jack Frost, Marley Williams, Caolan Mooney.
 

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Port guns stay at home

Port Adelaide midfielder Travis Boak will sit out the second week of the NAB Cup. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: Northern Territory News

PORT Adelaide is leaving the top brass at home for its match against Melbourne at Renmark on Sunday.

Ken Hinkley and his selection committee have opted to put time into the younger section of the group and have a good look at what they have to offer while leaving out the elite group.

Captain Travis Boak, club champion Kane Cornes, Brad Ebert, Alipate Carlile, Brett Ebert, Jasper Pittard, Jay Schulz and Justin Westoff will have a break.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries is missing because of a hamstring injury.

SEE EVERY NAB CUP SQUAD HERE

Ruckman Matthew Lobbe will play his first game for the year after being rested from week one of the NAB Cup because of a hamstring injury.

PORT ADELAIDE SQUAD
3. Campbell Heath
5. Matthew Broadbent
8. Hamish Hartlett
12. Jackson Trengove (acting captain)
13. Cameron O'Shea
14. Paul Stewart
15. Lewis Stevenson
16. Oliver Wines
17. Tom Clurey
20. Chad Wingard
21. Matt Thomas
22. Mason Shaw
23. Matthew Lobbe
24. Nathan Blee
26. Andrew Moore
30. Sam Colquhoun
31. Darren Pfeiffer
32. Jake Neade
34. Jarrad Redden
37. Kane Mitchell
38. Ben Newton
40. Aaron Young
42. Tom Jonas
43. Daniel Stewart
 
Emergencies
41. Brendon Ah Chee
45. Danny Butcher
46. Justin Hoskin

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Hawks call up big guns

Sam Mitchell returns to the Hawthorn line-up this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell and gun midfielders Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell will play their first matches of the pre-season matches against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

The star trio were left in Melbourne as the Hawks flew to the Gold Coast for their opening NAB Cup round-robin matches last weekend.

The night didn't go well, with Hawthorn suffering losses to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and copping injuries to Cyril Rioli (ankle), Brian Lake (calf) and Paul Puopolo (knee).

All three will miss Friday night's clash, with Puopolo in doubt for the start of the home-and-away season.

Others missing from the Hawthorn squad include skipper Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne and Grant Birchall.

Youngsters Jed Anderson, Derick Wanganeen and Sam Grimley have all been named, along with recruits Jonathan Simpkin and Matt Spangher.

Lance Franklin will play after being kept goalless in Queensland.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have named former West Coast midfielder Koby Stevens for his first game in red, blue and white.

Fans will get another look at first-round draft pick Jackson Macrae and mature-age recruit Brett Goodes, while Jordan Roughead returns after missing the Dogs' opening NAB Cup clashes with a virus.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

SQUADS

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium Friday 7.40pm (FOX FOOTY live)

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling
5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
18 Brent Guerra
19 Jack Gunston
20 David Hale
21 Shane Savage
22 Luke Breust
23 Lance Franklin
24 Ben Stratton
25 Ryan Schoenmakers
27 Matt Spangher
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
22 Dylan Addison
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

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Morabito closes in on return

COMEBACK TRAIL: Fremantle's Anthony Morabito (left) could resume training within weeks. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says midfielder Anthony Morabito could return to full training within a month.

Lyon revealed the "little snippet" at Fremantle's season launch at Burswood this morning, also stating that skipper Matthew Pavlich would not take part in this week's NAB Cup Round 2 clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium so as not to miss the birth of his and wife Lauren's first child.

Morabito is recovering from his latest of three knee reconstructions, having undergone LARS treatment five weeks ago in attempt to return to competition for the first time since his debut 23-game season in 2010.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Lyon told the attendees at the launch that the 21-year-old could return to full-time training in four weeks, but was reluctant to speak in-depth on Morabito's recovery, instead saying the player would talk when he was ready.

"I don't know whether it's (Morabito's recovery) ahead (of schedule), I don't think it's behind, I think it's just about right," Lyon said.

"He's right on track and, what is it, it's probably a bit longer than three weeks, Round 1, AFL he'll be introduced into full training.

"We're really keen for Anthony to talk to that when he feels comfortable.

"We enjoy that everyone respecting what he's been through and where he's heading, but we're keen to continue to update all our fans and members along the way.

"That was just a little snippet of where he's at and, at the appropriate time, he'll do a presser himself, I would imagine."

Lyon played a similar card with Pavlich's impending absence, saying it was up to the Fremantle captain to discuss his private matters, but said the game had evolved for the better in players prioritising their personal lives.

"I don't want to talk for Matthew, I don't think that's my position," he said.

"I think we all know Lauren's pregnant, it's close to the date and I don't think it's for me to talk about their private life.

"But him flying interstate would certainly put that at risk, so he won't play.

"If they need to be there, then they should be there.

"We're really respectful of the families and wives and the support that needs to be given there.

"The game's evolved a lot; fathers never used to go to the births and how tragic did that use to be, so we've all moved a little bit forward from those days, fortunately."

Nat Fyfe and David Mundy are expected to line up against Carlton and Lyon said they would retain their spots for the remainder of the pre-season competition as "they need to catch up on some minutes".

Michael Barlow will not face the Blues, while Stephen Hill will also miss after picking up an arm injury in the practice match loss to Adelaide last Saturday. However, his omission was labelled as precautionary.

Lyon said the Dockers' other injury concern from the Crows game, Michael Walters (ankle), will fly east.

Follow Glen Foreman on Twitter: @glen_foreman

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Patton extends Giants deal

Jonathon Patton kicks for a goal against Sydney. Source: Getty Images

NO.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton has extended his contract with Greater Western Sydney until the end of 2016.

Patton was one of seven youngsters who recommitted to the Giants on Wednesday.

The tough forward, who had an injury-interrupted year with the Giants in their inaugural season, said he was happy to commit to the club long-term.

"It's a great place to be," he said. "I think we are in the best position we can possibly be in.

"I think success is going to happen sooner rather than later."

Patton, whose contract was due to expire at the end of this year, was joined by Dom Tyson, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Andrew Phillips and Sam Frost in agreeing to contract extensions until the end of 2015.

Tyson was linked to Richmond during last year's trade period.

Curtly Hampton and Aidan Corr have also committed to the club until the end of 2016.

Patton was the No.1 pick in the 2011 AFL draft.

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Zorko star still rising

Brisbane forward Dayne Zorko takes the bull by the horns. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: Herald Sun

DAYNE Zorko's great rise at the Brisbane Lions just keeps getting better after the midfield revelation was elevated to the club's emerging leadership group.

Entering just his second AFL season, the nippy Zorko has been earmarked as a future leader by coach Michael Voss following a brilliant 2012 debut.

A mature-age recruit who feared he'd missed the boat after being overlooked at four AFL drafts due to his size at 175cm, the Gold Coast product made the most of his late chance at the Lions.

Brisbane tweaked their club champion rules for him to convincingly take their rookie of the year award after averaging 20 disposals in his 16 games.

Skipper Jonathan Brown even believes Zorko would have won the best-and-fairest too if not for missing the first six rounds with a hip injury.

Despite his AFL inexperience, Voss had little hesitation in naming Zorko with fellow rising stars Jack Redden, Pearce Hanley and Mitch Golby in his young leaders group.

The Lions appointed Jed Adcock as co-captain with Brown, while Tom Rockliff and Daniel Rich were named as deputies in a four-man 'captain's group'.

But within the process Voss named two small leadership groups of rising players and mentors, featuring Simon Black.

"It was a fantastic honour, really," Zorko said today. "I was really speechless when I got told and it was great to hear that's what my peers thought of me."

A dominant force in the NEAFL for Broadbeach until 18 months ago, Zorko admits he finds it hard to believe his Lions ascension after he was on-traded by the Gold Coast Suns for pick No.34 in the 2011 national draft.

Dayne Zorko attacks the football. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

Now he's doing his best to ensure he's no flash in the pan.

"I've spoken to Vossy and I've spoken to Daniel Rich about the second-year syndrome and I feel like I've worked a lot on that so I'll go out there and play my role in the team like I did last year," said Zorko, who turned 24 this month.

Brisbane is well poised to make the NAB Cup final after winning both their opening round matches against the Suns and Hawthorn last weekend.

The Lions meet the GWS Giants at Wagga on Saturday night where a win would set up a virtual grand final qualifier against Collingwood next week.

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Hawthorn SuperCoach preview

Lance Franklin can dominate a game like few other players. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

WHICH Hawthorn players should you pick in SuperCoach this year and who should you avoid?

Don't worry about Grand Final pain, tormented off-seasons and all that palava. Waverley Park will be a SuperCoach goldmine again.

There is no changing-of-the-guard or rebuild in sight here, which means the big names will be pumping out big scores. It's still prime time.

Hawthorn was last year the No.1 side for kicking efficiency (we'll ignore the Grand Final meltdown) and easily the highest-scoring team. That's just about as sexy as it gets in SuperCoach land.

There are fantasy A-graders on every line. Lance Franklin inside 50m, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell in the engine room, Jarryd Roughead in the ruck and forward and Grant Birchall in defence.

Then there's the intriguing addition of Brian Lake. At his injury-free best the former Western Bulldogs stopper was the creme de la creme of fantasy footy defenders.

Age and injury issues have since dulled the love affair, but insiders say he has been rejuvenated by the change of scenery. Add to the fact he will line-up in a far more accomplished side and it's easy to picture him intercepting opposition kicks under pressure and streaming forward on the rebound.

There's still a lot to like about the Hawks.

Have you signed up for SuperCoach yet? Join now and get your mates involved in the biggest off-field battle of 2013.

SUPERCOACH SUPERSTAR

Lance Franklin (forward) $618,000

Who else? Buddy might just about be the only key-position forward most coaches pick, but for good reason. Was overlooked by some last year because Hawthorn had a tough start to the season. Buddy responded with scores of 122, 128, 117 and 112 in the first month - blowing that theory out of the water - and went on to post monster scores of 236, 142 and 140. Believe it or not, the same line of thinking is doing the rounds this year.

BANK 'EM

Grant Birchall (defender) $506,400

A go-to rebounding defender who plays for a team that likes to play possession football. If that's not attractive enough, consider the fact he averaged 95 last year and topped the ton nine times.

Sam Mitchell (midfielder) $592,600

A player who, for some reason, gets little love at this time of year in the SuperCoach world. But the numbers don't lie. Averaged 111 in an ultra-consistent 2012 season, dropping below 90 only four times. At 592k he is a relatively cheap midfield option and he is a terrific point of difference.

Hawthorn Grant Birchall in full flight working onto his penetrating left boot. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

BUY 'EM

Brian Lake (defender) $430,700

Struggle to see how this bloke can't go up in value. Granted, he hasn't had a good season since 2010 when he averaged 105 and he may not reach those levels again. But at this price, healthy and rejuvenated at a premiership contender, he is a must-get.

Luke Breust (forward) $458,900

Hawthorn's cult hero averaged 85 playing mainly as a forward. So when reports out of Hawthorn suggest he may get a bit more midfield time this year it's easy to see the potential for bigger scores. Not what you'd call cheap, but he's an impact player who makes things happen. Not many will have him, either.

Get the latest SuperCoach news and tips and join the debate on Facebook

BURY 'EM

Luke Hodge (midfielder) $459,500

The skipper was once a lock, but those days appear over. Persistent knee issues have disrupted his pre-season and he will be in cotton wool some weeks. Far better - and safer - options in midfield.

Matt Suckling (defender) $442,400

His best is highly attractive, but his inconsistency isn't. Save pulling your hair out every third week and pass.

Retirement off the agenda: Luke Hodge played only 10 games last year after damaging his posterior cruciate ligament. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLIST

Jordan Lewis (midfielder/forward)

Unique option, dual position status and has scored well in recent years. What's not to like?

Brad Sewell (midfielder)

Had the highest possession rate at Hawthorn last year and ranked second for disposals, clearances and tackles. Not the greatest kick, but doesn't need to be to generate triple-figure scores.

SPORTSBET ODDS - Most SuperCoach points by a Hawthorn player in 2013

$2.20 Sam Mitchell
$2.75 Lance Franklin
$6 Brad Sewell
$10 Cyril Rioli
$10 Jordan Lewis
$10 Jarryd Roughead
$14 David Hale
$16 Grant Birchall

* Not including finals

Source: sportsbet.com.au

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Jacobs says deal is above board

Sam Jacobs and teammates pictured during an Adelaide Crows training session at Grange beach. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

CROWS ruckman Sam Jacobs is comfortable his three-year contract extension will pass every forensic test at AFL House while Adelaide deals with the fallout of the Kurt Tippett scandal.

Jacobs today spoke of his comfort in having the AFL scrutinise with greater vigor his new contract that keeps him at West Lakes until the end of the 2016 AFL premiership season.

It is the first player contract renewal the Crows have sent to AFL House since they were stung for their secret deals with Tippett, who is now at Sydney.

"That is something, with what happened with the Tippo saga, that we're going to have deal with," said Jacobs. "I have; everyone at the club has full confidence in us being on top of everything now."

Jacobs said the Crows had put integrity checks in place to ensure "nothing like that  (the Tippett saga) happens again".

"I think we will be double-checking and cross-checking everything now."

Jacobs today dismissed the jibes of his teammates from Twitter where they have declared he has banked $1 million a year in each of the three seasons of his extension.

"I am a local, remember," said Jacobs, a Yorke Peninsula recruit with a dig back at the interstate-drafted Crows who can command more money to avert the go-home factor.

Jacobs said contract talks started in December when his manager declared Adelaide was ready to offer a new deal.

Pictures: Crows lark about at beach training

 

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Daw battles knee swelling

Majak Daw in action during the Kangaroos' NAB Cup win against Richmond. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

EXCITING North Melbourne big man Majak Daw has knee problems and is in doubt for the NAB Cup second round.

Daw developed swelling in both knees after the Kangaroos' wins against Melbourne and Richmond at Etihad Stadium last Friday night.

Coach Brad Scott said the ruckman-forward would need to improve rapidly over the next day or so to be guaranteed a place in the 24-player squad to face the Gold Coast in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.

"We're hopefully Majak will be up and right to play, but he did have some swelling Sunday and Saturday morning,'' Scott said.

"That was disappointing given that we managed his loads through the pre-season and thought he would get through. And we managed his load in the games, so at this stage at best he's 50-50.

"He will be selected in the side, but if that swelling doesn't reduce significantly over the next 24 hours, then he probably won't play. We'll look to get him right for the following week.''

Scott said Daw's running goal, when he pushed aside Tiger defender Steven Morris, was an indication of how much more development is required as well an illustration of the Sudanese-born Roo's immense athleticism.

"Right at this stage, Maj is in the early stages of his development. Despite what people say, he has a lot of work to do and he knows that clearly,'' Scott said.

"We're trying to simplify the game for him at the moment. I said before the game that he would do a few things that would make people stand up and take notice. But he's still really working hard on the fundamentals of the game.

"He didn't see Brad McKenzie on the inside. It's very easy in hindsight to say he should've passed it off, he simply didn't see him. And they're the fundamentals that I'm talking about.

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

"It takes players a long time to develop the awareness around them. Maj at the moment, the simplest way for him to play is to play to his strengths.

"He'll evolve and develop that awareness as time goes on. He wants to be a respected member of this team and that means giving it to a player in a better position when it presents itself.

"When he saw the vision he said, 'Yeah, I should've given it to Brad, but I just didn't see him', so that's what we're working on with him to try to evolve his development.

"It's the joy of coaching, that's why we coach because the satisfaction you get from working hard with a player. And to (ruck coach) Alex Ishchenko's credit and all our development staff's credit, they take great satisfaction in watching Maj improve.''

Scott said the Kangaroos will be playing to win against the Suns and had already factored in the expected north Queensland heat in the preparations.

Nathan Grima and Leigh Adams are not likely to be risked for the long trip, but both are still on track to be ready for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

"It's probably unlikely Leigh Adams will be right to play. He's probably the only regular member of our team who wasn't in the squad last week,'' he said.

"Nathan is close. He wanted to play last week, but he's a really important part of our back six, but we won't risk him if he's not 100 per cent. He prefer to get more training sessions into him.

"It will be more a process of leaving players out than bringing new ones in.

The Roos today unveiled the new surface at their training ground at Aegis Park.
 

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Scott: Stop messing with our game

Brad Scott wants the AFL to stop tinkering with the rules. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott fears the game will become "unrecognisable" if the AFL continues to tinker with rules.

Scott is opposed to the 80 interchange rotations cap to be trialled in this weekend's NAB Cup second round.

"I'm concerned a little bit that the premise is incorrect in the first place. I'm not sure that we should be trying to tire players out to try and reduce congestion," Scott said.

"You go back and look at the evolution of the game. In the early 2000s you had flooding, 2010 you had the opposite with players pushing to the other end of the ground. So the coaches evolve and alter their tactics based on what's presented to them.

"If we cap rotations and fatigue players and make it difficult for them to get around the ground, we'll just adapt, we'll just change the game again.

"If our players are really tired and we're getting scored against and we're opening up, we're likely to just put 16 players behind the ball to stop us being scored against.

Majak Daw battles knee swelling

"So, I'm very wary when it comes to tinkering with the game to try and change the evolution of the game. If we make rule changes every times there's an evolution in the game, we'll just end up chasing our tail.

"My great fear is that the game becomes unrecognisable in the not too distant future. I would prefer to just let things go as they are and let the game evolve naturally.

"I feel for the AFL because they do the best they can to trial things in the NAB Cup. But the reality is we're playing shortened games and, when you cap interchanges at 20 (each quarter), the quarters go for seven or eight minutes less than the regular season and you find most interchanges happen late in the quarter.

"So are we going to get accurate set of data? I doubt it, but I don't know what the alternative is."

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Cats won't change kamikaze Joel

Carlton legend Greg Williams has warned Geelong captain Joel Selwood against the dangers of multiple concussions.

Joel Selwood is a "ticking time bomb" for head trauma according to Greg Williams. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

Tom Hawkins marks strongly in front of Josh Hunt at Geelong training. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG won't ask Joel Selwood to change the way he plays despite warnings of head trauma from repeated concussions.

Brownlow medallist Greg Williams described Selwood as a walking time bomb because of his fearless head-first attack on the ball.

Williams has revealed he is suffering from a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated knocks during his career with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton.

"He gets knocked out a couple of times a year and gets stunned that many times that the club has to protect him because he can't protect himself," Williams said.

"He is a champion player and courageous, but he is too courageous for his own good.

"If he keeps getting concussed, it's a huge issue for him in life and they have do to something about it."

But Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos said today the Cats wouldn't ask Selwood to change the way he plays.

"You can't change the way Joel plays. That's the way he is," Amos said at Geelong training today.

"The way they adjudicate the game, in terms of contact to players, is as good as it's ever been. It's much safer than it ever was.

"So we trust that the game will enable guys to play the way they are, because we all admire Joel.

"He's the captain of our footy club for a reason. He leads by example, and I think everybody admires the way he plays."

While Williams said players in his era would be considered "wimps" if they didn't keep playing after a head knock, Amos said times had changed.

"What was once seen to be brave and macho is quite different now," Amos said.

"Everybody in the industry is much more educated, and the players are no different.

"They report how they're feeling, and their consultations with the medical staff or the physios are quite extensive, so I think players are quite in-tune with how they feel."

AFL's concussion headache

And he said clubs couldn't take "short cuts" with concussed players.

"You just can't cheat the system anymore with those sorts of things," Amos said.

Meanwhile, the Cats will welcome back premiership stars Paul Chapman and Andrew Mackie for its NAB Cup clash against Adelaide on Saturday.

Amos said the pair were "fit and ready to play" after being rested for Geelong's trip to Perth for Round 1 of the pre-season competition.

He said Chapman was raring to go and was pushing for more midfield time.

"He's had a good injury free pre-season and in terms of his preparation it couldn't have gone any better. He's looking forward to playing, as most the senior guys are this time of year, and he's ready to go," Amos said.

Amos said Mathew Stokes (ankle) and Josh Hunt (quad) were making steady progress from injury but would not play against the Crows.

Injured ruckman Hamish McIntosh is also close to a return to training after under-going knee surgery.

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Swan's hunger dipped: Bucks

Collingwood star Dane Swan's hunger dipped last year, says coach Nathan Buckley.l Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley admits Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan's hunger dipped a bit last season.

But he says it's understandable given his remarkable previous four years.

And the Magpies boss says the premiership star has given every indication he is back to his most driven.

"Even the most professional disciplined players ebb and flow," Buckley told AAP.

"It was probably about time, given the three years prior he won three Copeland Trophies (as Collingwood's best and fairest from 2008-10) and a Brownlow (in 2011).

"In the last four years, he's one of the most consistent players to ever play the game.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley talks with Dane Swan. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

"When I say that I reckon there's an extra couple of per cent in him, it's not saying that he hasn't been a great performer and a very consistent performer.

"That's just a coach asking for a little bit more and I ask that from all of the players."

Swan was suspended by the club late last season for an alcohol-related disciplinary breach.

But Buckley said while Swan made a very poor decision, he wasn't the only player who needed to fractionally lift their commitment from last year.

He said Swan's lapses attracted more public attention than others.

Buckley said while the midfielder was a "different character" who wasn't solely focused on football, he took enormous pride in his performance.

"If he can't have the influence on games that he wants to, he identifies that pretty quickly," he said.

"He came back with a real hunger to have a great pre-season.

"He's been able to do that.

"I think you'll see, as the season progresses, I think you'll see a really hungry footballer who'll find that extra couple of per cent this year compared to last and who has the drive to want to play and influence it as much as he can."
 

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Panel clears Buddy hit

Lance Franklin runs the ball during the round one NAB Cup match against Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN'S gun goalkicker Lance Franklin has no case to answer from an incident In the NAB Cup match against Gold Coast.

The AFL match review panel cleared Franklin of contact to Suns youngster Matt Shaw, deciding the Hawks ace had his hand open and it wasn't a striking action.

Carlton forward Levi Casboult is also in the clear after his heavy collision with GWS Giants Matt Buntine was deemed to be accidental.

The MRP decided Casboult had made a realistic attempt to win the ball.

Reports this morning suggested Buntine was still in hospital and may have suffered a punctured lung.

Gold Coast rookie Andrew Boston won't face a front-on bump charge after it was decided he had no alternative way to contest the ball when he collided with Brisbane Lion Claye Beams.

 

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SuperCoach: Rev up and win

Sign up for SuperCoach today for a chance to win the best seats in the house for the Australian Grand Prix. Source: Supplied

Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia powers past the crowd during qualifying for Formula One's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: AFP

TIME is running out to win an adrenalin-charged Melbourne Grand Prix package just by signing up to play SuperCoach.

Every SuperCoach player (aged 18 and over) who signs up to play before March 1 will go into the draw for a weekend of fun and thrills valued at more than $4000.

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TICKETS for the Winner and three friends to the 2013 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Premium Zone at Turn 15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event valued at $249 each.

A V8 Hot Lap valued at $1000.

HELICOPTER ride over the GP circuit.

ACCESS for the winner and friends to the VIP viewing platform at the Nitro Circus live closing performance on Sunday March 17.

PLUS accommodation for two at Crown Plaza in Melbourne from Thursday March 14-Sunday March 17 valued at $2200.

To have a shot at the fantastic prize all you have to do is register your team in Australia's biggest and best fantasy sports game before Friday.

And you'll also have a shot at the SuperCoach grand prize of $50,000 plus $1000 every week to the highest-scoring team.

Don't miss out!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM NOW

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Roos re-sign one more

North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan has committed to the club for another two years. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has continued to shore up its list, re-signing defender Jamie Macmillan on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Kangaroos until the end of 2015 season.

Veteran forward Daniel Wells and young star Jack Ziebell recently won contract extensions through to the end of 2016 while Shaun Atley signed until 2015.

Coach Brad Scott was given a vote of confidence by the AFL club last week when the Roos announced he'd signed a new deal tying him to the Kangaroos until the end of 2016.

Macmillan said the Kangaroos were confident of the direction they were headed in.

"We're all pretty close and its hard to explain, but I think we all have a good feeling about where were going and we have absolute confidence in Brad," Macmillan told the Roos website.

The 20-year-old played every game last year and is aiming to become more flexible and diverse in 2013.

Macmillan said he planned on playing a bigger role in the team and had a clear sense of his aims.

"Last year was about laying some groundwork and learning the basics of the game, and that's given me some confidence," he said.

"I'm the kind of guy who never really feels settled, but from day one of pre-season I've had some really clear goals about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to improve."

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Giant out with punctured lung

Young GWS defender Matt Buntine lies on the ground after being hurt in a marking contest. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

YOUNG Greater Western Sydney defender Matt Buntine will miss eight weeks after suffering a punctured lung in the NAB Cup.

Buntine was crunched by Carlton forward Levi Casboult at Blacktown yesterday and was immediately taken to Blacktown Hospital, where he had his lung drained.

He also suffered a broken rib and is now recovering in Westmead Hospital.

"It is unfortunate for Matt who has had a strong pre-season. But we are confident he will make a full recovery and look forward to him returning to the team and playing a key role for the Giants," GWS football manager Graeme Allan said.

He said co-captain Callan Ward would be available for the Giants' clash against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night after missing the first round of the NAB Cup with a minor knee injury.

Meanwhile, Giants coach Kevin Sheedy says he won't rush the development of his AFL side.

Sheedy noted GWS have the makings of an "absolutely magnificent team" after they posted a maiden win over cross-city rivals Sydney in a pre-season clash at Blacktown.

While Sheedy was all smiles, he noted the club was still aiming for long-term sustainable success.

"Clubs in a hurry have accidents," Sheedy said.

"You've seen that in the last few years in the AFL, they muck up by rushing their decisions.

"Rushing to want to be good, rushing to try and find the edge.

"Sometimes the edge is your own spirit, soul and talent."

GWS's 24-point victory over Sydney came after the Giants were left feeling "very, very annoyed with themselves" after going down to Carlton by two points.

The shock upset added another layer of intrigue to the opening-round Sydney derby on March 30 at ANZ Stadium.

"Teams are going to improve and GWS showed they've improved a lot and they really want to compete," Swans midfielder Luke Parker said.

"That's what we didn't do tonight.

"I guess their attack on the ball was always up there, but they were very attacking and used a lot of hands through the middle and they were doing it pretty well tonight.

"The thing is, we let them. We didn't have the pressure we normally put on them. So it made it a lot easier for them."

GWS lost both of their derby clashes in 2012, by an average of 78.5 points, and Sheedy was looking forward to seeing how far his side had come.

"It's a game that's actually going to change the state of football in NSW, for sure," Sheedy said.

"Because what our players are starting to feel is that we're not that far away, really, from any of the sides.

"I know we've got a bit of a way to go, but the growth of this team over the summer has been enormous.

"I've been around football a long time and I've seen the great Richmond sides play, and obviously coached the great Bombers sides.

"Get on early because this side is going to be an absolutely magnificent team."

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Bomber 'embarrassed' over scandal

Mark Thompson says he feels embarrassed by the Essendon drugs scandal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON assistant coach Mark Thompson says he feels embarrassed to walk in public in light of the drug scandal currently engulfing his club.

As the AFL and Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority continue their investigation in to the club's alleged use of performance enhancing drugs last year, Thompson said the matter was the most serious issue he had ever had to deal with in football.

Thompson said the club's image had "copped a hammering", making life difficult for all players and staff.

"It's been very hard to survive and to live," Thompson said.

"Everywhere you go you feel embarrassed, you think that people are thinking you've done these things that everybody has been saying we're doing.

"To be honest we just have to sit back and wait, and we can't defend ourselves because we're just not allowed to and we understand that, we're part of this process where we want to find the truth out and once the truth comes out we'll deal with the consequences.

"In that regard it's been really difficult."

Thompson told Fox Footy that the past few weeks had been a constant challenge, but admitted he had been impressed with the way the players had handled the situation.

"The players have actually been OK," he said on AFL 360.

"They've been training really well and when we get out on to the grass you sort of forget about what you're doing so in that regard it's OK. But it does come up in your mind when you're not out on the grass.

"You've just got to bring people together and discuss things. It changes every day and in all honesty it's a challenge, but it's a challenge we have to get through because we have to play games of footy and we have to win our respect back to our members, sponsors, the game, everybody."

Speaking for the first time since the drug scandal erupted, Thompson admitted to being "part of the process" that saw suspended high performance manager Dean Robinson to the club.

"I was there. I take responsibility for that for sure."

But he dismissed suggestions his influence at the club is greater than it should be.

"I'm there because of my experience and I try to pass on that knowledge, but in the end there's no point me having that knowledge and experience and having a puppet here and a puppet there and I'm pulling the strings. I'm not the coach, I've got no responsibility.

"If I've got the experience, I'll actually train you to do your role, I can't actually do it for you. So as far as that's concerned, it's only advice."

Thompson, the coach of Geelong when it won the 2007 and 2009 premierships, refused to fan any speculation surrounding Robinson's past involvement with the Cats.

"Again, when all the truth comes out, if there is anything that happened at Geelong well it will come out too," he said.

"At least we know with ASADA it's going to be very, very thorough and they will get to the bottom of it."

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Mantra revives Eagle's dream

DRIVEN: Mark Hutchings has been given a second crack at AFL football. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

IT was the blueprint that engineered Mark Hutchings' return to AFL level.

It sat on his desk, contained three key points and one common thread, and was looked at almost daily. It repeatedly read: improve.

The year was 2010 and Hutchings had gone from an extreme high of entering the AFL system as a St Kilda rookie, to the "shattering" low of being delisted at season's end without playing a senior game.

So he took out a sheet of paper and a pen. And he wrote.

"It was pretty tough because it was my dream to play AFL, and to have that dream shattered for that moment was very disappointing," Hutchings said. "I'd always had the desire, but that gave me the extra drive to succeed.

"I always knew I was good enough - I knew I had it in me - I just had to show it to people.

"So, I tried to learn from what people were saying to me, set those goals and forget what happened in the past."

Hutchings, a former WA under-18 captain, re-entered the WAFL, switching from East Perth to arch-rival West Perth.

Hutchings was drafted by the Saints after averaging 12.3 disposals in 2009 as an 18-year-old with the Royals. Two years later, this almost doubled to to 21.4 touches.

Last year he finished runner-up in the 2012 Sandover Medal after averaging 24.9 disposals a game.

And all the time he had his list.

"I talked to my dad and wrote it down, just so I had it in front of me on paper," Hutchings said. "It was there in front of me every day, or when I looked at it every couple of days, so that it didn't just bobble around in my mind.

"If you get it down on paper, then it gives you something to look back on and help you stay on track.

"I left it on my desk and maybe every month I'd come back and add ways of how I was going to achieve those goals.

"The goals never really changed - it was more the 'how'; how I was going to achieve those goals that would help me get there (back to the AFL)."

West Coast gave Hutchings his second chance, using its third-round pick, No.60 overall, in last year's national draft. The Eagles identified the 22-year-old as a ready-made midfielder who would add the depth they needed for a premiership tilt.

Hutchings showed how far his development had come last weekend when, in West Coast's opening NAB Cup clash against Geelong, he grabbed six possessions and  made four tackles to be among the Eagles' best against a Cats midfield that included Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel.

It was a showing Hutchings always knew he had in him, but one he was prepared to display in any arena if his second stint in AFL had not eventuated.

"I would've still given it my all for West Perth (if I hadn't been drafted)," he said.

"The overriding goal was always to be the best footballer I could be and if that wasn't good enough to make AFL, then so be it.

"This time around, I feel a lot more confident in my abilities and I think I'm a better player. I tried to improve specific areas of my game that were letting me down and I think, over the past couple of years, I made some big improvements and that's why I got this second chance."

The news of his drafting took a while to hit Hutchings, who, as a personal trainer, was in the middle of a session with a client and unable to answer the flood of calls made to his phone on November 22 last year.

But the emotion of playing for the team he had supported as boy has stuck with him. And now he has a new list to write; one that maps out his plan for breaking into one of the strongest midfields in the competition.

"I know we've got a really strong midfield, like (Scott) Selwood, (Matt) Priddis and guys like that and they're all really fit and firing and they're experienced AFL footballers," he said. "But, then again, I'm a good player as well."

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AFL boss leads crackdown on injections

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says the league will implement ''very serious measures'' to outlaw any questionable medical practices at clubs. Source: Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: THE AFL will ban the use of injections - other than painkillers - in a significant crackdown on doping.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou has pledged the AFL will outlaw any questionable medical practices at clubs as the league vows to restore the trust some fans have lost in the game in a tumultuous off-season.

"Rogue" elements in and around clubs - whether they are players, staff or hangers-on - will be driven out.

Surveillance will be increased with a "substantial investment".

Club doctors will be required to be involved in all treatments of players, cutting out the risk of any unauthorised use of external people.

And the injection of all supplements will be banned.

Read the full interview with Andrew Demetriou

Asked if the AFL intended to stop sports science staff from conducting injections on players, potentially in the stomach, Mr Demetriou said: "Absolutely."

Outlining the crackdown, he said: "There will be a ban on IV at clubs, not just on game day.

"We are implementing some very, very serious measures to restore the treatment of players under one person and that is the club doctor.

"There is an audit going on of all supplements.

"We have got our AFL medical officers sitting down with club doctors, reviewing practices, particularly the use of external people.

"There is going to be a restriction on the use of injections.

"Painkilling injections have a legitimate use, but we will limit the use of injections."

The AFL introduced a rule a decade ago that banned clubs from using IV drips within 24 hours of a match.

It came about after the Brisbane Lions were using IV drips at half-time of its games in 2001.

Mr Demetriou was adamant the AFL should also restore more power into the hands of AFL club doctors instead of sports science staff members.

And in a wide-ranging interview with Sunday Herald Sun columnist Shane Crawford, he revealed he wanted clubs to monitor the people who could put the code's integrity at risk.

"We have drawn a line in the sand," he said.

"We are going to put a stop to rogue elements at clubs and the insidious nature of some individuals who are trying to spoil it for the rest of the code.

"It is only a handful of people but it can cause significant damage.

"The public are entitled to be questioning the values of the code because they are wondering about it given what has happened with Melbourne, Adelaide and Essendon (investigations).

"I have said the issues of values, principles and ethics in the code are absolute non-negotiables."

Mr Demetriou said clubs had been provided a "road map" of warning signs: "Things like ex-players, anti-ageing clinics, gyms and tattoo parlours".

On increased surveillance, he said: "We are investing more in data-based management, surveillance and intelligence gathering."

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Lions and Suns shine against Hawks

Gold Coast Suns midfielder Harley Bennell in the NAB Cup opener against Hawthorn. Picture: Chris Hyde. Source: Getty Images

QUEENSLAND'S two AFL sides bundled Hawthorn out of NAB Cup contention at Metricon Stadium last night.

The Lions join Collingwood and North Melbourne as the only three club to have won both games in the round robin format.

You can't read too much from two 20-minute matches, but both the Suns and Lions showed signs there is a chance they can build on the momentum they built at the end of last season.

The Suns smashed the Hawks in the clearances and contested possessions in the opening game which they won 4.6 (30) to 4.5 (29) with an after the siren point from Luke Russell.

But they remain highly dependent on skipper Gary Ablett and looked like a different side in his absence from the second game.

Brisbane motored through their hosts 2.6.3 (57) to 4.6.24 in the final game giving Michael Voss the perfect start to his 2013 campaign.

The encouraging sign for Suns coach Guy mcKenna is his side has clearly taken another step in its physical development.

They no longer look like boys playing against men and were able to match both Brisbane and the Hawks physically. They weren't outmuscled by the Lions they were just outplayed.

Their two new faces look ready to step into the AFL in round one.

Jesse Lonergan adapted to senior footy with ease and Jaeger O'Meara also showed he was in the Suns' best side.

Like most footy fans Ablett is excited at the prospect of O'Meara's entry into the AFL this season.

He demonstrated his undoubted class in the 2012 NAB Cup and he showed last night he is more than ready for the physical demands of senior footy.

"He did really well, he played the role we asked of him and we're really pleased," Ablett said.

"He didn't kick any goals tonight but he cracked in which is what we wanted and he made his presence felt, the goals will come there is no doubt about that."

Brisbane's decision to recruit Brent Moloney apears to have paid immediate dividends.

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Jacobs commits to Crows' cause

Sam Jacobs awaits the ball during an Adelaide Crows training session. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS lead ruckman Sam Jacobs has confirmed he is committed to a long-term contract extension at Adelaide.

Jacobs, 25 in April, will sign a three-year extension keeping him at West Lakes until the end of 2016.

The former Carlton player pre-empted official announcements from Adelaide by taking to Twitter today.

He Tweeted team-mate Patrick Dangerfield saying: "Great to join your ranks in hanging round for a long time.''

Dangerfield last year signed a three-year contract extension.

But Jacobs suggests there is a significant difference in his deal when compared to the big-grossing Dangerfield: "Not $$$ though.''

Jacobs has been held back in the Adelaide pre-season as the Crows manage their senior players.

He is expected to appear for the first time on Saturday when Adelaide plays Geelong in the NAB Cup at SKilled Stadium.

Jacobs was added to the Crows' leadership group this season.

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Replay: Blues win big in Blacktown

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as coach of Carlton. Can he start off on a winning note? Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT was Mick Malthouse's first match as coach of the Blues. Replay our live coverage from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Carlton, Sydney and GWS Giants at Blacktown here.

7:51pm AEDT - GWS Giants 7.10 (52) defeated Sydney Swans 1.3.1 (28)

IT is only the NAB Cup, but the GWS Giants will take it.

The fledgling AFL club gets its first win over the Sydney Swans at Blacktown, which is a great confidence booster for their impressive array of young kids.

So much to like about how the Giants went about it.

While for the Swans, it wasn't difficult to notice they are well behind in their preparation for Round 1.

That is what happens when you are the reigning premier and start your pre-season one month after other clubs.

But they had a stack of stars out and won't be too fussed with that.

7:34pm AEDT - GWS Giants 4.8 (32) lead Sydney Swans 1.1.1 (16)

WE'RE into the second half and it looks like the Giants are going to get a win over their cross-city rivals.

The young guns of the Giants have been inspired and look hungrier for the win.

Giant Toby Greene is best on ground to date.

But there is still over 10 minutes remaining and both sides look tired.

The Giants can't afford to ease up.

7:15pm AEDT - GWS Giants lead Sydney Swans 2.5 (17) to Sydney Swans 1.0 (6)

GREAT opening from the Giants, who kicked the first two goals of the match.

Mark Whiley and Gerald Ugle were the goalkickers.

Ryan O'Keefe replies to keep the Swans within touch.

6:40pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 3.6 (24) lost to Carlton 1.5.7 (46)

GREAT showing by Carlton, who will come away from Blacktown with the two wins.

They looked quite shaky against the Giants, but the performance against Carlton was outstanding.

Came out hard and never gave the flat Swans a sniff.

Big Shaun Hampson, Brock McLean and Marc Murphy did the damage in the middle.

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse back in his element. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

6:30PM AEDT - Sydney Swans 2.4 (16) trail Carlton 1.4.7 (40)

THE Swans are finally on the board.

Tommy Walsh booted their first from a set shot not long into the second half.

Then Alex Jackson received a 50 metre penalty and kicked their second.

There will be no great comeback, however.

Carlton all over them.

Swan Sam Reid takes a good mark against Carlton. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

6:15pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.2 (2) trail Carlton 1.4.5 (38) at HALF-TIME

BIG man Shaun Hampson joins the Carlton party as he kicks a goal just before half-time.

At half-time, the vistors lead by 36 points as the rain starts to bucket down at Blacktown.

After a shaky performance against the Giants in the opener, the Blues have put their foot to the floor against the reigning premier.

The Swans are missing a bevy of stars, but the players on the park are struggling to get their hands on it.

Premiership hangover, anyone?

Carlton's Shaun Hampson tries to put his boot into it. Source: Getty Images

6:02pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 1.3.3 (30)

IT is all Carlton here.

Levi Casboult, who kicked the winner against the Giants, extended the lead to 20 points.

Then Tom Bell kicked a monster nine-point goal from 65 metres out on the run.

Sydney have barely touched the footy here.

Mick Malthouse would be very pleased with this showing to date.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse speaks to players at half-time of the clash against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5:57pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 2.1 (13)

CARLTON are on the board nice and early against the Swans.

David Ellard gets on the end of a string of handballs to kick the opener.

It was followed up straight away by Eddie Betts, who exploded through the centre to kick a stunning goal on the run.

They are nice and warmed up now, the Blues.

5:31pm AEDT- GWS Giants 5.2 (32) lost to Carlton 4.10 (34)

HEARTBREAK for the GWS Giants as Carlton win by two points.

Levi Casboult nailed a tough set shot with 30 seconds remaining to take the lead.

The Giants controlled the match, but the Blues were able to gain some momentum late in the match and it was enough to get the win.

Terrific comeback by Carlton as MicK Malthouse gets a win in his first match in control.

Carlton will now back up against reigning premier Sydney.

Lachie Whitfield takes a mark over Carlton's Mitch Robinson. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:27pm AEDT - GWS Giants lead 5.2 (32) to 3.9 (27)

THE Blues are back.

Rowe kicked his second and that was followed up by Shaun Hampson, who made no mistake from a set shot after receiving a dubious free kick.

Can the Giants hang on?

Giant Anthony Miles gets away from Carlton's Levi Casboult. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:17pm AEDT- GWS Giants leader 5.2 (32) to Carlton 1.9 (15)

WELCOME to GWS, Stephen Gilham.

The Giants have skipped further ahead through the former Hawthorn defender, who made no mistake from a set shot.

Only the NAB Cup but a few concerns for Carlton.

There was no forward structure to speak of at this stage.

Blue Mitch Robinson in action against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5pm AEDT - GWS Giants 4.1 (25) lead Carlton 1.6 (12) at HALF-TIME

The Giants are taking the game on here and it is showing.

Jonathon 'General' Patton looks a million bucks after a summer in the gym. He has kicked three goals and the Blues have no answer for him.

Liam Sumner has also kicked one for the home side and they lead by 13 points at half-time.

No one putting their hand up for the Blues.

Bryce Gibbs, Brock McLean and Chris Yarran are their leading possession winners to half-time.

Phil Davis (centre) and Stephen Gilham (right) of the Giants compete with Levi Casboult (left). Source: Getty Images

4:45pm AEDT - GWS Giants 1.0 (6) trails Carlton 1.3 (9)

A BAD mistake by Matthew Watson has seen the Giants kick the first game of the match.

As the ball bounced towards the GWS goal, Watson overran the ball - allowing big Jonathon Patton to run to it and kick the opener.

Carlton blew a number of early chances before San Rowe kicked the first goal for the Blues.

In first game since recovering from chemotherapy, Rowe slotted it home from a set shot.

Both teams still finding their feet in the early going.

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse with his arch rival Kevin Sheedy. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup clash from Blacktown.

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as Carlton coach and he will be looking for an instant response from his new players, who will all be looking to make an impression.

First up will be the Giants and the Blues at 4:40pm.

No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield will be making his debut for the Giants and he will be one to watch.

Follow the coverage with us right here!

SCHEDULE

Giants v Blues 4.40pm AEDT
Swans v Blues 5.45pm AEDT
Giants v Swans 6.50pm AEDT

FOLLOW NICK SMART ON TWITTER: @NickSmart85

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Revealed: SuperCoach Draft teams

The SuperFooty crew gather at Herald Sun HQ to pick their SuperCoach Draft squads.

ROBBO landed the Mullet Maric, Crawf jagged Jobe and Jay Clark couldn't believe he snared Matty Boyd in the third round. See how our experts' SuperCoach Draft teams shaped up.

It was a room filled with banter, sledging and, in most cases, limited preparation.

But the SuperFooty crew quickly cottoned on to the strategies and cunning tactics needed to assemble a team of stars.

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Over an evening of pizzas and laughs the 12-man competition ripped through the 144 draft picks needed to give each coach a full squad.

>> BELOW: Our experts name their teams and reveal the tactics they took into SuperCoach Draft night

And, it took just 70 minutes.

See their teams below and have your say on who is best placed to lift the SuperCoach Draft trophy in 2013.

ROUNDS 1 AND 2 OF THE DRAFT:

1. Gary Ablett (Gilbert Gardiner)
2. Scott Pendlebury (Sam Edmund)
3. Dane Swan (Sam Landsberger)
4. Trent Cotchin (Al Paton)
5. Dayne Beams (Glenn McFarlane)
6. Lance Franklin (Mark Hayes)
7. Joel Selwood (Scott Gullan)
8. Marc Murphy (Jay Clark)
9. Aaron Sandilands (Jon Ralph)
10. Dean Cox (Matt Windley)
11. Jobe Watson (Shane Crawford)
12. Josh Kennedy - Sydney (Mark Robinson)

13. Ivan Maric (Mark Robinson)
14. Sam Mitchell (Shane Crawford)
15. Brendon Goddard (Matt Windley)
16. Patrick Dangerfield (Jon Ralph)
17. Ben McEvoy (Jay Clark)
18. Scott Thompson - Adelaide (Scott Gullan)
19. Sam Jacobs (Mark Hayes)
20. Jarryd Roughead (Glenn McFarlane)
21. Matthew Pavlich (Al Paton)
22. Patrick Ryder (Sam Landsberger)
23. Todd Goldstein (Sam Edmund)
24. Matthew Kreuzer (Gilbert Gardiner)

FULL TEAM LISTS AND STRATEGIES:

JAY CLARK

Defence: Jed Adcock, Chris Yarran

Midfield: Matthew Boyd, Marc Murphy, Tom Rockliff

Ruck: Ben McEvoy

Forwards: Jarrad Waite, Jimmy Bartel

Bench: Jack Ziebell, Colin Sylvia, Matthew Suckling, Robbie Warnock

Strategy: You need a midfield captain with your first pick and a quality ruckman with your second.

Coach says: "Serious concerns about the other blokes letting Matty Boyd slip to third-round - steal of the night. Ralph and Edmund - easy beats."

MARK HAYES

Defence: Hamish Hartlett, Scott McMahon

Midfield: Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Shane Tuck

Ruck: Sam Jacobs

Forwards: Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli

Bench: Dayne Zorko, Nathan Jones, Hamish McIntosh, Brent Harvey

Strategy: Find a top-flight player away from the midfield in the early rounds, and we snared Buddy Franklin and Sam Jacobs to accomplish that.

Coach says: "If we can keep the ball in the forward half we'll be deadly. But we need to trade for a better backman."

SAM EDMUND

Defence: Bryce Gibbs, Brian Lake

Midfield: Scott Pendlebury, Nick Dal Santo, Jarrad McVeigh

Ruck: Todd Goldstein

Forwards: Jordan Lewis, Greg Broughton

Bench: Lenny Hayes, Scott Thompson (North Melbourne), Kade Simpson, Shaun Grigg

Strategy: If your first round pick is No.3 or later take a gun ruckman and then devote each pick to different positions after that. Midfielders grow on trees – the others don't.

Coach says: "Now I know what recruiters mean when they dribble out: 'We can't believe he was still there…' But Windley picking a one-legged Daisy had to be the highlight."

SAM LANDSBERGER

Defence: Heath Shaw, Pearce Hanley

Midfield: Dane Swan, Kieran Jack, Rory Sloane

Ruck: Paddy Ryder

Forwards: Dustin Martin, Sharrod Wellingham

Bench: Mitch Robinson, Sean Dempster

Strategy: Grab a gun ruckman inside the first two rounds as stocks are low. Load up on dual-position players for flexibility and if you're real hard core don't draft too many blokes with byes in the same round - unlike I did.

Coach says: "We tracked Kieran Jack closely last year and couldn't believe he slipped to us at No. 46. He'll add character to our group. With Swanny, Heater, Dusty and Robbo onboard we're counting down the sleeps to Mad Monday - after a premiership, of course."

MATT WINDLEY

Defence: Brendon Goddard, Beau Waters

Midfield: Chris Judd, Steele Sidebottom, Andrew Carrazzo

Ruck: Dean Cox

Forwards: Luke Breust, Luke Dahlhaus

Bench: Dale Thomas, Michael Barlow, Matt DeBoer, Jaeger O'Meara

Strategy: The ruck stocks are thin, so I was always going to take one of them first - luckily Dean Cox fell in to my lap (no pun intended). Defenders were always going to be next and scoring the No.1 (Brendon Goddard) and No.3 (Beau Waters) ranked defenders was a nice surprise. Plenty of midfielders around to do the job.

Coach says: "First three picks went smoothly, selecting Dale Thomas with pick No.4 was a bit of a setback given he's still shuffling in a moon boot. They laughed at me then - and are still laughing now - but I've got faith in Daisy. It's a marathon, not a sprint.''

GLENN MCFARLANE

Defence: Grant Birchall, Harry Taylor

Midfield: Dayne Beams, Ryan Griffen, James Kelly

Ruck: Jarryd Roughead

Forwards: Paul Chapman, David Hale

Bench: Brad Ebert, Luke Hodge, Jarryd Blair, Daniel Rich

Strategy: Don't leave it too late to pick up a quality ruckman. Ideally, go midfielder, ruckman, defender as your first three picks.

Coach says: "Did the other blokes forget about Ryan Griffen? Can't believe I got him in the third round. No research from some of you boys!"

GILBERT GARDINER:

Defence: Paul Duffield, Jarrod Harbrow

Midfield: Gary Ablett, Brad Sewell, Brock McLean

Ruck: Matthew Kreuzer

Forwards: Mark LeCras, Drew Petrie

Bench: Mitch Clark, Shaun Atley, Clinton Young, Jason Porplyzia

Strategy: The No.1 pick was a no-brainer. From there, it was about selecting a mix of contributors (refer: Sewell, Petrie and McLean) and players with upside (refer: Atley, Harbrow and LeCras).

Coach says: "They say games are won and lost in the middle. The end."

SHANE CRAWFORD:

Defence: Dyson Heppell, Troy Chaplin

Midfield: Jobe Watson, David Mundy, Harley Bennell

Ruck: Jon Giles:

Forwards: Travis Cloke, Stewie Crameri

Bench: Jeremy Howe, Mike Pyke, Sam Mitchell, Scott Selwood

AL PATON

Defence: Corey Enright, Shaun Burgoyne

Midfield: Jack Redden, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio

Ruck: Shane Mumford

Forwards: Matthew Pavlich, Adam Goodes

Bench: Leigh Montagna, Matthew Wright, Jack Grimes, Michael Johnson

Strategy:  I couldn't knock back Cotchin with pick four in the draft but it meant there were few rucks to choose from when my next choice came around. The midfield is where most points are scored and I'm hoping to get a big jump on my rivals there each week. Having said that, if Scotty (Gullan) is interested in offering Nic Nat for one of my mids, I'm willing to listen.

Coach says: "Rapt to get the one-two Tiger punch in the midfield, Deledio was a steal in the fourth round. Little nervous about ruck and forward divisions, hopefully the injury gods smile on me."

JON RALPH

Defence: Andrew Mackie, Jack Watts

Midfield: Patrick Dangerfield, Andrew Walker, Brent Stanton

Rucks: Aaron Sandilands

Forwards: Taylor Walker, Jack Riewoldt

Bench: David Zaharakis, Nathan Fyfe, David Swallow, Shannon Hurn

Strategy: Just because you only have 12 players, you still have to pick those with improvement left. Dual position players are a must.

Coach says: I am already in strife given my first pick Aaron Sandilands is out for 8 weeks. The ruck cupboard is bare. It's backs to the wall already.

SCOTT GULLAN

Defence: Brent Reilly, Sam Fisher

Midfield: Scott Thompson, Joel Selwood, Andrew Swallow

Ruck: Tom Bellchambers, Nic Naitanui

Forwards: Michael Hurley, Steve Johnson

Bench: Robert Murphy, Travis Boak, Daniel Hannebery

Strategy: Don't lose sleep about the ruck. With Sandi injured and you can't land Cox, then sit on your hands and get one late in the draft.

Coach says: There isn't a better, or more balanced, midfield than what I have unleashed – J Selwood, S Thompson and A Swallow. That is called SuperCoach GOLD.

MARK ROBINSON

Defence: Danyle Pearce, Josh Gibson

Midfield: Stephen Hill, Josh P Kennedy, Ryan O'Keefe

Ruck: Ivan Maric

Forwards: Tom Hawkins, Jonathan Brown

Bench: Heath Scotland, Andrew Gaff, Callan Ward, Nick Riewoldt

Strategy: Load up on mids, and hard-ball getters. Outside runners get shut down...

Coach says: That said, you need runners and Danyle Pearce is my smokie because Ross Lyon will get him involved...

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Why equality serves all

Peter Gordon says we need to fashion a competition where every game is an adventure of interest and the result unpredictable. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

AN odd part of my past is that, as Footscray's AFL director in the early 1990s, I seconded the AFL board resolution to admit the Adelaide Football Club into the national competition.

(I've been quiet about this since the 1997 Crows-Dogs preliminary final.)

The Crows have been a great success.

They stand alongside the Eagles, Dockers, Power, Giants, Suns, Lions and the Swans as franchises forged, fashioned or remoulded by the AFL as part of a grand and unique Australian-designed premier sporting competition.

Think about that.

Eight clubs - almost half the competition - are the creation in whole or in part of the AFL itself.

By diverting and prioritising financial resources, it has given effect to a national design much greater than the sum of its parts.

The AFL equalisation debate will have some representatives of larger AFL franchises decrying the threat of football socialism. Those clubs will have fans asking "why should we support smaller clubs to get better and be more competitive?" It's the wrong question.

The right question is, "how should the AFL distribute the money the game raises to best build the game?"

The best way is to fashion a competition where every game is an adventure of interest and the result unpredictable. How not to do it is to allow a code to evolve where some clubs are permitted to leverage larger fan bases to trample smaller franchises in predictable 20-goal whitewashes.

Probably, it's just human nature for presidents, CEOs and many fans to want to cannibalise smaller clubs in search of more and more premiership success.

But it's no way to run a billion-dollar corporation. Nor is it any way for the AFL to position itself for the real market competition - against the NRL, soccer and the litany of other sports and entertainment options that AFL consumers will get to choose from in coming years.

Rounds of football in which five out of nine weekly games are over before the first bounce will be played in empty stadiums and with TV cameras that might as well be off because no one will be watching or advertising.

A recurrently even competition is the best way. Recurrent onfield evenness is, like it or not, most significantly influenced by evenness of football spend.

Some of the best evidence comes from the NFL in the US. Its evenness and unpredictability of result mantra is encapsulated in the expression "any given Sunday".

Private owners in the NFL, the world's biggest sporting competition, whose main aim is franchise profit, achieve this by centralising revenues and distributing them to achieve a competition where, on any given Sunday, any team can win. A mind-boggling 70 per cent of NFL revenue is shared.

US TV networks bid billions of dollars for the rights because pretty much every game is a blockbuster.

You'll hear lots of views in the next few weeks from different clubs and their sectional interests.

That's their job. I have mine, too - and they will be obvious to you.

Peter Gordon is the Western Bulldogs' President

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New Dees ready for judgement

Chris Dawes leads out the Demons ahead of their NAB Cup against North Melbourne. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Chris Dawes marks the ball ahead of Luke Delaney. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Dawes has urged Melbourne supporters to judge his team as a collective and not as a bunch of new players cobbled together this off-season.

The Demons squad for matches against North Melbourne and Richmond last night contained five draftees, five recycled players and Jesse Hogan, the club's GWS mini-draft pick unable to play senior footy until next season.

Dawes said it was OK to get excited about the club's new talent throughout the NAB Cup, but how those players come together as a team for the season proper is all that really counts.

"There's probably slightly more new players than a regular intake each year,'' Dawes said.

"But let's also not forget that the majority of the team is who was there 12 months ago.

"At this time of year you focus on what's new, the changes, but once the season gets underway it'll be forgotten about pretty quickly that there are new faces and we'll just be judged on our performances rather than how long we've been at the club.''

Speaking at the club's family day at Luna Park this morning, Dawes said the form of father-son selection Jack Viney and top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas was encouraging.

"I didn't see much of the Richmond match because I only played the North game and was inside recovering, but it sounds like Jimmy Toumpas kicked a goal and was lively,'' he said.

North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.

"He's a really classy ball user and a good decision maker. It sounds like he went OK and will be a good player.

"Viney, has that burst speed out of packs and is a pretty tough player too. There's a lot to get excited about and it was a good hit out for those two young boys.

"As well as preparing for Round 1 you hope that individuals can find some form and I was impressed with a number of our new players - older guys like (Shannon) Byrnes and (David) Rodan as well as young Jesse Hogan, Dean Kemp who I thought impressed as well."

Dawes, playing his first game for the Dees since making the off-season switch from Collingwood, said he was happy with his form.

Dees v Roos v Tigers: How it happened

But the forward conceded a calf niggle was still causing him some grief.

"The calf is OK. I probably would have played a little bit more game time ideally, but it was just one of those things, it was starting to tighten up.

"Had it been a normal season game I would have kept playing, but it was NAB (game) one, there was no need to push it at all.''

Melbourne plays Port Adelaide in Renmark next Sunday, a trip Dawes doesn't expect to make.

"I'm not even sure how many players we'll take there,'' he said.

"But I think the plan will probably be that I'll rest up next week and play the final two NAB Cup games.''

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Crows overrun Dockers in trial match

HOLDING ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce looks to outmark Adelaide's Sam Kerridge. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

COMMITMENT: Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins crashes into the post as he tries to mark. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE aren't concerned by game-ending injuries to Stephen Hill and Michael Walters in their five-point loss to Adelaide in today's trial match.

Hill copped an arm injury and Walters hurt an ankle but neither ailments were serious, Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

The Crows, fielding five more players, over-ran the Dockers to win 13.11 (89) to 13.6 (84) at a heat-baked AAMI Stadium.

Adelaide used 30 players and their numerical advantage proved decisive in the result, particularly as Fremantle lost Walters and Hill during the game.

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Walters limped from the ground in the second quarter and Hill, who had off-season shoulder surgery, favoured his left arm when departing in the third term.

But Lyon was unfazed.

"(Walters) just had a niggle in an ankle and then he got a cork on his calf so we just tapped him out, the same as Hill," Lyon said.

"Hill had a bit of a numb arm for a minute and was just a bit vulnerable, he's pretty important to us so we tapped him out.

"He had a bit of a dead arm but he had full strength, which is a really good sign."

The Dockers booted the initial six goals and led by 35 points at halftime.

But they wilted in the 34 degree temperature as Adelaide's pre-arranged advantage in player numbers took effect - though it took the Crows until the 21st minute of the final quarter to take the lead.

Fremantle veteran Kepler Bradley had a set shot from 35 metres out with 15 seconds remaining to tie the final scores, but missed.

Lyon said he was missing eight of his top 22 but prime movers David Mundy and Nat Fyfe were influential in their first outings this pre-season.

Mundy gathered 17 disposals over four quarters while Fyfe collected 19 touches in three terms.

The dynamic duo helped Michael Barlow (27 possessions) and Tendai Mzungu (20 disposals, two goals) form a dominant midfield for the Dockers.

Adelaide's Brodie Martin kicked three goals, Josh Jenkins and Lewis Johnston both booted two and defenders Matthew Jaensch and Richard Tambling were among the Crows' best with 18 possessions each.

ADELAIDE      1.3    4.4   9.10  13.11 (89)
FREMANTLE  6.2  10.3  11.4   13.6 (84)

Goals: Adelaide - B Martin 3; L Johnston, J Jenkins, T McIntyre 2; R Henderson, T Lynch, I Callinan, S McKernan.
Fremantle - H Crozier, T Mzungu 2; M Walters, N Suban, D Mundy, Z Clarke, L Spurr, T Sheridan, L Neale, N Fyfe, C Pearce.
Best: Adelaide - M Jaensch, R Tambling, B Crouch, B Martin, S McKernan, C Ellis-Yolmen.
Fremantle - M Barlow, J Crichton, T Mzungu, D Mundy, Z Clarke, H Crozier, N Fyfe.
Umpires: L Hanssen, S Hay, C Bowen, C DeBoy.
 

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LIVE: Lions v Suns

Hawthorn forward Paul Puopolo writhes in pain after landing awkwardly on his left knee. Picture: David Clark Source: Herald Sun

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.

10.24pm - Zorko, Moloney lead Lions
Gold Coast 0.2.2 (14)
Brisbane 2.1.2 (26)

BACK-to-back super goals has given the Lions some breathing space against a plucky Suns outfit at Metricon Stadium.

Dayne Zorko gave the Lions the lead with a running super goal before Brent Moloney slotted a long bomb from a set shot.

Gold Coast made all the early running but faded out the longer the half went.

Mitch Golby was among the Lions best along with Tom Rockliff and Rohan Bewick.

10.16pm - Zorko inspires Lions
Gold Coast 0.2.1 (13)
Brisbane 1.1.2 (17)

DAYNE Zorko's super goal has breathed new life into the Lions after the Suns skipped to an early lead.

The Lions playmaker got on the end of a masterful pass from Daniel Rich, cruised to the 50m-mark, and unleashed a classic drop punt which split the middle.

Ryan Lester opened the Lions' account after the Suns burst the game open with goals to Tom Lynch and Campbell Brown.

10.07pm - Suns draw first blood
Gold Coast 0.2.1 (13)
Brisbane 0.0.0 (0)

GOLD Coast has drawn first blood with Campbell Brown kicking the first goal of the match against Brisbane.

Jared Brennan set the goal up roosting a drop punt about 60m finding Brown unmarked deep in the forward line.

Tom Lynch made matters worse for the Lions kicking the Suns' second goal.

9.58pm - Lions surge clear of Hawks
Hawthorn 0.1.5 (11)
Brisbane 0.4.8 (32)

BRISBANE rubbed salt in Hawthorn's wound running away with a 19-point victory at Metricon Stadium.

The Lions kept the Hawks goalless in scrappy second half dominated by Dayne Zorko.

Zorko kicked two goals in a hurry to set up the victory.

Daniel Rich was a cut above with 11 possessions while Brent Moloney starred in his first outing as a Lion.

The former Demon collected 11 touches including five clearances.

Hawthorn joins Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs as the only teams yet to register a NAB Cup victory.

9.35pm - Lions surge clear of Hawks
Hawthorn 0.1.4 (10)
Brisbane 0.3.7 (25)

TWO goals from Dayne Zorko has helped the Lions extend to 15-poin lead at Metricon Stadium.

Zorko intercepted a kick in to snare his first before snapping his second from half forward.

Developing forward Jordan Lisle chimed in with the Lions' third goal of the half earning a hands in the back free kick late the piece.

Lisle made no mistake from the set shot.

9.05pm - Hawks, Lions struggle in greasy conditions
Hawthorn 0.0.2 (2)
Brisbane 0.0.1 (1)

HAWTHORN holds a narrow lead over Brisbane after a sluggish start to game two at Metricon Stadium.

Luke Breust again bobbed up, as he did in game one, kicking the opening goal of the match.

Both teams look to be struggling in the greasy conditions.

Lions goalsneak Patrick Karnezis has been busy early collecting six disposals while Tom Rockliff has five along with former Melbourne midfielder Brent Moloney.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

8.34pm - Suns steal victory over Hawks
Gold Coast 0.4.6 (30)
Hawthorn 0.4.5 (29)

GOLD Coast forward Luke Russell delivered victory for the Suns with behind after the siren.

Russell was the beneficiary of a free kick just seconds before the final whistle with the scores locked at 29-apiece.

The Tasmanian product slotted a behind to seal victory in front of a small but parochial Metricon Stadium crowd.

Hawthorn was dealt a double blow with small forward Paul Puopolo helped from the field after landing awkwardly on his leg.

The goalsneak came up clutching his knee but soon was able to walk off the ground unassisted.

But the Suns deserved their victory after pushing the Hawks throughout the NAB Cup hit out.

Gold Coast wasted early opportunities before Harley Bennell got them on the board with back-to-back goals.

8.25pm - Suns push Hawks
Gold Coast 0.4.4 (28)
Hawthorn 0.3.4 (22)

GOLD Coast is threatening to break the game open with back-to-back goals from Jarrod Harbow and Zac Smith.

But Hawks young gun Derick Wanganeen has responded kicking his first goal under heavy pressure.

The livewire broke a tackle close to goal and converted to cut the margin to one point.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

8.20pm - Hawks, Suns do battle
Gold Coast 0.3.3 (21)
Hawthorn 0.3.4 (22)

A SLOW start to the second half with Hawthorn and Gold Coast kicking one goal apiece after nine minutes of play.

Sam Grimley gave the Hawks the perfect start racing into an open goal after gather a pass from Lance Franklin.

But the Suns responded with Jarrod Harbrow finding space inside the arc and slotting his first goal to cut the margin to one point.

Young Derick Wanganeen has shown promise in the midfield using his pace to break out of trouble.

8.04pm - Hawks hold sway at main break
Gold Coast 0.2.3 (15)
Hawthorn 0.2.4 (16)

HAWTHORN leads Gold Coast by one point at half time of its NAB Cup match at Metricon Stadium.

The Suns held an eight-point buffer mid way through the half but were unable to hold out a reshuffled Hawks outfit with Ryan Schoenmakers playing in the forward line.

Tweet your thoughts about tonight's games to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

Schoenmakers provided a solid target in the half getting on the end of a pass to kick his first goal and level the scores.

A flying shot on goal by Paul Puopolo close to the siren gave the Hawks the edge.

But Gold Coast would be ruing its opportunities after wasting gettable shots on goal early.

Harley Bennell has been the stand out with two goals while Karmichael Hunt is getting plenty of the football through the midfield.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

7.57pm - Bennell gives Suns the edge
Gold Coast 0.2.3 (15)
Hawthorn 0.1.3 (9)

GOLD Coast playmaker Harley Bennell has given the Suns an edge against Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium.

The Suns wasted a couple of early chances but enter Bennell, who with two kicks of the football, has given the Suns some breathing space.

Bennell kicked his first running into an open goal before marking about 35m out on a slight angle for his second.

Karmichael Hunt has been busy early collecting six disposals.

7.47pm - Suns waste early chances
Gold Coast 0.0.1 (1)
Hawthorn 0.1.1 (7)

POOR kicking has cost Gold Coast a dream start against Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium.

And the Hawks have made them pay with Luke Breust waltzing in for the first goal of the match.

The Suns have had all the play early wasting two gettable shots on goal in the opening minutes of play.

Steve May has been impressive early taking two marks. But May's shot for goal left  a lot to be desired, hitting the man on the mark.

May was again in the action a couple of minutes later pin-pointing enforcer Campbell Brown about 30mins out on a slight angle.

But Brown, instead of going back and slotting an easy goal, opted for a Steve Johnson-style snap which only barely registered a behind.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

PRE-GAME: HAWTHORN will be looking to open its NAB Cup campaign in style against Gold Coast in game of the triangular series starting at 7.40pm AEDT.

The Hawks boast a strong side despite missing key midfielders Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne, Brad Sewell and skipper Luke Hodge.

Tweet your thoughts about tonight's games to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

Spearhead Lance Franklin is expected to play his role in tonight's matches alongside forwards Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and goalsneaks Paul Puopolo and Shane Savage.

Gold Coast too will have plenty to prove with skipper Gary Ablett set to open his campaign tonight.

The Suns are missing key back Nathan Bock, on the comeback trail from a broken leg last year, Brandon Matera, Danny Stanley and Trent McKenzie.

But all eyes will be on Jaeger O'Meara ready to make his presence felt after spending 12 months in the Gold Coast system.

O'Meara was drafted as a 17-year-old access selection and spent last year in the reserves developing body and skills for the rigours of senior football.

Hawthorn defender Brian Lake will also step out for the first time in brown and gold after 197 games with the Western Bulldogs.

SCHEDULE

Suns v Hawks 7.40pm AEDT
Lions v Hawks 8.45pm AEDT
Suns v Lions  9.50pm AEDT

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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