Knee puts Walker out for season

Long term injuries to Cyril Rioli and Tex Walker a huge blow for AFL.

Injured Crows forward Taylor Walker watches from the bench in the match against Carlton. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE'S worst fears with Taylor Walker are now confirmed with scans revealing a rupture to the key forward's anterior cruciate ligament to his right knee.

He will miss the rest of the AFL premiership season as he begins a 12-month rehabilitation of the knee.

Walker's injury - so soon after becoming the kingpin of Adelaide's attack after the defection of Kurt Tippett to Sydney - is a major blow to the Crows' hopes of reaching consecutive final series.

Adelaide fell to a 2-3 count at the weekend when Walker was injured in the first term of the 32-point loss to Carlton at the MCG.

Walker will have a traditional knee reconstruction later this week or early next week.

Crows football opeartions chief Phil Harper issued a club statement saying: "The whole club feels devastated for Taylor, but we know how professional he has become in his treatment of injuries.

"He will be given the best possible treatment and rehabilitation program to help him get his knee prepared for the rigours of AFL football."

Earlier today, defender Ben Rutten said he expects the Crows to find enough options to restock a forward zone that was already dealing with the defection of key forward Tippett.

"It is something we are going to have to do ... we have guys (in the SANFL where) Shaun McKernan kicked five goals, Lewis Johnston is in some reasonable form," said Rutten who plays his 200th AFL game on Saturday when Adelaide hosts premiership favourite Hawthorn.

"It is not going to be one guy who is going to replace (Walker). We need more contributors scoring goals. That is the way we are going to have to approach it for however long Tex is out.

"It is disappointing for him and we are going to have to cover it. We saw with Carlton at the weekend the way they can score heavily without having a dominant key forward.

"We rely on big guys in the forward line to compete, so we are going to have to rejig it and find ways to score goals."

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Rioli out for two months

Long term injuries to Cyril Rioli and Tex Walker a huge blow for AFL.

Cyril Rioli leaves the field after hurting his hamstring. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN has suffered a huge injury blow with news Cyril Rioli will miss up to two months with a hamstring injury.

Rioli suffered a high grade tear to the lower part of his right hamstring during the fourth quarter of yesterday's thrilling win against North Melbourne.

The Hawks livewire will not require surgery, but the club has already conceded the 23-year-old will not play before its bye in Round 11.

The damage Rioli's absence could cause was no more apparent than yesterday considering, before he went off, he was a huge part of why the out-of-sorts Hawks were able to topple the Roos.

Rioli consulted with surgeons in the city this morning before fronting the media a short time ago to deliver the from news himself.

He said the injury was all the more frustrating considering his previous history with hamstring troubles in both legs.

Rioli, who was walking with a considerable limp today, said he expected his rehabilitation over the next few weeks to involve a lot of rest and swimming.

Rioli, who has a history of hamstring problems, went down clutching his right leg mid-way through the final quarter of the Hawks three-point win over North Melbourne.

He has missed extended runs of games due to hamstring problems over his career, but has not had a major issue since 2011.

That year he missed five games in two stretches while in 2009, his second year at Hawthorn, he missed three matches.

He played a crucial role in Hawthorn's victory yesterday before the injury, kicking four goals.

"He's obviously hurt his hamstring so we'll get that scanned during the week,'' Clarkson said.

"I dare say he'll miss a period of footy whether that's one week or longer we'll just have to wait and see next week.

"But for all those Adelaide Crows supporters, I'm pretty certain that they can be assured that he won't be playing next week.

"We're lucky we had him in the first three and a bit quarters because we would have been in a bit of trouble without him.

"That's obviously happened before, he's a pretty special talent. We needed some special things to occur today to just get us a goal when we really needed it and he did that on four occasions.''

Hawthorn lost the clearances 25 to 44 and had 16 less inside 50s than the Kangaroos yesterday.

Clarkson admitted North "certainly had the measure of our midfield today''

Who sang that song there's a fine line between pleasure and pain?''

Clarkson said: "I tell you what, there's a fine line today. I could have quite easily been sitting here absolutely spewing and perhaps North did deserve to win in terms of all the KPIs that they won during the game.

"To the credit of our guys, we've lost some of those close contests over the journey so it was pleasing to get one today.''

Clarkson said many of his players including Luke Hodge, who had just four touches to half time, and Lance Franklin, who failed to kick a goal, were down.

"There's lots of things to probably analyse about the game,'' Clarkson said.

"(We) probably would analyse it a bit deeper had we lost. If we win, it's probably just move on because our form hasn't been too bad up until this point in time.'

'Clarkson hoped midfielder Brad Sewell (hamstring) would be return to play Adelaide on Saturday.

"That's the thing with some of these soft tissue injuries, we thought it was going to be a one weeker...but it's ended up being three,'' he said.

"You've just got to be patient with them.''

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Hawks start a good result: Birchall

Hawthorn defender Grant Birchall says the Hawks are happy with their 4-1 start to the season. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

GRANT Birchall has declared Hawthorn's 4-1 start to the season a "good result" as the club builds toward a fourth-consecutive finals appearance.

The Hawks were dealt a horror draw to start the season, but since losing to Geelong in Round 1 have defeated four 2012 finalists: West Coast, Collingwood, Fremantle and North Melbourne.

Alastair Clarkson's men only just got over the line against the Kangaroos on Sunday evening, but considering the club's 2-3 start to the season last year Birchall said the Hawks were just happy to get the win.

"Last year we could have lost the game I'd say, but to get the four points when we didn't play particularly well is a good sign,'' Birchall said.

The defender said the Hawks are happy with their first month.

"To be 4-1 after five games with the draw we've had is a pretty good result,'' Birchall said.

"The boys are feeling confident, feeling pretty good about themselves. We just try to get the wins each week and keep on backing up leading up until the back end of the season.''

Birchall said he was confident rugged midfielder Brad Sewell would be fit to play Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

"He'll be fine for this week. He was about 50-50 yesterday to play so he'll be fine and ready to go."

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The Barometer: Round 6

Long term injuries to Cyril Rioli and Tex Walker a huge blow for AFL.

Carlton's Jarrad Waite - will he come in this week? Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt and who is in line for selection at your club?

ADELAIDE CROWS

INJURIES
Nathan van Berlo (knee)- 3 weeks
Sam Shaw (hamstring) - 6 weeks
Sam Siggins (ankle) - 1-2 weeks
Taylor Walker (knee) - Season
Luke Brown (concussion) - Test

ON THE BLOCK: WHO else? He was up and going, and now Taylor Walker is gone. Just like that. It is the biggest possible blow for the Crows. Walker has done his ACL - what a disaster. In terms of this week, Luke Brown will be touch and go.

ON THE CUSP: Lewis Johnston - your time has come. The recruit is yet to make his club debut with the Crows, but this may be the week. It almost has to be the week. With Walker down, they need a forward spark. Expect to also see the likes of Jarryd Lyons and Mitchell Grigg considered.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: From having Kurt Tippett and Walker to neither of them. It is a very tough proposition for the Crows, but one they will need to work through in 2013. The coaching staff will spend the week trying to come up with a forward set-up that works. They need a solution quickly with Hawthorn to come at AAMI Stadium on Saturday. Tough times ahead, potentially.

Taylor Walker goes off injured. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES
Claye Beams (knee) - season
Stef Martin (ankle) - 6 weeks
Jared Polec (ankle) - 6 weeks
Brent Staker (knee) - 1 week
Jesse O'Brien (adductor) - 2-3 weeks
Matt McGuire (ankle) - 1 week
Daniel Rich (shoulder) - 7 weeks
Steven Wrigley (knee) - season

ON THE BLOCK: THE Lions enjoyed a win at the weekend. But with some big names set to return this week, a couple are set to make way. The likes of Aaron Cornelius, Sam Docherty and Mitch Golby will all come under the microscope this week.

ON THE CUSP: THERE are a few walk-ins this week. Club legend Simon Black will return, along with the in-form Pearce Hanley from suspension. Jordan Lisle is also a chance of coming in. But is unlikely coach Michael Voss will want to make too many changes at once.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THERE would have been massive relief for everyone involved at Brisbane following their win over Melbourne. The dogs are beginning to bark for Voss and a loss to the hapless Demons would have been a disaster. That win eases the pressure...for now. But they will need to show a lot more up against Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.

GALLERY: See the best 40 photos from Round 5

CARLTON

INJURIES
Bryce Gibbs (hamstring) Won't play
Matthew Kreuzer (thumb) 5 weeks
Andrew McInnes (knee) 5-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Bryce Gibbs is a confirmed out against the Dees. He was subbed out against Adelaide after feeling some tightness in his hamstring. And no disrespect to Melbourne, but why would they risk him against them? Shaun Hampson might find himself on the chopping block this week because of one big impending inclusion.

ON THE CUSP: EVERY Blues supporter will be very excited to see the return of forward Jarrad Waite. He was held goalless in his VFL return from a calf injury at the weekend, but he took six marks, including an impressive contested grab, against Port Melbourne. The Blues may opt for another week or so in the twos, but it would be tempting to bring him in against Melbourne. Not a bad way to ease him back into senior football.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THE Blues have really hit their straps the past two weeks. With Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett firing up forward, the Blues look dangerous and very exciting. Look for them both to have a day out against the Dees.

Carlton's Jarrad Waite - will he come in this week? Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Alan Toovey (knee) - season
Caolan Moonen (calf)- test
Dayne Beams (quad)- 2-3 weeks
Brodie Grundy - (Back) 1-2 weeks
Lachlan Keeffe - (Knee) - 1-2 weeks
Clinton Young - (Hamstring) - 1-2 weeks
Michael Hartley - (Shoulder) - 3 weeks
Nick Maxwell - (Fractured wrist) - 4 weeks
Tim Broomhead - (Glandular Fever)- 5-6 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (Wrist) - 7 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: THE Pies will badly miss the versatile Alan Toovey, who requires a knee reconstruction. The Magpies already struggle to contain small forwards, so the loss of Toovey - arguably their quickest defender - will hurt. In terms of unforced changes, big man Ben Hudson may be due for a well earned spell. Ben Sinclair will be very nervous, as well. Subbed out against the Bombers, he needs to rediscover some form. Former Blue Jordan Russell also looks low on confidence.

ON THE CUSP: BIG man Darren Jolly will surely come in against St Kilda. He got some miles into his legs in the twos last Friday night and appears to be a certain in. Andrew Krakouer also has to be a big chance. The Pies are happy with how Luke Ball came through his return to football in the twos. But they will not be rushing him back to senior football. No risks will be taking with the hard-at-it midfielder.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THE Pies' depth has been tested this season, and that was on show against Essendon. They are beginning to really miss the likes of Dayne Beams and Ball, while the need for Clinton Young to come good has gone up a notch following the loss of Toovey. But regardless of personnel, coach Nathan Buckley would be concerned with the way his players threw up the white flag in the final term on Anzac Day. Need to show a lot more against St Kilda.

Magpie Darren Jolly. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Nick Kommer (suspension) available
Michael Hurley (ankle) test
Dustin Fletcher (groin) test
Jake Carlisle (ankle) test
Paddy Ryder (suspension) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: JAKE Carlisle a chance to miss the GWS clash with an ankle injury. Scans cleared him of serious damage but he remains sore and in some doubt. Travis Colyer was subbed out with just five kicks, but the Dons – top of the table and undefeated – remain a settled crew.

ON THE CUSP: MICHAEL Hurley and Dustin Fletcher are close. Fletcher looks the best chance to return although given the opponent and with an eye to the massive duel against the Cats in Round 7 James Hird might play it safe. Tayte Pears the obvious replacement for Carlisle should he not come up, while a pair of goals and wealth of touches for Jake Melksham in the VFL keeps him in the frame. Nick Kommer's suspension is over but he might battle to automatically regain a place in a winning side.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: ANOTHER stirring win without any significant injuries has the Bombers on top of the world – at least, from an on-field perspective. Even if Hurley, Fletcher and Carlisle miss the Giants clash, all look certain to return against Geelong, along with Paddy Ryder.

Essendon forward Michael Hurley is carried off by trainers after hurting his ankle. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Kepler Bradley (knee) season
Anthony Morabito (knee) season
Aaron Sandiland (foot) 5 weeks
Matthew Pavlich (Achilles) 5 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: KEPLER Bradley will miss the remainder of the season after doing his ACL against Richmond. It is horrible luck for Bradley, who plays with a lot of heart. He was playing well up forward for the Dockers, so it will hurt them. The Dockers will also basly miss the suspended Nathan Fyfe this week.

ON THE CUSP: THE big question is who does the Dockers bring in for Bradley? With Matthew Pavlich still out, their forward line has taken a few hits. Will it be Paul Duffield? Will it be Zac Clarke? There is a bit to ponder there for coach Ross Lyon.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THE trip to Metricon Stadium to face the Gold Coast Suns is an interesting one. The Suns were the better side in this clash last year and should have won. They will fancy their chances, so the Dockers cannot afford to head there and show them no respect. They should win, but it looms as a danger game following the unconvincing win over Richmond.

Fremantle's Kepler Bradley in the hands of the trainers after injuring his knee in the second term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Matthew Warnock (arm) 7 weeks
Joel Wilkinson (ankle) indefinitely
Liam Patrick (hamstring) 1 week
Seb Tape (knee) 1 week
Jesse Lonergan (wrist) test
Campbell Brown (suspension) 1 week
Maverick Weller (shoulder) test
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: AARON Hall is probably the unlucky one to come out. The livewire forward looks like he might need a rest. Besides that, the reasonably settled Suns won't be making too many more changes. Winning form is good form, and coach Guy McKenna will be conscious of that.

ON THE CUSP: HARLEY Bennell will return from a hamstring strain this week against Fremantle - and what a welcome return he is. The silky smooth West Australian slots right back into the Gold Coast midfield. First year player Jesse Lonergan is also very close, but is tipped they will wait one more week before unleashing him.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: IT was a game they had to win against the Giants - and the Suns didn't disappoint. They put the foot down when they needed to exorcise the demons of last year's loss to their fellow expansion club in Canberra. Charlie Dixon's performance up forward was very exciting. The big man from Cairns has been threatening to do that for a long time. If he can maintain his consistency, it makes a massive difference to the Suns' set-up. They should have knocked off Freo at Metricon Stadium last year, and are more than a sneaky chance on Saturday.

Suns midfielder Harley Bennell. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GEELONG

INJURIES

Jared Rivers (knee) Won't play
Tom Hawkins (back soreness) - test
Paul Chapman (hamstring) - test
Josh Caddy (head) Test
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 10-11 weeks
Josh Cowan (Achilles) indefinite
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
George Burbury (foot) indefinite
Jed Bews (foot) indefinite
Dawson Simpson (back) Indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: DEFENDER Jared Rivers will not play this week after hurting his knee against the Bulldogs. It has been described as a slight medial ligament strain. Young Cat Josh Caddy copped a knock to the head against the Bulldogs. He will monitored this week but not expected to miss.

ON THE CUSP: TOM Hawkins was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs with back soreness. Paul Champan also missed, but with hamstring tightness. But Cats coach Chris Scott has said both will play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: NEVER really got out of second gear against the Western Bulldogs, but they never really had to. The Bulldogs threatened late in the match, but you never got the feeling they were in trouble. This week's clash against Richmond is a lot more intriguing.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats from every game

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES
Matthew Buntine (lung) 1 week
Dom Tyson (knee) 3 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) Indefinite
Dean Brogan (suspended) 1 week
Jon Patton (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: ALREADY looks like there are some tired legs at the Giants. Phil Davis is one who looks like a rest would benefit him. The likes of Nick Haynes and Adam Kennedy are in the same boat.

ON THE CUSP: EXPECT to see defender Josh Bruce come in this weekend. He was impressive in the twos at the weekend and the Giants need some more defensive cover.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: TOUGH times at the Giants. They have blown their two best chances for wins this season in successive weeks and it's difficult to see where one will come from at this point. They face the high-flying Bombers Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Very hard to see it not getting ugly at the Dome.

If you don't mind, umpire!

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Brad Sewell (calf) test
Xavier Ellis (calf) test
Taylor Duryea (corked thigh) test
Brendan Whitecross (knee) 4 weeks
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
Matthew Suckling (knee) indefinite
Alex Woodward (knee) indefinite
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: THE Hawks have lost Cyril Rioli for up to two months with a big hamstring tear. Shane Savage failed to have a touch after starting as the sub, while Paul Puopolo was quiet against the Roos.

ON THE CUSP: BRAD Sewell should come back this week. Matt Spangher remains on the fringe of a Hawks debut, while in good signs for the future tough young midfielder Mitch Hallahan was tremendous in the VFL.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Hawks have just about emerged from their hellish start to the season and so far it's been a dream result. Four wins against 2012 finalists, a Tex-less Adelaide this week before the Grand Final rematch against Sydney. The loss of Cyril burns badly but the win over the Roos – with several A-graders down on their usual output – was impressive.

Cyril Rioli leaves the field after hurting his hamstring. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jack Viney (rest) available
Nathan Stark (knee) test
Mitch Clark (foot) TBC
Neville Jetta (suspension) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: AARON Davey was again the substitute – never a good sign – and had just three kicks after coming on. Sam Blease was subbed off after a quiet day, while Cam Pedersen remains on the fringe.

ON THE CUSP: CHRIS Dawes returned through the VFL but might need one more hitout before his Dees debut. Jack Fitzpatrick was outstanding for Casey with four goals, while Lynden Dunn was best afield with 35 disposals and 11 marks. Jack Viney should also return after a planned rest.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE injury list is thinning, as are the excuses at the Dees. A win last week and mostly competitive effort against the Lions is an improvement, while the Suns await after the Blues this week. Another must-win MCG encounter.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Robbie Tarrant (leg) test
Ben Jacobs (knee) test
Tom Curran (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Has the bubble burst on Majak Daw? The walking highlights reel looked out of place against an A-grade Hawks defence before being subbed out at three-quarter time. Daw missed three gettable set shots on goal.

ON THE CUSP: Robbie Tarrant must prove his fitness during the week after missing two matches with a leg injury. Lachie Hansen was a late withdrawal yesterday, but could struggle given Aaron Black's good work inside the arc. Boom pre-season ruck prospect Daniel Currie remains in the mix after another strong performance for Werribee including 40 hitouts, 13 disposals and seven marks. Jordan Gysberts was dominant in the first half (19 of 25 disposals) for the Tigers but faded.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Scott Thompson take a bow. The hard-nosed defender was nothing short of sublime on nemesis Lance Franklin. But it was the Kangaroos lack of poise and finishing skills which was the difference between four premiership points and a disappointing 1-4 start to the season. North butchered its chances forward of centre with kicks and handballs off target when they had worked hard to outnumber their Hawk rivals. The big three of Andrew Swallow, Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell were dominant in the clinches while it was a coming of age for the likes of Jamie MacMillan, Shaun Atley and Ben Cunnington. Aaron Black provided a strong target inside the arc and should make it tough for Lachie Hansen to break back into the best 22.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Brett Ebert (adductor) 2 weeks
Jasper Pittard (soreness) test
Jackson Trengove (foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: JACKSON Trengove needs foot surgery and will come out this week. Other than that expect little change at Alberton as the undefeated Power prepare to battle North Melbourne in Hobart.

ON THE CUSP: JASPER Pittard withdrew with soreness but looks a strong chance to return this week. Youngsters Matt Thomas and Sam Colquhoun are also close to breaking into the side.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THEY'VE got the Power to win and they never give in … even when 41 points down midway through the third quarter. The Power are now five from five with a miniscule injury list and a huge clash against the Roos this week. Win that and North's finals hopes might be history and suddenly Port will be halfway towards a September finish.

Power youngsters Jasper Pittard and Cameron O'Shea react after the final siren. Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Shane Tuck (rest) available
Sam Lonergan (hamstring) test
Jake King (soreness) test
Reece Conca (foot) test
Troy Chaplin (calf) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Brad Helbig struggled in his first hitout for the season in Perth and was subbed off with just six disposals to his name, while his replacement Robin Nahas (three disposals) had little impact after coming on. Matt White kicked the go-ahead goal but could make way with several senior players ready to return, while Ricky Petterd might be nervous after going at just 50 per cent efficiency by foot (including four kick clangers). Nick Vlastuin showed plenty on debut and should get another chance, but captain Trent Cotchin hobbled off in the first half with an ankle injury. He starred in the last quarter but must pull up OK to face the Cats.

ON THE CUSP: Plenty. Steve Morris is available after serving his one-match suspension and Jake King (corked thigh) and Troy Chaplin (calf) are available, along with Shane Tuck who was rested and didn't play at any level on the weekend. The standout in Coburg's 25-point loss to Box Hill was Nathan Foley, who came on at quarter-time and looked a class above, picking up 21 disposals in his second game back after a long layoff following Achilles surgery. Could Damien Hardwick be tempted to start him as the sub against the Cats? Former Roo Aaron Edwards kicked five goals - making it 12 in two weeks - while Matt Dea (26 touches) is also pushing for a senior call-up.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Tigers were unlucky in Perth but now face the prospect of falling back into the pack with a 3-3 record unless they can stop the Cats' unbeaten run. They will have to create some history to do it - Richmond has lost its past eight matches against Geelong by an average of 65 points. Some big decisions looming at match committee.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Daniel Markworth (ACL) season
James Gwilt (knee) 1-2 weeks
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Forward Tom Lee was subbed out after managing only five touches in Wellington, while Ahmed Saad had only one more from a full match and Trent Dennis-Lane is yet to cement a spot in the best 22. Justin Koschitzke kicked the first goal of the match but was rarely sighted after that. Kids Brodie Murdoch, Josh Saunders and Nathan Wright didn't feature prominently on the stats sheet but all showed signs they could be long-term prospects.

ON THE CUSP: Stephen Milne is available after his one-match ban - will Scott Watters back up his harsh words by making him earn a recall in the VFL? The Saints' depth was on show in Sandringham's first win of the VFL season, a 64-point thumping of Werribee. Terry Milera responded to being dropped from the senior side by kicking 6.4 while Farren Ray (27 disposals), Arryn Siposs (24), Tom Ledger (23) and Tom Hickey (two goals) are all ready if called upon. The biggest talking point from the match, however, was the eye-catching performance of athletic forward Spencer White. Taken at No.26 in last year's draft, White has been dubbed the next Lance Franklin and did his best Buddy impression when he sprinted half the length of the ground before kicking a goal on the run - watch it below. White took eight marks and kicked 3.4.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: No respite from the Saints after their brave effort against Sydney, with Collingwood up next on Friday night. St Kilda hasn't beaten the Pies since their 2010 Grand Final draw. After that it's Carlton then Adelaide (away) - if they can't pinch one of those the Saints will be searching for just their second win of the season against the Bulldogs in Round 9.

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Gary Rohan (leg) indefinite
Rhyce Shaw (abdominal strain) 1 week
Lewis Roberts-Thompson (knee) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: LEWIS Jetta started as the substitute after a quiet start to the season in a sign he's now under a little bit of pressure. Andrejs Everitt was quiet while Sam Reid was yet again held goalless.

ON THE CUSP: JESSE White remains close to coming in, as does Mitch Morton and prized draftee Jed Lamb. Irishman Tommy Walsh is also in the mix for the clash against Brisbane Lions.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Swans should consolidate with another win against the Lions, which would set up a bumper Grand Final rematch against the Hawks next week.

Lewis Jetta in action during the Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs AFL game at the SCG in Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Matt Priddis (concussion) test
Andrew Embley (foot) 1 week
Nic Naitanui (groin) test
Darren Glass (suspension) 2 weeks
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: JACOB Brennan was sloppy against the Power, making four clangers and mustering just three kicks. Priddis must face a concussion test this week, and while Daniel Kerr won't be dropped, he needs to lift his output. The worst news is the loss of captain Darren Glass, who been given a two-match ban for rough conduct against Port Adelaide forward Paul Stewart.

ON THE CUSP: THE Eagles retained Glass (but now lose him to suspension) and regained Waters last week, now they should welcome Sharrod Wellingham. He got through the WAFL unscathed, while a clean-shaven Will Schofield is another who could face the Dogs. While Nic Naitanui is a surprise chance to return through the WAFL this week.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: BATTLING at 1-4, the Eagles need to ignite their season this week. A stretch of softer games starts now, while the injury list is finally thinning.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Nathan Hrovat (calf) available
Ryan Griffen (shoulder) test
Daniel Giansiracusa (shoulder) 1 week
Robert Murphy (calf) 1-2 weeks
Brett Goodes (suspension) 2 weeks
Tom Williams (adductor) 2 weeks
Michael Talia (jaw) 3 weeks
Lin Jong (leg) 6 weeks
Tory Dickson (ankle) 6 weeks
Easton Wood (hamstring) 6 weeks
Shaun Higgins (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: PAT Veszpremi was subbed out after little impact and could face the axe. Other than him it was an impressive Dogs outfit which fought desperately for four quarters. Goodes has been rubbed out.

ON THE CUSP: AYCE Cordy booted three goals for Williamstown in difficult conditions to remain a forward option. Lukas Markovic battled well against the likes of Chris Dawes and Jack Fitzpatrick, while Dylan Addison was also impressive for the Gulls.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Dogs show real fight more often than not now, which is an impressive trait for such a young side. They had 16 players with less than 50 games' experience against the undefeated Cats and went down by four goals. Some of their stars are close to returning, while games against the Roos, Suns, Saints and Power leading into the bye are all winnable.
 

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was forced from the ground after this round-house punch to the stomach from Bulldog captain Matthew Boyd

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Goodes, Glass, Fyfe rubbed out

Mature-aged Bulldogs recruit Brett Goodes may come under scrutiny from the AFL match review panel for this bump on Geelong's Josh Caddy.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was forced from the ground after this round-house punch to the stomach from Bulldog captain Matthew Boyd

STRUGGLING West Coast won't have captain Darren Glass to lead a recovery bid this week.

Glass must sit out Sunday's home game against the Western Bulldogs and an away assignment against Brisbane the following round.

The AFL match review panel added to the Eagles' crisis of a 1-4 start to the season by suspending the key defender for two matches for rough conduct.

The high bump on Port Adelaide's Paul Stewart was compounded by 82.81 demerit points carried over from Glass' one-game penalty for a similar offence against Lions skipper Jonathan Brown in Round 18 last season.

The Bulldogs must head to Perth without mature-age recruit Brett Goodes, also outed for two matches for rough conduct that benched Geelong's Josh Caddy for the second half of last Saturday night's game.

But captain Matthew Boyd can play against the Eagles after escaping with a reprimand and 70.31 carryover points for striking Geelong counterpart Joel Selwood.

Fremantle is considering whether to fight Nathan Fyfe's one-match ban for kicking Richmond's Daniel Jackson as the Dockers' gun midfielder lay on the turf last Friday night.

Lions James Polkinghorne and Billy Longer can accept reprimands for tripping and rough conduct charges stemming from the Gabba win against Melbourne.

North Melbourne backman Jamie Macmillan was reprimanded for making contact to Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin's head in a boundary line retaliation that sparked a scuffle in the second quarter at the MCG on Sunday night.

Macmillan was also hit with a $3000 fine for his third melee offence, which also cost teammates Scott Thompson ($2100), Aaron Mullett ($1200) and Ryan Bastinac ($1200). Franklin and fellow Hawks Isaac Smith, Jack Gunston and Jordan Lewis were each fined $1200 for their involvement in the melee.

Hawk forward Luke Breust's matchday report for striking Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein was thrown out, and Port Adelaide's Angus Monfries is in the clear for a tackle that left Eagle Matt Priddis with concussion.

Tiger Brad Helbig was fined $1200 for standing on Docker Danyle Pearce's hand, and the Giants' Tom Scully was fined $1800 for a second offence of colliding with a field umpire.

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SuperCoach studs and duds

Essendon captain Jobe Watson celebrates a crucial goal in the final quarter of the Anzac Day match against Collingwood. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

WHO starred and who stunk it up in Round 5.

CARLTON 115 d ADELAIDE 83

Blues studs: Unheralded midfielder Brock McLean (126) kicked two goals from his 29 disposals and seven marks. Andrew Walker's (124) stellar season off half back continued while Andrew Carrazzo (106) won the battle against Adelaide star Scott Thompson.

Blues duds: Sam Rowe (44) failed to kick a goal and could struggle at selection as a result. Shaun Hampson (52) could only muster two marks while Bryce Gibbs (65) was subbed off with hamstring tightness.

Crows studs: Nine inside 50s and five score assists helped Richard Douglas (105) become the only Crow in triple figures. Bernie Vince (94) was solid.

Crows duds: Taylor Walker (37) will miss 6-10 weeks with a serious knee injury while Luke Brown spent time off the ground with concussion.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 104 lost to GOLD COAST 148

Giants studs: Devon Smith (132) was a shining light finishing with three goals and 26 disposals including five inside 50s. Callan Ward (113) got plenty of it while Rhys Palmer (113) laid six tackles.

Giants duds: Tom Scully (48) had the job on Ablett and like so many others, struggled to contain the master. Jon Giles (53) finished with 18 hit outs.

Suns studs: Gary Ablett (160) monstered the Giants with 32 disposals including six inside 50s and three goals. Charlie Dixon kicked a club record six goals while Jaeger O'Meara (119) chimed in with 11 clearances.

Suns duds: Brandon Matera (43) had five clangers while Greg Broughton (54) is finding scoring difficult after averaging 82 as a Docker.

FREMANTLE 81 d RICHMOND 80

Dockers studs: Jon Griffin (123) was the standout around the stoppages finishing with 21 disposals including seven clearances. He also had 23 hit outs. Hayden Ballantyne's (108) match-winning goal delivered 31 points.

Dockers duds: Matt de Boer (82) struggled to make an impact operating at 50 per cent efficiency. Danyle Pearce (48) had a dirty day for just the 12 disposals.

Tigers studs: Trent Cotchin (144) led from the front with 26 disposals including six clearances. Brandon Ellis (134) was a rock in defence while Dustin Martin and Bachar Houli provided plenty of dash.

Tigers duds: Jack Riewoldt (51) was largely ineffectual while Shaun Grigg's (58) disposal let him down.

ESSENDON 121 d COLLINGWOOD 75

Bombers studs: David Zaharakis (140) is quickly becoming an Anzac Day specialist following his 34-disposal, four goal effort against the Mags. Wind back the clock four years and it was Zaharakis who kicked the goal – his first in Bomber's strips – in the shadows of full-time to secure the Don's victory in the 2009 Anzac Day blockbuster. Jobe Watson (126) was sublime while Jason Winderlich (123) bobbed up with three goals and five score assists.

Bombers duds: Ben Howlett (51) could only must the 11 disposals while Stewart Crameri (61) kicked one goal.

Magpies studs: Steele Sidebottom (136) had the ball on a string collecting 31 disposals including 13 in the first quarter. Scott Pendlebury (136) and Dane Swan (127) got plenty of it.

Magpies duds: Rookie Sam Dwyer (38) struggled on the big stage while Harry O'Brien (41) faded as the game went on.

ST KILDA 63 lost to SYDNEY 79

Saints studs: Nick Riewoldt (152) never gave up slotting two goals while picking up 27 disposals. Lenny Hayes (131) went bang in the midfield with 28 disposals including 11 clearances. Leigh Montagna (111) was the only other Saint in triple figures.

Saints duds: David Armitage (56) found the going tough against the Swans limited to 11 disposals at 36 per cent efficiency. Nick Dal Santo (78) operated at 52 per cent efficiency.

Swans studs: Jarrad McVeigh (125) finished with 25 disposals including 12 contested. He laid six tackles. Luke Parker (124) bounced back and kicked two goals. Usual suspects Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Ryan O'Keefe cracked the ton.

Swans duds: Lewis Jetta's (31) woes continued against the Saints. The speedster was subbed out with just seven disposals to his name.

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Tex may be out for 10-12 weeks

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first quarter against Carlton.

Injured Crows forward Taylor Walker watches from the bench in the match against Carlton. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE'S premiership prospects have taken a severe hit after Taylor Walker left the MCG in the 18th minute of the first quarter with what is feared to be a serious knee injury.

Walker hyperextended his right knee in a marking contest and was helped off the ground straight into the rooms in as the Crows were beginning to fall behind Carlton.

The early prediction is that he has sustained a posterior cruciate ligament rupture, which would keep him out for as long as 10 to 12 weeks, but club doctor Andrew Potter will not know with any certainty until the swelling has subsided and Walker has had scans to confirm the damage.

Club officials at half time thought he had not done his anterior cruciate ligament, which would be season ending.

Walker kicked Adelaide's first goal for the night and had looked ominous, and after he was helped off the ground it appeared to have shell-shocked Adelaide.

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Dixon shines as Suns rise

Gold Coast Suns claim their biggest win in their short history, after a 44-point win over Greater Western Sydney.

Gold Coast Suns coach Guy McKenna says Charlie Dixon's goal-scoring exploits are a result of hard work.

Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon booted a club record six goals to help the Suns defeat the Giants. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

CHARLIE Dixon delivered the breakthrough performance Gold Coast fans have been waiting for as the Suns rewrote the record books with a 44-point victory over the Giants in Canberra.

Manuka Oval, the nightmare venue of the Suns' worst loss to GWS last season, has now become the scene of a swag of new records.

The 21.22 (148) to 16.8 (104) was the third-year club's highest score, surpassing the 18.16 (124) they booted in the historic first Q Clash win over Brisbane.

They also erased the second-quarter lethargy that has dogged their season, with the 7.8 they hammered home in that term eclipsing their previous best of 7.3, scored against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium last year.

And Dixon's 6.2 overtakes the 5.1 Nathan Krakouer kicked in that Q Clash as the Suns' highest goal haul.

Affable Queenslander Dixon, already a key for coach Guy McKenna because of his aggression and competitiveness, has evolved from trusty serviceman to genuine star.

His dominance around the ground was typfied by nine marks.

Post-game, he felt it was the game he had been waiting for to cement himself as a forward.

"Definitely," he said.

"I got great delivery, I have to give the boys praise for that because I was able to run out on to them.
"It was one of those days when they stuck."

Dixon's bash-and-crash approach to the ruck has earned him games but the inconsistency of his marking has posed problems for McKenna.

He has been used in defence at times but McKenna says the debate about his position was now settled.
"He is a super competitor, we love him in the ruck and we love him forward," he said.

Zac Smith, in danger of losing his spot after a soft performance against Port Adelaide last week, was also influential, winning his ruck duel with Jonathan Giles and floating forward to kick three goals.

Gary Ablett was typically destructive with 32 touches and three goals, while Jaeger O'Meara was a bull at the stoppages, winning a game-high 11 clearances.

But the day belonged to the forwards. McKenna has always promised his side would be a frightening proposition when their big boys start to hold their marks.

The injury to Matthew Warnock and return of Thomas Lynch forced a reshuffle that delivered McKenna the most balanced spine he Suns have fielded this year.

Lynch took eight marks and kicked two goals from centre half-forward and May, who spent time at both ends, also chimed in for a goal.

"All of a sudden we can start to stretch defences," he said.

"Between Charlie, Tom Lynch and Steven May we certainly got some reward for effort today."

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Tex injury a blow to Crows' season

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first quarter against Carlton.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker being helped off the MCG by trainers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE'S tilt at a premiership has been dealt a grievous blow after Tex Walker left the MCG with a blown knee first quarter of the Crows' 32-point loss against Carlton.

Of the players the club could least afford to lose to long-term injury, Walker would be near the top of the list and you could see the hearts of the players and coaching staff sink as he hyperextended his right knee on the half forward flank in the 17th minute of the first quarter.

It took more than a minute for Walker to shuffle off the ground with the help of two officials. Play continued; rarely anybody at the ground was watching the ball.

The worst was feared: an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture that would end his season.

Club doctor Andrew Potter had a forlorn look about him as he came back to the bench after having spent time checking Walker's knee, shaking his head, but club officials later said the best prediction was that he had injured a posterior cruciate ligament, which means he could miss anywhere from six to 12 weeks.

The early prediction is that he has sustained a posterior cruciate ligament rupture, which would keep him out for as long as 10 to 12 weeks, but club doctor Andrew Potter will not know with any certainty until the swelling has subsided and Walker has had scans to confirm the damage.

It collapsed from there: at least for long enough for the match to be lost. Carlton ran circles around them, having uncontested possessions outside of the packs and cashing in from their rich list of midfielders and small forwards.

They moved better, spread from contests better and it was not just about talent. Players such as Carlton's Brock McLean, who is not blessed with lightning speed, was effective because he reacted quickly and read the play.

Other Blues were added value to the admission price: Heath Scotland played with composure, Mitch Robinson was busy as always and Andrew Carrazzo was as effective minding types like Scott Thompson as he was finding his own ball.

The Crows improved, much through the trademark efforts of Patrick Dangerfield, some grit from Rory Sloane and a bit of dash and imagination from Bernie Vince.

This much they will take away: the last quarter challenge proved Adelaide will not roll over even when everything is stacked against them, including having lost its key forward and having a reduced bench on a warm night.

But Walker's coming off changed both the mood and the melody of the match, and themes formed that could never quite be reversed.

Carlton had speed in Jeff Garlett and Chris Yarran, who added some moments for the scrap book, momentum from the early lead, Adelaide had too many moments when there wasn't anybody protecting the goals by being goal side and they were running out of steam.

Then there was the forward line, which now is in crisis mode after losing Kurt Tippett last season and now facing a lengthy period without Walker.

Andy Otten spent time in attack and handled himself well, but there was still the sense that the odds were with Carlton in the one-one-one contests.

Josh Jenkins, who first carried the expectation of being a Tippett replacement and now had to fill in for Walker, still has his best football ahead of him.

The worst part for Adelaide was the Walker had looked menacing, providing multiple leads and appearing to have the better of Michael Jamison.

It looked like he was about to have a day out, feathers out and a swagger in his walk.

There had been some concerning trends for the coaching panel before Walker came off, and the first-half deficit of 35 points will be scrutinised closely by the coaching panel as it prepares for a stint without Walker.

Carlton is awkward to match up on, because they have a fleet of small players oozing of class both in the midfield and the forward line.

Chris Judd had moments when he looked as lively as he did during his days with West Coast, even though Sam Kerridge minded him closely, but the attention on him and Marc Murphy left Andrew Walker to chalk up a match-high 16 uncontested possessions at half-time.

In the forward line, Adelaide allowed Carlton to turn it into a footrace, which is deadly when they have players with the turn of foot of Yarran and Garlett.

It didn't look better in the midfield. Early on, the Crows had one tackle to the Blues' eight - and they were behind on the scoreboard.

But give them this: they kept coming and just when everybody at the 'G thought it was game over Adelaide looked fit and angry again. But the match had been lost long before that.

CARLTON   6.3  9.5  13.8  17.13 (115)

ADELAIDE  1.5  3.6    6.9   12.11 (83)

Best: Carlton: Simpson, Scotland, McLean, Garlett, Walker, Henderson, Judd, Murphy. Adelaide: Douglas, Thompson, Dangerfield, Rutten, Sloane.

Goals: Carlton: Garlett 4, Yarran 3, McLean 2, Carrazzo, Gibbs, Judd, Armfield, Betts, Scotland, Simpson, Murphy. Adelaide: Otten, Jaensch 3, Vince, Petrenko, Douglas, Jacobs, Lynch, Walker.

Injuries: Carlton: Gibbs (hamstring tightness). Adelaide: Brown (concussion), Walker (knee).

Reports: Nil.

Umpires: Ben Ryan, Shane Stewart, Dean Margetts.

Official crowd: 44,711 at MCG.

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Mick's slick Blues click

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first quarter against Carlton.

Taylor Walker is helped from the ground. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Taylor Walker sits on the bench after injuring his knee against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

SUDDENLY, the conversation about Carlton has changed.

No longer are we focused on what the club lacks at centre half-forward.

When you pull out the switchblade like the Blues did last night, maybe having the big name tall in attack doesn't matter.

Not when you are as quick and slick and get a rush of early goals from your classy midfielders like they did in the 32-point win over Adelaide at the MCG.

After trailing by 41 points at three-quarter time, the Crows fought their way back kicking four straight goals to get back within 18.

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But another piece of boundary line magic from Chris Yarran, brushing off Brent Reilly and then curling in his third goal, stopped the charge. Jeff Garlett then snapped the sealer, which was his third, from almost an identical spot.

For the Crows, the night began on a disastrous note when spearhead Taylor Walker hyperextended his right knee in a marking contest in the 18th minute of the first quarter and had to be helped off the MCG.

It is believed Walker may have sustained a posterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Defender Luke Brown's night was also over in the second term after suffering concussion, leaving the Crows a man short on the bench for most of the night.

After losing Kurt Tippett, and now Walker for what looks like an extended period, Adelaide's finals hopes are starting to look rather shaky.

The Blues, on the other hand, are looking at getting their season back on an even keel at 3-3 next weekend against Melbourne.

After a big statement win over West Coast last week, things have clicked under Mick Malthouse.

Although they hardly took a mark in the forward 50m in the first half, and faded late, the Blues' ball use and leg-speed through the middle was a warning for the rest of the competition.

Heath Scotland and Andrew Walker were outstanding, intercepting the ball and rebounding from half-back.

Bryce Gibbs also controlled the play before he was substituted off with hamstring tightness at halftime.

The quick transition forward routinely found Yarran, Garlett and Eddie Betts with space to burn off their minders. They posed a continual threat, breaking goal-side of the stoppages and aerial contests.

While the Crows worked their way back into the contest, Carlton looked invincible at times with that run and carry and crushing pressure, up by 28 points at quarter time.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker being helped off the MCG by trainers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

The move to switch Walker into defence has worked wonderfully. The former high-flying forward was largely untouched by the opposition, racking up 19 touches until half-time. Each one hit their target.

Scotland was also excellent, driving the ball from half-back and kicking a tight-angled shot on the run from the boundary in the third term.

Chris Judd, in his 244th game, needed a tag from Crow Sam Kerridge to quell his enormous early influence around the stoppages.

Betts was subbed on in the third term, replacing Gibbs. His first goal of the nigh brought chants of "Edd-die, Edd-die, Edd-die" from the Blues' faithful. Betts, Yarran and Garlett booted eight goals between them.

Adelaide was the No.1 contested ball side last year, but its midfield is not the same. Carlton ruckman Robert Warnock has taken his chance in the absence of Matthew Kreuzer, shading Sam Jacobs.

The Crow's early-season form has been patchy. Likewise, onballer Scott Thompson was down again early.

The Blues had 12 more clearances and 35 more contested possessions at three-quarter time, before the Crows turned the momentum their way in the last quarter.

Andy Otten presented forward after Walker exited the field, but Josh Jenkins was well-held by Michael Jamison. Crows' midfielders Patrick Dangerfield, Richard Douglas, Rory Sloane and youngster Rory Laird helped engineer the fightback, with limited bench rotations.

Laird's tough attack on the ball was a highlight for the Crows, in his second game. Matthew Jaensch and Otten each kicked three goals.

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Zaharakis writes new chapter

Bombers midfielder David Zaharakis claims the ANZAC Medal.

Essendon claim ANZAC Day honours with massive 46-point win over Collingwood.

David Zaharakis goal for Essendon. Picture: Coppel Alex Source: Herald Sun

WHEN Sandy Zaharakis spoke to her son David a few hours before the big Anzac Day match against Collingwood, she told him she loved him and added: ''Just go out and make your great grandad proud.''

David's great grandad was Gus Heidke, a Light Horseman who served at Gallipoli. He was one of the lucky ones who survived and was evacuated, albeit torn at having to leave his horse behind.

''John and I always go to the dawn service every year,'' Sandy said.

David's father, John, added: ''Those services at the Shrine mean a lot to both of us, and that's actually imparted on to David. And that spirit I think he displays on the field.

''We've always engendered in David and our two girls (older sisters Carrie and Jessica) that the Anzac spirit is something special.

''It's funny because I just had a chat to him the other day about my father, Arthur, who fought in the resistance in Greece in the Second World War. Those men were only recognised a few years ago. So there's an Anzac connection right through from 100 years ago up until the present day.''

Anzac medallist David Zaharakis enjoys Essendon's win with captain Jobe Watson. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

That history gained a new chapter this year when Zaharakis gathered 34 disposals -- including a goal in each quarter -- in Essendon's 46-point win against Collingwood and was voted the 2013 Anzac Day medallist.

''It's a special day for our family,'' Zaharakis said.

''It's always meant something to us, and growing up an Essendon supporter the match always meant sdomething to me, too. To be able to play in it is just a special experience.''

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The performance was significant for Zaharakis in a football sense, too, signalling a return to almost full fitness after he missed the latter half of last season and parts of the pre-season with a thigh injury.

He was a member of a dominant midfield that had two or three legimate contenders for the medal. As former great Wayne Carey said on radio after the match: ''That's a tough Anzac Day Medal, a close one. Any of four or five players could've won it.''

Captain Jobe Watson was the other outstanding influence over four quarters. He had eight, eight, 10 and five disposals, and continued his habit of kicking the goal that iced the game.

Twenty minutes into the final term the skipper grabbed the loose ball at a boundary throw-in, burst clear of Brent Macaffer and snapped truly to put the Bombers 34 points up. He celebrated with fans leaning over the fence before being swamped by teammates.

Jobe Watson celebrates a goal with Essendon fans. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Zaharakis was equally consistent, but probably gained the nod because of his impact on the scoreboard. He kicked the opening goal of the match and backed up with crucial majors early in the second and third quarters. He used the ball efficiently and gave the Dons some much-needed dash.

Zaharakis's contribution further cemented his Anzac Day reputation. He burst on to the scene when, aged 19 and playing in just his fourth senior match, he kicked the winning goal with just seconds remaining in the match.

Asked if he believed that game had signalled his arrival as an AFL player, Zaharakis replied: ''I don't know. Having one good moment doesn't mean you've arrived as a player, and I think that showed up in the inconsistency of my performances after that.

''Probably 2011, when you have a good season, and I was fortunate enough to win the B&F, that's when you think 'Hmm, I can actually really play AFL footy'.''

John Zaharakis is not so sure: ''Up until that moment he was my son, but after that I became his father.''

And after his latest performance, David Zaharakis will be known for contributing more to Anzac Day football than that one kick in the wet four years ago.

Full voting

8 David Zaharakis (Essendon).
4 Jobe Watson (Essendon)
3 Jake Carlilse (Essendon)
1 Tom Bellchambers (Essendon)
1 Michael Hibberd (Essendon)
1 Brent Stanton (Essendon)

Judge voting – 3 2 1
Tom Harley (Channel 7, Chairman) – D Zaharakis, J Watson, B Stanton.
Greg Baum (The Age) – J Carlisle, D Zaharakis, T Bellchambers.
Mark Robinson (Herald Sun) – D Zaharakis, J Watson, M Hibberd.
 

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Hird praises steely defence

Essendon claim ANZAC Day honours with massive 46-point win over Collingwood.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson with coach James Hird. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Essendon coach James Hird and club doctor Bruce Reid. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON coach James Hird has praised his side's new defensive resolve after the Bombers muzzled Collingwood for their first Anzac Day win since 2009.

The usually free-wheeling Pies were restricted to a season-low 75 points from 46 inside 50s by a red-and-black unit determined to keep the gate locked in front of 93,373 spectators.

Hird said stopping the opposition from scoring had been a pre-season focus and he had put the heat on his onballers.

"Our whole midfield, to be honest, needed a change of mindset and they've gone about that very well," Hird said.

"This team has worked a lot on defending, and if we don't do it properly we get scored against."

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"But I thought today to keep Collingwood to 75 points was an outstanding effort by the players," Hird said.

The Bombers are yet to concede a triple-figure score this season and have given up more than 90 points only once, against St Kilda in Round 4.

"The most pleasing thing for us is the defence," Hird said.

Jobe Watson celebrates a goal with Essendon fans. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

"We're not there yet, let's not get carried away. We've played five games, we've defended reasonably well. As soon as your intensity ... drops off you can get scored against very quickly."

Hird said that happened in the second half of the second quarter at the MCG yesterday when Collingwood kicked 2.3 in seven minutes to close within four points at halftime.

"We felt in the second half of the second quarter the game was getting away from us and Collingwood were scoring too easily and getting too many inside 50s against us," he said.

"We had to remind our players of the value of defence and the value of making sure we pick up a man, as basic as that is, and defend properly and they responded really well."

Essendon had 31 scoring shots from 52 forward entries in what is a highly efficient return, but Hird only wanted to talk about his defenders, whom he credited for making it possible.

"There's no doubt the stand-out part of our game has been our backs," he said.

"Our defenders are playing a really important role and allowing us to attack."

Anzac medallist David Zaharakis said: "We've always been a team that can score quickly and our offensive attributes have always been our strength, but now it's our defence.

"You can see it out there. The first talk you hear is about defence rather than how we attack."

Essendon and Collingwood players observe a minute's silence on Anzac Day Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Asked about the significance of a win that keeps his side unbeaten, Hird was pragmatic.

"It's another step towards where we want to be and I think we know next week we'll have another game and another opposition," he said.

"It's a big day and we haven't won it for three or four years ... it's very special, I'm not trying to undersell that, but it's early in the year and we saw last year what happened to us halfway through the year."

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A salute to James Hird

Essendon claim ANZAC Day honours with massive 46-point win over Collingwood.

James Hird puts his arm around assistant coach Simon Goodwin. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

YOU don't have to barrack for Essendon to raise a glass - as the old soldiers do on Anzac Day - to James Hird.

Always a golden boy of the game, the Bombers coach cannot be applauded too sincerely for his and his team's performance as the Bombers grapple with a set of circumstances that no other coach in history has had to contend with.

It has been unrelenting - before the annual blockbuster against Collingwood yesterday, the drugs crisis was on the back page again and, as usual, it wasn't pretty.

That was no doubt why one of Hird's first gestures after the impressive 46-point triumph was to put his arm around veteran club doctor Bruce Reid.

It was symbol of solidarity, which has become one of the most important commodities in the Bomber arsenal.

It is scarcely credible a team that couldn't win a game to save itself for most of the second half of last season is now on top of the ladder, unbeaten and with a massive percentage.

The brave comeback against Fremantle was a mighty morale-booster but yesterday was better in some ways and more meaningful given the status of the occasion and Essendon's depressing recent record in it.

In front of 93,000, they won for only the second time in their last seven attempts.

Essendon coach James Hird and club doctor Bruce Reid. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

As a player Hird used to own this day, three times winning the medal for best afield, and now he has done it for the first time as a coach at his third attempt.

If he keeps stamping himself on the day the league might have to seriously consider naming the medal or trophy after him.

As pleased as he was, Hird wasn't about to get ahead of himself but nor was he going to ignore the significance of the achievement, saying: "You value the way you play against good opposition - and Collingwood is an excellent team."

But he added: "It's Round 5 - another step towards where we want to be.

"Today is massive for the Essendon Football Club and for the Collingwood Football Club, more emphasis put on it by external forces than any other home-and-away game.

"The club wants to win because you're on show. We haven't won for three or four years and to be part of a win again on Anzac Day is very, very special.

"I'm not trying to undersell that but its early in the year and we saw last year what happened after halfway."

The off-field spectre will play itself out and how and when it will and the consequences for this proud club and its charismatic coach might prove to be damaging or even disastrous.

Or might not.

Hird was asked if he knew whether the club's internal investigation would be tabled next week and whether that was a concern for him.

His non-committal reply - "It doesn't matter how I feel about it" - was tantamount to a call of "play on."

ron.reed@news.com.au

Follow Ron Reed on Twitter: @Reedrw

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Rich says eight weeks "not so bad"

Brisbane star Daniel Rich will miss two months after breaking his shoulder blade in a training mishap. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE Lions midfielder Daniel Rich says Anzac Day has helped to put into perspective his "shattering" shoulder injury.

The Brisbane midfielder will be sidelined for up to eight weeks after suffering a broken scapula (shoulder blade) in the last training drill at the Gabba on Wednesday.Rich, 22, was trying to not feel too sorry for himself yesterday.

"It's obviously shattering. I find it hard to miss one training session, let alone six to eight weeks but you have to take it for what it is ... it could be worse," Rich said.

"On a day like Anzac Day, you think about what other blokes have been through and it makes my injury not so bad.

"I didn't know what happened but I heard a double crunch and thought that can't be too good.

"I'm on a few painkillers now but I was in a fair bit of pain after it happened and they took me down into the rooms.

"It only took one x-ray to see what was wrong, there was a big crack the whole way through."

The Lions vice-captain has consulted club doctors and will not require surgery.

He hopes to be able to exercise on a stationary bike in a week once the intense pain subsides.

The 2009 NAB Rising Star winner has backed the Brisbane midfield to fill the breach left by his absence for Sunday's match against Melbourne at the Gabba.

"I'd much rather be out there with the boys but I've got 100 percent faith in them," Rich said.

"This will give somebody an opportunity."Fellow vice-captain Tom Rockliff said the Rich injury was a "massive" blow for the Lions ahead of the must-win clash with Melbourne.

Brisbane has crashed to a 1-3 record in the first month of the home-and-away season after winning the NAB Cup and while Rich had got off to a slow start in the premiership, he was vital to the Lions' chances of resurrecting their campaign.

Rockliff said the long-term loss of Rich would have a significant impact on Brisbane's midfield but the club had no choice but to get on with business.

"It does (hit you hard). It is disappointing for Daniel and the group," Rockliff said.

"He is one of the core of our midfield group. To not have him out there for six to eight weeks, it is going to hurt.

"You've just got to deal with it. You can't dwell on it."

Brisbane has elevated James Polkinghorne, Aaron Cornelius, Patrick Karnezis, Ryan Lester, Billy Longer, Elliot Yeo, Jack Crisp and Justin Clarke to an extended 25-man squad.

Three players will be culled today.Rich, Pearce Hanley (suspension), Ryan Harwood (omitted), Niall McKeever (omitted) and Stefan Martin (ankle) have dropped out of the side thrashed by North Melbourne last Sunday.

Former Lion Mitch Clark has been ruled out of the match with a sprained right foot.

"He (Clark) is not going to play this week. It will be a week by week thing," Melbourne coach Mark Neeld said.

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Gutsy Saints can't buy a win

The AFL video review system is in the spotlight again after a close call in New Zealand

Sydney's Mike Pyke and St. Kilda's Ben McEvoy lock horns. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

ST KILDA made history last night. Unfortunately their season has now been consigned to the same status.

The Saints broke new ground as the first team to host an international premiership match, and they used the occasion to display heart and determination in short supply at times this year.

First they beat the AFL's in-and under specialists at their own game early on, then they kick-started a last term comeback that captivated the crowd of 22,546 Wellington fans.

Yet by the end of a night in which Sydney just did what they do best - stop an opponent in their tracks, surge, and stifle a late charge - the Saints were still 1-4 and out of the finals race.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

This was not quite the game to showcase everything that is glorious about the AFL, with the game at times more rugby than the aerial pinpong non-converts have accused it of resembling.

Still, with Wellington abuzz to the sounds of the AFL for a week and Westpac Stadium two-thirds full last night, it was a mighty promising start.

For the first and last quarters St Kilda showed everything coach Scott Watters had demanded, out Sydney-ing Sydney through the efforts of Nick Riewoldt (27 touches) and Lenny Hayes (eight tackles, 11 clearances).

Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh and St. Kilda's Clinton Jones go in hard. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Then just as Sydney and Anzac Medallist Dan Hannebery seemed certain to lock down the game as they have so often at their SCG fortress, the Saints came alive again.

From 26 points down at the last break, the kids finally began matching the work ethic of the older brigade.

By the time Leigh Montagna's silky goal from deep in the pocket had reduced the margin to ten points, the Westpac Stadium crowd was rocking for the first time.

Shane Mumford's goal in time on iced the contest for Sydney, but given the fleet of kids the Saints carried in their line-up there was no disgrace in the loss.Not only did the Saints fight to the end, they did it with a side including first-gamers Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders, as well as Tom Lee (one game), Seb Ross (two) and Nathan Wright (two) all playing last night.

All of them showed glimpses at times, and while Riewoldt (31), Hayes (33) and Montagna (29) clearly the club's best three players, it seems St Kilda supporters are prepared to come along for what could be a rocky ride.

Sydney's Adam Goodes fends off St. Kilda's Nathan Wright. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

The good news was those elder statesman led from the front all night, Riewoldt running himself to exhaustion and inspiring fellow veterans in Sam Gilbert into some rousing first-half action.

Sydney just absorbed St Kilda's best blows, then got on with the job of rebounding from that humbling loss to Geelong last week.The old stagers took time to warm to the contest, but soon midfield stars Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebury and Jarrad McVeigh were dominating the clinches.

Luke Parker belied the slippery conditions to kick two critical goals in a low-scoring match, and Kieren Jack's 13 tackles showcased his rugby childhood.

St Kilda had the first five inside 50s and all the momentum, and could so easily have led by three goals in an inkling.

Yet an interchange infraction to Ahmed Saad gifted Josh Kennedy a long-rang goal and then Jarryn Geary's long bomb seemed to have crossed the goal line before video reviews from a shocking TV angle handed Ted Richards the mark.

Sydney's Mike Pyke crunches Justin Koschitzke after taking strong mark. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Yet with such inexperience in this St Kilda side - and Sydney containing so many flint-hard matchwinners, the Swans inevitably too control.

They would pile on the pressure - and 28 of the next 41 inside 50s - through a combination of brilliance, luck and St Kilda mistakes.

Ben McGlynn was gifted a goal-line goal when Gilbert could not force the ball through, a controversial push-in-the-back call on Tony Armstrong won Kieren Jack another, and the brilliant veteran Jude Bolton capped off another sure-handed display with a third.

From the main break, with St Kilda ten points down and battling, it looked like getting ugly.But St Kilda's rousing finish ensured that even if they remain locked on only win, nearly everyone went home happy last night.

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Tigers lose Conca for a month

Damien Hardwick compares Tigers training to sleeping with his wife.

Reece Conca gets a handball away. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

EMERGING Richmond midfielder Reece Conca will miss at least four weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his foot.

Conca will wear a moonboot for 5-10 days after scans this week detected the injury in his right foot.

The No.6 pick in the 2010 draft has averaged 20 disposals and four tackles a game this season.

"The good thing is we picked it up this early. It didn't develop into a crack or stress fracture," Richmond's elite performance manager Peter Burge told the club website.

"If there's a positive, it's that it is a little bit shorter-term than a stress fracture."

After a trouble-free start to the season, the Tigers will be forced to make at least three changes at the selection table tomorrow.

Steven Morris will miss Friday night's clash against Fremantle through suspension while defender Troy Chaplin has not recovered from concussion.

Their absence is likely to open the door for Nick Vlastuin, Richmond's top pick at last year's draft, to make his AFL debut.

Robin Nahas and former Kangaroo Aaron Edwards are also chances to play the Dockers.
 

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'Doc' and Paddy stood side by side

Former Collingwood footballers Malcolm "Doc" Seddon (left) and Paddy Rowan. Source: Supplied

IT was 1915 and in the strongest of Collingwood traditions, teammates Malcolm "Doc" Seddon and Paddy Rowan pledged to stand side by side as they prepared to be shipped off to fight in World War 1.

They had become best mates after meeting four years earlier when they arrived at Victoria Park as first-year players.

And they were still playing for the Magpies during their army training.

In fact, they were sent on a 16km training march on the morning of the 1915 Grand Final, despite both having been selected for the afternoon's game against Carlton.

It was suggested the order came from their superior, who followed the Blues.

Carlton won by 33 points.

For Rowan, whose real name was Percy Rowe, it was to be his last game for Collingwood.

Rowe was killed in France in December 1916, when a piece of shrapnel pierced his body.

He had taken his pseudonym presumably because he was still tied to South Bendigo Football Club.

He had boxed under the name Paddy Rowan to keep his fighting career a secret from his mother.

In an extraordinary twist, it was Seddon who introduced a childhood friend, Louise Newby, to Rowe and the pair fell in love, marrying just before the two mates left for foreign shores shortly after the Grand Final.

Seddon survived the war and, feeling a great sense of responsibility for his fallen friend, returned to Australia determined to help Louise and look after her and Rowe's baby boy, Percy Jr, whom Rowe never saw.

In a strange set of circumstances, Louise had been Seddon's girlfriend, and eventually the pair fell in love, married in 1923 and had two children of their own.

After serving in the army for three years, Seddon resumed his career with the Magpies in 1919 and played in the premiership that year.

He had notched 102 games and 56 goals by the end of his last season in 1921.

He represented Victoria in 1920 and later served the Magpies as a selector and committeeman and was a life member.

The big ruckman had survived after being gassed on the front.

The Anzac spirit will never be forgotten at Collingwood and it's not just because the club lost players, officials and supporters to war.

In 1917, Seddon sent club secretary Ern Copeland a horseshoe that had been fashioned from "the driving band of a German 15-inch shell" which he had found on the battlefield of Bapaume in northern France.

The nails were made from pieces of a German aeroplane the Australians had shot down over the Somme.

Corporal Seddon wrote to Copeland: "I hope that this shoe will bring the boys to the top of the tree this year."

It brought the luck Seddon was hoping for with the Magpies winning the 1917 premiership.

Magpies president Eddie McGuire with the famous horse shoe.. Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun

Each year Collingwood president Eddie McGuire takes the horseshoe to the Anzac Day clash, not that the players or anyone else have to be reminded about the significance of the day.

"I take it down and show the boys," McGuire said yesterday.

"If it's our home game, I also take it into the president's lunch and show everyone and tell them about Doc Seddon and Percy Rowe because it's just such a wonderful story."

Seddon also sent another horseshoe to his family, who have since donated it to Collingwood.

A famous Anzac biscuit, which he sent home from Egypt in 1915, has a Collingwood football drawn on it, with writing that says: "What I am training on."

Collingwood's Anzac display in the foyer of its Westpac Centre headquarters also contains a piece of shrapnel from a German Zeppelin airship shot down near London in 1916 and sent to the club from the Western Front by Dan Minogue, who was Magpies captain from 1914-16.

McGuire said today was poignant for everyone to remember the grandparents or great grandparents they never met.
 

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How Anderson buried his demons

Ian Anderson, Miss Suong and Mr Ngan. Source: Supplied

Essendon's Ian Anderson during his playing days. Picture: Photo File Source: Supplied

IAN Anderson brought the enemy to his world to finally bury the demons of the Vietnam War.

A promising enough ruckman/forward to be named Essendon's recruit of the year in 1967, Private "Ginger'' Anderson of the 8th Battalion spent six weeks during 1970 in the Long Hais mountains, dodging land mines and bullets rather than backhanders in the ruck from John Nicholls or Len Thompson.

He fought hard but struggled with losing a couple of diggers in the same battle, the waking during the night with cold sweats, the sense of aimlessness and the guilt with participating in a war that his countrymen protested about.

So Anderson kept going back to the silent hills that had once offered death with every poorly conceived step.

And last year, on his seventh trip and one where he had taken his children to explain why Dad was sometimes the way he was, everything changed.

"We were travelling around the Long Hais mountain when this Vietnamese bloke started gibbering in the back of our van.

"I asked our interpreter, Miss Suong, what he was talking about and she just said 'exactly the same stuff you were just telling your kids','' said Anderson, 64.

"His name was Mr Ngan and it turns out he fought in the same battle during February, 1970. When I found out I touched him on top of his head and said 'you missed me, you little mongrel'. He replied 'but you shoot at me first'.

"He was a lovely man but then again all the South Vietnamese people are. That's where he came from, a VC man from the south, part of the VC D445 Battalion. He spent 11 years in those mountains, getting wounded four times.''

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So Anderson, who played 27 games for the Bombers and kicked 49 goals after being recruited from the Wimmera area of Miga Lake, decided to bring Mr Ngan and Miss Suong to Australia, to show them how we lived.

Last November he outlaid $5000 for their flights and asked them to stay with him in his hometown of Port Fairy.

And it was then that his head cleared.

"I've had stuff going on for over 40 years, just like a lot of other blokes. But my head is good now thanks to that experience.

"I taught Mr Ngang how to punt, drink and speak English. We would go down to The Star of the West (where the beer is best) in Port Fairy and I taught him the words 'one more'. Every time he wanted a beer that's what he would say.

"And he kept winning on the mystery bets. I'm worried that I have sent him home a compulsive gambling alcho.''

Anderson now sends money back to Vietnam for the education of Miss Suong's son, and he will see them both agains when he goes back to Vietnam in August.

Anderson was one of six Essendon players to have served in Vietnam, the others being Keith Gent, Lindsay McGie, Ian ``Porky'' Payne, Greg ``Rattler'' Perry and Bill ``Sherry'' Thompson.
 

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Unity key to Pies' game

James Hird says he's wary of Dane Swan's form against Essendon.

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley declared Essendon skipper Jobe Watson "basically untaggable" as he plotted a positive strategy for the Anzac Day clash.

Buckley said it would be pointless to individually target Watson, Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard and Dyson Heppell.

"It's pretty hard if you're going to trailer and caravan them around," Buckley said.

"We believe we can defend well as a unit, reinforce our strengths and blunt the opposition's at the same time. We back the way we play, we back the way we defend."

GALLERY: See the Pies prepare for Anzac Day

The Pies made one change to the team that defeated Richmond last Saturday, bringing back versatile Tyson Goldsack at the expense of Josh Thomas.

Essendon resisted the temptation to hand father-son recruit Joe Daniher, 19, an Anzac Day debut.

Stewart Crameri comes back from a knee injury, as well as Kyle Hardingham and Travis Colyer. Tayte Pears and Jake Melksham are on the sidelines with the injured Michael Hurley.

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Coach James Hird said this year's Bombers were better placed to take on the Pies than last year's, despite a 4-0 record going into Anzac Day yet again.

"We've certainly got a better injury list, we've got more players available and we're playing better football than this time last year," Hird said.

"We may have been 4-0 last year, but if you look back on the games that we were playing, we were just beating sides and probably lucky to win a couple of those games.

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"Collingwood is an outstanding team and it's going to be a very tough game."

Essendon yesterday signed key defender Jake Carlisle for two more years.

"It means a lot to recommit to the club that gave me the opportunity and drafted me," Carlisle said.

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Elliot signs to stick with Pies

Jamie Elliott is staying with the Pies. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD has locked in young gun Jamie Elliott, one of the AFL's in-form small forwards this season, for the next two seasons.

And promising young ruckman Jarrod Witts has also inked a new deal for the next three seasons.

Elliott, 20, has kicked nine goals from his four games this season, including a five-goal haul against Carlton and three goals against Hawthorn.

His form in his second season had attracted the interest of rival clubs, but the one-time kid from Euroa has now committed to the Magpies until the end of the 2015 season.

Witts, also 20, is yet to play a senior game, but has long been touted as a ruckman of the future.

"Obviously I wanted to see how the first few rounds went with my form,'' Elliott told The Club last night.

"It was really promising for me, and to get it out of the way now, and focus on the year ahead is a big deal. It is a big relief for me.''

Collingwood director Geoff Walsh described the pair as "two of our most promising players.'

"Jamie Elliott, with almost 20 games under his belt now, is becoming one of the bright young players of the competition,'' Walsh said.

"Jarrod, although he is yet to play a senior game, has played some really good games in the VFL of recent times and certainly as a ruckman, we have invested heavily in his future and we see him as a player in Collingwood colours for a long time.''

Witts said: "I haven't even played a senior game yet and they have given me that security of three years. They have shown a lot of faith in me and it is up to me now to repay them.''

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SuperCoach rookie trade guide

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

Jack Viney tries to evade James Frawley at Melbourne training. Source: Herald Sun

WHEN it comes to trading in SuperCoach, the secret is in the timing.

The theory behind building a winning SuperCoach team is simple - buy cheap players at the start of the year who score well early, then trade them out and use the cash you gain to fill your team with A-grade stars.

In practice, it's a little more complicated, especially when injuries, form and the unpredictable nature of our great game (exhibit A: Justin Westhoff) throw our best-laid plans into chaos.

But, even allowing for a corrective trade or two, most SuperCoach players will have a bunch of healthy cash cows that are fattening up nicely.

Our Port Adelaide defenders have all put on healthy price gains, as have midfield guns like Ollie Wines and Jaeger O'Meara.

When do we start thinking about cashing them in?

Ideally, the stars will align so you can trade out two rookies at the top of their price, snap up another cheap youngster who is about to shoot up in value and grab a proven star who is available at a bargain price.

The perfect alignment hasn't happened yet, but the elements are starting to get closer together. The secret to success is taking the plunge at the right moment - you never know exactly when a rookie is going to produce a huge score or a star is going to cop an injury and drop in price.

Below is a list of popular rookies with our assessment on when the time is right to offload them.

We also need to search for the other ingredients in the perfect trade.

There are some cheap players worth looking at this week - Sam Mayes, Michael Evans and Taylor Duryea have all played two matches and are about to go up - or next (keep a close eye on one-gamers Sam Docherty, Majak Daw, Jackson Macrae, Max Gawn and Tom Lee).

If you make the move and trade, who do you use the cash on? Look for guns you know you can rely on later in the season who are available (relatively) cheap. Taylor Walker has dropped $74,500 this season, teammate Patrick Dangerfield is down $69,300 and even superstars Dane Swan, Josh Kennedy and Jobe Watson are down on their starting price due to one poor score.

And if you haven't got Gary Ablett, he's available for $59,300 less than he was two weeks ago.

The list below of rookies who may be ripe for trading includes each player's average, their price gain this year and their breakeven this week - the score they need to maintain their price. Once the average and breakeven even out, the player's price plateaus and it's trade time!

This week we are only looking at rookies who have played all four matches.

JACK VINEY (Melbourne)
Position: Midfielder
Average: 61.5
Price: $193,400
Price change: +$83,900
Breakeven: 28
Next three: Brisbane, Carlton, Gold Coast
Verdict: Last week's score of nine hurt plenty of our scores, and will also put a big dent in Viney's money-making potential. The first rookie in the trade queue - if you're bold, this could be the week.

BRETT GOODES (Western Bulldogs)
Position: Defender/midfielder
Average: 101
Price: $294,000
Price change: +$165,800
Breakeven: -28
Next three: Geelong, West Coast, North Melbourne
Verdict: Will be making money for a while yet, and who is scoring better than him anyway? Lock him in for your starting line-up.

JASPER PITTARD (Port Adelaide)
Position: Defender
Average: 76
Price: $235,700
Price change: +$107,700
Breakeven: 12
Next three: West Coast, North Melbourne, Richmond
Verdict: Port has had a dream run so far, playing Melbourne, GWS and Gold Coast in the first four rounds. It gets a bit tougher from here. Hold for now, but take a close look in a couple of weeks.

JAEGER O'MEARA (Gold Coast)
Position: Midfielder
Average: 83
Price: $252,900
Price change: +$137,000
Breakeven: 2
Next three: GWS, Fremantle, Melbourne
Verdict: Has had a couple of quiet matches but has a safe place in the Suns midfield. Plenty more cash to be made yet.

Suns young gun Jaeger O'Meara poses for a portrait with the number 1 jersey at Metricon Stadium Picture: Jerad Williams Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

OLLIE WINES (Port Adelaide)
Position: Midfielder
Average: 97
Price: $304,600
Price change: +$135,100
Breakeven: -41
Next three: West Coast, North Melbourne, Richmond
Verdict: Has been a sensation so far, but he is only 18 and very few rookies go through a full season without the rigours of playing at the top level taking their toll at some stage. And unlike O'Meara, he hasn't been playing against men for a year to prepare. Should be a safe bet until the mid-year bye rounds, and if he keeps up his average you'll nearly be able to do a straight swap for a premium midfielder.

LEWIS STEVENSON (Port Adelaide)
Position: Defender
Average: 69
Price: $222,700
Price change: +$106,800
Breakeven: 9
Next three: West Coast, North Melbourne, Richmond
Verdict: See Pittard, but with a slightly lower average so he could go to the trade table first. The positive about all our cheap Port defenders is they are mature bodies so they shouldn't need a rest at any stage.

CAMPBELL HEATH (Port Adelaide)
Position: Defender
Average: 73
Price: $236,200
Price change: +$120,300
Breakeven: -5
Next three: West Coast, North Melbourne, Richmond
Verdict: See above. If you've got all three Port defenders, next week could be the time to cash in one - especially if Brisbane's Sam Docherty produces another good score this weekend.

NICK KOMMER (Essendon)
Position: Midfielder
Average: 61
Price: $161,500
Price change: +$52,000
Breakeven: -22
Next three: Collingwood, GWS, Geelong
Verdict: Hasn't made a lot of cash yet and can't play again until Round 6 due to suspension - and he might find it tough to get back into the Bombers' best 22. Might be best to cut your losses.

Essendon's Nick Kommer takes a strong mark. Source: Getty Images

SAM DWYER (Collingwood)
Position: Midfielder/forward
Average: 73
Price: $233,000
Price change: +$136,800
Breakeven: -2
Next three: Essendon, St Kilda, Fremantle
Verdict: Survived the return of Dale Thomas and Alex Fasolo which is great news. Another mature-age recruit who seems a safe money-making bet for a few more rounds at least.

LUKE BROWN (Adelaide)
Position: Midfielder/forward
Average: 55
Price: $200,600
Price change: +$65,100
Breakeven: 34
Next three: Carlton, Hawthorn, GWS
Verdict: Rising breakeven is a worry, and a score of 12 in Round 3 will be in his rolling average for two more weeks (player prices are calculated using a rolling average of their past three matches). Prime trade bait for Docherty next week.

MARK BLICAVS (GEELONG)
Position: Ruck/midfielder
Average: 54
Price: $188,800
Price change: +$72,900
Breakeven: 2
Next three: Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Essendon
Verdict: Just keeps producing those 50-odd scores. If he keeps going on that path he'll reach his top price of about $270,000 in Round 10. He's not that far from it now and a couple of rucks will be on the bubble next week. Needs a big game to stay safe!

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