Cats to give no more quarter

Mathew Stokes admits the Cats "probably" switched off with the game in their control late in the third term. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

MATHEW Stokes says Geelong's capitulation to the Brisbane Lions was unacceptable and every player must take responsibility for his part in Sunday's final quarter debacle.

The Cats led by 52 points before the Lions stormed home in the dramatic final term to record the equal-eighth greatest comeback in league history.

Stokes admitted the Cats "probably" switched off with the game in their control late in the third term and said the players were stunned, shocked and hurting.

He conceded they could no longer sweep their poor form "under the rug", but backed the character of the players to respond for blockbuster games against Fremantle and Hawthorn.

"We've forged a reputation over a number of years now, nearly from when I first got here (2006), that (these performances are) just not acceptable," Stokes said.

"I think every player who played (on Sunday) has to take responsibility for it and I think we will. The good thing about our group is we win together but we also lose together.

"We don't point at each other and say, 'It's your fault, it's his fault, it's this area's fault'. It's a team loss, but it was a really bad loss.

"We got overrun by a team with a lot of enthusiasm and we didn't stand up when we needed to."

Stokes admitted the Cats made bad decisions.

"I think there were periods in the game where we could have slowed the game down a lot," he said.

"We made some really poor decisions out there, as a group, not individually..

"To lose to a team not in the eight, in a game we're expected to win, when you're up by that many points at halftime and come away with a loss, is extremely hard to take and disappointing."

It was the biggest comeback in Brisbane's history and Geelong's worst capitulation since it surrendered a 54-point lead against West Coast in 2006.

Even though the Cats have been prone to inconsistency this year, they have been able to get themselves out of most situations.

"We've been struggling to play our best for a few weeks now," Stokes said.

"It's going to be a massive task next week (against Fremantle). We struggled badly in the second half and it needs to be rectified and worked on quickly because we've got ourselves into a really good position (10-2) and to have that performance is not on and something that, as players, we're not going to accept."

 

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Crows tinker with secret tricks

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
3	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
4	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
5	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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No gift farewell game for Johncock

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
3	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
4	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
5	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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Moored in misery

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
3	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
4	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
5	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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Final Demon pillar topples

Tim Harrington is leaving the Dees. Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE'S administrative overhaul has now claimed every position of power at the club, after list manager Tim Harrington was made redundant.

The Herald Sun understands Harrington was told of the decision yesterday, coinciding with an internal announcement that the position of football manager Josh Mahoney would be publicly advertised.

Harrington will be the fall guy for many of last year's controversial recruits, including David Rodan, Shannon Byrnes and Tom Gillies, although he was overruled on some of those by then coach Mark Neeld.

Coaching legend David Parkin often talks about the five pillars of a football club, including the coach, president, chief executive and the recruiter.

Since April 9, chief executive Cameron Schwab has been sacked, president Don McLardy has stood down, Neeld has been sacked and Mahoney told he will have to apply for the new head of football position.

Recruiter Jason Taylor is under pressure and former North Melbourne official Harrington will leave immediately.

He was on staff rather than a long-term contract, so the decision will not force the club into another costly exit after the $600,000 Neeld payout.

Harrington, who was elevated from football manager to list manager at North in 2007, crossed to Melbourne in 2009.

But, while there have been some value picks, the Demons have been condemned for not developing youngsters and wasting high picks on players who did not deserve that status.

They also paid huge sums for key forwards Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes, with both injury-prone since arriving.

Former Cat Byrnes was able to secure a two-year deal and battling former North Melbourne defender Cameron Pedersen has a three-year deal.

Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson confirmed Harrington's departure last night. "Tim's departure is not performance related. It reflects the need to reduce the overall cost of the structure," he said.

"Tim has worked diligently in his role for more than four years at the club, and I'm certain he will find another productive role in the AFL industry."

Jackson has already foreshadowed a new head of football position, with Mahoney virtually no chance of filling that role.

Jackson confirmed on Saturday he had approached several big names to fill the head of football role.

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Cats to give no more quarter

Mathew Stokes admits the Cats "probably" switched off with the game in their control late in the third term. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

MATHEW Stokes says Geelong's capitulation to the Brisbane Lions was unacceptable and every player must take responsibility for his part in Sunday's final quarter debacle.

The Cats led by 52 points before the Lions stormed home in the dramatic final term to record the equal-eighth greatest comeback in league history.

Stokes admitted the Cats "probably" switched off with the game in their control late in the third term and said the players were stunned, shocked and hurting.

He conceded they could no longer sweep their poor form "under the rug", but backed the character of the players to respond for blockbuster games against Fremantle and Hawthorn.

"We've forged a reputation over a number of years now, nearly from when I first got here (2006), that (these performances are) just not acceptable," Stokes said.

"I think every player who played (on Sunday) has to take responsibility for it and I think we will. The good thing about our group is we win together but we also lose together.

"We don't point at each other and say, 'It's your fault, it's his fault, it's this area's fault'. It's a team loss, but it was a really bad loss.

"We got overrun by a team with a lot of enthusiasm and we didn't stand up when we needed to."

Stokes admitted the Cats made bad decisions.

"I think there were periods in the game where we could have slowed the game down a lot," he said.

"We made some really poor decisions out there, as a group, not individually..

"To lose to a team not in the eight, in a game we're expected to win, when you're up by that many points at halftime and come away with a loss, is extremely hard to take and disappointing."

It was the biggest comeback in Brisbane's history and Geelong's worst capitulation since it surrendered a 54-point lead against West Coast in 2006.

Even though the Cats have been prone to inconsistency this year, they have been able to get themselves out of most situations.

"We've been struggling to play our best for a few weeks now," Stokes said.

"It's going to be a massive task next week (against Fremantle). We struggled badly in the second half and it needs to be rectified and worked on quickly because we've got ourselves into a really good position (10-2) and to have that performance is not on and something that, as players, we're not going to accept."

 

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Crows tinker with secret tricks

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
3	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
4	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
5	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
8	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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No gift farewell game for Johncock

Setback: Brenton Sanderson has revealed Graham Johncock has suffered a recurrence of his long-standing back injury. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

CROWS veteran Graham Johncock will not be handed a farewell game - and the fan favourite does not want his last game at Adelaide to be a gift.

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson last night declared he will not recall 227-game Johncock simply to allow the converted defender to take a bow before the Adelaide supporters.

"I don't like farewell games - and I'm not going to give players a (free) game," said Sanderson in his a mid-term report with FIVEaa last night.

"And Graham said to me today `don't give me a game'. He wants to earn his spot."

But Johncock - who has not played in the AFL since the round three Showdown against Port Adelaide - still appears far from an AFL recall for his third game of the season.

Sanderson last night revealed Johncock, 30, has suffered a recurrence of his long-standing back injury.

"Physically," Sanderson said of Johncock, "he can't meet the demands of the AFL game.

"We need him at his best to contribute.

"Graham still has a big role to play. It's up to me to keep him motivated and engaged in the group because he is an important player for us."

Sanderson last night finally conceded his club's new fitness program - after losing long-standing fitness coach Stephen Schwerdt to Gold Coast - had failed to maintain standards.

"Externally, the Crows always have been seen as super fit but this year we had an emphasis on being stronger, for finals," said Sanderson, whose 11th-ranked team may not qualify for September.

"It is an area we need to get better at ... we need to run out games better."

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Moored in misery

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
3	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
4	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
5	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
8	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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Final Demon pillar topples

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
3	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
4	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
5	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
8	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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Double injury blow for Eagles

Shannon Hurn on crutches after the Eagles' loss to Hawthorn. Source: Getty Images

WEST Coast has suffered a serious setback ahead of its crucial clash against Essendon, ruling out star playmakers Scott Selwood and Shannon Hurn with injury.

Selwood and Hurn will both miss large chunks of the remainder of the season as West Coast fights to stay in finals contention.

Selwood, 23, has as suspected broken thumb, while Hurn has a serious ankle injury.

A decision on whether they required surgery is expected from West Coast medical staff and advisers later today.

Gibson, Birchall in doubt for Hawks

Hurn, 25, could miss as much as eight weeks and only be back into action approaching the September finals, if West Coast is still in contention.

Eagles coach John Worsfold confirmed his latest injury woes on today.

He said Selwood could miss up to a month if the injury requires surgery.

"There's every possibility it will require some surgery," Worsfold said.

"That looks like he will miss a number of weeks."

Worsfold described Hurn's damaged right ankle as "pretty bad".

"Bracing for the worst scenario is he will need some surgery and be out for a couple of months and that certainly could be the case.

"At best he'll miss a couple of weeks.

"It's a some sort of tendon he has torn in his ankle and not a ligament. Most sprained ankles are ligament sprains."

Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan and Will Schofield are in the mix for recalls against the Bombers then a potentially defining block of clashes that follows: Adelaide in Adelaide, Fremantle and then reigning premier Sydney as West Coast fights to stay in touch with the top eight.

Both players were hurt during West Coast's 20-point loss to premiership favourite Hawthorn in Melbourne on Friday night.

Selwood is the Eagles' reigning fairest-and-best winner and would have been an ideal run-with candidate to play on Bombers captain Jobe Watson.

Hurn is the Eagles' most important link-up player in defence and vital to West Coast kick-in strategies.

He was subbed out of Friday's clash with the Hawks at quarter-time after suffering nasty ligament damage during a frenetic opening term.

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Crowley claims: 'I didn't do it'

Kangaroos star Brent Harvey of the Kangaroos talks to the umpire about Ryan Crowley's close checking at Patersons Stadium yesterday. Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE is poised to fight a pinching charge laid against Ryan Crowley after the antagonistic tagger denied intentionally pinching Brent Harvey.

Crowley was fined $1200 after an AFL investigation into an incident in the first quarter at Patersons Stadium.

There is no footage of the incident, although Harvey was captured raising his jumper to an umpire and complaining about Crowley's tactic, which prompted the investigation.

Both Crowley and Harvey were interviewed on Monday.

Steve Johnson cops two-week ban  

Crowley denied to the AFL he intentionally pinched Harvey, while Harvey did not deny his initial statement to the umpire.

It's also understood Harvey told friends he was pinched on more than one occasion, while in the rooms after the match a series of welts could be seen on his body.

Footage at the end of the game showed Harvey and Crowley in discussion about the tactics employed by the Dockers hardman.

Surgery but Barlow still a chance 

The Dockers refused to comment last night, but the strong indication was they were prepared to back their player's version of events.

In their weekly media release, the Dockers said: "If a Fremantle player is found guilty by the match review panel during the 2013 season, the club will not make any comment or decision as to whether to challenge that finding until the next day's deadline."

The Dockers are expected to lodge appeal papers by 11am today, meaning the AFL Tribunal would sit tonight.

The game's most famous "pincher', former Collingwood strongman Craig Kelly said yesterday rules dictated that pinching was outlawed.

Kelly employed the tactic for a fortnight in 1996 against Geelong and Hawthorn.

He pinched Billy Brownless, Gary Ablett and David Mensch from Geelong, and then Jason Dunstall from the Hawks.

"The following week I was playing on (Tony) Lockett and I didn't go anywhere near him," Kelly said.

 He said pinching was outside the rules.

"Clearly it is (banned), the AFL has said it is by the rules in place, so you can't do it," he said.

 Kelly described the tactic as "annoying" for opponents.

North Melbourne refused to comment last night, but coach Brad Scott made it clear in the post-match that a complaint about Crowley's tactics would not come from the club.

"I think it was a good battle," Scott said.

"Boomer has played 350-plus games. I reckon he might have got away with 20 games at the start of his career, maybe 10, when he wasn't subjected to that sort of defensive pressure, but he's had it for his whole career so it's nothing new."

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The Barometer: Round 14

Richmond defender Troy Chaplin is carried off after twisting his knee. Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt, who's on the cusp and who's on the block - a complete rundown of every club's playing stocks.

ADELAIDE

Brodie Martin (ankle) 4 weeks
Taylor Walker (knee) season
Lewis Johnston (knee) 2-3 weeks
Jared Petrenko (shoulder) test

ON THE BLOCK: Very few injuries at West Lakes, but that is not to say there won't be changes this week. Coming off a disappointing loss to Richmond and then a bye, the Crows are expected to swing the axe for this week's clash against the Suns. The likes of Ian Callinan, Ricky Henderson and Matthew Jaensch will have a nervous week.

ON THE CUSP: In a big boost, Jared Petrenko is a chance to play this week. Petrenko sprained his right AC joint in Adelaide's loss to Sydney in Round 11. He'll need to prove his fitness, but the Crows believe he is not without a chance. The likes of Mitchell Grigg and Jarryd Lyons are also knocking on the door.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Morale is not great at Adelaide right now. Their season has not gone according to plan, but there is no doubting they are a proud and professional club. Don't expect them to just roll over when they head to Metricon Stadium to face the improving Suns.

BRISBANE

INJURIES
Claye Beams (knee) season
Stefan Martin (ankle) available
Jared Polec (ankle) available
Patrick Weardon (jaw) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Obvious attention turns to Sam Mayes, who has been terrific for much of the season but struggled to get into it against the Cats, while emerging tall Justin Clarke could also face scrutiny at the selection table. Ryan Harwood showed some dash when he came on and would be stiff to be omitted.

ON THE CUSP: Good news for the Lions is that players at the lower level gained confidence at the weekend. Livewire forward Josh Green booted four to put his name back in lights, while runner Rohan Bewick and the experienced Andrew Raines will also press for a call-up.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: It will be tough for Michael Voss to make too many changes to the 22 that fought back to enjoy one of the club's finest ever wins for the Lions' clash against Hawthorn. They face a whole new challenge this week - away to the ladder leaders and premiership favourites, who show no signs of taking their foot off the pedal. The Geelong win was a miracle. This may be something else.

CARLTON

INJURIES
Andrew Carrazzo (calf) test
Marc Murphy (cheekbone) 2-3 weeks
David Ellard (calf) 2 weeks
Patrick McCarthy (foot) 6 weeks
Rhys O'Keeffe (foot) indefinite
Mitch Robinson (shoulder) test

ON THE BLOCK: Out goes skipper Marc Murphy, who will miss 2-3 with a fractured cheekbone. It is a massive loss for the Blues ahead of a very important period for them. Ruckman Sam Rowe may also come out this week. Mitch Robinson has a shoulder injury and faces a fitness test. But the Blues are confident he should play against the Swans.

ON THE CUSP: The Blues should get Andrew Carrazzo back from a calf issue. Tom Bell also is a good chance to return after an impressive performance in the VFL at the weekend. He finished with 25 possessions (11 of them contested).

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: The Blues have had a week off as they prepare for what is a crucial clash against the Swans. They can no longer settle for honourable losses - they need wins if they want to stay in touch with the top eight. This is a massive challenge, but not beyond them. Coach Mick Malthouse will have them primed for battle.

Marc Murphy makes his way from the field after a heavy hit broke his cheekbone. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Luke Ball (calf) test
Travis Cloke (finger) available
Tyson Goldsack (hip) 1-2 weeks
Ben Johnson (calf) 2 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (wrist) 3 weeks
Dayne Beams (quad) 3-4 weeks
Jack Frost (knee) 3-5 weeks
Alex Fasolo (foot) Indefinite
Dale Thomas (ankle) Indefinite
Alan Toovey (knee) Season

ON THE BLOCK: Tyson Goldsack is set to miss with a hip injury. Adam Oxley, who made his debut before the bye, may make way this week. Ditto Ben Kennedy and perhaps Sam Dwyer. It is getting later in the season, so expect to see Collingwood try to stabilise its side over the coming weeks.

ON THE CUSP: And with that in mind, welcome back Luke Ball, Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer. All three are expected to be available for selection against Port Adelaide. Clinton Young surely also has to be close. As for Dayne Beams ... will he ever play again? Amazing that a quad injury that struck him the day before Round 1 has sidelined him for this long. And he is still a good 2-3 weeks away. Frustrating for all involved.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Will be interesting to see how the Magpies come out after the bye. The top four is still a realistic chance for them, but they can't afford to drop games like this. Some relief on the injury front would also help.

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Dustin Fletcher (groin) test
Michael Hurley (wrist) test
Courtenay Dempsey (chest) test
Nathan Lovett-Murray (arm) available

ON THE BLOCK: On the injury front, Essendon is the envy of the competition. The Bombers' list is in sensational shape at the halfway point of the season. Michael Hurley is the only real injury concern. Given their vast array of tall targets (hello Joe Daniher), it is unlikely he will be risked if there is any issue there.

ON THE CUSP: Hird has flagged the possibility of playing all of Patrick Ryder, Joe Daniher and Tom Bellchambers against the Eagles after Bellchambers was Essendon's best player in the VFL. Will it happen? Unlikely, but you never know. Courtenay Dempsey is a chance to return, ditto Dustin Fletcher - who missed their last match against Gold Coast with a groin issue.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: No excuses this week for Essendon. The Dons have a 12-day break against a team with a six-day break plus a flight back to Perth. With basically a full list to choose from, Essendon should start favourite. And really it should win. These are the games you must win if you are serious about a top four finish.

FREMANTLE

Michael Barlow (face) test
Matthew Pavlich (achilles) test
Haiden Schloithe (calf) test
Lachie Neale (ankle) available
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) 1 week
Anthony Morabito (knee) 2 weeks
Sam Menegola (knee) 8 weeks
Jonathon Griffin (knee) season
Kepler Bradley (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Hayden Crozier is often on the fringes in this line-up, while Matthew Taberner's light frame may be excused against the Cats. The Dockers say Michael Barlow is still a chance to play after surgery on Monday morning to repair a facial injury, but surely he'll take a week off.

ON THE CUSP: All eyes on big guns Matthew Pavlich (Achilles) and David Mundy (calf). Ross Lyon says Mundy had a "slight calf strain" and should return. Viv Michie racked up another 30 touches (and seven inside-50s) in the WAFL to continue to press his claims, but would Ross Lyon blood the youngster at the Cattery? Tanner Smith also continues to progress nicely in the state league.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Fremantle has been getting the job done with ease but faces a bigger test this week - the on-the-rebound Cats on their home patch. Freo doesn't score heavily and will need to kick a decent score at Simonds to win. Or will Rossy's men be able to squeeze the life out of the attacking Cats? A win can consolidate their spot in the top four.

GEELONG

INJURIES
George Horlin-Smith (quad) test
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
Jared Rivers (knee) 2-3 weeks
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 1-3 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Paul Chapman (hamstring) indefinite
Nathan Vardy (back) test
Trent West (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: Steve Johnson is set to miss the next two matches for his high bump on Pearce Hanley. Jordan Murdoch didn't have a great output against Brisbane and was subbed off, starting sub Jesse Stringer could also go either way while Mitch Duncan looks like he may just need a week in the VFL to regain his touch.

ON THE CUSP: The good news for the Cats is their VFL side - filled with young talent - destroyed Port Melbourne in a replay of last year's grand final. Mitch Brown and Josh Caddy were among the best while Billie Smedts also looked a class above the grade and could earn a return to the top level.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Chris Scott is almost certain to react to Sunday's fadeout against the Lions. The question is: how many Cats will get the chop? The most interest may come in the ruck department. Will Dawson Simpson, so good in the first-half against the Lions, earn another game if Vardy or West are fit to return? Vardy is a walk-up start if his body is OK but the Cats always err on the side of caution with the talented big man. Given the importance of this clash, one would think Scott will opt for more experienced, harder bodies.

Stevie J cops two-week ban

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Tom Lynch (knee) 8 weeks
Michael Rischitelli (elbow) test
Harley Bennell (hamstring) test
Charlie Dixon (ankle) test
Jesse Lonergan (hamstring) test
Brandon Matera (ankle) indefinite
Henry Schade (ankle) TBA
Zac Smith (knee) season
Matthew Warnock (arm) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Suns have lost forward Tom Lynch for up to eight weeks with a knee injury. Michael Rischitelli sprained his elbow against Essendon and remains in doubt this week. In terms of unforced changes, there will be a couple given the Suns have a stack of players set to return. The likes of Liam Patrick, ruckman Daniel Gorringe and Tom Murphy may be a bit nervous.

ON THE CUSP: How long have you got? If all goes well, the Suns will have Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, Matthew Warnock, Jesse Lonergan and Seb Tape all available for selection this week. Steven May kicked six goals in the twos last week and is knocking hard on the door. Jared Brennan and Karmichael Hunt have also made successful returns from injury through the reserves, so there is quite a lot of coach Guy McKenna to consider.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Has been a terrific start to the season by the Suns - who have developed a real appetite for the contest. And, it seems, an appetite for victory. But they cannot afford to drop the intensity against what is sure to be a desperate Adelaide side at Metricon Stadium. Should be nicely freshened up following the bye.

Harley Bennell runs laps at Metricon Stadium during Gold Coast training. Picture: Scott Fletcher Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GWS

INJURIES
Jonathan Patton (knee) season
Chad Cornes (shoulder) indefinite
Phil Davis (back) 2-3 weeks
Andrew Phillips (hamstring) test
Nathan Wilson (calf) test
Rhys Palmer (infected foot) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: After their first weekend since the start of the season without a loss, Kevin Sheedy's revolving door is set to continue swinging at Blacktown. Lachie Plowman, Zac Williams, Jeremy Bruce and Devon Smith are in a large group who could be sent back to the NEAFL.

ON THE CUSP: The Giants had a bye in the second-tier comp as well, so who knows? Tom Bugg, Stephen Gilham and Anthony Miles are on the fringe, Rhys Palmer could return after he was a late withdrawal in Round 12 and Dom Tyson is playing again after returning from a serious knee injury.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: After a stunning performance against Geelong the Giants were back to their worst against Port Adelaide. Hard to see them getting close to North at Etihad Stadium this week and they will be looking to Melbourne in Round 19 as their best chance to record a victory in 2013.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Grant Birchall (knee) test
Josh Gibson (ankle) test
Paul Puopolo (quad) test
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) test
Jed Anderson (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season
Matt Suckling (knee) season
Alex Woodward (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: A couple of fitness tests to come later in the week, but apart from that all continues to go swimmingly for Alastair Clarkson's men. Hard to pick holes with a winning line-up. Xavier Ellis may be the only nervous Hawk who played against the Eagles.

ON THE CUSP: Youngster Mitch Hallahan and recruits Kyle Cheney and Matt Spangher impressed for Box Hill. But could little magician Cyril Rioli return from his serious hammy? Hawk fans are hoping, while late withdrawal Paul Puopolo will likely come straight back should he overcome the quad strain sustained before the Eagles clash.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Oh yes, they're a happy team at Hawthorn. A game clear on top of the ladder (11-1), the coach can now go into "list management" mode for the second half of the season as he plans his finals campaign. If Birchall and Gibson aren't cherry-ripe this week they may have a rest - and the Hawks will still get home easily.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES
James Frawley (hamstring) test
Jack Grimes (shoulder) 3 weeks
Mitch Clark (foot) indefinite
Jack Viney (toe) test

ON THE BLOCK: Out goes ruckman Jake Spencer, who has been hit with a three-game suspension for his front-on bump that forced St Kilda counterpart Ben McEvoy out of Saturday's game with concussion. While the likes of Cam Pedersen, Shannon Byrnes and Lynden Dunn are expected to find themselves in the gun.

ON THE CUSP: The Demons should welcome back defender James Frawley from injury this week. Max Gawn and James Magner are two other likely inclusions.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: A better effort and performance at the weekend. And now this week they face what looms as a winnable game against the Western Bulldogs. But it all depends on their mindset.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Tom Curran (foot) season
Lindsay Thomas (hamstring) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle has a way of making a lot of players look worse than they are, but Sam Wright, Taylor Hine and Aaron Black were among the Roos who just couldn't get into the game at Patersons Stadium. And what has happened to Leigh Adams this season? He kicked almost a goal a game last season and was one of the most damaging half-forwards in the comp. This year it's five goals in 12 games - and none since Round 6. Meanwhile, the Roos will sweat on scans of Lindsay Thomas's left hamstring and Brad Scott says he is unsure if Ben Cunnington will be available to face GWS on Sunday after he withdrew yesterday for personal reasons.

ON THE CUSP: Good news from the VFL with Robbie Tarrant kicking three goals for Werribee in his return from a long-term leg injury. Tarrant came on at quarter-time and finished with 14 disposals. Jordan Gysberts continued his strong second-tier form with 23 touches and Majak Daw kicked one goal. Kieran Harper wasn't risked in the second half after experiencing pain in his ankle.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: North is now three games outside the eight and would need a miracle run home to sneak into the finals, but they have a chance to get some momentum against GWS on Sunday. Games against Brisbane and Melbourne are on the horizon give Roos fans reason to hope but clashes against Richmond and Carlton in the next month could seal the Kangaroos' fate.

Lindsay Thomas in the hands of the trainers on the sidelines. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Travis Boak (finger) test
John Butcher (illness) test
Sam Colquhoun (hamstring) test
Cameron Hitchcock (rolled ankle) test
Paul Stewart (back) test
Jackson Trengove (foot) test
Jarrad Redden (hip) season

ON THE BLOCK: Not too many. Very few deserve to lose their spot after what was a stunning win over the Sydney Swans. Although a couple will as the Power have some players to return from injury. Given that some will have to make way, Matt Thomas and Campbell Heath may find themselves as the unlucky ones.

ON THE CUSP: He was expected to miss two weeks, but Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak is now rated a 50-50 chance to face Collingwood. Jackson Trengove will also be available for selection, subject to a fitness test later this week. Cameron Hitchcock and Paul Stewart are also expected to be available.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Terrific win against the Swans at the weekend. They will take that confidence, plus maybe skipper Travis Boak and a few others, into Saturday's big clash against Collingwood at AAMI Stadium. No reason why they can't take it up to the Magpies here.
 
RICHMOND

INJURIES
Troy Chaplin (knee) test
David Astbury (hamstring) test
Shane Tuck (shoulder) 1 week
Dylan Grimes (foot) 3-4 weeks
Ben Darrou (jaw) 4-5 weeks
Chris Knights (knee) season
Cadeyn Williams (shoulder) season

ON THE BLOCK: Close watch this week on key defenders Troy Chaplin and David Astbury. Damien Hardwick says scans cleared Chaplin of structural damage after he twisted his knee late in Saturday night's win against the Bulldogs. Astbury was subbed out with a "minor hamstring strain". But given the injury history of both, the club won't take any risks. In terms of form Nick Vlastuin had his first poor game and Matty White kicked a goal but is a regular in this section.

ON THE CUSP: Not much to cheer about from Coburg's 44-point loss to Casey Scorpions, although with tall backs needed it's noteworthy that Jake Batchelor, Matt Dea and Ricky Petterd all got through their returns from injury unscathed. Dea might be first in line for a call-up.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Richmond got the job done with minimum fuss against the Dogs and although there is talk the Tigers are only beating teams below them on the ladder, the higher you get the more teams there are beneath you to beat. St Kilda this week offers another chance to consolidate a place in the eight. Get on Jack Riewoldt to kick a bag - he's booted 15 in his past two games against the Saints.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Sam Fisher (foot) test
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 1 week
Darren Minchington (hamstring) 1 week
Lanny Hayes (calf) test
Sam Gilbert (knee) 4-5 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) season
Bea Maister (hamstring) 6-7 weeks
Jason Blake (calf) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Jimmy Webster (nine disposals), Brodie Murdoch and Clint Jones (11 each) might be in trouble if some big names finally return (see below). Ben McEvoy will be monitored after being subbed off with concussion.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Fisher was a late withdrawal on Saturday and will come into calculations again, along with Lenny Hayes who has now played one game since Round 5 - could he be nursed back through the VFL? Sandringham could use a boost after losing to Frankston by 96 points. Josh Saunders, Nathan Wright and Ahmed Saad were named in the Zebras' best.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The game against Melbourne was far from pretty but the Saints were entitled to enjoy their third win of the season, especially after another week of off-field drama. Backing it up won't be easy, with Richmond up next on Sunday afternoon in yet another twilight fixture. The Tigers used to be St Kilda's bunny - the Saints won 13 in a row against Richmond from 2003-11, but that monkey has been shrugged in the past two years.

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Adam Goodes (knee) 1 week
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) season
Andrejs Everitt (achilles) test
Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) indefinite
Gary Rohan (leg) 3-4 weeks
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Rhyce Shaw (abdomen) indefinite
Sam Naismith (knee) indefinite
Sam Reid (quad) 1 week
Shane Mumford (cheek) 2 weeks
Lewis Jetta (shin) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Scans today confirmed Adam Goodes damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Saturday, but coach John Longmire said today he was confident the injury would only sideline the champ for one game. Selection wise, Tony Armstrong may be in the gun after a disappointing showing against the Power.

ON THE CUSP: The Swans would love to welcome back guns Sam Reid and Lewis Jetta this week. But Longmire says they are another week away. Andrejs Everitt should return from an achilles issue. Draftee Tim Membrey is a chance to come in this week. Jed Lamb also a chance to return.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Very un-Sydney like at the weekend. That loss to Port Adelaide caught nearly all of us by surprise. It could spell bad news for Carlton. The defeat should sharpen the focus for this week. Expect to see a very different Swans outfit this week.

Adam Goodes leads Sydney players off the field. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Shannon Hurn (ankle) 9-10 weeks
Scott Selwood (thumb) 6-8 weeks
Brad Colledge (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Adam Selwood (back) 2 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 2 weeks
Brad Dick (hamstring) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Some bad injury news today with Shannon Hurn (ankle) and Scott Selwood (broken thumb) both ruled out of the clash against Essendon on Thursday night - and a fair while after that. Veteran Andrew Embley will also miss a week after dropping his knees into Ben Stratton.

ON THE CUSP: There will be a few changes this week. The likes of Will Schofield, Brad Sheppard, Mark Hutchings and Josh Hill are all in line for a recall. You could also probably add Ashley Smith and Jacob Brennan to that list. Coach John Worsfold has a big week ahead.

Shannon Hurn of the Eagles leaves the field on crutches. Source: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Shaun Higgins (foot) season
Brett Goodes (wrist) test
Josh Prudden (ankle) 2 weeks
Fletcher Roberts (quad) test
Koby Stevens (shoulder) test
Tom Williams (shoulder) season
Easton Wood (hamstring) 3 weeks
Tom Young (calf) test

ON THE BLOCK: Nathan Hrovat could drop out again after managing just two kicks before being subbed off against the Tigers. Nick Lower and Liam Picken had similar numbers but are in the team for their defensive talents. Luke Dahlhaus is a shadow of the exciting player that burst onto the AFL scene over the past two seasons. Brett Goodes is in doubt with a wrist setback.

ON THE CUSP: Mitch Wallis put up his hand for a recall with a best-on-ground performance for Williamstown on Saturday while Tory Dickson is ready for an AFL call-up after booting four goals in his second game back from injury. Koby Stevens should be right after failing to come up from a shoulder injury last weekend.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Dogs were on the wrong end of another big margin but the positive signs from the kids will keep the mood positive at the kennell. Jake Stringer, Jackson Macrae, Clay Smith and first-gamer Lachie Hunter all showed plenty, although the fact Ryan Griffen and Matthew Boyd were the team's best players by the length of Whitten Oval shows how much development is still required. Clashes against Melbourne and GWS in the next two weeks should ensure a successful middle part of the season for the Dogs.

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Goodes to miss Blues clash

Adam Goodes will miss Friday's clash against Carlton. Source: News Limited

Sydney veteran Adam Goodes has been ruled out of Friday's match against Carlton at the SCG after aggravating a knee injury.

Scans on Monday revealed the Swans' star utility had damaged a posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday's upset loss to Port Adelaide.

While it is not the same ligament he ruptured in last year's grand final, it had caused Goodes some issues in a pre-season clash with Port in Adelaide.

Medical updates for every club

But coach John Longmire is hopeful the 33-year-old will only miss a single game.

"Hopefully it's just a one-week injury, but we'll have to wait and see what he's like next week,'' Longmire told reporters on Monday.

"It could've been a lot worse.''

The premiership-winning mentor said the decision to substitute Goodes off at three-quarter time wasn't taken lightly, given the game was still in the balance.

"But clearly he was sore and restricted by it, therefore he misses - I'm hoping - only the one week,'' he said.

The mid-season injury adds to a long list of Swans casualties, which includes eight premiership players with more than 1100 AFL games of combined experience.

While the likes of Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) and Rhyce Shaw (abdomen) remain long-term prospects, Shane Mumford (face), Lewis Jetta (shin) and Sam Reid (quad) are still weeks away from returning.

Longmire confirmed both Jetta and Reid won't play this weekend, with Andrejs Everitt (ankle soreness) the only name on the injury list with a chance for a spot in Friday's squad.

"But that's what happens - you've got to deal with it,'' he said.

"It's just everyone has their turn and when it's your turn you've just got to make sure you play well and get the players in the team that need to contribute on a weekly basis.

"I'm confident that's what we'll be able to do, is lift our performance this week and make sure we put in a really strong performance against Carlton who have been a bit unlucky against some of the teams that have played really good football this year.''

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Pinching, stomping and hair pulling

Ryan Crowley is in trouble for allegedly pinching Brent Harvey.

THE last two AFL players to be charged for pinching both hail from Fremantle.

Ryan Crowley was nabbed today for pinching North Melbourne's Brent Harvey, while in 2010 serial pest Hayden Ballantyne accepted a $900 fine for pinching Gary Ablett.

But there has been no shortage of bizarre match review panel cases analysed in between.

Docker fined for pinching

Hair pulling, headbutting, stomping, blood wiping, staging and making an obscene gesture (read: flipping the bird) have all cost players cash or premiership matches.

Last year there were 10 peculiar examples alone.

Carlton skipper Marc Murphy was forced to cough up $900 when he raised his middle finger at the Collingwood cheer squad – an act no doubt plenty of his peers have thought about.

Crowley was pinged for staging two months later, accepting his reprimand, while Brent Harvey was slugged $1950 for pushing an opponent in the path of an umpire.

But it was arguably Joel Selwood who copped the most eyebrow-raising charge.

When the Cats skipper pushed brother Adam Selwood down he was given a reprimand for making contact with an injured player.

Will Minson – two months after copping a one-week club ban for a personal sledge at Danyle Pearce – was given a week for stomping on Kieren Jack. But he had that downgraded to a reprimand at the tribunal.

Channel 7 Clip of Will Minson stomping on Sydney's Kieren Jack. Picture: 7 Channel Source:

Josh Hunt wrote out a cheque for $1350 after he stood on Eddie Betts' hand, while Jeremy Howe somehow escaped with a reprimand after wiping his blood on the jumper of Port's Tom Jonas.

Holding the ball against Eddie Betts, while Josh Hunt stands on his hand. Carlton v Geelong. Etihad Stadium. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

That charge brought up memories of Nathan Buckley's infamous incident in 2002, when he copped a week for smearing blood on tagger Cameron Ling's jumper.

13/7/2002. Nathan Buckley wipes blood on Cameron Ling's jumper. Collingwood v Geelong. MCG. Picture: CHANNEL TEN. Video grab. Source:

Brett Deledio also paid $1950 for abusing a young umpire, while Alex Silvagni missed the first game of this season after headbutting Jared Petrenko in last year's semi-final.

Chris Judd was slugged four matches last year and bypassed the match review panel for his chicken-wing tackle on Leigh Adams, but perhaps Ballantyne and Ash McGrath's cases sit best alongside Crowley's alleged pinching antics.

Carlton v North Melbourne. Etihad Stadium. Chris Judd pulls Leigh Adams' arm back in the 2nd quarter. Tackle. Chicken wing. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

That pair was both fined $900 for pulling the hair of opponents. Yep, McGrath tugged Saint Tom Simpkin's hair in the 2011 NAB Cup, while Harry O'Brien's dreadlocks were too tempting for Ballantyne to leave alone in 2010.

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Dees boss rings Roos

Melbourne has spoken to Paul Roos, Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE has wasted no time sounding out Paul Roos, publicly declaring it wants to convince the premiership coach to take the reins at the embattled club next year.

New Demons chief executive Peter Jackson made the call to Roos just days after sacking Mark Neeld halfway through his three-year contract.

SuperCoach scores, stats and more

And despite Roos reiterating he has no plans to return to the coaching landscape, Jackson said the Dees would not give up hope of luring the 49-year-old in what would be the marquee recruit Melbourne desperately needs.

"I've spoken to Paul and his comments to me were exactly the same as the other night on television," Jackson told Triple M.

"At the moment he doesn't see himself coaching. It's not that (a contract dialogue) at all. But I've asked him the question and maybe, who knows."

How Melbourne could have lined up today

Jackson said Roos must have a burning desire to coach and not be swayed by the mega pay cheque he would command.

"Maybe we can convince him over time it's a challenge that's going to invigorate him," Jackson said.

"He has to want to coach. No amount of money is going to make him want to coach, he has to want to do it for the right reasons."

Roos remains a joint $5 second-favourite to win the only vacant AFL coaching job, tied with former Western Bulldogs mentor Rodney Eade and behind Richmond's Mark Williams.

Alan Richardson yesterday ruled himself out of the race, declaring he was happy at Port Adelaide.

Eade admitted last week he still had the "fire in the gut" to be a senior coach but would also carry a high price tag.

"I'm the opposite to Rocket. Rocket said he had a burning desire to coach. I don't," Roos, who boasts a 58 per cent winning record, told Fox Footy's On the Couch last week.

Collingwood training,Rodney Eade, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

Jackson confirmed the Dees were only scoping experienced coaches.

He also conceded a proposed AFL Coaches Association charter that would ensure Eade or Williams remained tied to their current clubs until the end of the season even if they won the Demons top job loomed as an obstacle.

"People are going to want to talk about what they may do in 2014 anyway, so long as they've got obligations and responsibilities to an existing employer," he told ABC Grandstand.

"And that's only fair and reasonable. I think that's just something we have to deal with."

Jackson played down talk the AFL was taking over the Dees despite league chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirming it would have a say in appointing Melbourne's board and new coach.

"They're not providing overbearing influence, they're providing great support," Jackson said.

"They have obligations to the other 17 clubs and that's to make sure they just don't pour money into a big black hole."

Jackson said the AFL Commission was now the Demons banker, so it was expected for the league to have some say in the club's new direction.

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Wingard inspires Power to big upset

Rising Port Adelaide star Chad Wingard celebrates a goal against Sydney. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

CHAD Wingard elevated his game to superstar status as Port Adelaide pulled off one of the upsets of the season at a waterlogged AAMI Stadium.

In stunning premier Sydney, the Power fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition that its rebuilding project under new coach Ken Hinkley is on track and that it could still make a shock push for this year's finals.

In one of the proud club's most stunning wins, Port heroicly fought back from 16 points behind in the third quarter to overrun one of this year's premiership favourites.

The brave Power trailed at every break but - inspired by the brilliant Wingard - doubled its score in the final quarter to win by 18 points.

Its victory saw Port move into the top eight with a 7-5 record and came just two weeks after the Swans smashed the Crows at the same venue by 77 points - Adelaide's biggest home loss in 19 years.

Second-year midfielder/forward Wingard was at the centrepiece of Saturday's super show.

Superb all day, the ice-cool Wingard kicked two crucial goals in the defining final term to first put the Power back in front from a set shot from 45m and then send it two goals clear with a 40m kick on the run.

The 19-year-old finished with three of Port's 10 goals and his class stood out in horrible conditions.

His standout performance saw veteran midfielder Kane Cornes label him as a "freak" and the second coming of former Power star Gavin Wanganeen.

Port Adelaide forward Robbie Gray celebrates a goal against Sydney. Picture: Simon Cross.

Hinkley, meanwhile, said Wingard's matchwinning exploits lived up to those of his hero - US basketball star LeBron James, who led the Miami Heat to a second consecutive NBA championship during the week.

"Chad's a competitor and lucky enough he watched the NBA finals and he saw his star LeBron play," Hinkley said.

"He said he loves games against Sydney because he loves to compete. And he showed it."

But while Wingard turned the game Port's way, the club had many heroes.

Stand-in skipper Brad Ebert led from the front in the absence of injured skipper Travis Boak, Cornes restricted Swans dangerman Daniel Hannebery to only 13 disposals, Robbie Gray and Matthew Broadbent returned to top form and Matthew Lobbe played a strong, lone role in the ruck.

Significantly, the Power beat the tough Swans - who paraded former Crow Kurt Tippett for the first time after he served an 11-match suspension for his role in Adelaide's draft tampering and salary cap rorting - at their own game.

The young Port side beat Sydney at its trademark, contested possessions, 176-163, and laid just four fewer tackles, 95 to 99.

In the second half, the Power had a remarkable 34 inside 50s to 12.

Port Adelaide players celebrate after the win over Sydney. Picture: Simon Cross.

Port's win snapped a club-record eight game losing streak to the Swans dating back to 2006 and was built on pressure, workrate, desire and a never-give-in spirit which has become the trademark of first-year coach Hinkley.

It came despite losing two players before the opening bounce, with Paul Stewart (back) - hurt in the pre-game warm-up - and key forward John Butcher (tonsillitis) withdrawing from the selected side.

They were replaced by Andrew Moore and Campbell Heath.

Tippett looked like singlehandedly snatching the game from the Power's grasp early.

In a dream start to his Swans career, the former Crow marked Kieren Jack's quick kick out of a pack from the opening bounce after just 11 seconds.

His first kick in the red and white sailed through from 45m and saw his new teammates rush to him in clear delight.

Tippett continued to terrorise opponent Alipate Carlile early.

After dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes goaled on the run from 50m, Tippett again outbodied Carlile, taking another strong chest mark inside 50.

With a strong wind at his back, he kicked truly from 30m to get off to a flying start with his new club.

When Jack brilliantly stormed through a pack to accept Mike Pyke's perfectly-executed hitout to run into an open goal, Sydney had broken to 17-point lead and the signs were ominous for the Power.

But the home side hit back hard early in the second term.

Wingard's class began to show and when Matthew Broadbent and Jake Neade goaled in the opening seven minutes, Port had closed to within four points.

But the Swans raised their game and, despite kicking into a gale, they camped the ball in their half of the ground for most of the quarter.

Tippett was unlucky not to have a third first-half goal when he marked in the goalsquare and was harshly penalised for a push on Carlile.

Cornes had kept the dangerous Hannebery to just five disposals at half-time but Sydney's dominance in clearances (31 to 20) and inside 50s (31 to 18) had proved decisive.

But Port turned the game on its head in the third term, winning the inside-50 count 17-5 despite kicking into the wind.

It then ran all over the hardened Swans in the final quarter, kicking to 5.6 to 2.2, to record a famous win.

PORT ADELAIDE   1.2  3.5  5.6  10.12 (72)

SYDNEY SWANS    4.1  5.2  6.4   8.6 (54)

Goals: Port Adelaide: Wingard 3, Monfries 2, Neade, Schulz, Westhoff, Broadbent, Gray. Sydney: Goodes, K. Jack, Tippett 2, Morton, Mitchell.

Best: Port Adelaide: Wingard, Brad Ebert, Broadbent, Logan, Gray, Hartlett, Cassisi. Sydney: Kennedy, Malceski, McVeigh, K. Jack, O'Keefe, Bird.

Injuries: Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart (back) replaced in selected side by Campbell Heath, John Butcher (tonsilitis) replaced in selected side by Andrew Moore. Sydney: Adam Goodes (knee).

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Tippett's dream start sours

Star recruit Kurt Tippett and other Swans walk off the ground after the shock loss to Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

IT TOOK former Crows full-forward Kurt Tippett just 11 seconds to assert himself as he re-booted his football career at AAMI Stadium as Sydney's million-dollar man

He marked it outside of the 50m arc after leaving direct opponent Alipate Carlile behind and kicked the goal with local knowledge as the wind blustered behind him.

SuperCoach points, stats and more

And there, he is back. He looked to be in outstanding physical shape, had a tremendous presence and made life difficult for Carlile. Tippett handled the ball like a littleman at ground level, looked imposing every time the ball was coming into the forward are and worked hard up the flanks.

AFL - Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans, AAMI Stadium. fans for Kurt Tippett display their banner - standing with Alipate Carlile Picture: Reed Sarah Source:

His final statistics included 2.2 goals, six disposals and five tackles - which may not sound outstanding - but there were mitigating reasons.

For one, a wet day is not traditionally a tall man's stage and second, when the Power began hemming in the Swans in the second half his supply ran out.

The welcome from the crowd was underwhelming, regardless of whether you expected them to cheer him or jeer him.

A handful of people around the ground were dressed in Crows gear; none of them were there to barrack against Tippett. They were just football people who come each week, many of them with a season ticket in their pocket.

Tippett's bigger test will be how the audience reacts the next time Adelaide faces Sydney at home, which doesn't look likely until next year (the Crows are not likely to place higher than Sydney if they make the finals) or the one after that (in case the fixture have the two meeting just once next year and it is scheduled in Sydney).

What is clear is that Tippett and the Sydney coaching panel have handled his long time away from the game in a precise manner. As soon as he was eligible to play, he was in the senior side and he had an impact. But few clubs spend as much cash on a player to have him loosen up in the reserves.

Coach John Longmire, one who uses a measured tone, reckoned Tippett had done just as much as could have been expected.

AFL - Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans, AAMI Stadium. fans for Kurt Tippett display their banner - standing with Alipate Carlile Picture: Reed Sarah Source:

"I thought he was pretty good," Longmire said. "What did he get, 2.2? That's a reasonable return. I thought he looked pretty clean and the conditions were obviously difficult.

"But when he got his opportunities he was able to take a couple of marks and he was pretty good at ground level. He certainly wasn't the reason (Sydney lost). I think that was a bit further up the ground.

"There was no problems with his fitness. I thought he was okay today. For a bloke who has missed 12 weeks of footy I thought he was pretty good. He just wanted to get back and play."

Tippett, a ruckman-forward, was in attack. But Longmire will keep an open mind for the rest of the Swans premiership defence over where he is best suited.

It has been a unique situation. Not just for Tippett, who has spent more than six months on the sidelines training while fully fit, but also for his teammates.

But Josh Kennedy, one of Sydney's best players, said Tippett had already won the respect of his teammates.

"I think his work ethic and the way he's prepared himself, the whole pre-season and the 12 weeks leading up to the game ... we hold him in high regard," Kennedy said. "And I think the impact he had today after such a long break was a really good effort and a credit to him."

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Craig gives Dees a makeover

Neil Craig barks out some orders.

IT WOULD be safe to assume Neil Craig has never worked in a beauty salon.

But it appears the interim Melbourne coach is quite handy at giving makeovers.

This was a different Melbourne that confronted St Kilda at the MCG yesterday. The Demons lost - that should come as no great surprise - but there was a noticeable lift in intensity, fight and work ethic in Craig's first game in charge.

AFL Round 13: St. Kilda v Melbourne at MCG Melbourne 22nd June 2013, Nick Dal Santo gets a hard ball Picture: Petch Colleen Source:

Yes Melbourne has a chronic lack of experienced talent, yes it has a shallow midfield and yes it will most likely struggle for the rest of the year, but to use old-school terminology, they had a real crack.
In a back to basics performance, heads were thrust over the ball, tackles stuck and there was even a huddle employed for kick-ins. Defensively, they were far superior to anything served up in recent weeks.

Indeed, this was an even contest just about everywhere bar the scoreboard. Melbourne had one more inside 50m, split the tackle count 47-47 and had the ball in its forward half close to 50 per cent of the match.

Only a lack of composure inside 50m, a lack of skill trying to get and St Kilda's excellent conversion, prevented them from making greater inroads.

Where Demons supporters have had nothing to savour on the way home from most games this season, they would have left the ground last night satisfied with their side's effort.

AFL Round 13: St. Kilda v Melbourne at MCG Melbourne 22nd June 2013, Jack Watts takes a mark in front of Dylan Roberton Picture: Petch Colleen Source:

The Demon is not exactly back in Melbourne, but perhaps the fork is emerging.

Melbourne's first kick took five minutes to arrive yesterday and was greeted by a bronx cheer. But, as if awakening from a bad dream, they grew into the game.

The Demons' second quarter was their best since that final term assault on GWS back in Round 4. The Dees had 14 inside 50s to eight and only a lack of composure inside 50m meant they scored 2.4 to St Kilda's 3.1.

Jimmy Toumpas showed why he was taken with the No.4 pick in the draft. In what was the best game of his young career, the midfielder ran himself ragged to provide an option and then backed himself. He will be a player.

There were signs from Sam Blease, excellent debutant Mitch Clisby, Jake Spencer and Matt Jones, who has had an excellent season. Jack Watts played with confidence and looked like a different player.

But the costly turnovers remain for now and like so many sides before them, St Kilda feasted on Melbourne's mistakes.

In what had been a tumultuous week for both sides, we assumed the football was only going to provide relief for one club. St Kilda got that courtesy of a win, but the Demons got their own form of relief.

Before the opening bounce Craig said wanted ``consistency of effort, first and foremost''.

Two hours of football later, he'd got it.

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Saints win, Dees grin

St Kilda stars Nick Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo chaired off after their 250th games. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

WHEN it was all said and done, milestones, Milney and the makeshift coach were irrelevant.

The reasons St Kilda won this game were an edge in class and its poise under pressure.

After a sluggish start, in which it was belted in the centre-square clearances, Melbourne ground its way back into the contest by halftime through pure hard work, tackling and trying to take the game on.

But its atrocious decision-making and poor disposal continually let it down.

Time and again the Demons would send numbers to the ball, scrap and fight for possession, only for a defender to kick the ball straight to an opponent, a midfielder to handball into a teammate's back, or a forward to miss what seemed a certain goal.

St Kilda emerged from this game with a much-needed 35-point win, but also a reminder of why it has only won three matches this season.

SuperCoach scores, stats

There were the same encouraging signs that Saints fans have witnessed all season. Jack Steven and David Armitage continue to look like they can become consistently elite midfielders.

Steven set the tone early. Matched against David Rodan he had four of the game's first five centre clearances and was instrumental in St Kilda bursting to a 25-point lead midway through the first term.

Coach Neil Craig shifted Matt Jones on to Steven at quarter time, but the Saints speedster remained steadily influential over the next three quarters.

Five Saints in the next experience tier down - Jack Newnes, Seb Ross, Brodie Murdoch, Tom Simpkin and Sam Dunnell - showed enough to suggest they can become important players in the next few seasons.

Nick Dal Santo and Leigh Montagna produced their usual silky contributions, while James Gwilt was a superb defensive general in the absence of the injured Sam Fisher.

But the Saints gave the impression of a team that was largely going through the motions, only lifting the intensity when they either had to, or it suited them.

Their transition into the forward line was occasionally slipshod. The St Kilda players looked too intent on passing the ball to skipper Nick Riewoldt, who managed three goals but was well countered by the disciplined Tom McDonald.

It seemed Riewoldt was unable to exploit his trademark gut-running against McDonald, who is one of the Demons better endurance athletes.

The St Kilda skipper responded at times with shows of petulance that would have been the subject of fierce scrutiny and criticism if they had come from his cousin Jack.

Riewoldt shook his head in disgust at the umpires and remonstrated with teammates kicking into the forward line.

For long-suffering Melbourne fans hoping to see improvement after a change of coaches, there were certainly glimpses of promise.

Its best players were its youngsters, notably Dean Terlich, first-gamer Mitch Clisby and high draft pick Jimmy Toumpas. All three looked prepared to run and take risks.

The Demons seemed to play with greater freedom and rallied whenever St Kilda looked like careering away with the game.

After quarter-time, when an animated Craig ripped into his charges, singling out the midfielders and seemingly imploring them to apply more physical pressure, they responded, winning clearances and continually pumping the ball inside their forward 50.

Alas that second-quarter burst went unrewarded, with four consecutive points.

Melbourne ruckman Jake Spencer was reported for a crude head-high bump on St Kilda rival Ben McEvoy while St Kilda defender Tom Simpkin floored Demon Chris Dawes with a roundhouse hook to the side of the jaw.

Encouragingly, the Dees won the final quarter for one of the few times this season.

Two of Melbourne's enigmatic footballers also produced significant performances in this match.

The much-maligned Jack Watts was played as a key forward and contested with a desperation and purpose not often seen in his game.

And Colin Sylvia worked hard and played team football in his 28-disposal game, two qualities that make him a far better player.

St Kilda took the four points, but Melbourne took as much as from the game given where it is at just now.

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Brand recognition at Tigerland

Brandon Ellis flexes his muscle's after kicking a goal at training yesterday. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

BRANDON Ellis started the season with a stinker.

Carlton's Chris Yarran burned him off for a goal of the year contender and Damien Hardwick subbed him out.

"He (Yarran) ran about 90 metres and had four bounces on the wing,'' Ellis said.

"I was chasing him and he just looked back at me and started smiling and kicked the goal from 50.

"It was a bit of a rough start to the year. I played sub for the next three games, which was a bit frustrating.

"I had one of those games and it was probably pretty smart of them to sub me out. I wasn't up to it.''

Fox Footy analyst David King had his own doubts.

"I'd seen him through the pre-season period. He's an elite runner, probably in the top two or three endurance athletes at Richmond, and a really hard worker and honest footballer - but I guess my opinion of him for the first 20-odd games was that he could play a number of roles, but without being able to seriously impact games,'' King said.

"But he's really blossomed over the last couple of weeks and turned that right around. He's been able to get himself onto the scoreboard, kick some goals and have an influence forward of centre."

The breakout game came with 39 possessions and a goal against Melbourne in Round 8.

"In the first quarter he had 16 possessions, more than the whole Melbourne midfield. It was fantastic,'' King said.

"I still think he's a work in progress and where he ranks among that Richmond midfield will be of interest going forward. Personally I still think he's going to be behind (Reece) Conca, (Dustin) Martin and (Trent) Cotchin in that role, but it's a lovely luxury to have.

Reece Conca (L) of the Tigers celebrates a goal with Brandon Ellis. Source: Getty Images

"He's still learning and only a young player but I'd love to see him have another asset, another trick or mode of getting more of the ball.

"The next season and a half will give us a bit more of an idea on his football DNA.''

Since Round 5, Ellis has averaged 26 disposals per game, the highest at the club, and polled votes from the coaches in four of five matches.

His season SuperCoach average of 78 is the second best of players drafted in 2011 behind Port Adelaide's Chad Wingard.

"Dimma (Hardwick) just asks me to keep improving, to keep being hard and tough in the contests. To stick to my structures and play my role,'' Ellis said.

"I can play back, I can play wing, which is outside, and mid which is inside _ and they've played me forward as well.

"I've been all over the shop this year and I'm enjoying it.''

He joined seven-gamer Nick Vlastuin, former skipper Chris Newman and cult figure Jake King in signing new deals this week.

A star-studded batch headed by Martin and Jack Riewoldt are yet to commit, but Ellis believes they will.

A win tonight against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium would see the Tigers move into sixth on the AFL ladder.

It would be awesome (to play finals) but it's not something we have spoken about at all,'' he says.

"It would be a dream come true but there are probably six or seven teams that are fighting for those spots (in the bottom half of the eight).''

Ellis was almost lost to football during his TAC Cup years.

His father, Dale, was diagnosed with throat cancer and Brandon pulled out of the Calder Cannons program.

Dale convinced him to return and Richmond swooped at pick 15 in the 2011 draft.

His dad beat the cancer.

"He's got all clear, so it means he doesn't have to go back for any more tests. It's a miracle what's happened and that he's still here today,'' Ellis said.

Then his dad got in on the substitution act.

"He was a mad Collingwood supporter for his whole life but he just turned - now he's a mad Richmond supporter. I thought it was impossible,'' Ellis quipped.

Ellis' best mates at the club include Stevie Morris, Cotchin and Bachar Houli. But he says the entire squad is tight.

"There's no rat pack. But we are all close and get along. There are little groups that go on but that happens everywhere.

"That's a massive reason why I signed because I fitted in down at Richmond straight away.''

On captain Cotchin he said: ``He was born to be a captain. Newy (Newman) still mentors him a bit and he gets a lot of help from Lids (Brett Deledio).''

Ellis said development coach Mark Williams, in the mix to fill the vacant Melbourne coaching job, had also impacted the emerging Tigers.

"He's a scary guy, Choco, but he's been awesome. It was such a great find by Richmond. He's real honest, tough and hard, but he'll give you a bit of love when it's needed and you deserve it.

"I'd love him to stay.''

BRANDON BY THE NUMBERS
SuperCoach price: $459,900

Game ave since R5 Richmond ranking
Disposals: 25.6 1st
Contested poss: 7.8 8th
Uncontested poss: 18.2 1st
Marks: 8.2 1st
Tackles: 3.8 7th

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No Time to Rest - Part 3

Ex Swans coach Paul Roos rates your side.

PAUL Roos looks at the sides enjoying the bye this weekend and delivers his verdict on where they are all at.

3rd ESSENDON
9 wins, 3 losses

What's working
JAMES Hird has worked on their defensive skills since he arrived as coach. To his credit they are now a much harder team to score against. The Bombers were seen as a free scoring, forward running team. They now have a much greater team commitment to winning the ball back off of the opposition. Heath Hocking opitimises this philosophy. He is a good midfield stopper, but can also win the ball himself.

What's not working
WHEN compared to the absolute elite teams, the Bombers still have a number of weaknesses. Their half-forwards can be a weakness as they don't have the ability to work up and back. This can create problems as they often get outnumbered in their forward 50 if the opposition drops a defender off.

Mid-year draft
PATRICK Dangerfield: an explosive midfielder who can play forward and kick multiple goals would be invaluable for the Bombers. Not only does Dangerfield change the momentum of games, but he can win games off his own boot.

Coach pressure gauge: 2
JAMES Hird: in a pure coaching sense there is absolutely no pressure on Hird. His team can play exceptional football and the win/loss column attests to that. The pressure comes on all at the club with the investigation that is currently underway.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Michael Hibberd ($480,100, def)
If you backed him in before Round 1 the Frankston VFL recruit has delivered a price rise of almost $100k.

DUD: Michael Hurley ($279,300 fwd)
Swingman tempted plenty but he's cracked 100 just once and suffered a price plummet of more than $100k.

Bomber Heath Hocking. Source: Herald Sun

6th COLLINGWOOD
8 wins, 4 losses

What's working
WITH a number of star players out the Magpies have done a terrific job blooding young players. Last week's team won on the back of great games from Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury plus significant input from the likes of Josh Thomas, Kyle Martin, Marley Williams, Jamie Elliott and Adam Oxley. The Pies certainly look to have some good, young, long-term prospects.

What's not working
WHETHER it is injuries, adapting to a new coach or just the usual form slumps, the Magpies don't seem to be completely on the same page. They can play good quarters/halves but have yet to string some very good consistent form together. Last week's game against the Bulldogs was indicative of the Magpies' season so far. Fantastic for a half and poor after halftime.

Mid-year draft
COLLINGWOOD doesn't need a particular player, rather it needs to find out who is 100 per cent committed to the team and pursuit of excellence. If its most talented 22 find this, the Pies can win the flag.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
THERE is always pressure coaching, but more when you coach Collingwood, and there's an extra layer after the departure of Mick Malthouse. Nathan Buckley has handled this faultlessly, a very impressive coach who just needs a few things to click.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Scott Pendlebury ($619,100 mid)
Second only to Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, averaging 128 points per game including highs of 161, 160, 145 and 132.

DUD: Quinten Lynch ($312,300 fwd)
Handy as a pinch-hitting ruckman, but no use to SuperCoaches, averaging just 71 points per game.

Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott booted five goals to steer the Magpies to victory. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

8th CARLTON
6 wins, 6 losses

What's working
THE Blues' percentage of a 116.9 suggests they are more than a competitive team. They seem more resilient this year and never get blown out of games. You sense their highs aren't quite as good, but their lows aren't anywhere near as bad as in recent seasons. They are no longer as reliant on Chris Judd. He still has an impact, but not as consistently as we used to see.

What's Not working
THE Blues are struggling to put teams away. They do not get reward for effort and that is putting pressure on their win/loss record. They should have beaten both the Bombers and the Hawks. Is this ultimately a lack of talent or a flaw in the way they play? The next 10 weeks will tell the story.

Mid-year draft
A 22-YEAR-old Jonathan Brown. They need a forward who can both work up the ground and provide a contest on the wing and take a contested mark in the goal square. Brown would capitalise on the many opportunities created by the Carlton mids.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
MICK Malthouse: Mick is finding out about his new team and the players are finding out about Mick. I suspect the Carlton faithful will definitely be looking for a finals berth at worst and if the Blues miss out there will be great disappointment.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Andrew Walker ($547,100 mid/fwd)
Malthouse has transformed the high-flying forward into a hard-running, rebounding machine. Scoring 30 points a game more on average than in 2012.

DUD: Sam Rowe ($229,500 fwd/ruck)
Ticked all the boxes at the start of the season but has struggled to cement a spot in the Blues' best 22. Remains in about 30 per cent of teams.

Superstar Chris Judd is stepping aside at Carlton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

11th ADELAIDE
5 wins, 7 losses

What's working
THE form of Patrick Dangerfield and Richard Douglas has been the benchmark for the Crows this season. They are almost singlehandedly keeping the team in games. Dangerfield is one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the game and has the ability to play mid and forward. Douglas is their hardest working two-way midfielder.

What's not working
THE Crows' midfield ran deep last year and created headaches for the opposition. This year has been the complete opposite. Teams have outworked and dominated the Crows' mids. Richmond last week dismantled the Crows on the back of pressure and run. The Crows must find an appetite for the contest.

Mid-year draft
TAYLOR Walker/Kurt Tippett: It is extremely difficult when you lose two key players at once. The forward line has been completely reworked and without Walker and Tippett there are few easy goals for the Crows. They are screaming out for a key forward.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
BRENTON Sanderson: whilst the Crows' expectations haven't been met this year, Sanderson proved last season what a good coach he is. His challenge now is to restructure his forward line and re-motivate his disenchanted outfit.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Richard Douglas ($549,900 mid)
Started the year worth $430,400 and has averaged 107 points per game _ just six fewer than Patrick Dangerfield.

DUD: Sam Jacobs ($392,500 ruck)
Scores of 36, 66 twice, 75, 76 and 77 are not good enough for a player regarded _ at the start of the season _ as one of the premier ruckmen in the competition.

Richard Douglas marks the ball during the Crows' shocker against the Blues at the MCG. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

12th GOLD COAST
5 wins, 7 losses

What's working
INDIVIDUALLY the young Suns are improving. They are starting to play both sides of the ball and with their improved fitness levels are able to stay in most games for longer. There is far less pressure on Gary Ablett to perform although he has maintained his incredibly high standards. The Suns look a well-balanced team with some of their talls starting to have a significant impact.

What's Not working
THE injury to Zac Smith was a shocking blow to player and team. He burst on to the scene in his first year, struggled last season and looked like becoming a very good AFL ruckman. Hopefully his surgery is successful, his rehab goes smoothly and we see him back next year.

Mid-year draft
TRAVIS Cloke: a big power forward who can score the Suns some easy goals would lift them to the next level. They look to have a talented midfield which should develop nicely over the next few years.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
THE Suns are probably exactly where they hoped to be at this time in their early history. ``Bluey'' McKenna and his coaching staff look to be a good development crew and the individual improvement in each of their players is evident.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Gary Ablett ($690,000, mid)
Jaeger O'Meara might have made us more than $300k, but ``Gazza'' has made us 1659 points _ that's 3318 as captain. He's worth every cent.

DUD: Harley Bennell ($465,400 mid)
Hamstring injuries and a form dip have cut his average to 84 and delivered a price drop of $60k.

Gary Ablett in training for the Suns. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

18th GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
0 wins, 12 losses

What's working

EVEN though the Giants' record is 0 and 12 we are seeing glimpses of their future. Most of their young talent has at stages shown why they were early draft picks. Jeremy Cameron in particular is doing an extraordinary job given the ball doesn't spend a lot of time in the Giants' forward 50. If he won the Coleman Medal it would be a tremendous effort and a big boost for his young club.

What's not working
WHETHER intentional or not the Giants don't have a lot of experienced talent and that is hurting the young franchise. They needed some bigger bodies to take the pressure off their early draft picks. People will argue that those players won't be there for the club's successful years, but young teams need good role models to eventually reach the heights they are striving for.

Mid-year draft
GARY Ablett Jr: the Giants need a star who can do everything. And, unlike the Suns, they missed out on this type of player when they set up their team. Ablett makes everyone better.

Coach pressure gauge: 1 Kevin Sheedy; 4 Leon Cameron
``SHEEDS'' has been fantastic for the Giants and should be complimented for the way he set up the franchise. Unfortunately for Leon he comes in at year three when expectations are going to rise significantly. The Giants need to win games next year.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Lachie Whitfield ($328,300, mid)
No Giant has averaged 100, but at least the No.1 pick has made some cash. Peaked at $340k _ a rise of $140 _ and has consistently scored in the 70-90 points per game range.

DUD: Toby Greene ($366,700, mid)
Second-year blues have hit hard with a high score of just 85 and a big drop. Greene has fallen from more than $500k to well under $400k. Ouch.

Giants star Jeremy Cameron celebrates a goal against Geelong at Skoda Stadium. Source: Getty Images

 

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