Nathan Ablett

Prelist Players With Permission To Train

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 12:06:18 -0600

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Ahead of the preseason draft, clubs are required to submit the names of players they intend to include on their rookie lists. Delisted and out of contract players were also required, by November 23, to submit their names for the preseason draft. The AFL has released the following information and has allowed a number of players to train with clubs ahead of the preseason and rookie drafts.

Out of Contract Primary List Draft Nomination: none

International Player Inclusion on Rookie List: Collingwood - Paul Cribbins (Ireland)

Players not Registered or Played for Three Years inclusion on Rookie List: Geelong Cats - Ryan Bathie (basketball)

NSW Scholarship Player and International Scholarship Player inclusion on Rookie List:
Adelaide Crows -Sam Martyn* (NSW Scholarship)
Carlton - Blake Bray (NSW Scholarship)
Hawthorn - William Langford* (NSW Scholarship), Jack Mahony* (NSW Scholarship)
St Kilda - Jackson Ferguson* (NSW Scholarship)

*Indicates players who were on the first lodgement lists

Remaining key dates:

Wednesday November 24: List Lodgement Three and TPP Estimates

Tuesday November 30: Delisted Primary List Draft Nomination Deadline.

Tuesday November 30: Previously Listed Players or Draft Nominated Players Deadline. Gold Coast FC may nominate up to 10 players whose nomination is current for the 2010 Draft but who have not previously been on a Club List or a Primary List.

Tuesday November 30: GWS Zone Access. Team GWS to nominate up to 16 draft-eligible players from NSW/ACT outside the current NSW scholarship region.

Tuesday December 7: NAB AFL Preseason Draft Meeting; Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast and Sydney Swans Pre-Selected Rookie Nominations; NAB AFL Rookie Draft Meeting.

Friday December 10: Team GWS to Nominate up to 12 17 year-olds born between January 1 and April 30, 1993.

The following clubs have players currently training with them ahead of the next draft:

ADELAIDE: Ian Callinan (Central Districts)

BRISBANE: Albert Proud (Brisbane Lions), Broc McCauley (Brisbane Lions)

CARLTON: Rhys O'Keeffe (Carlton)

COLLINGWOOD: Paul Cribbin (County Kildare, Ireland)

ESSENDON: Chris Molitor (West Adelaide), Jay Neagle (Essendon), Tyson Slattery (Essendon)

FREMANTLE: John Anthony (Collingwood), Ben Bucovaz (Fremantle), Justin Monaco (East Fremantle), Brock O'Brien (Fremantle), Tim Ruffles (Fremantle)

GOLD COAST: Nathan Ablett (Geelong Cats / Broadbeach), Jake Crawford (Pamona), Joel Tippett (Brisbane Lions, Southport)

HAWTHORN: Cameron Bruce (Melbourne), Travis Tuck (Hawthorn)

MELBOURNE: Corey Buchan (Dandenong Stingrays), Corey Cassidy (Oakleigh Chargers), Brad Harvey (Eastern Ranges), Paul Johnson (Melbourne), Cameron Johnston (Geelong Falcons), Alex McLeod (Calder Cannons), Tom McNamara (Melbourne)

NORTH MELBOURNE: Matthew O’Dwyer (Sydney Swans)

PORT ADELAIDE: Matthew Westhoff (Port Adelaide), Nathan Daniel (Port Adelaide), Tom Jonas (Port Adelaide), Nick Liddle (South Adelaide)

RICHMOND: Jayke Barrack (Coburg), Ben Clifton (Coburg), Andy Duhau (Coburg), Brendan Fewster (Coburg), Ben Jakobi (Coburg), Tom Hislop (Richmond), Bachar Houli (Essendon), Justin Kahlefedt (Coburg), Tom Lucin (Coburg), Brad Miller (Melbourne)

SYDNEY: Eugene Krueger (East Coast Eagles), Garry Moss (Hawthorn)

WEST COAST: Tim Houlihan (West Coast), Blayne Wilson (Peel Thunder)

WESTERN BULLDOGS: Ed Barlow (Sydney Swans), Mitchell Hahn (Western Bulldogs), Daniel Hughes (Melbourne)

Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release

Gary Ablett Goes Gold

Lisa Albergo — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 05:47:01 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The Gold Coast Suns has pulled off the biggest recruiting coup yet with the signing of Geelong star Gary Ablett Jr. It is believed that the Suns, who knew Ablett would be out of contract at the end of this season, have been chasing him since last December. Rumors were flying for most of the season as to whether or not Ablett would stay with the Cats or head north, especially when he put off contract talks with the Cats. Geelong was keen to keep him, so much so that there were offers from outside sources to help the Cats meet or better what the Gold Coast was supposedly offering.

Ablett said the decision was a difficult one. He stated that the money was not the main reason he decided to switch, rather it was the challenge of a new team and the fact that he was looking forward to working with the younger players the club has recruited. Ablett believes the Suns have the potential for success and there is a chance he could be appointed as the team's first captain. Although there have been no extensive talks about the captaincy, Ablett said it would be fantastic to be named the club's inaugural skipper.

In their media release, Gold Coast CEO Travis Auld described the signing of Ablett as "the best endorsement" for the club. Auld acknowledged Ablett as possibly the League's best player, describing him as the biggest "marquee" player in the competition. Coach Guy McKenna noted Ablett's competitiveness, work rate and team ethos and said his professionalism would be invaluable.

Should his younger brother Nathan prove himself, the two could be reunited in the same team. Nathan, who has been playing in the VFL this year but has struggled with injuries and form, will begin training with the Suns in October. He was drafted to the Cats under the father-son rule in 2007 and played in the Cats' premiership team that year, but walked out on the club after just one season. Even more shy than Gary was when he came to the Cats, Nathan had difficulty coping with all the media attention. Nathan has until November 23 to prove himself. That is the AFL deadline for players to register for the draft. Ablett will be vying for a rookie spot on the Suns' list. McKenna believes that the recruitment of Gary will help Nathan's prospects.

Gary joined the Cats in 2001 under the father-son rule. He played 192 games for Geelong and kicked 262 goals, becoming a dominant player in the midfield and across the half forward line. He played in the 2007 and 2009 Premierships and won the 2009 Brownlow Medal. Ablett has also been named All-Australian three times and has been named the AFLPA's MVP three times.

The AFL has advised Geelong that they will be entitled to two Round One compensation draft selections, one at the end of the first round of the draft and the other midway through the first round. The club can activate the selections anytime between 2010 and 2014. They will also be allowed to trade those selections. Should they do so, the receiving club(s) will also be entitled to use the selection(s) now or any time through 2014.

Source: afl.com.au; Travis Auld, GCS Release; Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release

Strike Three Benefits Tuck

Lisa Albergo — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:20:03 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Hawk midfielder Travis Tuck faced the Tribunal on the Tuesday following Round 22 as the first player charged with a third strike under the AFL's illicit drug policy. It was not through testing that his third offense was discovered, but rather from an incident during the Round 22 weekend. On the Friday night, he was found unconscious in his car outside a nightclub. He was rushed to a hospital where he was treated for overdosing on the party drug GHB*.

Police, who are not charging Tuck for possession, found drug paraphernalia and a vial of "liquid" in his car. While he was being treated in the hospital, it was learned that he has been being treated for clinical depression for the past 10 months. He had been making excellent progress until this relapse. It is believed the relapse came as the result of the club informing him several days previously that his future was in doubt and that he was not selected in the Box Hill team (Hawthorn's VFL affiliate) for their Final's game. At his hearing, Tuck admitted to the use of drugs and the two previous strikes against him. He also said that he had been under personal pressures at the time.

The hearing, which was closed to the media, heard testimony from medical experts, several of whom have been treating Tuck. It was said that he had been being treated for depression and had been making excellent progress. He had also been treated and counseled for his previous two drug strikes under the AFL guidelines. Under those guidelines, only the AFL medical officers are notified. After a second strike, the club doctor is notified. After a third offense, club officials are notified and the offender goes before the Tribunal which determines sanctions.

The Tribunal took into consideration all the medical testimony which was presented. One medical advisor told the Tribunal that it would beneficial for Tuck to remain on Hawthorn's playing list so he could be in a structured environment which would provide support for him during his treatment and give him motivation to improve. The panel then rendered their decision. They waived the $5000 fine but Tuck was suspended for 4 weeks from AFL football and a further 8 weeks from VFL football. They said that due to the compelling circumstances, the usual penalties under the AFL code would be too harsh. However, they also issued stipulations with which Tuck would have to comply. They are:

- Tuck must submit to testing three times a week for a period to be determined by the AFL medical officers.

- he must fully cooperate in providing a urine sample upon request for testing.

- continued cooperation with AFL medical staff, attendance at a prescribed drug rehabilitation program, and any psychiatric advice and treatment as may be directed by his doctors.

Should Tuck test positive again or breach any of the instructions listed above, he could again be referred to the Tribunal for further penalties.

Tribunal chairman John Hassett concluded that the AFL policy's main goal was to look after the welfare of the players and said it was that focus which led the Tribunal to its final decision. AFL Operations Manager Adrian Anderson thanked the Tribunal and AFLPA, Hawthorn, the AFL medical staff and Tuck's doctors for their assistance in ensuring that Tuck could continue his football career.

Hawthorn will keep Tuck on their list but not the senior list. He will still be allowed to train and play with Box Hill. If the club opts to delist him, he will still be a member of their training squad through Box Hill and he will be allowed to play in the 2011 preseason games. The club will have then have the option of selecting him in the 2011 rookie draft. If not selected, the club would still have the option of placing Tuck on the newly established inactive list and then have the further option of relisting him at the end of next year.

As a result of the hearing, a storm of controversy erupted with club officials and fans divided on whether or not clubs should be informed after a first strike. Hawk President Jeff Kennett, who is also President of the depression support group beyondblue, and Hawk CEO Stuart Fox both fired a broadside at the AFL's policy of keeping player names confidential until the third strike. Fox said after the hearing that if the club had known prior to the incident, they could have helped Tuck through their own support network and the whole incident could have been avoided. Kennett has been opposed to the policy for some time and both he and Fox have written to the AFL requesting an overhaul of the League's policy.

Officials from Adelaide, Essendon and the Bulldogs are on Kennett's side in believing that club officials should be notified if a player returns a positive test for a first time. Collingwood Coach Mick Malthouse also supports that idea. Many believe that while it does not need to made known to everyone at the affected club, it would be better to have club medical staff and at least one person in administration be informed of a first offense so they can deal with it.

On the flip side, Melbourne's Cameron Schwab, Richmond's Brendon Gale, North Melbourne's Eugene Arocca, medical experts, AFL Operations Manager Adrian Anderson, and AFLPA CEO Matt Finnis support the policy of confidentiality. Gale, who preceded Finnis with the AFLPA and was one of the architects of the policy, said that confidentiality was paramount and that medical experts were better equipped to deal with the issue than club officials. Schwab said that if a player were exposed early on, in an atmosphere in which there is often movement of people from one club to another, it could prove to be a distraction. Arocca expressed sympathy for Hawthorn but said it should be left to the medical experts. He also said that if another club person should be informed, it should be a welfare officer. Gale said he could empathize with the frustrations felt by the clubs now that he is Richmond's CEO, but reiterated that the current method of confidentiality, counseling and treatment is the best way.

AFL CEO Matt Finnis supports the current policy, saying that Tuck could have faced even more pressure had he been forced to reveal his condition, drug issues and treatment to club officials. He said that sharing medical information with club officials would be inappropriate. The AFL's Adrian Anderson concurred, stating that getting Tuck into counseling after his first offense avoided an even more serious situation. He further stated that Tuck's struggles could have been exacerbated had his condition been publicized. Hawthorn Coach Alistair Clarkson said the revelation of Tuck's condition explained why he was out of form and struggling in games. The current policy expires in February.

After the hearing, Tuck issued a statement of apology saying he accepted the Tribunal's decision and took full responsibility for his actions. In his statement, he said "I have been dealing with personal and medical issues for the past 12 months and following ... intensive treatment I really felt that I had come a long way. It (the overdose) was a big setback ... and I understand the anxiety it has caused my family, friends and ... Hawthorn ... and for that I am truly sorry. I know I have to keep working hard to deal with my issues and ... this will not be easy ... I have had excellent medical assistance and will continue this treatment ... I'd like to thank the Hawthorn Football Club for their support ... and the ... support of the AFLPA and the AFL ... This ... and the ongoing structure in my life, along with the motivation to train and return to play will be a big part of my progress and my recovery."

The Tuck family has a long and distinguished history in football. Travis' father, Michael, is the League's games record holder with 426 games for Hawthorn to his name. He is married to Faye Ablett, sister to Gary Ablett Snr, making him uncle to Gary Ablett Jnr at Geelong, former Sydney premiership player Luke Ablett, and former Cat Nathan (now with Gold Coast). Travis' brother Shane currently plays for Richmond.

Tuck was drafted in 2005, debuted in 2007 and has played 20 games. He was named as an emergency for the Hawks' 2008 Grand Final team.

*gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (a naturally occurring substance found in the central nervous system, wine, beef, small citrus fruits, and almost all animals in small amounts). It can be used medicinally to treat insomnia, clinical depression, narcolepsy, alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and to improve athletic performance. It can also be used as an anesthesia. Illegally, it is used as an intoxicant and a date r-ape drug due to properties which can wipe out memory of events and cause a person to become compliant and suggestible. Some users take it for its numbing effects and hallucinogenic properties. It can be lethal combined with alcohol.For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Hydroxybutyric_acid.

Source: theage.com.au, heraldsun.com.au, afl.com.au, sen.com.au, AFL Record 2010 Season Guide

Robert Harvey Heads Retirement List

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:00:15 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Robert Harvey

St. Kilda champion Robert Harvey announced that he would retire at the end of the season. Harvey, who said telling his teammates was the hardest thing he had ever done, said he believed it was the right time to step aside to give younger players a chance and also said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife and children. Harvey, who started his career at the age of 16 in 1988 described the Saints as his second family and the club as his second home. He believes the club is in good hands and confident of future success. At one stage, he joked that he might put in an appearance or two at preseason training....."just to keep fit..."

Harvey thanked his family for their support and thanked the club and supporters. Of his family, he said they had put up with a lot, but were always supportive. Of the club he said he was honored to have stretched out his career as long as did and would like to be remembered as someone who gave his all for and loved the club. He praised the supporters as some of the most passionate around and described that passion as inspirational and a big factor in why he kept going for so long.

Coach Ross Lyon, who actually played against Harvey during his playing days with Fitzroy, praised Harvey as one of the most respected and admired players in the game and described him as a consummate professional. He went on to say that Harvey would be remembered as a "...selfless team player who did whatever it took for the Saints to be successful...". He said Harvey would be greatly missed but well remembered by all fans. Carlton Coach Brett Ratten was a contemporary of Harvey's during their junior days. He described Harvey as a great role model and absolute champion and went on to say, "The game will miss Robert Harvey." Coach Lyon urged all fans to come out to the last few games to pay tribute to Harvey.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou also lauded Harvey, thanking him for his contribution to the game. He said watching Harvey play was a pleasure for all fans and further praised Harvey's commitment to club and teammates. He continued, "...Harvey has been an example of sportsmanship, skill and dedication and...one of the great ambassadors for our competition" He said Harvey would bow out as one of the game's great champions and described his consistency to that of Tiger and Hawthorn greats Kevin Bartlett and Michael Tuck.

Harvey, 36, will be listed third on the all-time games list after Round 21. Round 22, should Harvey play all the remaining games, will be his 380th, just behind Michael Tuck (426) and Kevin Bartlett (403). He is also the only player in league history to poll Brownlow votes in 100 games or more and, prior to Round 19, had a career total of 305 votes.

ROBERT HARVEY
Draft: Recruited by St Kilda from its VCFL zone in 1988
Debut: 1988
Games: 376 (through Round 18)
Goals: 213 (through Round 18)

Honors: Brownlow Medal 1997, 1998; All-Australian 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003; Club Best and Fairest 1992, 1994, 1997, 1998; preseason premierships 1996, 2004, 2008; Michael Tuck Medal (best on ground in preseason premiership) 2004; EJ Whitten Medal (Victoria's best on ground in State of Origin games) 1992, 1993, 1996; AFLPA MVP 1997; International Rules Series 1998.

Source: Matt Schmidt, Club Media Release & Melbourne Age

Fraser Gehrig

Not unexpectedly, forward Fraser Gehrig announced his retirement after his comeback this season with the Saints was unsuccessful. Gehrig announced his retirement at the end of the 2007 season, but decided to give it one more shot after just one month. Gehrig, due to arthritis in his hands which was aggravated in wet and/or cold weather, played just five games this year and the club put him on the long-term injury list in May after he underwent hand surgery. Gehrig said he had no regrets about his attempted comeback, but does regret not having had the chance to play in a premiership team.

Gehrig debuted for West Coast in 1995 and played 115 games and kicked 159 goals before joining St. Kilda at the end of 2000. He was West Coast's leading goalkicker in 1998 and won a Rising Star nomination in 1995. Gehrig played 145 games with the Saints and kicked 390 goals for St. Kilda. He led the club's goalkicking 2003-2007 and won the Coleman Medal in 2004 and 2005. Gehrig won St. Kilda's best and fairest award in 2001 and was named All-Australian in 1997 and 2004. He played in St. Kilda's 2004 preseason premiership.

Source: afl.com.au

Heath Black

Fremantle's Heath Black, sidelined with a shoulder injury, announced his retirement ahead of the Round 19 game. Black, who has played just six games in 2008, said injuries had finally caught up with him. He also had an injury-interrupted preseason and had been considering the decision to retire all year.

Black was drafted by the Dockers in 1996 and played 15 games in his first season in 1997. That year, he earned a Rising Star nomination, but injuries restricted him to just one game in 1998. He bounced back and finished as runner-up to Peter Bell in the club's 2001 best and fairest award. He was then traded to St. Kilda where he spent three seasons before requesting a trade back to Fremantle at the end of 2004. He played every game in 2005 and missed just one game in 2006. He was an integral part of the team's two finals appearances. His start to 2007 was again disrupted by injury but he again came back to win the 2007 Best Clubman Award. Black said one of the things he would miss the most was the camaraderie with his teammates. He also said the highlight of his career was playing in the preliminary finals with the Saints and Fremantle.

Club CEO Steve Rosich acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices Black had made for the club. Black, who was contracted through the end of next season, came to an amicable agreement with the club through his management.

HEATH BLACK
Games 192 (138 with Fremantle), 54 with St. Kilda)
Finals: 5
Goals: 80 (61 with Fremantle, 19 with St. Kilda)
Honors: Runner-Up Doig Medal 2001; Best Clubman 2007; Rising Star nominee 1997; International Rules Series 2005; South Fremantle premiership team 1997

Luke Webster

Fremantle Docker Luke Webster told the club he would not renew his contract next year. Webster, who underwent his fourth knee reconstruction in April, said he wanted to step aside to make room for younger players and was unsure if he would continue playing next year. Webster played 33 games for the Dockers since his debut in 2003 and won the Best Clubman Award in 2006. He was also one of the best on ground in Fremantle's historic first final against Essendon in 2003.

Jeff Farmer

After discussions with Fremantle Coach Mark Harvey and Football Operations Manager Chris Bond, Jeff Farmer has decided to retire after a 14 year career which began with the Melbourne Demons. Farmer thanked both the Demons and the Dockers for giving him the opportunities he has had over the years as well as the loyalty of the fans.

Harvey and club CEO Steve Rosich both acknowledged Farmer's contribution to the club. Harvey said Farmer was the type of player fans came to see while Rosich described Farmer as an exciting player and a fan favorite. Rosich also said the club would help Farmer in any way they could to help him make the transition from playing into retirement. Farmer retires as the leading indigenous goalkicker of all time with 483 career goals. He is also second on Fremantle's goalkicking list with 224 since joining the club in 2002.

Farmer debuted in 1995 and played seven games. He was a Rising Star nominee in 1996 and was also a finalist contender for Goal of the Year. He won the Goal of the Year award in 1997 and was runner-up for Mark of the Year in 1997.He also represented Australia in the International Rules Series.

Ironically, Fremantle traded away their draft pick which would have secured Farmer to Melbourne.

JEFF FARMER
Drafted by Melbourne 1994
Debut: 1995
Games: 118
Goals: 259

Traded to Fremantle 2001
Debut: 2002
Games; 131
Goals: 224
Finals Games: 10

Playing Honors: AFL Rising Star nominee 1996, International Rules series 1998, All-Australian 2000, Melbourne leading goalkicker 1997, WA State of Origin team 2005-2006

Source: Luke Morfesse, Club Media Release

Shannon Grant

North Melbourne Kangaroo Shannon Grant, who played his 300th game in Round 22, announced his retirement just before the first week of the Finals. Grant was taking longer and longer for him to recover after games. Coach Dean Laidley has already spoken to Grant about an off-field role with the club.

Originally drafted by Sydney, Grant was traded to the Kangaroos for Wayne Schwass. He quickly established himself as an effective midfielder with a knack for kicking goals. He won the club's best and fairest award in 2001, and placed second three other times (2003, '04, '05). He was also named in the All-Australian side in 2005. Grant played in the 1999 premiership and won the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground. He was also a member of the Kangaroos' 1998 preseason premiership team.

Source: Herald Sun

Jess Sinclair

North Melbourne Kangaroo Jess Sinclair announced his retirement several days after the team lost to Sydney in a Qualifying Final. While the senior team is done for the year, Sinclair will have more chance playing for North's VFL affiliate Werribee in their finals series. He will then take some time off from football as he is getting married in January, but he would like to stay involved with the game at some level.

Sinclair was originally drafted by the Fremantle Dockers and played 50 games there before joining the Kangaroos via the trade for Peter Bell. He played 142 games for the Kangaroos as a hard-running defender. North Melbourne's football manager Donald McDonald acknowledged Sinclair's contribution to the club, praising his committment and work ethic and said Jess was one of the hardest trainers at the club, setting a great example for the younger players. McDonald also said Sinclair was a respected and popular player with the club and should be proud of his achievements.

Sinclair reciprocated and was equally effusive in his praise and gratitude to the Kangaroos for their support. He said the club was like a second family to him and that he was looking forward to seeing them succeed on the field.

JESS SINCLAIR
Games: 192
Goals: 71
AFL Rising Star Nominee 1998

Source: John Murphy, Club Media Release

Nathan Bassett

Adelaide Crows' defender Nathan Bassett announced his retirement. Bassett was originally drafted by Melbourne in 1997 but traded to the Crows at the end of the year. He debuted for Adelaide in 1998 and, through Round 22 this year, played 209 games. He missed out on Adelaide's 1998 Grand Final triumph through injury, but did play in the club's 2003 preseason premiership. He played every game this year and just the eighth Crow to notch 200 games, joining Mark Ricciuto, Ben Hart, Andrew McLeod , Tyson Edwards, Nigel Smart, Mark Bickley and Simon Goodwin.

Bassett was runner-up for the club champion award in 2005 and the following year was named as a back pocket in the All Australian team. He has been a member of Adelaide’s leadership group since 2005. He is also a director on the Crows Foundation Board and a Life Member of the club.

Club CEO Steven Trigg paid tribute to Bassett for his leadership, onfield courage and contribution to the team and club.

Source: David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release

Nathan Ablett

Geelong's Nathan Ablett, who walked out on the club after their premiership win last year, has informed the club he does not want to continue his AFL career. The club gave Ablett time off earlier this year to consider his options. He did return briefly to play for the Geelong Falcons in the VFL and the club was hoping he would return to senior football next year. He was later sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained while playing basketball.

The reclusive Ablett, the youngest of the Ablett clan, told the club he wants to head north to build a career in the building industry. Club president Frank Costa said that, while the club is disappointed as they believe he would be a great player, they respected his decision. Ablett played a total of 32 games for Geelong, including the 2007 premiership win.

Source: afl.com.au

Ben Matthews

On the eve of the finals, Sydney Swan Ben Matthews announced his retirement, saying he felt he was losing his passion and enthusiasm and did not wish to reach a point of letting his teammates down. He also said he felt he had given everything he could. Coach Paul Roos praised Matthews' contribution to the club and made special mention of his performance in the 2005 premiership win. Matthews, who debuted in 1997, played 198 games. He won a Rising Star nomination in 1999, was named the 2000 Most Improved Player and was a member of the leadership group.

Source: Tara White, Club Media Release

Peter Everitt

After the Swans lost their Semi-Final game against the Western Bulldogs, Peter "Spida" Everitt announced his retirement to his teammates. He had informed Coach Paul Roos about a month ago of his decision. Everitt said he was "honored" to play for Sydney for the past several years. In his prime, Everitt was a top ruckman and could also play up forward. A colorful character, in more ways than one with tattoos on his arms and shoulders, Everitt began his 291 game career with St. Kilda in 1993 and has the distinction of being the first player ever to be nominated for the Rising Star Award in Round 1 of that year. He played 180 games and kicked 299 goals for the Saints 1993-2002 before being traded to Hawthorn. He played 72 games and kicked 67 goals for the Hawks 2003-2006 and was then traded to Sydney. For several years, Everitt was also a regular panelist on The Footy Show.

Honors: St. Kilda best and fairest 2001; St. Kilda leading goalkicker 2000; Hawthorn best and fairest 2004; All-Australian 1997-98 and 2000; International Rules 1998; St. Kilda preseason premiership 1996.

Source: The Australian & 2008 AFL Record Season Guide