Powerhouses Essendon and Manchester have teamed up
G'Day Footy Fans - ESSENDON, MANCHESTER UNITED JOIN FORCES Changes at the AFL With the retirement of Ross Smith, the AFL plans this week to advertise the job of game development manager, as well the new position of marketing and communications manager. In other news, the AFL will consult with those involved in the tribunal hearings before it considers allowing hearings to be broadcast. Demetriou said yesterday that umpires' and players' associations, the tribunal panel and clubs would be canvassed before interest from Foxtel in broadcasting the hearings would be considered. ADRIAN ANDERSON CV EDUCATION:- PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:- PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT: July 1999 – June 2003 Senior Associate April 1997 - July 1999 Solicitor OTHER: FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE INCLUDES: - Adviser to a number of current and former AFL footballers on various issues over the last seven years including in relation to the Player Rules, CBA, trade practices issues, restraint of trade, use of player image, natural justice and AFL tribunal issues, contractual issues, draft issues and dispute resolution. - Acted for AFL coaches. - Adviser to AFL Clubs on tribunal matters. - Travelled to New York and Washington with Rob Kerr (AFLPA) on educational visit to NFL - Worked with The Herald Sun, 3AW and 6PR football teams on football - Regular media contributor on football issues, writing articles in The Herald Sun - Co-judge of the Grand Hattam trophy for best piece of football journalism at - Captain/coach of the Old Melburnians Club XVIII football side for 2004 season. - Coach of Trinity College Second XVIII football team 1994-1995. - Coach of Northern Bombers, "Reclink Football League," 1995. - Captain/coach of Corrs "Winneke Cup" team and joint organiser of Winneke Cup law - Compiled with Rob Heath and Peter Cullen the book "Coach!", a collection of stories The profits from the book were contributed to the Reclink football competition for disadvantaged people which is run by the Scared Heart Mission in St Kilda. His commitment to the game is demonstrable. A glance at the membership register on hawthornfc.com.au lists him as no.1301082 on what is called the Hawk Lifetime File. WB/RICH at Telstra Dome, Melbourne, 7.40pm (Channel 9) Saturday Feb 21 Sunday Feb 22 SYD/CARL at Telstra Stadium, Sydney, 3.45pm (Fox Footy Channel) In week two, the breakdown of games would see one match on Friday night, one match on Saturday afternoon, one match on Saturday night, and the final match on Sunday afternoon. NSW Chief Steps Down The CEO of the AFL NSW ACT Commission, John Livy, has announced he is leaving the position in December. Some were picked up in the national draft, while others are training with various clubs hoping to be selected at the preseason draft. The most surprising absentee from this list was former West Coast Eagle Phillip Read, who now can only find a new club via the preseason draft on 16 December. The other notable absentee from the list was former Bomber Shane Harvey, who is training with the Kangaroos in the hope of being selected by them in the preseason draft where he would then be reunited with his brother Brent. Andrew Demetriou has warned the 16 clubs that the AFL Players Association is on the warpath following the farcical Jade Rawlings scenario during last month's trade period. Essendon assistant coach Ray Shaw has suggested an independent panel to determine the market value of players leading up to and during trade week. He said a panel's determination could go a long way toward avoiding situations such as those involving Jade Rawlings and Nick Stevens, who both were left stranded because the clubs involved could not agree on trade terms. He described the behavior of some club officials during trade week as petulant. Shaw labeled the recent trade period embarrassing and in need of an overhaul. He said club coaches and match committees were too intent on bragging about the clubs they had "stitched up" to be able to decide what was a fair trade. A cinema company has approached the AFL with the idea of showing matches involving Melbourne based teams when they play interstate. It could be huge boost to membership, with part of the package involving fans meeting past and present players and see a live broadcast of matches. At least 6 clubs have expressed interest in the concept but it would have gain approval of not only the AFL but its broadcast partners as well. The company, Village Roadshow, has already opened the Red Cinema in England, which shows Manchester United games. Viewers also have a chance to win match tickets. Collingwood experimented with the idea last year when it showed the final against Port Adelaide on a big screen and already has an 80-seat cinema planned for its new training facilities at Olympic Park. The club also allowed fans who could not get to the Grand Final this year to gather at Victoria Park where they were able to watch the game on the stadium's big screen. No Price Hikes The AFL, in coming off one of its most successful seasons, announced there would be no increase in ticket process for 2004. Over 6 million fans attended matches this year, TV ratings were up 10%, and club memberships were well over 400,000. Andrew Demetriou told the clubs that the AFL would exceed its forecast 2003 profit of $4.6 million, after the International Rules series against Ireland reaped an additional $400,000. TEAM NEWS Hopefuls Get Another Chance Earlier this month, clubs were looking at potential draftees, whether it be the National Draft or the Preseason Draft. Part of that routine is inviting hopefuls to train with the team. However, even though uncontracted and delisted players are training, clubs are not obligated to draft them. Some clubs will delist a player only to have him continue training with them and then redraft him. The second list changes had to be submitted to the AFL by Nov. 14. Several clubs delisted a few more players to make room on their lists for the upcoming draft. Those are also included here: Note: (v) = Veteran outside list of 38 Bob Campbell will not seek re-election for a fourth year as chairman of the Adelaide Football Club. He has advised the club he will serve the remaining year of his current three-year term as a member of the board, but not as chairman. Campbell, an original member of Adelaide's board in 1991, is only the club's third chairman after Max Basheer (when the club was being formed in 1990) and Bob Hammond (1991-2000). Team: BRISBANE Just prior to the draft, Robbie Copeland finally agreed to terms for a new contract with the club, despite offers of more money elsewhere. Team: Shane Morrison requested his release to seek more playing opportunities elsewhere. Morrison has played just 5 games in 4 years with the Lions Morrison was drafted under the father-son rule in late 1999, his father Peter having played 90 games for South Melbourne before playing and coaching extensively in Queensland. MELBOURNE President-elect Paul Gardner has demanded that every member of the club board and all key officials sign a commercial confidentiality agreement in a bid to control sensitive information from leaking outside the Demons. Gardner, who addressed the players for the first time on early in November and called for unity within the club, confirmed he had ordered the drawing up of the legal document which was sent to his fellow directors. A coalition of six election candidates has asked the board of president-elect Paul Gardner to resign and spare the club from the consequences of an election. Team: PORT ADELAIDE Midfielder Roger James has had surgery to combat a chronic groin problem that hampered him for much of the 2003 season. Team: FREMANTLE And speaking of rebuilding, that is just one aspect of the side Connolly is working on. A big boost is having 3 ruckmen who can also rotate into the forward line. Another is going to be The Dockers have announced that they have become a patron of the Fremantle Hospital Medical Research Foundation. There's new face on the staff down at Fremantle. Adam Basil, one of Australia's premier sprinters, is working at the club assisting with the weights program as he gears up for his assault on the men's 100-metre event at the Athens Olympics next year. He will remain with the Dockers until 2004. Adam Basil Sporting Biography: Adam again lowered his personal best in the second round of the 100 metres at the 2000 Nationals, held on Stadium Australia. Adam moved to the AIS in April 2000, but unfortunately just missed selection in the Olympic team. Troy Cook signed a new two year contract early in November. Team: CARLTON Nick Stevens has hit back at the criticism directed at him by his former club Port Adelaide, saying he is disappointed with the Power's attitude towards him. Has appointed assistant coach Barry Mitchell to coach VFL affiliate Northern Bullants. Carlton has appointed Anthony Koutoufides as its new captain, and was further buoyed by the champion agreeing to a restructured pay deal that is expected to help the Blues in their pursuit of out-of-contract midfielder Nick Stevens. The club has been ordered to negotiate with former defender Adrian Whitehead, who is suing for damages over the handling of an injury that he claims ended his playing career. Axed Collingwood assistant Terry Daniher could revive his coaching career at Carlton next season. He has applied for a job as assistant coach with the Blues. Carlton has turned to rugby league in an attempt to boost its tackling skills. Carlton’s Ryan Houlihan has ended protracted contract negotiations with his club and re-signed. Team: The Collingwood Number 42 guernsey, made famous by one of Collingwood's greatest players, Darren Millane, will be taken out of retirement for the first time in 12 years. Team: WESTERN BULLDOGS Like Nick Stevens, Ex-Hawk Jade Rawlings has nominated for the preseason draft, effectively removing him from Hawthorn's list and leaving him free to train with the Bulldogs. Jade Rawlings has called for a reduction in the time for exchanging players. Bulldog players traveled to various regional areas of Victoria at the end of November to meet and greet their country supporters, going as far north as Albury and as far south as Warrnambool, to spend time with their country supporters and strive to increase the membership bases in those areas. Midfielder Scott West has signed a new 2 year contract extension, ensuring he remains a Bulldog for the duration of his career. Football has turned full circle for Leon Cameron. Former Bulldog champion Tony Liberatore has vowed to never work under the current regime at Whitten Oval after his recent application to become an assistant to coach Peter Rohde ended acrimoniously. The Western Bulldogs have appointed former player Jose Romero to its board of directors, to replace Jim Edmond as the club's director of football. Team: ESSENDON Adam Ramanauskas is on a modified training program. After surgery and chemo last year, his prognosis is good and the club is hoping he can step up to full training in several weeks and play some preseason games. Forward Damian Cupido could miss the rest of the preseason after the club decided he needed knee surgery to combat a long-running bout of patella tendonitis. Essendon has drawn inspiration from reality TV shows such as Race Around the World and Survivor in preparing for its novel four-day training camp in remote East Gippsland. Team: Training: James Davies (Essendon), Toby McGrath (Essendon rookie), Adrian Wilson (Essendon rookie) RICHMOND From next year, club captains will wear Jack Dyer's #17. The announcement was made at a press conference in front of the statue of Dyer at Punt Road on Dyer's alleged birthday of November 13. TIGERS WHO HAVE WORN NO. 17 Campbell has also indicated he would like to hand over the club captaincy before retiring from AFL football. It is Campbell's intention is to play on after standing down from the chief leadership position and help groom his successor. Ray Hall has finally accepted a two-year deal from Richmond and returned to training. Tiger star Matthew Richardson has removed himself from the club's leadership group in a bid to improve his own performance. Another hitch has hit former Magpie Rupert Betheras' hopes of reviving his career. Betheras was hoping to celebrate his 28th birthday with a new football lifeline by being selected by the Tigers in the national draft. He had been training with the club, but they failed to select him. And now, because he is not on their official list, he had to be excluded from a training camp the team departed for last week. Team: If the injury plagued Marc comes through ok, the club may opt to place him on their rookie list ST KILDA The career of Caydn Beetham, four years ago St Kilda's feted first-round national draft selection, seems likely to continue in the VAFA with Old Xaverians. The 21-year-old midfielder, who walked out on the Saints and on AFL football last year, had not nominated for the national draft and was "highly unlikely to", according to his manager, Paul Connors. Team: West Coast Eagles recruiting manager Trevor Woodhouse has added his voice to the chorus calling on the AFL to lift the minimum draft age. Team: SYDNEY Team: Seymour was released from the club after indicating his preference to pursue his career elsewhere. Brad’s wife Melissa has a flourishing business in Melbourne and that, combined with a young family had a major impact on his decision. Coach Paul Roos had nothing but praise for Seymour who played 133 games in 10 years with the Swans and is a life member of the club. KANGAROOS Hospitals to benefit from the appeal are The Alfred and Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, The Childrens Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Royal Children's Hospital Brisbane, Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children Perth and the Royal Darwin Hospital. Dual premiership midfielder Adam Simpson has been named as the Kangaroos' captain - the 37th in the club's history - as the club put in place a succession plan for the next five years. Team: GEELONG Geelong footballers Joel Corey and Steve Johnson recently launched a fundraising initiative between Geelong Football Club and local watercolor artist Francis McMahon. Team: HAWTHORN The Hawks squad kicked off a recent training session sporting the new Loyalty Scarves that all 2004 Hawthorn members will receive to recognize their loyalty and dedication to the Club. Team: GENERAL SILLINESS And that's it for November I'll be back in a few weeks with the preseason draft news. GO BLUES IN `04!! Lisa How To Subscribe / Unsubscribe
It's official. Essendon is the Manchester United of the AFL.
And that glowing endorsement comes directly from England's world famous soccer club.
Manchester United – the world's most heavily supported football club – officially announced a partnership with Essendon with two of the Red Devils' leading officials on hand at Windy Hill to announce the deal.
The reason behind the move, according to CEO Peter Jackson, is that the competition is over-crowded and the source of football dollars finite.
The two, by scale a world apart but by strategy as close as the black and red colors they sport, announced yesterday that they were about to head off on a quest to find their fans - Man U's 4 million in Australasia and Essendon's 1.1 million across the nation.
Through a series of promotions that will provide, among other things, opportunities to attend Man U matches and meet coaches and players, the clubs hope to identify their fans and then, to their profit, bring them into their respective families.
The lustre of United's global brand supremacy was, Jackson, conceded, also a consideration for the Dons, although the club has to identify and deliver to Man U certain numbers of fans within the next 18 months for the relationship to continue.
"They (Man U) are not doing this because they want to find 10,000 new members . . . this is not Mickey Mouse stuff . . . the numbers they want are somewhere closer to six figures," Jackson said. "It's really about finding all the red and black supporters in Australia, whether they be Man Utd or Essendon, and then turning them into customers by giving them access to both clubs."
Under the arrangement, the first of its kind Manchester United has been involved with in Australia, the Bombers will help the English premier league powerhouse locate many of its estimated four million fans in Australia amongst its worldwide supporter base of 53 million.
And the Bombers will seek to grow their estimated one million fan base Australia wide through accessing Manchester United's current database of their known Australian fans.
United – which has won the European Cup, eight English championships and three FA Cups in the past decade alone – is renowned for being the world's richest, most supported and most professional football club.
And in Essendon, it believes it has found a club that shares its values in Australia.
"The business models of Manchester United and Essendon football club are very similar,' Manchester United's director of commercial operations Ben Hatton said.
Hatton said the Bombers – who like Manchester United are famous for their red and black playing strip and like Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson also have the longest-serving and most well-known coach in their respective country in Kevin Sheedy – had a lot to offer the English giants.
He said Australia was an important marketplace.
Hatton said Australia was already fourth behind the United Kingdom, the United States and China for supplying visitors to the Manchester United website.
Essendon meanwhile is thrilled and honored the world's most famous football club decided to choose the Bombers as their Australian business partner.
However Jackson stressed the deal was not about Essendon selling any of Manchester United's huge range of clothing or promoting soccer at the expense of Australian football.
"We're trying to find our supporters and turn them into fans and Manchester United are trying to find their supporters and turn them into fans," he said.
"And we think Essendon has the know how to go about finding those fans and Manchester United agreed".
GENERAL NEWS
The AFL has announced a significant restructure of its operations, including the departure of its head of game development, Ross Smith – who is retiring – and the appointment of a new football operations manager.
Melbourne lawyer Adrian Anderson is the new footy operations chief – filling the position of new AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou – and he will start with the league in February.
The role of commercial operations manager Ben Buckley will be split into two, with Buckley to focus on broadcasting, strategy and major projects, including fixturing.
AFL strategist Gillon McLachlan will have an expanded role as a general manager responsible for corporate sponsorship, licensing and AFL membership. There will also be a new general manager of marketing and communications.
The current general manager of communications, Tony Peek, becomes an assistant to Demetriou, while finance and administration general manager Ian Anderson retains his position.
Overall, the number of key executives reporting to the CEO has increased from five to seven.
Anderson, 31, has been a partner with Corrs Chambers Westgarth, specializing in media law and has a long association with clubs, players and coaches. He beat a field of 200 applicants for the position after being approached by the AFL to apply for the position.
Anderson, a devout Hawthorn supporter, described himself as a 'footyhead' and said he would bring 'passion for the game' to his position. But he has yet to develop an agenda for his first few months in the job and won't until he has met with the clubs.
Smith, 61, a former St Kilda captain and coach, has headed the heavily-scrutinized game development department since February 2000. He will retire in early 2004 but is expected to maintain a role on various AFL committees and on special projects.
The AFL has gone outside football circles to appoint a media and sports lawyer who did not even apply for the job to replace Andrew Demetriou as football operations manager.
Adrian Anderson, 31, a keen Hawthorn supporter who recently became a partner at law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth, was chosen by new league chief executive Demetriou only a few weeks ago when the candidates who applied for the job were rejected.
Anderson's appointment goes against the wishes of many clubs who had expressed their desire to Demetriou that the job go to someone from within one of the clubs with hands-on football administration experience.
Anderson has been known to Demetriou since he was an adviser to the AFL Players Association during Demetriou's time there.
Notwithstanding the calibre of the applicants, the AFL was not satisfied and tried to head-hunt a number of people from inside and outside football.
West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett was sought by Demetriou but he declined the offer because his family did not want to move from Perth.
Demetriou defended the choice of Anderson, claiming that rather than being a job "for the boys", it proved that the AFL was not willing to settle for second-best and appoint a person with club experience simply because some clubs wanted it.
Unlike when Demetriou was second-in-charge to Wayne Jackson, the new football operations position will be more limited.
Admitting he had a lot to learn, and refusing to say what he felt would be his main challenges in the role, Anderson said he would make a priority of visiting clubs to ascertain their views.
LLB
Bachelor of Laws (Hons), University of Melbourne (1995)
VCE, Camberwell Church of England Grammar School (1989)
Admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria
July 2003 - Current Partner Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Lead Partner of Media Special Interest Group.
Principal Media Law Adviser to clients including the Herald-Sun, 3AW and other subsidiaries of Southern Cross Broadcasting, Leader Community Newspapers, Border Morning Mail and others.
Sports Legal Advisor for clients including AFL Players' Association, Australian Cricketers' Association and Career Sport.
Principal Media Law Adviser to clients including the Herald-Sun, 3AW and other subsidiaries of Southern Cross Broadcasting and Leader Community Newspapers.
Sports Legal Advisor for clients including AFL Players' Association, Australian Cricketers' Association and Career Sport.
Working with Grant Hattam in the Corrs Media and Sports Law group.
March 1996 - April 1997 Articled Clerk
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
Committee member of the Melbourne Press Club
Committee member of the Law Institute of Victoria Media and Communications section
Law Institute of Victoria
In 2000, became the first lawyer to win a Quill Award and followed this up in 2002 with another Grant Hattam Award for contribution to press freedom. Awards resulted from work with Herald Sun journalists Geoff Wilkinson and Russell Robinson.
- Legal adviser to the AFLPA on various issues in period from 1997 to present including preparation of rules and regulations of AFLPA, education and training rules, retirement fund, advice on internet rights, grievance tribunal issues and representation, AFL tribunal procedures and agent accreditation scheme;
Players' Association and Major League Baseball Players Association in 2001.
related legal issues.
and appearing on radio in Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.
AFLPA MVP Awards 1999-2003. Also co-ordinated Corrs' sponsorship at MVP Awards 1999-2003.
Other playing history includes school and college football teams and Old Melburnians Club XVIII 1997-2002 (best and fairest 1999).
firms football competition in 2001.
about coaches and their speeches which was published by Information Australia in 2000.
Wizard Schedule Announced
The Australian Football League has confirmed match and broadcast details for Round One of the 2004 Wizard Home Loans Cup competition.
The opening to the 2004 Wizard Home Loans Cup on the weekend of February 20-22 will see AFL football taken to all eight Australian states and territories during the one weekend for the first time in the history of the game, with matches to be played in Melbourne, Darwin, Canberra, Cairns, Perth, Sydney, Launceston and Adelaide.
AFL Commercial Operations Manager Ben Buckley said the AFL had completed its broadcast selection process with the AFL's partners -- the Ten Network, the Nine Network and Fox Footy Channel -- with every match of the competition to be broadcast.
Under the rotation system between the 10 and 9 Networks, Channel 10 will broadcast the final of the 2004 Wizard Home Loans Cup on Saturday March 13. Channel 10 will also broadcast one semi-final on Saturday March 6 with Channel Nine to broadcast the other semi-final to be played on Friday March 5.
The 15 matches of the 2004 competition will be divided equally between the broadcasters with Channel 10, Channel 9, and the Fox Footy Channel each broadcasting five matches.
Buckley said the round one fixturing and broadcasting details were as follows (all times are local):
Friday Feb 20:
ESS/FRE Marrara Oval, Darwin, 7.10pm (Fox Footy Channel)
KANG/MELB at Manuka Oval, Canberra, 1.10pm (Fox Footy Channel)
PA/GEEL at Bundaberg Stadium, Cairns, 7.10pm (Fox Footy Channel)
WCE/COL at Subiaco, Perth, 5.40pm (Channel 9)
HAW/BRIS at York Park, Launceston, 1.10pm (Fox Footy Channel)
ADE/STK at AAMI Stadium, Adelaide, 4.40pm (Channel 10)
Mr Livy was a member of the AFL appointed task force in 1997 which reviewed the development of the game in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Its final report was adopted by the AFL Commission in 1998. Later that year, Mr Livy was appointed the first Chief Executive Officer of AFL NSW ACT.
He said it was his original intention to stay two or three years but after five years, it was time to look for new challenges and that he had achieved everything he had hoped to accomplish during his tenure.
This year, registered participation in AFL Auskick in NSW ACT reached 25,300, second only to Victoria and an increase of 25% on the 2002 total of some 20,000.
AFL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Demetriou, said that total participation in Australian football in NSW ACT was well on its way to doubling since 1998 when there were 32,600 registered players compared to about 55,000 today.
Delisted players who nominated for the draft
Jordan Bannister (Essendon), Rupert Betheras (Collingwood), Craig Biddiscombe (Richmond), David Bourke (Kangaroos), Glen Bowyer (Hawthorn), Daniel Breese (Melbourne), Amon Buchanan (Sydney), Craig Callaghan (St Kilda), Che Cockatoo-Collins (Port Adelaide), Brent Colbert (Western Bulldogs), Rod Crowe (Kangaroos), Andrew Crowell (Adelaide), James Davies (Essendon), Marc Dragicevic (Richmond), Andrew Eccles (Carlton), Ben Finnin (Geelong), Simon Fletcher (Carlton), Rob Forster-Knight (Essendon), Scott Freeborn (Carlton), Brent Grgic (Geelong), Daniel Hunt (St Kilda), Anthony Jones (Fremantle), Paul Koulouriotis (Port Adelaide), Steve Lawrence (St Kilda), Glenn Manton (Carlton), Ben Marsh (Adelaide), Andrew Merrington (Carlton), Andrew Mills (Richmond), Shane Morrison (Brisbane Lions), Gary Moorcroft (Melbourne), Shannon Motlop (Kangaroos), Chris Oliver (St Kilda), Stephen Paxman (Port Adelaide), Jim Plunkett (Carlton), Aaron Rogers (Melbourne), Daniel Schell (Adelaide), Brad Seymour (Sydney), Daniel Sipthorp (Richmond), Dylan Smith (Kangaroos), Matthew Smith (Adelaide) and Jarad Wright (Brisbane Lions)
Read is training with Melbourne, which has the first live pick in the preseason draft after the Bulldogs' decision to commit to Jade Rawlings while Carlton is committed to Port star Nick Stevens at pick two.
That leaves the Demons free to select Read at pick three if they choose to.
However had Read nominated for the national draft, it could have meant any of the 16 clubs selecting him at any stage.
Change Trade System Say Some
Demetriou, addressing his first meeting of the club chief executives, said the AFLPA was pushing for a rule change to prevent the 2003 trade outcome which saw Rawlings virtually forced to join the Western Bulldogs via that club's first pick in the preseason draft.
But the AFLPA stand met with little sympathy from the clubs, which largely made it clear that the player and his management had left the clubs involved with little choice. As it stands, the Bulldogs will pick up Rawlings in next month's preseason draft with their No. 1 pick.
An investigation by the AFL's Ken Woods has cleared the Bulldogs of any wrongdoing in what is now known as the "Veale Deal".
Shaw believes match committees are incapable of making fair assessments on the worth of a player, citing the failure of Hawthorn's Jade Rawlings and Port Adelaide's Nick Stevens to reach their preferred destinations during last month's trade period as examples of this.
"It is just embarrassing to look back on the antics of some people and some clubs and it further strengthens the argument that the AFL should appoint a football ombudsman."
He said Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy and recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro had long believed the final decisions on trade deals needed to be taken out of club hands.
Shaw said the independent panel could comprise an AFL representative, such as national talent manager Kevin Sheehan, a representative from the AFL Players Association, a legal representative and a chairman with AFL experience - David Parkin.
He said an unbiased panel could act independently and fairly to settle trade disputes and stalemates. He said if clubs had acted responsibly and conceded ground, issues such as those involving Jade Rawlings and Nick Stevens could have been settled.
Shaw believes once a player has nominated the club he wishes to join, the two clubs should have a fixed amount of time to agree to a trade. If the clubs fail to agree, the independent committee could be called in to make a reasonable decision, without bias as an obstacle.
Players, managers, and clubs would be interviewed and all scenarios are looked at. The committee could then decide what is fair and the clubs have 48 hours to lodge an appeal if they see fit. The decision is made and deemed fair and reasonable.
Footy At The Movies?
Demetriou said that in future the Melbourne leg of the two Australia-Ireland Tests would be played on the eve of the Spring Racing Carnival's Victoria Derby, with the Australian Rugby Union staging an Australia-Ireland rugby clash in alternate years.
At the end of each team section is a full team roster after the National Draft as well as a listing of players allowed to train with clubs ahead of the preseason draft. Most clubs still have room on their lists to include draftees from the preseason and rookie drafts.
(v*) = Veteran inside list of 38
ADELAIDE
Campbell, 72, said that the time is right to ‘hand over the baton'. He said he would remain on the board to offer assistance and support to the new chairman to maintain a sense of continuity and stability.
Adelaide deputy chairman Bill Sanders, the club's chief executive officer from 1991-2001, is favored to succeed Campbell as the new chairman.
In a media release, Adelaide chief executive officer Steven Trigg said the terms of two board members – Andrew Payze and Paul Rofe – concluded this year, and the SA Football Commission would make any appointments (or reappointments of Payze and Rofe) to the board in the days after the club's annual general meeting on 9 December.
The board will elect a new chairman – for a one-year term – when it reconvenes before Christmas.
Nathan Bassett, James Begley, Rhett Biglands, Nathan Bock, Matthew Bode, Ronnie Burns, Brett Burton, Wayne Carey, Matthew Clarke, Michael Doughty, Tyson Edwards, James Gallagher, Simon Goodwin, Ben Hart (v), Trent Hentschel, Luke Jericho, Graham Johncock, Chris Ladhams, Kris Massie, Martin Mattner, Ken McGregor, Andrew McLeod,
Ian Perrie, Brent Reilly, Mark Ricciuto, Ben Rutten, Jacob Schuback, Robert Shirley, Hayden Skipworth, Nigel Smart (v*), Tyson Stenglein, Mark Stevens, Scott Stevens, Jason Torney, Scott Welsh
Rookies: Aidan Parker
Arrivals: Hayden Skipworth (rookie), Scott Stevens (Sydney)
Retired: Mark Bickley
Delisted: Andrew Crowell, Ben Nelson, Daniel Schell, Ben Marsh, Matthew Smith, Michael Bratton (rookie), Jason Porplyzia (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Ben Hudson (Werribee), Josh Krueger (Glenelg), Fergus Watts (Sandringham Dragons)
Training: Andrew Rowans (Tassie Mariners), Michael Bratton (Norwood), Brad Dabrowski (West Adelaide), Clint Dubieniecki (Glenelg), Tim Hazell (Box Hill), Brad Lang (Glenorchy), Tim Nicholas (Norwood), Craig Parry (Port Adelaide Magpies), Jason Porplyzia (West Adelaide), Jason Whitehead (Woodville West Torrens)
Another stellar season was capped off for the Lions with chairman Graeme Downie announcing a massive $2.2million profit for the triple premiers.
The outstanding financial result comes on top of a $1.2million profit for the 2002 year, although the most rewarding aspect of this year's result is that it was achieved solely on the operations of the football club.
The strongest factors in the huge result were an increase in corporate support, an increase in home game attendance, membership revenues, and controlling costs.
Membership increased from 22,288 to 25,578, while average crowds surged from 27,565 to 31,612 and broke through the 400,000 aggregate barrier for the first time, despite the Gabba hosting just the one final.
Copeland has played 52 games over the past three years.
The Lions have developed Copeland into a solid senior player after he was overlooked by the national draft system, giving him an opportunity on the club's rookie list in 2001.
Copeland won a Rising Star nomination in his debut season and played in the 2001 and 2003 premiership teams.
Jason Akermanis, Simon Black, Daniel Bradshaw, Jared Brennan, Jonathan Brown, Blake Caracella, Jamie Charman, Robert Copeland, Anthony Corrie, Richard Hadley, Shaun Hart (v*), Chris Johnson, Clark Keating, Nigel Lappin, Justin Leppitsch, Alastair Lynch, Joel Macdonald, Beau McDonald, Ashley McGrath, Dylan McLaren, Craig McRae, Daniel Merrett, Mal Michael, Tim Notting, Martin Pike, Luke Power, Brad Scott, Chris Scott, Troy Selwood, Aaron Shattock, Michael Voss, Darryl White (v*)
Arrivals: Joel Macdonald (elevated from rookie list)
Retired: Marcus Ashcroft
Traded: Jason Gram (St Kilda)
Delisted: Shane Morrison, Jarrad Wright, Daniel Pratt (rookie), Nick Raines (rookie), Paul Shelton (rookie), Kevin Tandogac (rookie), Luke Weller (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Jed Adcock (North Ballarat Rebels), Tom Logan (Waratahs), Matthew Moody (East Fremantle), Michael Rischitelli (Western Jets), Llane Spaanderman (East Perth)
Training: Matthew Brown (South Warrnambool), Billy Cleary (Mt Gravatt), Jay Drummond (Labrador), Jacob Furfaro (Mt Gravatt), Matthew Pardew (Morningside), Matty Pask (Western Magpies), Daniel Pratt (Brisbane Lions rookie), Leigh Ryswyk (Southport), Alestar Sioni (Wests FC Papua New Guinea), Jeremy Stiller (Northern Eagles), Luke Weller (Brisbane Lions rookie)
Injuries hampered Morrison's progress in his first two years on the Lions list, before he played three senior games in 2002 and two more in 2003. He was initially a standout at full-back with the Lions Reserves in the AFLQ competition, before developing as an equally capable centre-half-forward and centre-half-back.
Morrison led the Grogan Medal for the best player in the AFLQ state league at one stage this year, before finishing equal second on 16 votes, three behind winner Jacob Gough.
The club's financial trauma has spiraled again, with the Demons announcing to their members a 2003 loss of almost $2 million, significantly the worst result of the 16 AFL clubs.
Melbourne's president-elect Paul Gardner recently learned the full severity of the club's financial crisis and would not rule out turning to the AFL for a $1 million hand-out from the league's competitive balance fund.
CEO Ray Ellis, who said in June that the club would make a six-figure profit, is understood to have been given the benefit of the doubt in the short term given that he took over at Melbourne only 12 months ago. His position is expected to be reviewed in March.
Szondy, a senior partner at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and the head of the Demons' finance subcommittee, has already said he would resign as president and retire from the board, citing business and family reasons for his decision.
Most of the Melbourne directors believed that the club would lose $1.2 million. That result plunged further following an extensive investigation of the books by the club's new financial controller, Rob Ewart.
It is the third year in succession that Melbourne has lost more than $1.5 million. While there has been some positive news in recent weeks on the sponsorship front, next season's result has already been hurt by the club's draw, which Gardner called "pre-meditated murder" in a financial sense by the AFL.
Melbourne's loss has been compounded by staff payouts following a rebuilding of the off-field structure, a 25 per cent downturn in gaming revenue, a $600,000 drop in corporate hospitality and poor match crowds.
Any official or board member refusing to sign the document would be asked to resign.
Gardner, the group chairman of the Grey Global Group, was nominated in August by the outgoing Gabriel Szondy as his successor and now looks likely to take the presidency with club legend Robert Flower the frontrunner to replace Bev O'Connor as vice-president.
Flower, who has indicated he wants to increase his role at the club, will also assume the position as director of football.
While Szondy is not up for re-election at this year's annual general meeting, there is mounting pressure upon him to resign. The club will post another massive loss this season, expected to exceed $1 million.
O'Connor confirmed she had considered her position on the board in the wake of another major reshuffle but said that should the current directors remain in place, her focus would be to continue a push for unity within the club.
The Demons held a preseason launch at the Burwood campus of Deakin University. The players and staff were addressed by Gardner, Coach Neale Daniher, CEO Ray Ellis and captain David Neitz.
Daniher, who has one season with another season's option remaining on his contract, is understood to have also pleaded for unity within the club and said that for Melbourne to move forward next season any remaining factionalism within the club must end.
While most AFL clubs have struggled with the leaking of sensitive information from time to time, Melbourne's board was famously targeted from within at the start of 1999 when former president Joseph Gutnick revealed to the AFL before telling his board that he had uncovered irregularities in the Demons' total player payments.
Gutnick said later he could not trust certain fellow directors not to leak the information.
The request - which was refused - was put to director Stephen Bickford last week.
The bloc of six invited board members and other candidates in the December 17 election to a meeting in the hope of brokering a deal to avoid a poll. The deal effectively required the surrender of the Gardner board.
Bickford was the only invitee to attend, although a candidate expected to receive Gardner's endorsement in the coming weeks, Michael Coglin, met with the group later in the day.
Gardner said that far from stepping away from the looming contest he would be publicly backing two candidates - believed to be Coglin and management consultant John Phillips - which would effectively create a bloc of his own.
Five positions on the board will be contested, with Gardner, Peter Dohrmann and Gary Hardeman seeking re-election while Craig Perrett and Rob Jamieson are stepping down.
Gardner said he was bemused by Friday's "peace offering" and the fact that Guthrie had brought together a group of six candidates when only five vacancies exist.
Steven Armstrong, Daniel Bell, Clint Bizzell, Troy Broadbridge, Nathan Brown, Cameron Bruce, Nathan Carroll, Ryan Ferguson, Simon Godfrey, Brad Green, Chris Heffernan, Ben Holland, Cameron Hunter, Mark Jamar, Chris Johnson, Travis Johnstone, Darren Jolly,
Chris Lamb, James McDonald, Brad Miller, David Neitz, Alistair Nicholson, Guy Rigoni,
Jared Rivers, Russell Robertson, Nick Smith, Scott Thompson, Peter Vardy, Peter Walsh,
Daniel Ward, Paul Wheatley, Matthew Whelan, Jeff White, Luke Williams, Adem Yze
Rookies: Dale Carson, Adam Fisher
Arrivals: Nathan Carroll (elevated from rookie list), Ben Holland (Richmond), Chris Johnson (father/son)
Retired: Craig Ellis, Andrew Leoncelli
Delisted: Daniel Breese, Luke Molan, Gary Moorcroft, Aaron Rogers, Michael Clark (rookie), Ezra Poyas (rookie), Nick Walsh (rookie)
Luke Molan has nominated for the preseason draft
National AFL Draft: Brock McLean (Calder Cannons), Colin Sylvia (Bendigo Pioneers), Chris Johnson (East Fremantle, father/son rule)
Training: Dylan Harper (Swan District), Paul Newman (Kyabram), Phil Read (WCE), Peter Summers (Preston Bullants), John Tabrett (Western Magpies), Brad Thomas (Hamilton Imperials), Andrew Treloar (Sandringham), Matthew Warnock (Sandringham), Robert Young (Oakleigh Chargers)
CEO Brian Cunningham, who missed out on the position of AFL football operations manager, will remain with the Power.
Cunningham had made it to the final two candidates, but had been informed that his application was unsuccessful.
Cunningham said that although he would have enjoyed the challenge of a new role with the AFL, he is more than happy to continue his work with the Power.
Andrew Demetriou said Cunningham was a top candidate and was in the mix for selection
Australian rugby sensation Lote Tuqiri has turned his sights on his third football code, accepting an invitation to train with Port Adelaide during the preseason.
And Power coach Mark Williams has not ruled out trying to recruit the 24-year-old Wallaby, a star of Australia's World Cup campaign, whose athletic and marking ability prompted Williams to approach the Fijian-born footballer after the recent thrilling final against England.
"I told him I'd turn him into the first convert-convert-convert," Williams said of Tuqiri, who has already made the successful transition from Brisbane Broncos rugby league star to rugby union's premier stage.
Williams, a friend of Wallabies' kicking coach Ben Perkins, mingled with the Australian contingent before and after the final and spoke with Tuqiri, whose display against England included a running chest mark for Australia's only try of the final, comparable with Jonathan Brown's 2002 mark of the year for Brisbane. He took an even better, pack-splitting grab in the semi-final win over New Zealand.
Tuqiri will join in training in January after the rookie draft and the club has room on its list if it decides to add him to the squad.
Williams said that the only hinderance might be Tuqiri's kicking as most rugby players are not great kicks. Williams used the example of his time at Essendon working with NFL player Dwayne Armstrong, trying to teach him how to kick. He said it was a big job. He went further to point out former basketballer and current ruckman Dean Brogan, who stood up this year in the absence of Matt Primus.
Tuqiri's World Cup form was all the more remarkable, given his background as a rugby league footballer. He entered the tournament after just 11 Super 12 games for New South Wales and 13 Tests. Recruited from the Broncos, Brisbane and the Australian Rugby League have also indicated their interest in luring Tuqiri back to league.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said the priority for the Australian Rugby Union, after trying to win the World Cup against England, was to retain Tuqiri, whose contract expires next year. Jones said that keeping Tuqiri was crucial for Australia's next World Cup campaign.
The skillful onballer will not be able to run for 3-4 weeks but is expected to resume a training program before Christmas.
James had problems with his adductor muscles since early in the season and missed the Power's last five matches, including the finals.
The strongly-built midfielder has played 118 games for the Power since joining the club for its inaugural AFL season in 1997.
Cain Ackland, Matthew Bishop, Dean Brogan, Peter Burgoyne, Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Carr, Domenic Cassisi, Wade Champion, Stuart Cochrane, Chad Cornes, Kane Cornes, Stuart Dew, Brett Ebert, Josh Francou, Stephen Gilham, Chris Hall, Damien Hardwick, Roger James, Adam Kingsley, Brendon Lade, Brett Montgomery, Byron Pickett, Jared Poulton, Matthew Primus, Steven Salopek, Jarrad Schofield, Nick Stevens, Toby Thurstans, Warren Tredrea, Darryl Wakelin, Gavin Wanganeen (v*), Damon White, Michael Wilson
Rookies: Joel Patfull
Traded: Brent Guerra (St Kilda), Adam Morgan (Western Bulldogs)
Delisted: Che Cockatoo-Collins, Paul Koulouriotis, Stephen Paxman, Scott Borlace (rookie), Nick Stevens
National AFL Draft: Troy Chaplin (North Ballarat Rebels), Brad Symes (Central District), Luke Peel (Sandringham Dragons), Robert Forster-Knight (Essendon), Michael Pettigrew (West Perth)
Training: Lucas Block (Glenelg), Alex Button (Glenelg), Dale Ellis (Woodville West Torrens), Adam Grocke (North Adelaide), Salem Hassan (West Adelaide), Cameron Ilett (Port Adelaide Mapgies), Matt Illman (West Adelaide), David Kellett (Central District), Peter Mann (Port Adelaide Magpies), Dylan Pfitzner (Central District), Paul Thomas (Central District), Jarrod Wright (Woodville West Torrens)
Legendary coach David Parkin has defended his protege Chris Connolly, after the Fremantle coach controversially said that his side was not yet good enough to win the premiership.
Connolly's comments, made at the Dockers' first preseason training session, sparked an uproar in Perth, where talkback radio slated him for his cautious approach.
Parkin, who worked closely with Connolly at Hawthorn, said Connolly was more in touch with his squad's capabilities than anyone.
Connolly said that Fremantle would need several sides to slip up or succumb to injury if it was to claim the 2004 premiership.
Parkin said he would back Connolly's assessment of the Fremantle list "to the hilt".
"It's coaches who under or over-estimate where a player or their group is, that run themselves into distinct hot water," he said.
Parkin rejected suggestions that Connolly's comments could have an adverse effect on the Fremantle playing group.
Fremantle chief executive Cameron Schwab said Connolly's comments were an accurate reflection on the club's list.
"In footy you are always in one of two phases - you are either building to win a premiership or you are ready to win a premiership. We are still very much in the building phase."
the consistent and rabid rotation of his midfield, as the club does its best to ensure the players are running as hard at the end of the game as they were at the start.
The trading of forward Trent Croad to Hawthorn has opened up a spot for another tall, and while Fremantle's plan is to move exciting youngster Graham Polak forward, Troy Simmonds, Aaron Sandilands and Justin Longmuir will ruck and also switch forward.
Connolly said the possibilities were exciting, and admitted that Longmuir would have spent more time in the ruck this year if he hadn't injured his knee in a preseason scratch match.
He said having 3 ruckmen who can also go forward would give the side plenty of flexibility and unpredictability.
The Foundation provides seeding funds for medical research at Fremantle Hospital in all areas of medicine, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
British actress Lois Maxwell, best known for her portrayal of Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond films, attended the media announcement with her grandsons Micah (aged 2) and Seth (3 months),
Now living in Perth, Maxwell has personally experienced and has first hand knowledge of the great work of the Foundation.
One of Australian's leading junior sprinters, Adam came under the guidance of Fremantle's Strength and Conditioning Coach Adam Larcom in mid 2002, a move that brought immediate results with Basil posting a personal best time of 10.29 seconds at the 2003 Australian Championships, the 13th fastest time on the Australian all time list. A performance that earned Basil a berth in the Australian team for the 2003 World Championships in Paris.
Basil said an individualized program from a good coach was the main ingredient needed to build speed.
As the build-up for Athens intensifies, Basil said being in such a professional atmosphere as the one at Fremantle would benefit him immensely.
Fremantle captain Peter Bell and ruckman Troy Simmonds are currently training with Basil, in addition to their preseason program, a move that Larcom sees as immense benefit to the club's players as they further develop their technical running skills, speed and power development.
Adam was one of Australia's leading junior sprinters, twice winning the National U20 sprint double and representing Australia at the 1994 World Juniors (Lisbon). In December 1998, he won the Australian 100 yards Championship at the Boxing Day Cricket Test at the MCG.
In early 1999 Adam smashed his PB and clocked a series of fast times. Starting in Perth he ran slightly windy times of 10.26 and 10.24, winning the final. This was followed by 10.35w (Canberra), 10.37w/10.34 PB (Sydney), 10.40 (Melbourne - 2nd), 10.58 (Hobart), 10.38 (Brisbane) and 10.45/10.34 (Nationals).
Another solid series on the 2001 Telstra Athletics Grand Prix circuit and a fourth placing at the nationals, saw Adam selected for his second World Championships. Using tremendous team work, Adam and the Australian 4x100m relay team exceeded all expectations by progressing to the final at the World Championships, where they placed a magnificent fourth. Adam then traveled to the World University Games in Beijing where he made the 100m quarter finals and helped the 4x100m relay team to fifth.
In mid 2002, Adam Larcom, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Fremantle Football Club, became Adam's coach and, after overcoming an early season injury, posted some fast times at the end of the 2003 domestic campaign, highlighted by a 3rd place at the nationals and a personal best time of 10.29 - 13th on the Australian all-time list.
Competing in his third World Championships in Paris in 2003, he helped the 4x100m relay team to 6th placing in the semi-final.
Just weeks later, Troy Longmuir and Jeff Farmer also agreed to new contracts with Farmer agreeing to a 4 year extension to his contract.
Jeff played 20 games in season 2003 to take his AFL total to 158 games in which he has kicked 315 goals.
Troy played 10 games in season 2003 to bring his total to 46 games with Fremantle and a total of 63 AFL games. Troy's acceptance of terms completes all contract matters for the Club.
Peter Bell, Andrew Browne, Matthew Carr, Troy Cook, Ryan Crowley, Ben Cunningham,
Brett Doswell, Greg Edgcumbe, Jeff Farmer, Daniel Gilmore, Antoni Grover, Robert Haddrill,
Daniel Haines, Paul Hasleby, Roger Hayden, Des Headland, Justin Longmuir, Troy Longmuir, Shaun McManus, Luke McPharlin, Paul Medhurst, Shane Parker (v*), Matthew Pavlich, Brett Peake, Graham Polak, Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, Andrew Siegert,
Troy Simmonds, Scott Thornton, James Walker, Luke Webster, Clive Waterhouse, Dion Woods
Rookies: Steven Dodd
Arrivals: Daniel Gilmore (elevated from rookie list), Luke Webster (elevated from rookie list)
Retired: Luke Toia
Traded: Trent Croad (Hawthorn), Steven Koops (Western Bulldogs)
Delisted: Anthony Jones, Ben Colreavy (rookie), Josh Head (rookie), Ricky Mott (rookie)
Father/son rule: Brett Peake (East Fremantle)
National AFL Draft: Adam Campbell (North Ballarat Rebels), Ryley Dunn (Murray Bushrangers), David Mundy (Murray Bushrangers), Ryan Murphy (Gippsland Power), Brett Peake (East Fremantle, father/son rule)
Training: Ben Colreavy (Claremont)
Nick Stevens has nominated for the preseason draft and is now training with Carlton. Under AFL rules, an uncontracted player can nominate after the national draft and is then automatically removed from his club's list and is then eligible to train with another club.
It is believed Carlton already has a four year deal awaiting Stevens' signature.
Carlton will now have to resubmit its playing list to the AFL with the addition of his name and a guarantee of intent to select the 23-year-old in December.
Port Coach Mark Williams accused Stevens of holding the club to ransom during the October trading period but the 23-year-old said it was not his fault the Power received nothing in return for his defection to Carlton.
Stevens, who finished in the top four in Port's best and fairest award in three of the past four years, also quashed speculation he had only wanted to play for Collingwood once he decided to leave Port. He claims never having specified a desired club, just that he wanted to return home to Melbourne.
The full-time position will be paid for by Carlton and will allow Mitchell to continuing assisting head coach Denis Pagan.
Mitchell said he was excited by the opportunity to improve his coaching skills as a senior coach while continuing his ties with Carlton.
Carlton players not selected in the AFL side generally represent the Bullants in the VFL and the club is hoping Mitchell can provide continuity for players who swap between the leagues.
Carlton chief Michael Malouf announced that the alliance between the clubs would continue for at least two more years. He said the aim was to ensure a more successful 2004 for the Bullants and provide a much-needed developing ground for Carlton's junior list.
Blues back with the Bullants
The Blues had announced in August they would be ending their association with the Bullants and would revert to having their own VFL entity in 2004, but chief executive Michael Malouf said an internal review found that re-establishing a partnership with the Bullants was in Carlton's best interest.
Mitchell played 221 AFL matches with Sydney, Collingwood and Carlton between 1984 and 1996 and has been involved with the Blues coaching panel since 1997.
Geelong is now the only AFL club to operate a standalone team in the VFL
With the former Port Adelaide star expected to command about $500,000 a year for his services, Koutoufides last week agreed to a lower annual salary on a contract that is a year longer than his present deal. He is now contracted until the end of 2006, when he will turn 33.
And as Carlton's sole veteran, half of Koutoufides's wages will now be wiped from the Blues' salary cap. Some of Koutoufides's earnings from 2004-5 have been pushed out into 2006, with the total remuneration for the three years to be divided into equal yearly payments, believed to be less than $1 million a year.
Carlton president Ian Collins said Koutoufides's altered contract was vital to the club's future and he rejected suggestions that the captaincy had been used as an incentive for Koutoufides to come to new financial terms with the club.
Koutoufides was a deputy vice-captain in 2003. Others in running for the captaincy were Scott Camporeale, Matthew Lappin, and Lance Whitnall.
Pagan said Koutoufides's strength of character was something he had long-admired, from the days he had coached Koutoufides as a 17-year-old in the Teal Cup. He said Koutoufides was "a worthy choice" as Carlton's 48th captain.
The decision to make Koutoufides captain was a unanimous one by the board, coach Denis Pagan and his match committee.
Koutoufides has played 215 games for Carlton since making his debut in 1992, coming through the now-defunct under 19s after being recruited from Lalor.
He has been an All-Australian on two occasions and won the club best-and-fairest in 2001.
He missed most of 2002 after undergoing a knee reconstruction late in 2001, but played every match this year.
His deputies will be announced before the start of the 2004 season.
Whitehead, a member of Carlton's 1995 premiership side, is suing the club, its former doctor and the AFL for undisclosed damages relating to an injury he incurred six years ago, after being injected with painkillers before a match to mask foot soreness.
At a directions hearing in the Supreme Court, Master Tom Bruce ordered that the parties participate in mediation by February 27. Lawyers for both parties would not comment on whether the matter was likely to settle out of court, or proceed to a jury trial.
In a writ lodged in the Supreme Court more than two years ago, and amended in November last year, Whitehead claims the injection administered by club doctor Phillip Perlstein before a round-20 match in 1997 deprived him of the ability to protect his foot during the game and resulted in ruptured tendons, broken bones and nerve damage to the foot.
He claims that he was not warned that there would be a risk of injury should he play, and has subsequently suffered permanent damage to his right foot, as well as anxiety, depression and loss of future earnings.
The statement of claim says: "As a result of the injury, the plaintiff is totally precluded from engaging in employment as a professional footballer.
"But for the injury, the plaintiff would have become a highly successful league footballer with a significant earning capacity comprising contract payments as well as income from advertising and media sources."
Whitehead had been playing professional football since 1993 and, at the time of his injury, was earning a base salary of $35,000 plus a bonus of $1500 a match.
He was delisted at the end of the 1999 season after a failed comeback from surgery.
If a settlement is not reached at mediation, the case will again appear before a Supreme Court directions hearing in March, where a trial date may be set.
The court has ordered Whitehead to serve updated medical reports and particulars of special damage.
It is not the first time a Carlton player and the AFL have been involved in litigation surrounding football-related injuries. Luke Sullivan sued the AFL in the County Court three years ago after suffering a knee injury during a preseason game in 1993. The case centred around the condition of the ground and was settled out of court.
A Carlton spokesman said the Whitehead matter was being handled by the lawyers and the club had no comment to make.
Daniher, who was sacked by Collingwood in October after just one season at Victoria Park, has been credited with playing a major role in transforming star Magpie Chris Tarrant from a reluctant and wayward prodigy into a consistent performer.
If chosen, Daniher could fill a similar role at Carlton as the Blues attempt to get the best out of troubled youngster Laurence Angwin, whose recent brushes with the law have overshadowed his enormous potential.
Daniher has also applied for the assistant's role at St Kilda, though Carlton is thought to be a more immediate possibility.
The Saints are not expected to select a new assistant for their coach, Grant Thomas, until other appointments are made within the football department, including a football manager, a role Thomas has been filling as well as senior coach.
Coach Denis Pagan would not identify any of the 30 plus applicants but said he hoped to have a short-list of 4-5 this week.
Daniher and Pagan first crossed paths in the mid-1970s when both played for South Melbourne.
The pair then worked together as coach and senior player in Essendon's 1992 reserves premiership side.
Tony Liberatore is also believed to be a candidate for the Carlton job.
Mindful of the Blues' young list and defensive frailties, Coach Denis Pagan has employed Melbourne Storm assistant coaches Dean Lance and Peter Sharp to work with the team until Christmas.
Pagan said it was an area of Carlton's game that he was keen to improve on and his players could learn a lot from a sport such as rugby league that relied so heavily on tackling.
He said an AFL side might collect only 45 tackles in a game, whereas a rugby league team would deliver about 250.
At a recent training session at Optus Oval, the Blues donned chest plates as they tackled bags as well as each other. The club plans to travel to the beach for future tackling sessions.
Lance, a former Canberra Raiders player, said effective tackling was less about technique and more about "having the fortitude to have a go".
He said the weekly sessions would hopefully get the players used to closing in on a target and putting their bodies on the line.
His decision has spoilt the plans of Melbourne, which had reportedly offered the elusive forward a contract, after indicating it would recruit him in the preseason draft.
The 21-year-old had also been linked to Richmond - where his brother Adam plays - and Collingwood.
Selected by Carlton in the 1999 National Draft, Houlihan made his debut in 2000 and has played 76 games for Carlton, including all 22 in 2003. An elusive forward, Ryan has kicked 67 goals, and in 2003 he also played in defence and in the midfield.
Callan Beasy, Blake Campbell, Scott Camporeale, David Clarke, Cameron Croad, Justin Davies, Brendan Fevola, Brad Fisher, Anthony Franchina, Barnaby French, Daniel Harford,
Ryan Houlihan, Darren Hulme, Brett Johnson, Anthony Koutoufides (v*), Matthew Lappin,
Luke Livingston, Jon McCormick, Cory McGrath, Digby Morrell, Karl Norman, Ian Prendergast, Heath Scotland, Kade Simpson, Trent Sporn, David Teague, Bret Thornton,
Jarrad Waite, Lance Whitnall, Simon Wiggins
Rookies: Laurence Angwin
Arrivals: David Clarke (Geelong), Daniel Harford (Hawthorn), Brett Johnson (Hawthorn), Jon McCormick (rookie), Cory McGrath (Essendon), Digby Morrell (Kangaroos), Heath Scotland (Collingwood), David Teague (Kangaroos)
Retired: Adrian Hickmott, Mick Martyn, Andrew McKay, Brett Ratten
Traded: Matthew Allan (Essendon), Simon Beaumont (Hawthorn), Corey McKernan (Kangaroos), Justin Murphy (Essendon)
Delisted: Andrew Eccles, Simon Fletcher, Scott Freeborn, Glenn Manton, Adam Mathews, Andrew Merrington, Jim Plunkett, Tom Hedge (rookie), Mark McKenzie (rookie), Sean O’Keeffe (rookie), Michael Stinear (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Jordan Bannister (Essendon), Glen Bowyer (Hawthorn), Adrian De Luca (Port Melbourne), Steve Kenna (Box Hill Hawks), Ricky Mott (Fremantle), Andrew Walker (Bendigo Pioneers)
Training: Clinton Alleway (Kangaroo rookie), Brett Backwell (Glenelg, played 18 games for Carlton 1999-01, delisted at the end of 2001), Jordan Bannister (Ess), Glen Bowyer (Haw), Andrew Carrazzo (Geelong rookie), Brent Colbert (WB), Rob Forster-Knight (Ess), Dylan Smith (Kang), Matthew Smith (Ade)
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood may have ended the 2003 AFL season with a second successive heart-breaking grand final loss but the news is far better off the field.
The Magpies announced a record profit of more than $2 million, confirming the club's standing as one of the financial powerhouses of the competition.
Collingwood's profit of $2.037 million was the club's third successive profit following on from $1.08 million in 2001 and $1.55 million in 2002.
Collingwood chief executive Greg Swann described the Magpies' massive profit as an "outstanding financial performance."
Swann thanked the "Black and White Army" for their support making such a massive profit possible.
In 2003 Collingwood recorded the largest membership ever achieved by a Victorian club - 40,677.
The Pies also averaged nearly 51,000 to their 22 matches in 2003 while their MCG home games produced an average crowd of more than 54,000 – providing a massive financial windfall for the club through gate receipts.
Collingwood's financial performance over the past three years now gives it the kind of financial muscle enjoyed by the powerful non-Victorian clubs Adelaide and West Coast for the past decade.
It will be worn this year by Collingwood's number one draft pick Bill Morrison. Each year Collingwood's number 1 draft pick will have the honor of wearing the #42 guernsey for their first season at the club.
The guernsey was put into retirement after Darren Millane was tragically killed in a car accident in October 1991.
Football Manager Neil Balme said that it was fitting for Millane's number to be worn by the players who represent the future of the club.
Each year Collingwood presents the Darren Millane award for Best Club Man which was won by Paul Licuria in 2003.
Millane won the 1987 Copeland Trophy and was a member of the 1990 team that broke Collingwood's 32-year premiership drought. He played that finals' series with a broken thumb and achieved legendary status with the Magpie Army.
Nathan Buckley (v), Scott Burns, James Clement, Cameron Cloke, Jason Cloke, Richard Cole, Tom Davidson, Leon Davis, Alan Didak, Josh Fraser, Brodie Holland, Ben Johnson,
David King, Ben Kinnear, Paul Licuria, Tarkyn Lockyer, Matthew Lokan, Ryan Lonie, Mark McGough, Steven McKee, Luke Mullins, Bo Nixon, Shane O’Bree, Simon Prestigiacomo,
Guy Richards, Anthony Rocca, Luke Shackleton, Brayden Shaw, Heath Shaw, Rhyce Shaw, Dane Swan, Chris Tarrant, Shane Wakelin, Tristen Walker, Andrew Williams, Shane Woewodin
Rookies: Nick Maxwell
Arrivals: Brayden Shaw (father/son), Heath Shaw (father/son)
Retired: Glenn Freeborn, Jarrod Molloy, Mark Richardson
Traded: Heath Scotland (Carlton)
Delisted: Rupert Betheras, Tom Hooker (rookie), Justin Crow (rookie), Jason Roe (rookie), Steven Eichner (rookie)
Father/son rule: Brayden Shaw (Northern Knights), Heath Shaw (Northern Knights)
National AFL Draft: Brent Hall (South Fremantle), Bill Morrison (Tassie Mariners), Julian Rowe (Oakleigh Chargers), Brayden Shaw (Northern Knights, fatehr/son rule), Heath Shaw (Northern Knights, father/son rule)
Training: Justin Crow (Collingwood), William Gayfer (Murray Bushrangers), Brendon Hollow (Williamstown), Tom Hooker (Collingwood), Adam Jago (North Launceston), Luke Jarrad (Williamstown), Paul Koulouriotis (Port Adelaide), Zane Leonard (Dandenong Stingrays), Clinton Proctor (Gippsland Power)
The Western Bulldogs have posted a financial loss of more than half a million dollars for 2003, taking their total losses to more than five million in the past three years.
But according to the Bulldogs, the situation is not as precarious as it first sounds, after the club improved on last year's loss of $1.96 million.
Despite enlisting a record number of members in 2003, the Bulldogs suffered the losses due to poor gate receipts, decreased corporate support and event revenue.
The Dogs' chief executive Campbell Rose described the latest financial result as the first stage in a three year plan to create an economically viable club.
The club enlisted 21,257 members in 2003 and are aiming for a total of 26,000 next year. In contrast, clubs such as the Magpies and Adelaide have over 40,000 members.
He believes the exchange period should be reduced to 48 hours or perhaps three days to reduce the heartache for players in limbo.
Rawlings said there was no need to change the rules of the trading period – including the introduction of an appeal process – but just the duration of the process.
Other areas visited by the players include Bendigo, Ballarat, Echuca, Shepparton, Geelong and Horsham.
Scott West, Shane Birss, Cameron Wight, Peter Street and Iszac Thompson headed for Ballarat.
Jade Rawlings made his first community appearance for the Bulldogs at Horsham and was joined by Sam Power, Ben Harrison, Brian Harris and Scott Bassett.
Number one draft pick Adam Cooney headed for Geelong with Lindsay Gilbee, Daniel Bandy, Jordan McMahon and Steven Koops.
Captain Chris Grant, Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd, Ryan Hargrave and Cameron Faulkner spent the day at Albury.
Bendigo welcomed Matthew Robbins, Nathan Eagleton, Luke Darcy, Wayde Skipper and Tim Walsh while Echuca will play host to Brad Johnson, Kieran McGuinness, Will Minson and Mitch Hahn.
Newcomers Lachlan Veale and Adam Morgan joined Rohan Smith, Daniel Cross and Matthew Croft in Shepparton.
Daniel Giansiracusa, Patrick Bowden, Patrick Wiggins, Simon Garlick and Brad Murphy headed south to Warrnambool.
Individual itineraries were set for each regional centre, but the main focus was on football clinics with school children, hospital visits and problem gambling education sessions in the schools.
Each group of players finished the day with a dinner with members from their supporter group.
The club also confirmed that it had reached terms with Nathan Eagleton late last week for a new two-year deal.
West, who commands a special place in the Bulldogs' history as a five-time club champion, is now tied to the club until the end of 2006, which will extend his association there to 17 years and keep him fettered to the group of players who have formed the nucleus of the team.
West said it was important to keep the core leaders such as himself, Chris Grant, Brad Johnson, Rohan Smith, and Luke Darcy together to help rebuild the team.
The potential for the team in the near future - with the likes of new recruit Jade Rawlings, and No. 1 draft pick Adam Cooney and No. 4 pick Farren Ray also contributed to the 29-year-old's decision to extend his contract now.
West, who has been the vice-captain for the past three seasons, was the caretaker captain during Grant's absence this year.
Recruited to Footscray from Strathmore in 1990, West has spent the next 13 years carving a reputation as one of the competition's elite midfielders.
A veteran of 232 games, West is also a two-time All Australian and Australian representative, and he has played for Victoria once.
During this time it has not just been the number of times that West has got the ball, but the manner in which he has won the ball that has earned him the respect of team mates, his peers, commentators and all Western Bulldogs supporters.
The Western Bulldogs ranking as the number one team for centre bounce clearances this season sums up best the way Scott West plays the game.
A typically courageous inside midfielder, West led the competition with 620 disposals in 2003.
In April 2002, he was selected as the ruck rover in the Footscray/Western Bulldogs Team of the Century.
After playing 172 games for the Western Bulldogs from 1990-99 and then another 84 matches for Richmond until the end of this year, Cameron has been welcomed back to the kennel with open arms as a new assistant coach at the Dogs next season.
The recently-retired Tiger, who made a lot of friends at Punt Road, says he is rapt at getting the chance to work for the Bulldogs once again.
Cameron also said it won't be difficult barking instructions to his former teammates Chris Grant and Scott West, who he played a lot of football with during his time at the Whitten Oval.
Coach Peter Rohde was delighted with Cameron's return, completing a coaching panel that also includes assistants Chris Bond, Alan Richardson and Barry Prendergast.
Bulldogs captain Chris Grant was also excited with his former teammate's homecoming, saying Cameron's value not only as an assistant coach but as a former player who has been part of Bulldog success during the late 90s, should not be underestimated.
And with the retirements of established stars such as Tony Liberatore, Jose Romero, Steve Kretiuk and Paul Dimattina in recent seasons, Grant says Cameron's return will excite long-time Bulldogs supporters.
Libba claims the Bulldogs rescinded an offer for him to join the coaching staff. But the club is standing firm, saying that Liberatore's attempt to gain more money was the main reason negotiations broke down.
Liberatore, who took the Box Hill Hawks to this year's VFL grand final in his first season of coaching, said he had been told by Rohde that he had won the vacant assistant's position, only to learn through the media soon after that the position was still open.
Liberatore said he was called back for another interview, but was eventually beaten to the position by former teammate Leon Cameron.
Considered one of the most promising coaches outside the AFL, Liberatore said there would need to be personnel changes at the Bulldogs before he would return in a coaching role at the club for which he played 267 games.
Liberatore said he had wanted to help the Bulldogs improve on their disappointing 2003 season, and had approached the club upon hearing that an assistant coaching role was available.
Liberatore said he was told that balance within the coaching box and remuneration issues were the main factors behind him missing out on the job.
According to Liberatore, Rohde told him he was too hard on some of the players and the Dogs already had that toughness in assistant coaches Chris Bond and Alan Richardson.
But the Bulldogs were adamant that Liberatore's attempts to get more money out of the club were the main reason for the breakdown. Rohde confirmed that Liberatore had been offered the job, but said he had initially turned it down, refusing to accept the financial terms the club offered.
Rohde said Liberatore had later tried to come back into contention, by which time the role on offer had changed to one for which Cameron was better suited.
Liberatore said he had not applied for jobs at other AFL clubs and was likely to remain at Box Hill for the 2004 season.
Romero retired at the end of the 2001 season after a fine career as a creative and hard-nosed midfielder.
Originally recruited from Jacana in 1988, Romero played 89 games with the Kangaroos before crossing to the Western Bulldogs in 1995 where he quickly made the transition from a crumbing forward to one of the Bulldog's prime movers.
He played 122 games with the Bulldogs for a career total of 211.
Jose Romero is one of the Western Bulldogs most decorated players –a Charles Sutton Medalist and a State and Australian representative.
Romero is a property developer in Melbourne and sits on the board of three property companies. Edmond retired because of business commitments.
Wally Donald, selected in the Footscray/Western Bulldogs Team of the Century and a member of their 1954 premiership team, died at the weekend.
Recruited from Braybrook in the heart of Melbourne's western suburbs, Donald played 205 games for the Bulldogs between 1946 and 1958.
He was selected as a halfback flanker in the Team Of The Century.
Donald was 76.
Daniel Bandy, Scott Bassett, Shane Birss, Patrick Bowden, Matthew Boyd, Matthew Croft, Daniel Cross, Luke Darcy, Nathan Eagleton, Cameron Faulkner, Simon Garlick, Daniel Giansiracusa, Lindsay Gilbee, Chris Grant (v), Mitchell Hahn, Ryan Hargrave, Brian Harris,
Ben Harrison, Brad Johnson, Steven Koops, Kieran McGuinness, Jordan McMahon,
Will Minson, Adam Morgan, Brad Murphy, Robert Murphy, Sam Power, Matthew Robbins,
Wayde Skipper, Rohan Smith (v), Peter Street, Lochlan Veale, Tim Walsh, Scott West,
Patrick Wiggins, Cameron Wight
Arrivals: Matthew Boyd (elevated from rookie list), Steven Koops (Fremantle), Adam Morgan (Port Adelaide), Peter Street (Geelong), Lochlan Veale (Hawthorn)
Retired: Paul Dimattina, Steven Kretiuk
Traded: Mark Alvey (Essendon), Nathan Brown (Richmond)
Delisted: Nicholas Bruton, Brent Colbert, Marcus Picken
National AFL Draft: Adam Cooney (West Adelaide), Farren Ray (Peel Thunder), Iszac Thompson (Woodville-West Torrens)
Training: James Condon (Werribee), Sam Geilings (Northern Knights), Dale Morris (Werribee), Jade Rawlings (Hawthorn)
Midfielder Joel Reynolds agreed to a new two-year deal with the Dons. Reynolds played 14 games this year before succumbing to osteitis pubis, which ultimately required surgery.
Cupido's knee problem was managed during the 2003 season, but Coach Kevin Sheedy said that was no longer a viable option for the injury.
He said he would prefer to sacrifice Cupido's preseason rather than wring limited performances from him during 2004.
Cupido will not be able to run again until some time in January. In the club's first time-trial of the preseason, he finished last.
Cupido will miss 3-4 months, but Sheedy believes recently elevated rookies Courtney Johns and Ben Haynes should be able to fill in.
Cupido was not the only Bomber to be sidelined, with Darren Walsh set to miss the next six weeks with glandular fever.
Sheedy believed Mark Mercuri was capable of rediscovering the form that has long deserted him, and would once more play a prominent role for the Bombers.
He also anticipates the next level of development from Jason Winderlich, Johns, Joel Reynolds and Marc Bullen.
Essendon's entire senior list, including new draftees, will be forced to confront a series of unusual mental and physical challenges at Cann River, in the far east of Victoria.
Unlike Survivor contestants, the Dons will not be forced to hunt for food or to create their own accommodation - they will be provided with tents and decent food - but the camp will challenge their resourcefulness, physical abilities, teamwork, and quick wits in ways that borrow from the testing reality TV programs.
The main organizer of the event, Essendon's fitness and conditioning coach, John Quinn, said the camp required so much equipment the club had arranged for a semi-trailer to carry the gear to Cann River, about six hours drive from Melbourne.
Quinn said the Bombers should be ready for some surprises at the camp, which would enable the group to get to know recruits such as former Carlton duo Matthew Allan and Justin Murphy.
According to Quinn, the players will be faced with some problems which will require on the spot resolutions.
Quinn said that, for instance, the players would be forced to "trade" each other - in exchange for actual dollars - and that some team leaders would be barred from speaking, on specified days.
"We'll have our own draft going down there. Each night there'll be a trade session.
Players would be asked to trek, climb and kayak in the course of the camp, which finishes on Friday, December 5.
Much of the logistics of the camp has been handled by a group hired by Essendon to assist it in running the four-day "test", which the club hopes will foster closer bonds and leadership.
Quinn said injured players on modified programs would still be able to participate. Members of the coaching panel would attend, but would not be involved in the physical competition.
It is not the first time Quinn has come up with such a novel concept. At Quinn's initiative, Essendon went on a preseason team-building and fitness camp in the Tasmanian bush back in 2000, the year they dominated the competition, lost just one match and belted Melbourne by 10 goals in the GF.
Matthew Allan, Mark Alvey, Mark Bolton, Marc Bullen, Tristan Cartledge, Damian Cupido,
Dustin Fletcher, Ben Haynes, Aaron Henneman, David Hille, James Hird, Sam Hunt, Courtney Johns, Jason Johnson, Mark Johnson, Jason Laycock, Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas, Adam McPhee, Mark McVeigh, Mark Mercuri, Joe Misiti, Justin Murphy, Damien Peverill, Adam Ramanauskas, Joel Reynolds, Ted Richards, Dean Rioli, Dean Solomon
Darren Walsh, Jobe Watson, Sean Wellman, Andrew Welsh, Jason Winderlich
Arrivals: Matthew Allan (Carlton), Mark Alvey (Western Bulldogs), Ben Haynes (elevated from rookie list), Courtney Johns (elevated from rookie list), Justin Murphy (Essendon)
Retired: Steven Alessio, Paul Barnard
Traded: Danny Jacobs (Hawthorn), Cory McGrath (Carlton)
Delisted: Jordan Bannister, James Davies, Rob Forster-Knight, Shane Harvey, Simon O’Keefe, Ken Hall (rookie), Scott Howard (rookie), Toby McGrath (rookie), Adrian Wilson (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Kepler Bradley (West Perth), Ricky Dyson (Northern Knights), Jay Nash (Central District), Brent Stanton (Northern Knights)
Richmond has cut six full-time staff from its commercial operations department as a result of a review of the club's operations.
And the changes aren't likely to end there with chief executive Ian Campbell forecasting some significant business developments to be announced before the start of the 2004 AFL season.
But Campbell said there would be no changes to the number of staff in the football department, which includes senior coach Danny Frawley, football director Greg Miller and assistant coaches Greg Hutchison, Wayne Brittain and Darren Crocker.
Campbell, the former head of Nike in Europe and of the National Basketball Association in Australia who started with Richmond in May, said the job losses were due to a ‘very, very tight (AFL) market'.
But according to Jack Jr, Dyer's son, the famous Tiger, who would have turned 90 this year, was actually born on November 15. But it hardly flustered anyone when the announcement was made.
Dyer wore No. 17 for every one of his 312 games from 1931 to 1949, and the number was briefly reunited with the name when Jack jnr, now 62, played three games for the club in 1960. Now that number will be worn by current skipper Wayne Campbell.
Last year, when the Tigers decided to bestow each Richmond player with numbered ties in the order in which they made their debuts, Campbell not only was a prime mover in the concept, but he insisted he take Dyer's numbered tie - 324 - to his home and present it to him personally.
Remarkably, Campbell will become the 17th Tiger to wear No. 17, when he switches from No. 9.
Mick Maguire, Percy Ellingsen, Will Collopy, Donald Don, Tom Dunne, Jack Dyer, Fred Clarke, Bob Dummett, Jack Dyer jnr, Brian McMillan, Barry Richardson, Allan Edwards, Maurice Rioli, Craig Smith, Paul Broderick, Paul Hudson.
Campbell, 31, became Richmond's captain in 2001, before the club's former leader Matthew Knights reluctantly retired from footy during the 2002 season.
It will be the third number Campbell has worn as a senior AFL player, since he debuted in 1991. He wore the number 46 guernsey for 12 games that year, before acquiring the number nine, which he has sported for the 12 seasons since.
The Tigers will temporarily retire the number nine, and that of any future captains, while the player is still playing for the club.
Campbell said he was not sentimentally attached to the number he has made famous at Richmond but believes the guernsey designation will allow the Dyer legacy to live on.
"You can just see that in 50 years time someone will be sitting at the MCG asking why it is the captain wears number 17, and someone will tell a story about the great Jack Dyer. It will make sure that his tradition and his history lives on longer and longer", he said.
For as long as the initiative continues, Paul Hudson will be the last Richmond player to have worn the number 17 and not captained the club. Interestingly, Campbell is the 17th Tiger player to have worn the number.
Unable to come to trade terms with another club, the Tigers would have received nothing had Hall opted for the preseason draft. They originally offered Hall a one year deal and later extended it to 2 years.
Hall had held informal talks with Sydney, who could not guarantee his selection at the draft due to other clubs having selections ahead of them. It's understood 23-year-old Hall was only prepared to change clubs for the purpose of returning home to New South Wales.
Hall, 23, said he had no hard feelings towards Richmond, despite being unsure about his future during an assessment period of his university commerce degree.
His manager, Alex McDonald of Flying Start, said his client was affronted by the Tigers' initial decision to use him as trade bait and that a genuine stand-off had resulted between player and club.
Hall, who has played 47 matches for Richmond since débuting in 1999, has completed one-on-one fitness and weights sessions with an athletics coach over the last three weeks.
Originally from Woy Woy on the New South Wales' central coast, Hall is capable of playing either in attack or defence or as a back-up ruckman. He endured an injury-marred 2003 season playing just nine games.
Richardson, who stood-in as Richmond captain for a brief time last season, did not attend a two-day camp held for the Tigers' leadership group.
Richmond football director Greg Miller said the 28-year-old forward had initiated the move, with the agreement of the coaching staff.
Eight senior Richmond players - Wayne Campbell, Darren Gaspar, Andrew Kellaway, Greg Stafford, Kane Johnson, Mark Chaffey, Greg Tivendale and Brad Ottens - attended the leadership meeting along with members of the coaching staff.
Richardson has been involved in several incidents in recent seasons that have raised questions about his leadership capabilities.
In July 2002, he was dropped to play for Coburg in the VFL after showing poor body language toward teammates in a match against Carlton at the MCG.
Controversy struck again last July, when Richardson - as acting captain - gave an offensive finger gesture to a member of the crowd after the Tigers' round-16 loss to Collingwood.
An investigation was launched and Richardson was fined $2000 by the AFL, with league football operations manager Andrew Demetriou saying such incidents set a "poor image for the game".
He has now received permission to train with the Kangaroos.
Richmond has two potential picks in the preseason draft, which has a total of 13 potential positions available, depending on whether eligible clubs choose to fill all 38 spots on their lists.
Despite his age, Betheras says his "best years are still ahead of me" and says he would move interstate if an opportunity arose.
In fact, he says he has been using the knowledge that he is not on a club list as a means of staying positive and motivated to work hard for another chance.
Betheras made his AFL debut with the Magpies in 1999 and despite ending 2002 in his usual gutsy style, did not get much of an opportunity last season.
Justin Blumfield, Joel Bowden, Nathan Brown, Wayne Campbell (v), Mark Chaffey, Mark Coughlan, Aaron Fiora, Tim Fleming, Darren Gaspar, Ray Hall, Rory Hilton, Adam Houlihan,
Chris Hyde, Kane Johnson, Andrew Kellaway, Duncan Kellaway (v), Andrew Krakouer,
Martin McGrath, Chris Newman, Bill Nicholls, Brad Ottens, Kayne Pettifer, Matthew Richardson, Tom Roach, David Rodan, Matthew Rogers, Jay Schultz, Greg Stafford,
Greg Tivendale, Ty Zantuck
Rookies: Kelvin Moore
Arrivals: Nathan Brown (Western Bulldogs), Thomas Roach (father/son)
Retired: Leon Cameron
Traded: Ben Holland (Melbourne)
Delisted: Craig Biddiscombe, Marc Dragicevic, Clinton King, Andrew Mills, Daniel Sipthorp, Royce Vardy, Adam Pickering (rookie), Matthew Shir (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Kyle Archibald (NSW/ACT Rams), Simon Fletcher (Carlton), Alex Gilmour (Tassie Mariners), Brent Hartigan (Calder Cannons), Daniel Jackson (Oakleigh Chargers), Shane Morrison (Brisbane Lions), Andrew Raines (Southport), Shane Tuck (West Adelaide), Thomas Roach (father/son rule*
Training: Michael Ablett (Frankston VFL), Rupert Betheras Col), Leigh Carlson (Coburg Tigers), Kristian DiPasquale (Coburg Tigers), Sean O'Keefe (Carlton rookie), Chris Oliver (StK), Marc Dragicevic
St Kilda's recent training camp in London with some of the world's greatest athletes proved to be more than just an eye-opening experience for the players. In fact, the first training session with former sprinter John Regis and former marine Tony Lester also proved to be a stomach-emptier for some of them.
The players had ventured to the Thames Valley Athletics Club for their first two-hour session with the decorated duo.
Aaron Hamill counted the work done with Regis, a two-time world championship silver medallist over 200 metres, and Lester, also the British sprint coach, as his highlight of the two week-long London excursion. Hamill described the session as probably the hardest training session he's ever done and the hardest two weeks in a preseason.
The players also had the chance to train with the likes of three-time world champion hurdler Colin Jackson, the present world record-holder in the 110m hurdles, dual-Olympic gold medallist Sebastian Coe, Australian athlete Tamsyn Lewis, who is coached by Coe, and champion boxers Duke McKenzie and Richie Woodhall.
Hamill believed their training would differ in the future because of the work done with "the best of the best" in London, with a greater emphasis placed on quality of training rather than the amount done.
No longer would three-hour slogs be the order of the day, but there would be greater intensity in the drills undertaken.
Coe also sat down with St Kilda's leadership group for what turned out to be a two-hour chat about the mental aspect to sport, about mentoring young players and using different training methods.
Beetham's age, pedigree and 29 games of experience with the Saints have demanded attention from league-level clubs on the lookout for a bargain.
Steven Baker, Luke Ball, Heath Black, Jason Blake, Barry Brooks, Xavier Clarke, Nick Dal Santo, Matthew Ferguson, Leigh Fisher, Fraser Gehrig, Brendon Goddard, Jason Gram,
Brent Guerra, Aaron Hamill, Robert Harvey (v), Lenny Hayes, Josh Houlihan, Max Hudghton,
Austinn Jones, Trent Knobel, Justin Koschitzke, Matt Maguire, Stephen Milne, Leigh Montagna, Brett Moyle, Allan Murray, Justin Peckett (v), Luke Penny, Stephen Powell,
Nick Riewoldt, Troy Schwarze, Andrew Thompson, Brett Voss, Daniel Wulf
Arrivals: Jason Gram (Brisbane Lions), Brent Guerra (Port Adelaide), Allan Murray (elevated from rookie list)
Retired: Nathan Burke
Delisted: Craig Callaghan, Matthew Capuano, Steven Lawrence, Chris Oliver, Jordan Barham (rookie), Ben Schwarze (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Craig Callaghan (St Kilda), Raphael Clarke (St Marys), Sam Fisher (West Adelaide)
WEST COAST
Andrew Embley and Michael Gardiner are making excellent progress n their recovery from injury.
Embley had a plate removed from his collarbone three weeks ago and will start physical training in about three weeks.
Gardiner will resume serious training after Christmas, with the club is holding him back to be on the safe side as he recovers from his knee injury. He is expected to be fit for round one.
Callum Chambers and Kane Monroe will look to begin full training from shoulder problems in a few weeks. Daniel Kerr also had some surgery to repair an ache in his hamstring.
Worsfold was comfortable about West Coast's tall options along its spine for next season, foreshadowing the use of emerging young player Brent Staker in a defensive role in 2004.
Earlier this week, the WA Football Commission urged the AFL to increase the draft age from 17-and-a-half to 18 years, saying that players were able to be drafted while still too young to deal with the possible ramifications.
Woodhouse was serious in his support for the move, although he pointed out that it would probably make his job a bit easier if it happened, something he doesn't expect with so many others believing players are ready as early as 16.
He said Port Adelaide's Warren Tredrea was a terrific example of how difficult it was to pick how players would develop. He pointed out that Tredrea was drafted as a 6'1" wingman and then developed into a 6'5" center half forward.
Damien Adkins, Drew Banfield (v), Zac Beeck, Michael Braun, Trent Carroll, Callum Chambers, Daniel Chick, Michael Collica, Ben Cousins, Dean Cox, Andrew Embley, Chad Fletcher, Michael Gardiner, Travis Gaspar, Darren Glass, Kasey Green, Ashley Hansen,
Jeremy Humm, Adam Hunter, Glen Jakovich (v*), Paul Johnson, Rowan Jones, Chris Judd,
Daniel Kerr, Quinten Lynch, Phillip Matera, Andrew McDougall, Chad Morrison, Kane Munro, Mark Nicoski, Ashley Sampi, Mark Seaby, Adam Selwood, Brent Staker, David Wirrpunda, Josh Wooden
Rookies: Aaron Edwards
Arrivals: Zac Beeck and Mark Nicoski both elevated from rookie list
Retired: Peter Matera, Ashley McIntosh, David Sierakowski
Traded: David Haynes (Geelong)
Delisted: Phillip Read, Troy Wilson, Clancy Rudeforth (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Sam Butler (Central District), Daniel McConnell (Eastern Ranges), Beau Waters (West Adelaide)
Training: Paul Duffield (South Fremantle), Michael Embley (Swan Districts), Daniel Hunt (Sydney), Brett Jones (Claremont), Mitchell Morton (Claremont), Clancy Rudeforth (Claremont), Jacob Surjan (South Fremantle).
Ruckman Jason Ball has stepped up from his light training regime after a shoulder reconstruction four months ago.
He has started full running but is still doing restricted skills work until he can restore complete strength in the shoulder and arm through gym work. Ball should be able to advance to full skills work by January.
Captain Stuart Maxfield had a tendon released in his knee and will only running twice a week for a couple weeks to ease back before starting full training after the new year.
Defender Jason Saddington injured his knee at the end of the season but is healthy and in full training.
Michael O'Loughlin has recovered from a hamstring injury he suffered in the dying minutes of the final home-and-away season match against Melbourne to cut his season short. However, he is still troubled by knee tendonitis and will ease back into training.
Four others are also returning from groin surgeries:
Ben Fixter had a groin operation four months ago and he has returned to modified training and will return to full training by January.
Tadhg Kennelly and Mark Russell had groin surgery eight weeks ago Both are running now but in rehabilitation and also won't join the group until January.
Josh Thewlis - groin surgery 4 months ago - should be in the main group before Christmas.
Luke Ablett, Jason Ball, Leo Barry, Craig Bolton, Jude Bolton, Jared Crouch, Nick Davis,
Sean Dempster, Stephen Doyle, Ben Fixter, Nic Fosdike, Adam Goodes, Barry Hall,
Heath James, Tadhg Kennelly, Brett Kirk, Nick Malceski, Ben Mathews, Stuart Maxfield,
Jarrad McVeigh, James Meiklejohn, Matthew Nicks, Ryan O’Keefe, Michael O’Loughlin,
Mark Powell, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Jason Saddington, Andrew Schauble, Adam Schneider, Jarrad Sundqvist, Josh Thewlis, Rowan Warfe, Paul Williams
Rookies: Paul Bevan
Arrivals: Heath James and James Meiklejohn both elevated from rookie list
Retired: Daryn Cresswell, Daniel McPherson
Traded: Scott Stevens (Adelaide)
Delisted: Amon Buchanan, Daniel Hunt, Brad Seymour, Ryan Crawford (rookie), Scott McGlone (rookie), Declan O’Mahony (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Amon Buchanan (Sydney), Matthew Davis (North Adelaide), Andrew Ericksen (Sandringham Dragons), Tim Schmidt (West Adelaide), Josh Willoughby (Glenelg)
Training: David Boers (NSW/ACT Rams), Scott McGlone (Sydney), Dale Perrett (NSW/ACT Rams), Nick Potters (NSW/ACT Rams)
The Hon John Howard MP Prime Minister of Australia was on hand to officially launch Jason McCartney's new book, Jason McCartney: After Bali and the Jason McCartney Fundraising Appeal benefiting seven hospitals nationally assisting children with burns.
The launch took place last week at The Children's Hospital at Westmead in NSW.
Jason McCartney: After Bali is McCartney's personal account of the Bali tragedy of 2002 and his amazing battle to recover and return to AFL Football. Published by Geoff Slattery Publishing and Lothian Books, it is an extraordinary story of triumph over adversity, and will delight and inspire readers across the nation.
Simpson's appointment was a far more relaxed matter than that of the man he follows - Anthony Stevens. On the eve of the 2002 season, Stevens was flanked by his dour teammates as he accepted the captaincy after the disgrace of Wayne Carey.
Memories of that transfer of power resonated as the new era was ushered in. Simpson's will be a leadership unencumbered by the loaded questions that followed Stevens and his vice-captain, Glenn Archer, throughout their two seasons at the helm.
Joining Simpson in the leadership group was Brent Harvey as vice-captain, with Shannon Grant and 21-year-old Drew Petrie named as deputy vice-captains. Simpson said he believed that more players taking the lead was the path for the future rather than having the captain dominate in a Carey-like manner.
Simpson, 27, said his philosophy was of a "team-first approach", and although he had preferred to stay out of the spotlight in the past, nothing would have kept him from accepting the captaincy.
Coach Dean Laidley, who played alongside Simpson for three years and in the 1996 premiership, believed Simpson had developed into leadership material after he initially "didn't directly think he could captain" years ago. Now, Simpson would "lead by deed".
Petrie's admission into the leadership circle was "a bit daunting" for the 41-game player who debuted in 2001, and it announces loudly the standing he has in the club's plans.
Laidley said Petrie's dedication in his preparation and his on-field performances illustrated that "he can be the showpiece of what we want our footy club to be", and he was the type of person he wanted new young players to model themselves on.
Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley says the club won't lose anything in terms of leadership, despite the decision of Roo stalwarts Anthony Stevens and Glenn Archer to stand down as captain and vice-captain.
The Roos new captain, Adam Simpson, said the leadership qualities of Stevens, 32, and Archer, 30, would not dissipate simply because they no longer had titles.
Simpson said the presence of Stevens and Archer would not impinge on his freedom to carry out captaincy duties, that having them there would be a bonus.
Twenty-one-year-old Drew Petrie, who was appointed as joint deputy-vice-captain of the club by the Roos' board after just three seasons of senior football, said he would continue to look to Stevens and Archer for guidance.
Glenn Archer, John Baird, Leigh Brown, Jeremy Clayton, Shane Clayton, Leigh Colbert, Michael Firrito, Shannon Grant, Blake Grima, David Hale, Leigh Harding, Daniel Harris,
Brent Harvey, Corey Jones, David King, Troy Makepeace, Hamish McIntosh, Corey McKernan, Daniel Motlop, Joel Perry, Drew Petrie, Mark Porter, Brady Rawlings, Ben Robbins, Saverio Rocca, Kris Shore, Adam Simpson, Jess Sinclair, Anthony Stevens (v),
Michael Stevens, Callum Urch, Ashley Watson, Shannon Watt, Daniel Wells
Arrivals: Jeremy Clayton (elevated from rookie list), Michael Firrito (elevated from rookie list), Corey McKernan (Carlton)
Retired: Matthew Burton, Jason McCartney
Traded: Digby Morrell (Carlton), David Teague (Carlton)
Delisted: David Bourke, Rod Crowe, Shannon Motlop, Dylan Smith, Clinton Alleway (rookie), Stuart Cooper (rookie), Nick Gill (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Chad Jones (Claremont), Brent Le Cras (West Perth), Edward Sansbury (Central District), David Trotter (Calder Cannons)
Training: Rupert Betheras (Collingwood), Aaron Davey (Port Melbourne), Shane Harvey (Essendon), Paul Jolley (Ivanhoe Grammar), Scott Krakouer (Bullants), Jesse Smith (Calder Cannons)
Has declared a net profit of $572,173 for the 2003 financial year, the fourth consecutive year that the club has recorded a profit. The profit comes after the club incurred $360,000 in redevelopment costs on Skilled Stadium.
CEO Brian Cook said the profit and reduction of the club's bank debt was within the club's expectations and will be used to help reduce the debt even further. Combined with other revenue sources, Cook said the club will pay off another $600,000 to the Bendigo Bank next March.
That payment will reduce the club's debt to just $700,000, a far cry from the $5.1 million the club owed in 1999.
Cook praised both sponsors and supporters for sticking with the club and enabling them to generate profits, reduce debt, and ensure the financial viability and future of the club.
The 2003 profit of $572,173 includes proceeds of $300,000 from the AFL's sale of Waverley Park.
The year saw the club exceed budgeted profits in sponsorship and events by $270,000, membership by $110,000 and other fundraising to the tune of $60,000. The club also saw crowd levels at home games at both Skilled Stadium and Telstra Dome exceed budget,
demonstrating continued belief in the club's direction by supporters and members.
The club also reported cost savings of $70,000 in the football and administration departments. Player transfer fees for the year were above budget by $90,000, bringing the total transfer fees paid in the past two years to $800,000. Non-smoking legislation saw gaming profit at Club
Cats fall some $120,000 short of expectation.
McMahon donated 100 prints titled Curly;s Pride of the Creek to the club. The prints will be sold at McMahon's exhibition Sandstone and Surf that runs November 22-December 6.
Curly's Pride of the Creek was captured in vibrant watercolor at Queenscliff in 1992. This piece contrasts Curly's working net boat in the foreground with the elegant masts of beautiful yachts in the background.
Curly is one of Queenscliff's infamous characters that, as legend has it was a catcher of crays, a descendant of a long line fisherman who was neat with the net and a spinner of yarns.
The prints are limited edition of 600 archival quality prints. Numbers 201-300 were donated to the club. Each print is offered with two certificates of authenticity. The artist's certificate states the number of the print and the date. This certificate is embossed with the McMahon Studio seal. CEO Brian Cook has signed the second certificate. The cost of the framed print is $200 including GST.
Former Geelong captain Garry Hocking believes the decision to accept a three-year coaching contract with WAFL club Peel Thunder will give him valuable experience at senior level.
Hocking, who coached the Western Jets in the TAC Cup this year, said making the move across the Nullabor was a tough decision, but one that he and his family are now comfortable with.
Hocking said he was looking to recruit players aged from 25-30 with good WAFL experience and players with a 100-150 game tally", while nurturing the young talent at the club.
Gary Ablett, James Bartel, Mark Blake, Tim Callan, Paul Chambers, Paul Chapman, Joel Corey, Corey Enright, Daniel Foster, Charlie Gardiner, Ben Graham (v), Tom Harley, David Haynes, Josh Hunt, David Johnson, Steve Johnson, James Kelly, Steven King, Kent Kingsley, Cameron Ling, David Loats, Tom Lonergan, Andrew Mackie, Matt McCarthy,
Darren Milburn, Brent Moloney, Cameron Mooney, Henry Playfair, James Rahilly, Peter Riccardi (v), Jarad Rooke, Brenton Sanderson, Matthew Scarlett, Will Slade, David Spriggs,
David Wojcinski,
Rookies: Shannon Byrnes, Jeff Smith
Arrivals: David Haynes (West Coast), David Loats (Hawthorn), Will Slade (elevated from rookie list)
Retired: Aaron Lord, Mitchell White, Marc Woolnough
Traded: David Clarke (Carlton), Peter Street (Western Bulldogs)
Delisted: Ben Finnin, Brent Grgic, Andrew Carrazzo (rookie), Travis Jorgensen (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Matthew Spencer (Swan Districts), Kane Tenace (Murray Bushrangers), Cameron Thurley (Tasmania), Mark Blake (father/son rule)
Has announced its seventh consecutive profit for the year ending October 31, 2003.
The net profit of $104,347 was after providing for three years of accumulated losses at VFL-affiliate Box Hill equating to $103,000 and $154,000 due to organizational restructuring which, on a like-for-like basis, equates to $362,000.
Hawthorn president Ian Dicker said the Club had a very strong balance sheet with net assets of more than $6 million and no debt.
Dicker did say that the poor early season form combined with the decreased capacity of the MCG impacted on game revenue. The poor performances also impacted on corporate support.
Hawthorn Social Club revenue was affected by the new 'non-smoking' legislation, with profits reduced by $274,000 compared with 2002.
Dicker was positive about Hawthorn FC's continued presence in Tasmania.
The Hawks also maintained a strong presence in the community, and despite the internal cost pressure the Club continued its active involvement in the community, including its participation in 400 schools clinics.
Dicker paid tribute to the support from 2003 major sponsor Samsung and welcomed new sponsor HSBC.
The Hawthorn president said the Hawks were looking ahead to the 2004 season with confidence.
Each scarf proudly displays the number of consecutive years members have been Proud, Passionate and Paid Up.
Coach Peter Schwab, who was a Hawthorn member for three years before debuting with the brown and gold in 1980, will model his Loyalty Scarf with Member for 27 Years. New members in 2004 will be allocated Member for 1 year on their scarf, representing their first year as a Hawthorn member.
Each season, members will be issued with a new scarf upgrading their years of loyalty and commitment.
If a supporter lets a membership lapse and then rejoins, that person will start over with a 1 year scarf.
John Barker, Kris Barlow, Chance Bateman, Simon Beaumont, Tim Boyle, Luke Brennan,
Campbell Brown, Robert Campbell, Tim Clarke, Adrian Cox, Shane Crawford (v*), Trent Croad, Ben Dixon, Peter Everitt, Mark Graham, Steven Greene, Jonathan Hay, Luke Hodge,
Nick Holland (v), Danny Jacobs, Ben Kane, Rick Ladson, Angelo Lekkas, Nathan Lonie,
Luke McCabe, Sam Mitchell, Michael Osborne, Lance Picioane, Jade Rawlings, Nick Ries
Brad Sewell, Joel Smith, Rayden Tallis, Nathan Thompson, Richard Vandenberg, Mark Williams
Arrivals: Simon Beaumont (Carlton), Trent Croad (Fremantle), Danny Jacobs (Essendon), Ben Kane (elevated from rookie list), Michael Osborne (elevated from rookie list), Brad Sewell (elevated from rookie list)
Retired: Simon Cox, Kingsley Hunter
Traded: Daniel Harford (Carlton), Brett Johnson (Carlton), David Loats (Geelong), Lochlan Veale (Western Bulldogs)
Delisted: Glen Bowyer, Daniel Elstone, Nick Stone (rookie), Tim Hazell (rookie), George Davies (rookie)
National AFL Draft: Matthew Ball (Box Hill Hawks), Zac Dawson (Calder Cannons), Harry Miller (Port Adelaide Magpies)
Training: Jordan Barham (St Kilda rookie), Matt Burns (Dandenong Stingrays, Tim Hazell (Hawthorn rookie), Nick Kane (Eastern Ranges), Michael Rix (Box Hill Hawks), Nick Stone (Hawthorn rookie, debuted in 2002 and has played 17 games)
Another change coming Tiger Wayne Campbell's way now that he will wear #17 is a change of lockers. Campbell had this to say about the move:
"The only thing I was thinking about is that I have to change lockers. I know a few people next door to me; Greg Stafford and Kayne Pettifer and we have become close. But I'll have to leave them, and I've got David Rodan next to me now who's good with the hair products, so I'm quite happy about that."
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