James Hird will miss the Round 1due to his first career suspension....

HIRD COPS FIRST SUSPENSION
Bomber James Hird was reported on video evidence for striking Bulldog Chris Johnson and suspended for 1 match. Johnson was attempting a stationary mark when Hird approached and attempted to spoil, which appeared to take Johnson high and left him with a black eye. Hird was apologetic, saying he was embarrassed by what happened and that no malice was intended. The panel ruled his action reckless but took into account his exemplary record.
More Tribunal News below.

GENERAL
New Agreement with Ticketmaster
The AFL and Ticketmaster have settled their dispute over ticketing fees.
The $7.15 booking fee has been reduced to $4.50 and walk-up buyers will not incur a fee.

New Gambling Policy
The league is set to release a new anti-gambling policy in a few weeks' time. It is believed that any player or official found guilty of match fixing, gambling on games, or passing on sensitive team information could face lifetime bans.
While the AFL admits that match fixing would be almost impossible because of the number of players it would involve, there is the potential risk of corruption through
information leaks and betting.
AFLPA CEO Rob Kerr said that one administrator reported to him that he had been approached by a known bookmaker seeking inside information on team selection and injuries.

New Report Released
A new 93-page document "Investing In the Future Of Australian Football" was released last week. The report identifies issues which need to be addressed for the
continued development and growth of the game. Some areas identified were poorly equipped volunteers at community level, attracting and nurturing umpires, competition from other sporting codes, a decline in school participation, under-investment in NSW and QLD, and lack of AFL player involvement in promoting the sport.
The report was sent to all 16 clubs as well as state and territorial bodies involved. All are invited to submit comments and suggestions over the next month, after which the AFL will consider how to proceed.

On a related note, at the launch of the report, CEO Wayne Jackson said that some
players were not committing to their responsibilities of game development. Under the CBA, all players are required to make a minimum of 17 appearances a year - 12 for
their clubs, 5 for the AFL.

All of the Victorian clubs have so far embraced the report and agreed that developing
the game up north was important and funding for that was essential, as long as the
funding sources would not take money away from the clubs.

The league is also planning a national campaign to improve the image of umpires. The league is concerned with the shortage of umpires in NSW and QLD. One initiative could involve leadership behavior from elite players and coaches. Jackson
said, "We don't expect fans to love umpires, but want to encourage them to give umpires a fair go and respect their contribution to the game".

TRIBUNAL
Hawk Shane Crawford, was reported on video evidence for striking Magpie Chris Tarrant. Crawford testified that he was prepared to hit Tarrant after copping an accidental knee to the head, but quickly pulled his punch and merely made contact with Tarrant's chest. Tarrant conceded he felt only slight contact and Crawford was cleared.
However, both copped heavy fines for wrestling each other. Crawford was fined $5000 for his third offence and Tarrant was fined $3000 after pleading not guilty to his second wrestling charge.

Bomber ruckman David Hille was reported on video evidence for misconduct in that he made contact with umpire Wayne Hoskins. Hille pleaded guilty and was suspended for one game.

Fremantle's Jeff Farmer was suspended 3 games after pleading guilty to a charge of rough play against Port's Matt Primus. In his defence, Farmer said he was only trying to make a contest as he ran with the flight of the ball to attempt knocking it out of Primus' hands. He said he tried to minimize contact when he knew contact would be inevitable. Farmer will be allowed to play in practice games, but will miss the first two rounds of the premiership season.

Adem Yze pleaded not guilty to striking Lion Nigel Lappin He said he was only attempting a tackle before he realized Lappin did not have the ball. The reporting umpire testified that Yze hit Lappin with a clenched fist and forearm. Yze was suspended for one game.

Carlton's Matthew Lappin was cleared of misconduct. Video showed little of the incident. Lappin said he was at the bottom of a pack when he heard someone hurl racial abuse at teammate Justin Murphy. Lappin said he quickly flipped his finger and then quickly put it down. The umpire said he spoke to Lappin immediately after, telling him it was inappropriate action for a footballer. Lappin said his action was so quick that it was doubtful anyone in the crowd saw it, especially as the umpire was between him and the crowd. The panel ruled on the degree and were not satisfied that misconduct had occurred. The panel did warn that players had a responsibility to act properly at all times.

Adelaide's Mark Bickley was cleared of charging Saint Jason Cripps. The reporting
umpire testified that he believed Bickley did not have eyes for the ball when he delivered the hip and shoulder to Cripps. Bickley stated that Saint Nathan Burke was trying to block him to the marking contest and he turned to avoid a front-on collision.
The panel ruled that the offence did not constitute charging.

After the results of these hearings, Gerard Healy said the Brownlow system needed to be revised. He described the incident involving James Hird as insignificant. He also said that with so many cameras and umpires on the field that too many "ridiculous" things were incurring suspensions. He believes that minor transgressions should not be penalized and that many past Brownlow winners had committed more serious infractions.

Crow Mark Bickley again reiterated the concerns over the vague charging rule and the way it was interpreted. He believes it still needs clarification and said that, with the pace of the game and split second decisions, a small error in judgment can look bad on video.

Hawthorn Coach Peter Schwab (and former umpire director) believes that the wrestling charge should be scrapped. He said too often high profile players were having to defend themselves because of the constant attention they receive from opponents. His reasoning was that if a player is being grabbed by the opposition, he would naturally defend himself. He believes that the fines for the charge are also excessive compared with what it meted out to the general public in everyday life.
The AFL is adamant that the penalty needs to stand to help stamp out ugly incidents, but said they would listen to suggestions.

Magpie Chad Rintoul and Hawk rookie Djaren Whyman were involved in a racial mediation last week. The Aboriginal Whyman said Rintoul insulted him. The pair took part in a mediation session where Rintoul apologized and the matter was closed. The two were playing against each other in a VFL match.
Collingwood prez Eddie McGuire has complained to the AFL and the VFL over the media leak regarding the incident. He said he was ready to sack Rintoul until speaking with him. McGuire claims that Rintoul told him he did not racially abuse Whyman, but apologized anyway.

TEAM NEWS

HAWTHORN
This month and next, the club will be conducting supporter and member information forums to explain the general plans of the Waverley Park redevelopment. President Ian Dicker and chief executive Michael Brown will be presenting the plans and answer members and supporters' questions at meetings in the various council areas of various Melbourne suburbs.

Membership update
More than 550 Hawthorn memberships were sold at Sunday's round two match
of the Wizard Cup series against Collingwood at Colonial Stadium.
They also signed up 50 members during the "roadshow" tour of country Victoria.
The club now has over 17,000 paid up members and is hoping for 35,000 this season.
There are also almost 2000 Tasmanian members.

Injury update:
Chance Bateman (hamstring) has recovered from his injury and played in the VFL.

Glen Bowyer (leg) is still a couple of weeks away from resuming full training.

Rookie Michael Georgiadis (knee) is to miss the next three to four weeks.

Luke Hodge (osteitis pubis) played the second half for Box Hill last Friday and played in the midfield and up forward.

Jade Rawlings will miss several weeks after straining the PCL in his "good" left knee during the game against Collingwood last week. He will wear a brace for 2 weeks and be reassessed after that.

MELBOURNE
Injury Update:
Daniel Ward, hamstring tendonitis, 3-4 weeks
Guy Rigoni, back, 3-4 weeks

PORT ADELAIDE
Scott Bassett, wrist fracture, 4- 5 weeks
Paul Koulouriotis, hamstring, 4-5 weeks
Stephen Paxman, knee recon., is continuing on a modified training program.

RICHMOND
Injury Update:
Greg Stafford, groin, 1 week
Mark Chaffey, groin, 2-3weeks
Craig Ednie, groin, 2-3 weeks
Duncan Kellaway, knee, 1 week
Ben Holland, hamstring, 1 week

Matthew Rogers (back) was recovered enough to play this week.

COLLINGWOOD
Has signed off a deal which will see it move its operations to Olympic Park, just down the road from the MCG. The club still has 16 years on its Victoria Park lease, but is hoping to lure the VFL there games. The new facetious include a new swimming pool, gym, and administrative offices. There will also be a new hall of fame, social club, and dining areas.

Jarrod Molloy returned from injury this week to play and the two Andrew Hills made their debuts.

Injury Update:
Tyson Lane, foot, indefinite
Ryan Lonie, groin, 2-3 weeks
Heath Scotland, OP, 1 week
Leith Teakle (Rookie), collarbone, 3 weeks

Anthony Rocca (OP), got through almost a full match in the VFL this weekend. He came through unscathed rotating between the ruck and CHF.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Are still trying to hash out the Grant insurance dilemma. While the Dogs and the AFL described meetings with all concerned as positive, the issue is still not resolved.
The club is still seeking alternative insurance to allow Grant to train properly and play. He is currently restricted to skills work. It is believed that Grant will even fly to Brisbane to consult a specialist in an affort to get the all-clear. The specialist performed surgery on a rugby player with the same condition.

Meanwhile, Coach Terry Wallace is feeling more and more frustrated at the situation. He acknowledged the hard work being done by president David Smorgon and the AFL to resolve the situation, but said that having Grant in limbo made it hard for him to map out game plans as he wants. And Grant, he said, while fit, is lacking
match practice and fitness. Wallace's dilemma is does he wait for Grant to be cleared or replace him in his plans for the premiership season?

The club will share a Mazda sponsorship with the Kangaroos in Rounds 2 and 17 this season, the first time in footy history that one company is sponsoring both clubs
in the same game.

Nathan Brown (hip), Scott West (ankle), and Tony Liberatore (foot) all returned to the side this week.

BRISBANE
Coach Leigh Matthews celebrated his 50th birthday on Friday.

Matthews criticized players seeking long-service payments. He said it was an exploitation of the system and not in the best interests or spirit of the game. The comments followed confirmation that retired Lions Matt Kennedy and Richard Champion have lodged claims.

Injury Update:
Nathan Clarke, knee, 2-4 weeks
Damian Cupido, patella tendinitis, now into full training, 1-2 weeks
Clark Keating, bone spur surgery, 4 weeks
Alastair Lynch, Achilles, a disrupted summer, began running 2/8, 1-2 weeks
Tim Notting, patella tendinitis, a disrupted summer, began running 2/8, 1-2 weeks
Chris Scott, OP, now in full training after a disrupted summer, 1-2 weeks

CARLTON
Injury Update:
Ang Christou - Fractured arm (Right ulna), running, some ball work, and spoiling skills with SOS, 2-4 weeks
Adrian Hickmott, ligament sprain in the left leg, has commenced running
Luke Livingston, shoulder, 4-6 weeks
Anthony Koutoufides, right knee reconstruction, is running, swimming and bike riding and is progressing very well
Adam Mathews - shoulder, expected to be back in mid-March.
Corey McKernan, stress fracture in foot, has commenced running and is expected to play one or two matches before the start of the AFL season
Lance Whitnall, OP, has been running for a couple of weeks and joined back in training last week

Andrew McKay returned to the side this week and rookie Jarrad Waite debuted.

GEELONG
All of players have become members of the club, an initiative welcomed by the club's chief executive, Brian Cook. Captain Ben Graham organized the big sign up that will provide a boost to Geelong's on-going membership drive. Currently, there are 5000 fans who have yet to renew from last season.

First year players James Kelly and James Bartel debuted this weekend.
Bartel, a former Geelong Falcon and All-Australian at Under 18 level, was the club's first pick in the national draft and Kelly the second.
Gary Ablett, jr. James Kelly, and rookie Will Slade were also named to the squad.

ESSENDON
In the absence of the injured Steven Alessio and the suspended David Hill, the ruck duties fell to the unretired Paul Salmon.

Matthew Lloyd was rested due to ankle soreness.

The Bombers went into Saturday night's game against a new-look Fremantle without 10 of their 2001 grand final players - Hird, Matthew Lloyd, Misiti, Mercuri, Sean Wellman, Chris Heffernan, Gary Moorcroft, Dean Solomon, Danny Jacobs and Steven Alessio. They played rookies Ted Richards, 18, Joel Reynolds, 17, Shane Harvey, 19, James Davies, 19, and Sam Hunt, 18, and also had Salmon, 37, who is the game's oldest "recruit", back in red and black for the first time since 1995.

SYDNEY
Andrew Dunkley and Andrew Schauble, while cleared of serious injury from last week's game, were both rested this week. Schauble did require several stitches to his eyelid.

WEST COAST
Phil Read had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last week and could miss several weeks. It is the first serious injury to the Eagle list this year. Read missed all of last season due to a reconstruction on his right knee.

FREMANTLE
Luke Toia, who suffered 3 broken vertebrae in his neck last year, was cleared by medical staff to play in a practice match this week.

The suspended Jeff Farmer will undergo anger management training during his 3 week suspension. The sessions will include concentration and relaxation techniques.

KANGAROOS
Wayne Carey missed this week with a bruised hip suffered in last week's game. John Blakey will also miss several weeks with a strained knee ligament.

ST KILDA
Is taking the cautious approach with rookie Luke Ball as the result of suspected OP. Test results will be known next week, but the club is already mapping out a treatment plan.
Ball's commitments to the club are minimal currently due to college studies and the school's cricket team. The 17 year old is required at the club just one day a week and will be eased into footy.

Craig Callaghan is almost fully recovered from minor off-season shoulder surgery and will be ready for Round 1.

ADELAIDE
Graham Johncock debuted this week. He missed some preseason due to a cheekbone fracture.

Daniel Schell missed this week after straining a calf muscle at training.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Note: this could be a regular or semi-regular feature this year, thanks to expanded coverage of footy around Australia in Inside Football - Lisa

Former St. Kilda forward Jason Heatley has left the Diamond Valley League team coached by former Blue David Rhys-Jones and has returned to Tasmania to play.
Heatley played in the 1997 GF for the Saints, booting 3 goals. Heatley will be joined at the club by delisted Demon Ben Beams.

Former Lion Andrew Bews has left VFL side Williamstown after 3 years to take up coaching Leopold in the Gippsland League, near Geelong.

Football journeyman Derek Kickett has returned from WA footy to Victoria to take up a captain/coach role in the Yarra Valley League. Kickett, whose brother Dale, plays for Fremantle, played for North Melbourne (1989), Essendon (1990-93), and Sydney
(1994-96).

Retired Cat Garry Hocking has signed as asst. playing coach for VFL side North Ballarat. He hopes to make it to AFL ranks someday.

Former Docker Adrian Fletcher has joined Williamstown as playing assistant coach.

Delisted Demon Matthew Collins has signed with VFL side Northern Bullants after being overlooked in the AFL preseason draft.

Eagle discard David Antonowicz is at Werribee.

Delisted Saint Tim Elliott and former Roo premiership (1996) player Stuart Anderson
have gone to Gippsland League clubs.

Delisted Roo John Spaull is now at Claremont. Spaull managed just 7 games in 2 years but has not given up hope of returning to AFL ranks.

Retired Bulldog Todd Curley has joined his brother Adam at West Perth.

Former Magpie Graeme Wright has been appointed coach of Eastern Football League team Ringwood. Wright retired in 1998 and returned to Tasmania where he was playing assistant coach under former teammate Mick McGuane. He returned to Melbourne last year to play 4 games with Ringwood before succumbing to hamstring injuries.

And McGuane has also departed Tassie to take on the senior berth in the Bendigo League in northern Victoria.

Ken Hinkley, who served as Malcolm Blight's assistant at St Kilda is now assistant coach in the Geelong Football League.

Terry Bright (2001 Fre. asst) has been appointed senior coach to GFL side Newtown.

Former Cat Paul Lynch is playing-coach for GFL side Lara. He was at another club last year, where he kicked 19 goals in one match.

The Victorian Amateurs gain some AFL experience this year with a number of delisted players coming into their ranks: Brett O'Farrell (Haw), John Stevens (Syd), Jason Mooney (Geel), Mark Orchard (Col), Paul Dooley (WB), and Tony Delaney (STK).

Retired Docker Ashley Prescott has joined WAFL side Claremont as development coach. The senior coach of the team is Mark Riley, who once worked at Freo as an assistant coach.

Another former Docker (and Bulldog) Andrew Wills has left WAFL side Subiaco to play for Eaglehawk in the Bendigo League.

Phil Carman (Col, Melb, Ess, and NM) has been appointed senior coach for Bendigo team Kyneton after 7 years coaching Sturt in the SANFL.

GENERAL SILLINESS
An outrageously funny website has come to my attention. Australian, of course. It pokes fun at a variety of sports. with very funny stories. All of them are bald-faced lies and completely made up.
One headline screamed: Young Player Caught Driving Sober...At Speed Limit.

Another article related how Hawthorn players were trying to outdo each other in the wake of Daniel Chick's finger amputation with hand and arm amputations. The punchline was that Shane Crawford had his leg chopped off and auctioned it off.

The name of the site is The Bladder at http:// thebladder.com.au