Symbolic Suspension For Lynch

G'Day Footy Fans -

TRIUBNAL TOUGH ON GF OFFENDERS
The fiery opening to this year's GF resulted in a number of reports both on the day and post-match, with several video reports as well as reports laiid after investigations. The retired Alistair Lynch copped the biggest penalty for his fisticuffs with Darryl Wakelin. Even though he is retired, the Tribunal still imposed a heavy match penalty on him as a symbolic gesture to send a message to all levels of the code that such behavior will not be tolerated.
See all the Tribunal news below

GENERAL NEWS

More AFL On Northern TV
Channel Ten has decided to show more live football in Brisbane, with the announcement that all of its Saturday night games - regardless of the teams - will be aired on a 30 minute delay. The decision bumps rugby league games.
Sydney will also benefit with 12 live or delayed telecasts next year on Saturday nights, two more than this season.
The decision follows the strong TV ratings or the recent finals broadcast into Brisbane.
The newly released 2005 schedule gives the Lions 17 televised Saturday night games, including their two matches against Port.
The contentious split round, round 13, will, in 2005, have six games in the first weekend of the round and two in the second weekend - one to be televised by the Nine Network on Friday night and the Sydney-Collingwood Telstra Stadium clash to be shown on Ten on the second Saturday night of the split round.
Lion officials are delighted with the news.
The Ten agreement is significant notably because the AFL has already started informal talks with all interested parties regarding the next broadcast deal. The current agreement with Fox, Ten, and Nine expires at the end of 2006, and the AFL wants a new deal in place before the end of next season.
The commission will meet in November to formally put in place parameters of its expectations for the next deal.
The league is understood to be already working with Ten and other potential bidders to fix the last agreement's damaging oversight, which led to the withdrawal of prime-time Friday night football into regional areas of NSW and Queensland.
The Seven Network, which holds rights to bid last in the next deal, appears to be Ten's key free-to-air rival regarding broadcasts into NSW and Queensland given the Nine Network's commitment to rugby league.
In 2000, Seven televised six prime-time Saturday night matches into Brisbane, none of those earlier than 9.30pm, while in 2001 there were no prime-time home-and-away games shown in the Lions' home city.
That number increased to 11 in 2002 and 12 in 2003 and 2004 with Channel Ten, whose undertaking to show prime-time games in both Sydney and Brisbane gave the network the right to televise all the AFL finals and three of five Brownlow Medal counts over the five-year agreement.
In 2005, the six Saturday night games to be televised live into Brisbane not involving the Lions are expected to be Melbourne-Essendon (round one), Geelong-Essendon (round four), Sydney-Melbourne (round five), Richmond-Adelaide and Sydney-Collingwood (played over two weekends in round 13) and Essendon-Sydney (round 19).
This year's GF was a ratings winner, being the 3rd most watched GF in history,

Draft Camp Stars
Several kids at this year's draft camp look set to give speedsters Chris Judd and Aaron Davey some serious competition if they get drafted.
Perth midfielder Nathan Van Berlo and South Australia's Danyle Pierce set some new camp records in the agility run and sprint.
Pierce, a speedy onballer from Sturt, equaled the 2.79-second record for the 20-metre sprint set by Western Bulldog Steven Koops at the 1995 camp.
Richard Tambling, a likely top-five choice at next month's national draft, also equaled Koops' time, before Pierce ran even faster in his second sprint to make the record his own.
Van Berlo, who represented Western Australia at the under-18 national championships this year, set his record in the agility run, beating the 7.95-second mark set by Fremantle midfielder Byron Schammer two years ago.
The West Perth player also performed best at the grueling beep test, reaching level 15.02, short of the shared 16.06 level set by Geelong midfielder David Spriggs in 1999 and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh in 2002.

Ruckmen can expect to feature prominently in the first round of next month's AFL national draft, given their impressive collective effort at the draft camp in Canberra last week.
While midfielders Danyle Pearce and Nathan Van Berlo set new records in speed and agility, several taller prospects performed well in the speed, endurance and leap tests, giving clubs plenty to ponder.
South Australian ruckman Chad Gibson tested well, recording the highest standing vertical jump and notching the sixth fastest sprint.
Northern Knights player Adam Pattison ran a 14.2 beep test and performed well in the three-kilometre time-trial that completed the three-day camp.
Geelong ruckman John Meesen also showed good endurance, and 203-centimetre Fabian Deluca, the younger brother of Carlton player Adrian, scored what was considered the best reaction-time test scores recorded for a taller player.
Queensland's Tom Williams (196 centimetres) and Calder Cannon forward Lynden Dunn (192) were also among the tall prospects to test well. Highly rated Darwin midfielder Richard Tambling - already touted as a top 5 selection - finished in the top 10 in most tests, as did Murray Bushranger Brett Deledio. Deledio is also expected to be taken very early in the draft.
The AFL's national talent manager, Kevin Sheehan, nominated Gippsland midfielder Andrew McQualter as a player who had enhanced his draft chances with an impressive camp.

With so many draftees arriving at their respective AFL clubs with injury and/or post-injury conditions, those conditions were more closely scrutinized at the AFL draft camp.
As part of the three-day program, the 72 young players invited to the camp discussed the results of their recent medical screenings and any associated scans with a nominated doctor or physiotherapist sent to the camp by each of the 16 clubs.
Previously, clubs have had access to only the scans and a report on each player, written and collated in the lead-up to the camp by one of the AFL's eight approved doctors.
The league's national talent manager, Kevin Sheehan, said the changed policy recognized that clubs made a massive investment in every player they drafted each season, and needed to get a more personal feel for any injury or condition carried that may affect the player's potential career.
Should one club request more information on a player, the AFL will order the assessment and deliver the results to all clubs.
Only two players invited to the camp in Canberra missed the camp's battery of speed, leap, agility, endurance and reflex tests.
South Australian pair Scott McMahon and James Angus were absent as they werel playing in a grand final for SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens.
A further 116 players will be tested and interviewed by recruiters at screening sessions in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.

Matthew James All-Australian umpire
Matthew James, one of this year's GF umpires, was named the 2004 All-Australian umpire for the first time in his AFL career.
He was confirmed as the year's best umpire just hours after the GF. The AFL umpiring department, in bestowing the honor, takes into account home-and-away performances as well as the finals series.
James also umpired the 2001-02 Grand Finals.
After starting his umpiring career with the Footscray District Football League in 1992, James was recruited to the VFL senior development squad in 1994 and promoted to the AFL list in 1999.
He umpired in the 1997 National AFL under-18 championships and the VFL grand final in 1997-98 and the 1998 State of Origin match.

York Park Renamed
The Tasmanian ground, which has become a second home for Hawthorn and St. Kilda, has been renamed Aurora Stadium.
The sponsorship deal between Aurora Energy and the Launceston City Council, owner of the venue, has been signed through until the end of 2010.
Aurora Energy has operated in Tasmania since 1998, employs more than 1000 people, and provides energy to 250,000 residential, commercial, and government installations.
Hawthorn became the first AFL club to play a home game in Launceston in 2001 and has played two games a year, plus a preseason match there since 2002. Last year, St Kilda also signed a deal with the Tasmanian government to play two homes games there each year.

Int'l Games
Brisbane's Luke Power withdrew from the Irish series, making his decision known the day after the Grand Final. He said he simply needed a break.
Power was one of five Lions named in the All-Australian side earlier this month, alongside Nigel Lappin, Chris Johnson, Jason Akermanis, and Simon Black.
The absence of Port's Warren Tredrea and Chad Cornes was known at the time the All-Australian team was announced. Tredrea is getting married that weekend and Cornes will be attending the wedding.
Other All-Australians to miss the games include Chris Judd (wrist injury), Leo Barry (ankle surgery, and Adelaide skipper Mark Ricciuto who is also battling bilateral ankle problems.
Coleman medallist Fraser Gehrig, Collingwood defender James Clement, and Western Bulldog midfielder Scott West had previous plans. Jason Akermanis and his wife are expecting their first child.
Geelong fullback Matthew Scarlett is ineligible, having been suspended for three international rules matches after the first Australia-Ireland match in Perth last year.
Essendon captain James Hird is tipped to skipper the side, in the absence of Ricciuto, and is one of four Bombers who will join the Australian team for a two-day training camp at the Lexus Centre before leaving for Dublin on October 10.
Mark McVeigh, Dean Solomon, and Jason Johnson have been added to the squad, as well as St Kilda's Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo, and Max Hudghton, Kangaroo Brady Rawlings, Collingwood forward Alan Didak, and Power midfielder Kane Cornes.
Melbourne pair Cameron Bruce and Brad Green, Lion Chris Scott, Geelong's David Wojcinski and both Nathan Browns (Richmond and Melbourne) have also been added to the training squad.

TRIBUNAL
Plenty of fallout from the fiery opening of this year's Grand Final with several Lions and Port players reported for a variety of indiscretions:
Simon Black (BRIS) reported by Investigations Officer John Coburnfor striking Kane Cornes

Jonathan Brown (BRIS) reported by VRO Ian Robinson for striking Josh Carr; reported by Investigations Officer John Coburn for wrestling Josh Carr

Josh Carr (PA) reported by Investigations Officer John Coburn for wrestling Jonathan Brown; reported by VRO Ian Robinson for wrestling Brad Scott

Alastair Lynch (BRIS) reported on 3 counts by VRO Ian Robinson for attempting to strike Darryl Wakelin; and 3 counts for striking Darryl Wakelin

Darryl Wakelin, Port Adelaide, reported by VRO Ian Robinson for attempting to strike Alastair Lynch

Port Adelaide fullback Darryl Wakelin was fined $5000 for wrestling and attempting to strike Brisbane's Alastair Lynch.
Wakelin was penalized despite the tribunal's finding that the retiring Lynch, who was suspended for a total of 10 matches and received a $15,000 fine for his part in the proceedings, was 'clearly' the aggressor.
Wakelin pleaded not guilty and his advocate Iain Findlay insisted that Wakelin had only tried to defend himself in a volatile situation. Findlay pleaded that Wakelin should not be held responsible for actions initiated by Lynch.
Lynch admitted that he had behaved 'totally inappropriately' by engaging with Wakelin and said he initiated the heated exchange. The veteran Lion said his outburst was as a result of him becoming frustrated after he injured himself during the first term.
Lynch told the tribunal he didn't believe Wakelin had made any crude contact.
Tribunal chairman Brian Collis said the video footage showed Wakelin had engaged with Lynch and attempted to retaliate.
Collis stressed the AFL's instruction that players found guilty of misdemeanors in a grand final should receive more severe punishment than for an indiscretion during the home-and-away rounds.
Wakelin has twice been suspended for charging and received two-match bans for striking on two occasions over his 10-year career.
In 2004 he received a $1500 fine for wrestling in round 19 and a $3500 for contacting an umpire in round 21.

Alistair Lynch, who did everything he could to exonerate Wakelin, was fined $15,000 and, despite his retirement, suspended for 10 matches.
It is the biggest suspension handed down in the AFL since Greg Williams was suspended for nine matches for pushing field umpire Andrew Coates in the first game of 1997 but below some of the largest suspensions in the modern-day game such as the 20 match ban Phil Carman got in 1980 for head-butting a boundary umpire and the 11 match ban Terry Daniher got for two striking offences in the 1990 grand final.
Lynch was found Lynch guilty of two counts of striking and four counts of attempting striking with chairman Brian Collis imposing suspensions of four and three matches respectively for the two striking offences, another three matches for one attempted strike and then fining him $5000 for each of the other three attempted strikes.
Lynch admitted to starting the fracas out of frustration after realizing he had injured himself and would not be able to see out the game.
However Lynch, who only pleaded guilty to attempting to strike and not striking, maintained that none of his punches during the incident had connected with Wakelin and claimed his bloody nose was the result of an accidental head clash.
Lynch, in career spanning 18 years, has been suspended only 3 times previous.

Wakelin's teammate Josh Carr pleaded guilty to two charges of wrestling - one with Jonathan Brown and the other with Brad Scott - and accepted two fines of $1200, taking his bill to $2400.

Simon Black pleaded not guilty to his charges but was found guilty and suspended for 3 games for striking Port's Kane Cornes and Damian Hardwick. He said in the Hardwick incident he had only been trying to get Hardwick out of the way but admitted his attempt was "clumsy" as video footage showed him throwing a round-arm right around the Port veteran. He admitted he made contact to Hardwick but said it was only with his bicep - which reporting umpire Matthew James also agreed with.
But chairman Brian Collis said that Black's arm movement constituted a striking action and was penalized 2 matches.
In the second case Black said he had merely pushed Cornes away after becoming sick of the constant close attention the Port tagger was giving him throughout the match. Black said he believed the contact he made to Cornes' stomach was not forceful.
However Cornes, in his interview with AFL investigations officer John Coburn who laid the charge, admitted Black had hit him in the stomach and admitted he did so with just enough force to "take my breath away for a second."
In finding Black guilty of the Cornes charge, Collis described Black's actions as "unnecessary" and said they were "most probably borne out of frustration."
Black is still eligible to play in preseason games and will serve his suspension through the first 3 rounds of the season proper.
It is the first time Black, winner of both the Brownlow and Norm Smith Medals, has been suspended in 151 games.

Jonathan Brown's hearing had to be postponed as he developed an infection in his elbow, requiring him to remain in bed and on an IV drip of antibiotics.

AFL Tribunal member Elaine Canty has given her support to the idea of a sin-bin for players who overstep the bounds during the grand final.
In the wake of the hot-tempered opening term, Canty said there was merit to the idea of sin-binning players during the big game, which was always more physical because of the prize at stake.
The National Rugby League and rugby union both employ a sin-bin system for on-field indiscretions with players sent off for 10 minutes.
She believes the a sin-bin policy for the GF would make players think twice before giving in to provocation as it would their side a man short.
However, the AFL is not keen on the idea.

The Tribunal process is currently under review. In an effort to improve reporting procedures, the hearings, and consistency with penalties - al of which came under fire last season - Operations Manager Adrian Anderson wants feedback from the clubs on the issues.
In a letter to clubs, the Tribunal, and the AFL Players Association, topics for consideration were outlined.
The AFL asked clubs to consider whether players should be offered set penalties before hearings.
It asked how the reporting process could change; about the composition of the tribunal and the role of former players in the system; the need for players to give evidence; the use of legal representation; the cost of appeals; whether melees should be added to the list of reportable offences.
It also sought comment on whether the rules should be changed to allow "qualified" public comment on the tribunal.
Other aspects to be reviewed are the reliance on video evidence and the hefty fines imposed on players for melees.
The panel itself is also under review as all Tribunal members on one year honorarium contracts.
The league has also studied penalty systems of other codes and has received reports detailing their procedures. Among those studied were greyhound racing, England's Football Association, and the National Rugby League.
Anderson said a number of football competitions, including the West Australian Football League, the VFL and the English Football Association, used a system offering players penalties before tribunal hearings.

TEAM NEWS

ADELAIDE
Mark Ricciuto has won the Crows’ club champion award - the Malcolm Blight Medal - for a record third time.
It crowned another hugely successful individual season for Ricciuto, who finished second in the Brownlow this year and won All-Australian selection for the seventh time.
Ricciuto polled 159 votes - the same as last year - to win from Tyson Stenglein (146), Tyson Edwards (145), Andrew McLeod (144), Graham Johncock (119), Ken McGregor (115) and Matthew Clarke (100).
Ricciuto, winning in 1998 and 2003, is the 3rd Crow to win the award multiple times, after Andrew McLeod (1197 & 2001) and Ben Hart (1999 & 2000).
Stenglein, who wants to play for West Coast next season, recorded his highest finish in the Blight Medal voting. He was fifth in 2001, equal third in 2002 and equal eighth in 2003.
Edwards' third placing again underlined his remarkable consistency. He was fourth in 2002, seventh in 2001 and second in 2002 and again in 2003.
Ricciuto, 29, received the Blight Medal and the traditional gold jacket from Adelaide chairman Bill Sanders at a black-tie dinner for 550 guests at AAMI Stadium’s Convention Centre last Friday.
In his fourth season as the Crows’ skipper, Ricciuto also collected two other trophies – the Vice-Presidents' Club (coach's) award and the past players’ and officials’ award.
Votes for the Blight Medal were awarded individually by Adelaide's five coaches - Gary Ayres, Neil Craig, Peter Curran, Mark Mickan and Darren Jarman - on a 4-3-2-1 basis.
When Ayres left the club after round 13, the fifth lot of votes was the average of the other four in each of the remaining nine rounds.
There was no limit to the number of players who could receive votes in a match. Twenty votes (five fours) were the most a player could receive.

The Top 10
Mark Ricciuto 159; Tyson Stenglein 146; Tyson Edwards 145; Andrew McLeod 144; Graham Johncock 119; Ken McGregor 115; Matthew Clarke 100; Nathan Bassett 98;
Trent Hentschel - 98; Brett Burton 82

Other awards:
Best team man - Matthew Clarke
Chairman’s Club (emerging talent) - Ben Rutten
Vice-Presidents’ Club (coach’s award) - Mark Ricciuto
Members’ most valuable player - Tyson Edwards
Premiership Club members' award (leading goalkicker): Scott Welsh (36 in 16 matches)
Past players’ and officials’ award - Mark Ricciuto

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Scott West has written his name into another chapter of the Western Bulldogs history books by winning the 2004 Charles Sutton Medal, equaling Gary Dempsey’s record of six club best and fairest awards.
West polled 139 votes to win by 13 votes from ruckman Luke Darcy (126 votes).
Brad Johnson finished third on 119 votes with Nathan Eagleton a further place back on 96 votes.
West has previously won the Bulldogs’ top individual honor in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2003.

Top 10
The Voting: The 5 members of the match committee each award 0-4 votes per player per game
Scott West 139; Luke Darcy 126; Brad Johnson 119; Nathan Eagleton 96; Chris Grant 94;
Robert Murphy 93; Rohan Smith 70; Daniel Giansiracusa 64; Brian Harris 58; Ben Harrison 52

Other award winners:
Most promising player: Will Minson
Best first year player: Adam Cooney
Best team person: Daniel Cross
Match Committee Award: Nathan Eagleton
Leading goalkicker: Jade Rawlings and Luke Darcy (both 30)

BRISBANE
Brisbane is facing fewer games in Melbourne next year. The schedule, released last week, has them playing 12 games at home, 2 in Perth, 5 in Melbourne, and 3 other interstate games.
One bit of good news for the Lions is that their protest of playing in Darwin against the Bulldogs was heeded.
Playing as few as five games in Victoria, down from six this year and seven last year, contravenes an agreement struck between the Lions and the AFL at the time of the Brisbane-Fitzroy merger, which guaranteed a minimum of six each year.
But after the heated early season confrontation between the club and the AFL administration over conflicting sponsorship, the Lions are loath to be too aggressive in their objections.

Shaun Hart, the longest-serving Brisbane has decided to retire.
Hart, 33, has played 273 games over 15 years.
The decision, although not totally unexpected, came after Hart met with Coach Leigh Matthews and the pair agreed that a youth-first policy was the preferable option, despite Hart's desire to play one more year.
Hart, a devout Christian, will direct his energies to a youth program run by his church where he has helped on a casual basis in recent years.
Hart, pick No. 33 in the 1989 national draft, is the third Lion triple premiership player to retire this year, after Craig McRae and Alastair Lynch.
So, football's last image of Hart, the helmet-wearing pocket-sized dynamo from Shepparton, will be one of him courageously running with the flight of the ball into the path of a rampaging Bradshaw, 16 centimetres and 20 kilograms bigger, and taking the full brunt of the collision in his face.
The fractures required 4 plates and wiring, with Hart's doctors comparing the injuries to those of a car accident victim not wearing a seat belt.
Hart, described by Matthews as the most selfless footballer he had met, ranks second on the Brisbane games list behind Marcus Ashcroft (318). Or third if, as the club does, Lynch's combined Brisbane-Fitzroy tally of 306 games are included.
Hart also played in the Bears' 1991 reserves premiership side. He boasted eight top-10 finishes in the Brisbane club championship and was a Victorian State-of-Origin representative in 1998.

Simon Black (ankle scope) and Blake Caracella (shoulder reconstruction) will both have surgery once they have met with medical staff.
Brown, who played after pain-killing injections for a badly jarred knee, is not expected to require surgery.
Nor is Michael Voss, although the skipper has canceled an overseas holiday to give his suspect knee as much rest as possible.

A big headache awaiting the Lions' brains trust concerns contract issues. Retiring pair Lynch and McRae are among at least 12 players believed to be out of contract. Others are Clark Keating, Darryl White, Martin Pike, Caracella, Shaun Hart, Richard Hadley, Tim Notting, Ashley McGrath, Jared Brennan and Anthony Corrie.
Veterans Shaun Hart, Darryl White, and Martin Pike have all indicated a desire to saddle up for another season, but the salary squeeze and a need to push younger players into the top side means tough decisions may have to be taken.

Nigel Lappin won this year's Merrett-Murray Medal as the 2004 Brisbane Lions club champion.
The four-times All-Australian, twice runner-up, broke through for a clear victory over 2004 runner-up Luke Power and 2001-02 winner Simon Black in a count dominated by the "Fab Five".
Lappin, 28, hit the front in round seven and was not headed. He polled 76 votes to win from Power (68) and Black (66), with a tie for fourth between five-times winner Michael Voss and joint 1999 champion Jason Akermanis (63).
It was the highest tally in six years under Leigh Matthews' voting system whereby each player is rated 0-5 in each game, topping Black's 66 votes in 2002.
Lappin, who also won several other awards, said it was not enough to make up for the disappointment of the GF loss.

Speaking to a crowd of 1100 at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Coach Leigh Matthews warned his players that "the enemy within" - things such as self-satisfaction, individual ego and frustration - was more likely to bring an end to a successful era than any other factor.
The night was also a farewell tribute to the retiring trio of Alastair Lynch, Shaun Hart, and Craig McRae. Hart attended in an affro wig, while McRae wore women's leather pants, bowling shoes, a wig and a fake moustache. McRae, Jason Akermanis and head trainer Murray Johnson received life memberships, as did former Lions chief executive Andrew Ireland, now Sydney's football general manager.
Lynch apologized for his uncharacteristic actions in the GF, saying it was not the sort of image he wanted to portray to youngsters. He revealed he had even rung AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou to apologize. He said the frustration of getting injured so early in what was to be his last game, got the better of him.
Lynch is considering an ambassadorial role with the AFL in Queensland and media work.

RICHMOND
The current board has been given an ultimatum by challengers Charles Macek and Brendan Schwab: resign within 3 weeks time or face an EGM.
They have sent a letter to the board demanding a written commitment from all directors within 21 days that they will resign on the date of a December general meeting, allowing a full board election, otherwise they will collect signatures to force the EGM.
Their other grievance is that they have not been allowed to review club financial records.

The board hit back at the challengers the next day at the resignation demand and claims it had not provided proper financial statements to the "alternate" board.
In the absence of president Clinton Casey, who is overseas, treasurer Garry Cameron said the board was "disappointed" with the demands.
Cameron said in the statement that the implications of the alternate board that the Casey board had not "honored its undertaking to provide access to financial and commercial information" were incorrect.
Cameron said that the disputed material has been prepared for some time, but the board was waiting for a confidentiality deed from the challengers before allowing them access to the information. The challengers have refused to sign the confidentiality agreement, which Cameron described as a "standard commercial practice" required to protect the commercial material the challengers want to review.

Geelong remains no closer to reaching agreement with Richmond on a trade for Brad Ottens. Thus far, Geelong has been willing to part only with its first and second-round choices (16 and 32), plus Corey Enright and Charlie Gardiner. The Tigers want two first-round selections, one of those choices in the top-10 picks. Collingwood has indicated that its first draft pick (No. 7), which would enable the Ottens deal to be consummated, might be available, but only at significant cost, such as in return for James Kelly, whom the Cats have deemed untradeable.

ST KILDA
Held its club champion awards last week, with Nick Riewoldt taking out the Trevor Barker Award as the 2004 B&F.
The battle for the minor placings was neck and neck throughout the count between Luke Ball, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo, and Austinn Jones.
The final voting saw Riewoldt with 163 votes, Ball second with 140 votes, and Hayes in third place on 135 votes. Nick Dal Santo and Austinn Jones finished in 4th and 5th positions with 133 and 130 votes respectively.

Other awards presented were the Striving for Excellence to the player(s) who best displayed the necessary requirements for success as an AFL player – preparation and professionalism – ‘living the AFL lifestyle’. One award is for a developmental player in the embryonic stage of their career, whilst the other is for an established player.

Trevor Barker Award Top 10
The Voting: Each member of the match committee (Coach Grant Thomas and assistants Matt Rendell, Nathan Burke, and Terry Daniher) award votes to each player per game on a
1 -10 scale

Nick Riewoldt 163; Luke Ball 140; Lenny Hayes 135; Nick Dal Santo 133; Austinn Jones 130; Fraser Gehrig 125; Robert Harvey 119; Steven Baker 107; Brett Voss 106; Luke Penny 103

Other Award-winners:
Determination Award: Luke Ball
Improvement Award: Nick Dal Santo
Clubman Award: Max Hudghton
Striving for Excellence: Development Award - Matt Maguire; Established - Aaron Hamill

Luke Ball signed a new 2 year contract.

ESSENDON
Ruckman Matthew Allan signed a new one year deal.
Allan, a former Carlton player, ran out in 20 matches for the Bombers this year and was described on several occasions by coach Kevin Sheedy as the club's number one ruckman.
After battling stress fractures in his feet and ending up a fringe player at Carlton, he finally celebrated game #150 this year and believes the move to Essendon revitalized his career.
Assistant coach Mark Harvey said the club was keen to have both Allan and the emerging David Hille working together at the centre bounces and around the ground.
Harvey said if Allan can get in a good preseason, he could have even more of an impact next year.

Adam McPhee won the B&F award despite missing the finals due to injury.
He polled 322 votes, edging out Jason Johnson by seven votes.
His best performance was in round 10, against his former club Fremantle, racking up 10 marks, 11 kicks and 12 handballs and polling 26 of a possible 30 votes in the Bombers' 30-point win. But the performance against Fremantle was far from isolated.
McPhee polled best-and-fairest votes in 18 of his 20 games and won more than 20 votes in seven of those games.
Against Carlton in round four, Sheedy moved Scott Lucas to centre halfback, allowing McPhee to move to centre half-forward. His speed gave the Bombers a target up front and helped them to put the Blues away by 37 points.
After returning from a round-21 loss to Sydney with an injured hamstring, McPhee sat out the last three games of the Bombers' season.
McPhee also took the side's most-improved award.

Hird, who shared the Crichton Medal last year with Lucas, came fourth this year with 271 votes. Dean Solomon's 292 votes put him in third place above the Dons' captain while Damien Peverill (243) rounded out the top five. Lloyd finished sixth with 214 votes.
But Hird did not leave empty-handed. Along with Justin Murphy, he was recognized as the best in finals.
Essendon named 21-year-old Andrew Welsh as most courageous player and Brent Stanton was best first-year player.

Essendon Top 10
The Voting: Three members of the match committee can award up to 10 votes to a maximum of 8 players, with no obligation to award votes

Adam McPhee 322; Jason Johnson 315; Dean Solomon 292; James Hird 271; Damien Peverill 243; Matthew Lloyd 214; Justin Murphy 202; Scott Lucas 151; Mark McVeigh 145; Andrew Welsh 144

Other award winners:
Leading Goalkicker – Matthew Lloyd (96)
Most Improved – Adam McPhee
Most Courageous – Andrew Welsh
Best Clubman – Sean Wellman
Best First Year Player – Brent Stanton
Best in Finals – James Hird and Justin Murphy

Brisbane assistant Gary O'Donnell looks set to return home to Essendon to assist Kevin Sheedy next year.
Chief executive Peter Jackson said O'Donnell would bring balance to Essendon's strong-willed coaching staff.
Coach Kevin Sheedy said the Bombers would benefit from the experience O'Donnell had gained with the Lions.

MELBOURNE
Melbourne has appointed Chris Fagan as the club's new general manager of football operations.
Fagan has been an assistant coach since 2000 and commences his new role immediately, alongside recruiting manager Craig Cameron.
The pair replaces Danny Corcoran, who left to become chief executive of Athletics Australia.
In other changes, Mark Evans is now the club's assistant manger of football operations, in addition to continuing to manage Melbourne's player academy. He will also assist with off-field player development.
The club has also established a football strategy review committee consisting of senior staff and board members, which will work with Coach Neale Daniher and CEO Steve Harris to develop and review football department strategies to ensure Melbourne continues the
momentum of improving all facets of its performance.

Coach Neale Daniher has signed a two year extension to his contract, which was not due to expire until the end of next year.

Midfielder Peter Walsh has told the club he wants to be traded to seek more playing opportunities elsewhere. Walsh has played 104 games for the club since 1999, kicking 24 goals, but played only 13 matches this year.

Melbourne has signed National Rising Star winner Jared Rivers for another three years, while also securing Daniel Bell, Nick Smith and Troy Broadbridge on new contracts. The Demons, however, have yet to re-sign Russell Robertson, while Clint Bizzell's management has a new offer.

Melbourne has re-signed midfielder Cameron Bruce for 3 years.
The Demons already had convinced Daniel Bell, Nick Smith, and Troy Broadbridge to re-sign, but Bruce might be the jewel in the crown.
Selected at No.64 in the 1999 draft, Bruce won a Rising Star nomination in 2000, was runner-up in the club's 2002 best-and-fairest voting and represented Australia in the 2002 international rules series.
The club is delighted to secure Bruce, who had more lucrative offers from several other clubs.

Jeff White won this year's Keith "Bluey" Truscott Award as club B&F, just ahead of Nathan Brown. Adem Yze, Cameron Bruce, David Neitz.
White polled 287 votes to win the Truscott Trophy while Brown finished with 286 votes to claim the Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy. Yze was next with 280 votes and won the Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy.
White's previous best finish was runner-up in 2000 - the club's most recent grand final season - while he has claimed a top-five berth on three occasions.
Yze won the award in 2001, 2nd in 1998, and 3rd in 2000.
In fourth position was the classy Cameron Bruce, who won the Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy.
Skipper David Neitz rounded out the top-five, winning the Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy, while Matthew Whelan (215 votes), Brad Green (178), James McDonald (155), Jared Rivers (152) and Alistair Nicholson (135) completed the top 10.
The result was a major reward for Brown, capping off the most consistent season of his career. Brown's best finish had been fourth in 2002.
Originally from Frankston YCW, White was drafted from the Southern (now Dandenong) Stingrays by Fremantle with the first selection in the 1994 National Draft. He went on to play 32 matches with the Dockers from 1995-97. White moved to Melbourne for the 1998 season, where he quickly made an impact for the club. He was a member of Melbourne's 2000 grand final side, has played in nine finals for the club and also represented Victoria in state-of-origin football.
The athletic, high-leaping ruckman has battled on-going shin problems during his career, but it has been no coincidence that when he is injury-free, he is one of the most important factors in Melbourne's success, as evidenced by this year's performances. He was severely restricted by a nasty shin injury last season, which prompted him to have special, custom made shin guards.

The Top 10
The Voting: Five members of the match committee select the best 5 players in each match and rate them out of 10, with the maximum number of votes a player can receive per game being 50:

Jeff White 287; Nathan Brown 286; Adem Yze 280; Cameron Bruce 239; David Neitz 219;
Matthew Whelan 215; Brad Green 178; James McDonald 155; Jared Rivers 152; Alistair Nicholson 135

Other Awards:
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy for Best Team Player: Adem Yze
Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy for Most Improved Player: Jared Rivers
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy for Best First Year Player: Aaron Davey
Ian Ridley Trophy for Most Consistent Player: Nathan Brown
Jim Hannan Memorial/ Redlegs Trophy for Best Clubman: Guy Rigoni

KANGAROOS
The Kangaroos have become the latest club to show interest in Tiger Brad Ottens.
With the retirements of Anthony Stevens and David King allowing the club to participate in the upper end of the trade market for the first time in several years, the Roos have joined Geelong and Sydney as confirmed suitors.
Ottens has declared Geelong to be his preferred destination and while Sydney is expected to make a lucrative offer, the Roos, being a Melbourne-based club, meet with his desire to remain in Victoria, where the former South Australian's mother and brother Luke now live.
The Tigers have placed a minimum price of two first-round draft choices on Ottens.
The Roos' first pick in the national draft is at 10, five ahead of Sydney and six ahead of the Cats, but Ottens will command as much as $400,000 a season and the Cats, in particular, have a greater number of players of appeal with which to buy the second first-round pick required to satisfy the Tigers.
The Roos also have openly pursued Fremantle's uncontracted ruckman/forward Troy Simmonds, now also a target for the Tigers as they seek to cover Ottens' loss.

Ace tagger Brady Rawlings won the Syd Barker Award as the club's B&F.
Brother Jade, who wanted to join him at the club but ended up with the Bulldogs instead, was in the audience.
Brady came in 6 votes ahead of former winner Shannon Grant. 2002 winner Adam Simpson came in 3rd.
He claimed some big scalps this year, negating the likes of Chris Judd, Andrew McLeod, and James Hird.
In 2003, Rawlings had shown marked improvement to finish in the top five for the first time.
Rawlings averaged 14 possessions per game and was often rated among the side's best.
He also paid tribute to coach Dean Laidley, who he credits with resurrecting his career at the beginning of 2003, when Rawlings considered himself virtually on the football scrapheap.
The changing nature of the side was shown, with neither the retiring Anthony Stevens nor champion defender Glenn Archer in the top 10.
Young guns Daniel Wells, Daniel Harris, Leigh Brown, Troy Makepeace and Corey Jones all capped fine seasons with Top 10 finishes in the count.
In other presentations, Simpson picked up the Cheer Squad award for the second straight year, Daniel Harris was the Northerners Award winner and Rookie of the year went to Michael Firrito.
The Jason McCartney Jumper or players award again went to defender Leigh Colbert, while the retiring star David King was the recipient of the Best Clubman award.
Tributes were paid to retirees David King and Anthony Stevens while Adam Simpson, Corey McKernan, and assistant coach Michael Kennedy were given life membership.

Shane Clayton and Ben Robbins have been delisted while assistant coach Paul Hamilton has departed to join Adelaide's coaching staff.

The Top 10
The Voting: Four members of the match committee each award a maximum of 10 votes to the best players, with no limit on the number of players voted upon per game.

Brady Rawlings 48; Shannon Grant 42; Adam Simpson 41; Daniel Wells 38; Leigh Colbert 35; Daniel Harris 33; Troy Makepeace 33; Leigh Brown 31; Corey Jones 31; Brent Harvey 31

Newly retired Anthony Stevens and David King are contemplating off-field careers in football.
The Kangaroos have offered King a role in their marketing department while the Tigers have held informal talks with him regarding an assistant coach position.
According to Kangaroo officials, King would do well in the marketing area because of what manager Tim Harrington described as King's love of a good chat. Harrington also said King was very media savvy and mixed well with all types.

Stevens is investigating going into business with player manager Ron Joseph, and has been learning the ropes of the trade for the past six months alongside his mate and fellow Kangaroo Glenn Archer. Archer is still playing, but Stevens could take up a role with Joseph soon.

HAWTHORN
New Coach Alastair Clarkson has continued his review of the club's playing list, informing Angelo Lekkas and Ben Dixon that they would be traded if a deal can be found. Lance Picioane was also delisted, although the club is planning on trying to trade him as he is keen to continue at another club. Three Melbourne based clubs have expressed interest.

VC Nathan Thompson has told the club he wants to leave in an effort to kick-start his career elsewhere. He met with ops manager John Hook and Coach Alastair Clarkson last week and informed them of his desire to be traded.
Hook said contrary to rumors, Thompson, who has two years left on his contract with the Hawks, was not about to walk out on the club, but that if he left, it would only be for a high price.
Hook said that clubs had made overtures concerning Thompson, who fought a very public battle with depression during the year, but would not name the suitors. It is believed Thompson is interested in shifting to Geelong or West Coast.
Hook also made it clear that if a move did not eventuate, Thompson would be welcome to stay at the club and said Thompson would have no problem remaining if a deal cannot be done.
The Kangaroos, West Coast, and Carlton are among the clubs interested in acquiring Thompson, with the Roos having already indicated that their first pick - No. 10 - is on offer for a quality tall. Richmond, St Kilda, Sydney, and Fremantle could also be likely destinations, especially if the Dockers lose the uncontracted Troy Simmonds, who is being courted by the Kangaroos, Richmond and St Kilda.

Hawthorn has appointed retired Port Adelaide premiership player Damien Hardwick and former Melbourne captain Todd Viney as assistant coaches. Both will start immediately, having signed two-year deals.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson has also managed to secure Andrew Russell as the club's chief fitness and conditioning coordinator.
Russell has held a similar position as head fitness coach of premiers Port Adelaide for the past four years but is moving back to Victoria.
Clarkson indicated the club was in good shape after a 'major review' and restructure of the Hawks football department.
The 32-year-old Hardwick, who played 207 games, is an Essendon and Port Adelaide premiership player, while Viney, 38, ran out in 233 matches for Melbourne, captaining the club in 1998 and 1999.

Peter Everitt is this year's winner of the Peter Crimmins Medal.
He polled 25 votes in his second season with the Hawks, completing one of the most consistent years of his 12-season career.
Croad, who returned to Hawthorn this year after a stint with Fremantle, polled 17 votes to be runner-up, and pipped Joel Smith who finished third with 16.
Everitt and fourth-placed Richard Vandenberg (13 votes) were Hawthorn's highest polling players in the Brownlow Medal count.
Vandenberg placed fourth in the club award despite missing six matches through suspension.
Forty-seven gamer Tim Clarke placed in an impressive equal fifth position with Sam Mitchell after playing 15 matches for the season.
Youngster Luke Brennan won the encouragement award after making his debut in 2004 and playing three matches. Mitchell (10 votes) was deemed the most consistent player of the year, and Luke Hodge (nine votes) was voted the club's most courageous player.
Shane Crawford, the 2002-03 winner, polled just 6 votes in 10 games.

The club renamed its award this year in honor of the late club legend Crimmins.
He was vice-captain of the 1971 premiership team and subsequently captain for two years. Crimmins fell ill with cancer on the eve of the 1975 finals series and did not play senior football again. He was on his deathbed when the Hawks won the GF in 1976 and passed away just days later.

The Top 10
The Voting: The match committee assesses each player per game, then collectively rates each player on a 1-2-3 scale. 3 is extremely good, 2 very good, and 3 good. On very few occasions a 4 may be given. This denotes an exceptional game and is rarely seen

Peter Everitt 25; Trent Croad 17; Joel Smith 16; Richard Vandenberg 13; Tim Clarke 10; Sam Mitchell 10; Simon Beaumont 9; Mark Graham 9; Luke Hodge 9; Nick Ries 8

PORT ADELAIDE
Gavin Wanganeen and Peter Burgoyne are devastated at the loss of the GF guernseys. Both have been stolen - Wanganeen's from the MCG changerooms and Burgoyne's apparently from his bag somewhere between the Melbourne hotel storeroom and transport back to Adelaide last Thursday.
Burgoyne made an impassioned plea for its return with no questions asked.
Port officials have asked for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the guernseys to contact the club.

Josh Carr has decided he wants to head west to join his brother Matthew at Fremantle. The club was hopeful that Carr would prefer to remain with his premiership teammates.
Port has informed Freo that it would want two players in exchange, one of them being Byron Schammer, who just signed a new 3 year contract.

Port Adelaide forward Damon White, who did not make Port's grand final side and found it difficult to break into a side containing Warren Tredrea, has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including Geelong, which would see White as a cheaper fall-back option should the Ottens deal fall over.

In SANFL coaching movements, Port Adelaide legend John Cahill, 64, will coach the Port Magpies next season, former Sydney utility Dale Lewis has succeeded Garry McIntosh at Norwood, and former Richmond captain Matthew Knights, who coached Port this season, is being touted as Glenelg's new coach.

Warren Tredrea has won Port Adelaide's best-and-fairest award, the John Cahill Medal, for the second time - the first dual winner in the Power's eight years in the AFL.
In another wonderfully consistent, high-quality season, Tredrea polled 236 votes to finish ahead of Kane Cornes (220), Michael Wilson (195) and Chad Cornes (192).
Tredrea also won the award in 2001 and was runner-up in 1999, 2002 and 2003 - five top-two placings in the past six years.
This year he gained All-Australian selection - at centre half-forward - for the fourth successive season and was named vice-captain of the national team, won the inaugural AFL Coaches Association award and a swag of media awards as the AFL's outstanding player and, in the absence all season of injured captain Matthew Primus, led Port to its first AFL premiership.
Kane Cornes' second placing reflected his rapid development into one of the competition's finest midfielders. The 21-year-old, seventh in last season's best-and-fairest count, was Port's highest possession-winner this season, lifting his average disposals per match from 13 in 2003 to 20 in 2004 - and winning the award for the Power's most improved player.
Defender/midfielder Wilson's emphasized his complete recovery from knee reconstructions in 2001 and 2002 by finishing third in the count, and he also won two trophies - the best team man and the inaugural coach's award, which Port said was given by Mark Williams 'in recognition of the courage Wilson showed to play through severe shoulder pain - (and) likely facing post-season he dual shoulder reconstructions.
Midfielder Roger James won the award for best player in the finals. He received 45 votes to win from Kane Cornes (36), Wilson (33) and ruckman Dean Brogan (32).
Nippy forward Brett Ebert was a clear choice as Port's best first-year player (from those who made their AFL debuts this year). He played 16 games and won the National's Rising Star award for his strong round-11 performance against Brisbane.

Each member of Port's match committee cast votes on a 4-3-2-1 basis, with no restriction on how many players receive votes. Four votes were awarded for an outstanding game, three for a very good game, two for a good game and one for a solid performance.

The Top 10
The Voting: Each member of Port's match committee cast votes on a 4-3-2-1 basis, with no restriction on how many players receive votes. Four votes were awarded for an outstanding game, three for a very good game, two for a good game and one for a solid performance.

Warren Tredrea 236; Kane Cornes 220; Michael Wilson 195; Chad Cornes 192; Peter Burgoyne 166; Brendon Lade 159; Shaun Burgoyne 157; Josh Carr 141; Roger James 141
Darryl Wakelin 133

Other awards:
Coach's award: Michael Wilson
Best finals player: Roger James
Best team man: Michael Wilson
Most improved: Kane Cornes
Best first-year player: Brett Ebert
Members' choice award: Warren Tredrea

FREMANTLE
Skipper Peter Bell has capped off another outstanding year by winning the 2004 Doig Medal, becoming the first ever consecutive winner of the award and the only player to have received the award three times (2001, 2003, and 2004). He was also runner-up in 2002.
Since returning to the club from the Kangaroos four years ago, Bell has also become the club’s longest serving captain. He has also amassed 54 Brownlow Medal votes to be the highest vote winner in the club’s history.
His outstanding performance and leadership in 2004 was further recognized with his selection in the WA State of Origin Side as captain for the second consecutive year and even after missing one game this season, he averaged more than 23 possessions per game and finished in the club’s top five for goals, kicks, disposals, handballs and frees for.
Bell was the first player signed by the Fremantle in 1995 and took the field in the club’s debut match against Richmond. He was traded to the Kangaroos at the end of 1995 and played in their premiership in 1996 and 1999, but returned to Fremantle at the end of 2000.
During his 123 games with the Kangaroos, he won a Rising Star nomination in 1996, played in the 1998 preseason premiership, won the Kangaroos Best and Fairest award in 2000, was runner-up in 1999 and placed third in 1997. He won All Australian selection in 1999 and played in the International Rules Series that year.
His achievement in 2004 was significant considering he played for the majority of the season under the duress of an ongoing injury that finally took its toll when Bell was forced out of the final game of the home and away season - the first game he has missed in three seasons.
Bell played his 200th AFL game in round 11 this year and has played a total of 87 games for Fremantle.

The Top 10
The Voting: Votes are awarded by the Match Committee at the conclusion of each game based on the following voting scale: 4 Votes - Outstanding; 3 Votes - Excellent; 2 Votes – Very Good; 1 Vote - Good

Peter Bell 36; Paul Hasleby 34; Matthew Pavlich 33; Justin Longmuir 28; Luke McPharlin 27; Shane Parker 27; Robert Haddrill 26; Jeff Farmer 23; Paul Medhurst 22; Troy Simmonds 21

Runner-Up – Paul Hasleby
Paul Hasleby produced arguably his best season since debuting for the club in 2000, the year he won the AFL Rising Star Award and finished runner-up in the Doig Medal as well as winning the club’s Beacon Award. Paul finished just two votes behind Captain Peter Bell in the 2004 Doig Medal and has finished in the Doig Medal top five since his debut.
Appointed Deputy Vice Captain in 2004, Paul played all 22 games of the home and away season and led the club’s overall disposals with 538 (295 kicks and 243 handballs), placing him fourth overall in the AFL. He also polled in the club’s top five for tackles and free kicks for and was Fremantle’s leading vote getter at the 2004 Brownlow Medal with 13 votes, taking his career tally to 39, second highest Brownlow tally for the club.
Third in last year’s Doig Medal, Paul’s outstanding season was rewarded with his third consecutive selection in the WA State of Origin team. He played his 100th AFL game in round 14 this year and mid-season Paul extended his contract that will see him continue with the club through until the end of the 2007 season.

Third Place – Matthew Pavlich
Matthew Pavlich continues to show the form and leadership in season 2004 that has seen him poll in the top three in the Doig Medal in the last three seasons, winning in 2002 and being runner-up in 2003. Matthew played all 22 games this year, the season highlighted by his 100th AFL game in Round 16 to take his games tally to 106 AFL matches during which he has kicked 109 goals. He was joint leading goalkicker in 2001 with Justin Longmuir.
The club’s first All Australian player in 2002, an honor he was again awarded in 2003, he has represented Australia in the successful International Rules Series against Ireland both home and abroad. Matthew had another outstanding year finishing in the club’s top five of kicks, marks disposals, handballs and tackles for the third consecutive year.
Appointed Vice Captain in 2003 and in his fifth season with the club, Matthew re-signed with the club during the year that will see him remain at Fremantle until the end of the 2007 season.

Fourth Place – Justin Longmuir
Now in his sixth season with the club after being selected number 2 overall at the 1998 National Draft, Justin has enjoyed his most successful season which saw his role change to include more time operating in the ruck as well as playing forward when required.
His outstanding performance this year was recognized with his first ever selection in the WA State of Origin team, and his first ever top 5 placing in the Doig Medal. The club’s equal leading goalkicker in 2001 (with Matthew Pavlich), Justin has gone on to kick 132 goals in his career that now stands at 100 AFL games, a milestone he passed in Round 22.
Justin played 21 games in 2004, averaging over 5 marks and 10 hit outs per game, and kicking 26 goals to be fourth on the club’s 2004 goalkicking ladder.

Fifth Place – Luke McPharlin and Shane Parker
Luke McPharlin
After completing his first full preseason since returning from Hawthorn at the end of the 2001 season, Luke McPharlin enjoyed an outstanding start to the season before a broken collarbone in round 15, his 50th game for the club, saw him miss six games before returning in round 22.
His outstanding early season form was enough for Luke to be rewarded with his selection in the 2004 WA State of Origin team. Despite missing six weeks of the season, Luke finished second in marks at the club with 106 for the season, only 12 behind leader Matthew Pavlich.
Luke signed his new contract with the club in the latter part of the season that will see him remain at Fremantle until the end of the 2007 season.

Shane Parker
The club’s all-time games record holder (184 games) and Vice Captain, veteran Shane Parker continues to show his leadership on the field in another consistent and valuable season for the team.
Playing all 22 games this season, his tenth with the club, Shane committed mid-season to play on in 2005 and will provide Shane with the opportunity to become the first Fremantle player to play 200 games with the club.
The cool hand in the team’s defensive structure, often asked to play on taller, quicker or stronger opponents, Shane never fails but to give 100 per cent and his performance in 2004 was rewarded with selection in the 2004 WA State of Origin team.
Shane was runner-up in the 1997 Doig Medal and third in 2002.

2004 Beacon Award Winner – Andrew Browne
The annual Beacon Award is presented to the club’s best new talent. To be eligible, a player must be under the age of 21 years on or before 31 December of the previous year and have played less than 10 games at the start of the season.
This year’s Beacon Award winner is Andrew Browne who, after being selected by the club in the 2001 National Draft, Andrew made his debut for the club in round 1 of season 2003 and went on to play four games that year. In 2004, Andrew’s performances continued to improve and he made the most of his opportunities playing 14 games. When not in the senior squad, Andrew’s performances with Claremont in the WAFL were outstanding.

GEELONG
VC Cameron Ling has claimed his first Carji Greeves Medal as club best & fairest, edging out All-Australian fullback Matthew Scarlett in a tight count. Veteran defender Darren
Milburn finished third in the voting ahead of Tom Harley and Cameron Mooney.
Ling, who finished as runner up in the award in each of the past two seasons, proved a popular winner.
Born and raised in Geelong, Ling spent many Saturday afternoon at Skilled Stadium in his youth before being drafted by the Cats with the 38th selection in the 1999 draft.
The 23 year old led Geelong in disposals (592), kicks (357), handballs (235) and marks (168). He ranked eighth in the AFL in disposals and fifth in marks during the home and away campaign.
Scarlett narrowly missed in his quest for back-to-back best and fairests. He finished in the top four for the fourth consecutive season, having ranked second in 2001, fourth in
2002 and as the winner last year.
Milburn produced an outstanding campaign and earned his highest placing in the award, eclipsing fourth place finishes in 1999 and 2001.
Harley also enjoyed a career high placing in finishing in the top five for the third time in four seasons. Harley had finished fifth in 2001 and 2002 and was a key contributor in the AFL's number one defence.
Mooney was a revelation for the Cats, playing well in a variety of roles, including ruck duties when skipper Steven King was sidelined.

The Carji Greeves Medal top 10
The Voting: 5 members of the match committee can award up to 10 votes to a maximum of 8 players (with allowance for two extra) and no obligation to award votes

Cameron Ling 597; Matthew Scarlett 549; Darren Milburn 514; Tom Harley 420; Cameron Mooney 392; Joel Corey 384; James Bartel 375; Gary Ablett 373; Paul Chapman 332;
Ben Graham 314

Other Awards:
Most determined & most dedicated player - Steven King
Best team & most constructive player - Gary Ablett
Most improved player - David Wojcinski
Best first year player - Kane Tenace
Leading goal kicker - Kent Kingsley
Best clubman - Peter Riccardi
Most Brownlow votes - James Bartel
Coach's award - Cameron Mooney
Community champion - Kent Kingsley
Top 3 VFL B&F - James Byrne, Danny Byrne, James Rahilly

SYDNEY
Coach Paul Roos has agreed to terms for a new 4 year contract.
Roos, who took over the reins from Rodney Eade midway through season 2002, hopes to sign his contract extension early next week.
The contract extension for Roos coincides with new deals for chief executive Myles Baron-Hay and director of football Andrew Ireland, who will re-sign with the club for the same period after the trio presented the Sydney board with a plan for the club’s direction.
Club chairman Richard Colless said the main message of the plan was ‘accountability at all levels of the club’.

Barry Hall won the Bob Skilton Medal as B&F this year.
Hall amassed 466 votes to narrowly defeat defensive midfielder Brett Kirk by 34 votes.
Third was Leo Barry on 382 votes, which included an unparalleled ‘40 out-of-40’ for the Swans’ round 11 victory over St Kilda.
The four judges - senior coach Paul Roos and assistants John Longmire, Peter Jonas and Ross Lyon - all gave Barry a 'perfect 10' for his job on St Kilda’s Coleman Medalist Fraser Gehrig.
Last year Hall played all 24 games, leading the club with 167 marks and a career-high 64 goals (equal sixth in the competition) before representing Australia in the International Rules Series.
In March, the former Saint told Sportal he was jumping out of his skin and ready to explode after beating all his personal best times in the preseason, and proved true to his word.
He again played all 24 games, booting a career-best 74 goals - fourth best in the Coleman Medal race - and finished with 191 marks behind St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt (256) and Port Adelaide's Warren Tredrea (192).
However, it was also Hall's sheer power and dominance away from the ball that helped Sydney to goals and victories.

The Top 10:
The Voting: The 4 voting members of the match committee award up to 10 votes per player with no limit on the number of players who can receive votes

Barry Hall 466; Brett Kirk 432; Leo Barry 382; Ryan O’Keefe 370; Jude Bolton 363; Ben Mathews 355; Jared Crouch 351; Tadhg Kennelly 303; Jason Ball 288; Stuart Maxfield 285

Other awards:
2004 Rising Star: Paul Bevan
Dennis Carroll Trophy for Most Improved: Ryan O’Keefe
Paul Kelly for Players’ Player: Barry Hall
Barry Round Shield for Best Clubman: Paul Williams
Sydney Gas ‘One Percenter’: Stuart Maxfield

Sydney Swans Life Membership was awarded to Team of the Century members Greg Williams, Billy Williams, Gerard Healy, and Tony Lockett.
Current players Jared Crouch and Matthew Nicks received Life Membership for their 150 games and Leo Barry for his 10 years of service to the club.
Two other recipients of Life Membership were long-time club servant Jack Boucher and former head-trainer Wally Jackson (posthumously).

WEST COAST
West Coast defender Chad Morrison has asked the club to strike a deal that would send him back home to Melbourne. His decision gives the Eagles renewed hope of doing a trade deal to secure the services of homesick Adelaide midfielder Tyson Stenglein.

Chris Judd backed up from his Brownlow Medal triumph 12 days ago by winning his first club champion award.
As expected Judd, who was third in his debut season of 2002 and runner-up last year, continued that natural progression to win the mantle from fellow all-Australian Chad Fletcher.
It was expected to be a tight finish and that proved to be the case, Judd polling 355 votes to win from Fletcher on 319 before 1100 guests at the club’s first function at the new Perth Convention Centre.
Judd, 21, established himself as perhaps the most explosive player in the competition and also won the award as the best player in the club’s elimination final loss against Sydney as well as the award for the fans’ on-line player of the year award.
Fletcher had an amazing finish to the season when he averaged 30 possessions a game after round 14 and combined with Judd, Dean Cox, Michael Braun, Daniel Kerr, Andrew Embley and Ben Cousins - when he returned from injury - to form one of the most potent midfield units in the competition.
Not surprisingly all of those players figured in the top 10.
Cox’s effort in assuming the No.1 ruck role in the absence of Michael Gardiner was recognized when he finished third in the count ahead of Braun and Kerr, who rounded out the top five.
Another under-rated midfielder, Josh Wooden, won the best clubman award. He recovered twice from a broken collarbone to play nine games ands then played in a premiership with WAFL club Subiaco.
Rookie of the year was another emerging ruckman Mark Seaby, who won a tight battle ahead of players like Sam Butler, Beau Waters, Mark Nicoski, Brett Jones, Ashley Hansen and Zac Beeck.
Dynamic forward Phil Matera, who kicked 61 goals for the year, finished just one vote behind Kerr and for the fourth time in his career was the club’s leading goal-kicker.
It was a big night for Matera who was also received life membership after racking up his 150th game earlier this season.
Also earning life membership was long-serving administrator Trevor Nisbett. Initially joining the club as football manager in 1989, Nisbett has been the chief executive for the past five years and it is doubtful whether any man has had a greater influence in club history.
Karl Langdon, a member of the 1992 premiership team, fell 50 games short of automatic life membership for his on-field exploits but was afforded that honor for his off-field contribution since retiring.

The Top 10
The Voting: The members of the match committee rate each player per game on a 1-5 scale
Number in ( ) indicates games played for the year

Chris Judd 355 (23); Chad Fletcher 319 (22); Dean Cox 271 (23); Michael Braun 262 (23);
Daniel Kerr 259 (21); Phil Matera 258 (23); Darren Glass 217 (18); Andrew Embley 214 (17); David Wirrpunda 212 (22); Ben Cousins 192 (17)

Other Awards:
Players of the Finals -: Chris Judd
Rookie of the Year:- Mark Seaby
Leading Goalkicker:- Phil Matera (61 goals)
Best Clubman:- Josh Wooden
Life members: Trevor Nisbett, Phil Matera, Karl Langdon

COLLINGWOOD
Dependable fullback James Clement has won his first Copeland Trophy in a tight best-and-fairest count in which three players - Shane Woewodin, Ben Johnson and Paul Licuria - tied as runners-up.
Completing an exceptional season that also saw him earn All-Australian honors for the first time, Clement became the first fullback to claim the club honor since Jack Regan in 1936.
Only three other key defenders in Collingwood's history - Albert Collier (1929), Harold Rumney (1931) and Bill Picken (1970) - have previously won the award.
Stopper Brodie Holland (40 votes) finished fifth in Friday night's count. Last year's winner and club captain Nathan Buckley (34 votes) placed seventh, behind the much-improved Richard Cole (35 votes). Six-time winner Buckley had placed in the top-three of the award in seven of the previous eight counts.
Josh Fraser, Scott Burns and Chris Tarrant completed the top ten in 2004.
A Fremantle player until 2000, Clement was a shining light in a lean year for the Magpies, who slipped to 13th after playing in the previous two grand finals. He played every match despite suffering an eye injury in the preseason. He also saw out the Round 19 game despite suffering a fractured cheekbone during the match.
The 28-year-old was named on the interchange bench in the 2004 All-Australian line-up, placed equal tenth in last year's Copeland medal count and third in 2002.
Coach Michael Malthouse said Clement had rightfully been awarded for his professionalism and consistency. He also praised Clement for his leadership and determination "...to become a football player of note".
It was Johnson's best finish in the award in his five seasons, while 2000 Brownlow Medallist Woewodin jumped from his eighth placing last year. Licuria, who also won the Phonse Kyne trophy for services to the club, won successive Copeland medals in 2001-2002.

Burns was awarded the Darren Millane memorial trophy for best clubman, Guy Richards was voted the best first year player and Justin Crow won the VFL side's best-and-fairest award.

The Top 10
The Voting: Each player is allocated one vote per game, then the match committee awards up to 20 votes for the best players per game. Votes are awarded based on the average vote of all four members of the Match Committee, with players receiving a maximum of 6 votes per game:

James Clement 50; Ben Johnson 45; Paul Licuria 45; Shane Woewodin 45; Brodie Holland 40; Richard Cole 35; Nathan Buckley 34; Josh Fraser 32; Scott Burns 30; Chris Tarrant 29

GENERAL SILLINESS
Bulldog champ Doug Hawkins was noted for his exceptional kicking skills on both his right and left foot. He recently revealed how he developed that skill. He used to practice in his back yard, using the back door as a goalsquare target. Windows flanked the door on both sides and Hawkins said he had to make sure he hit his target or he'd be in BIG TROUBLE!!

Port Adelaide's GF win was celebrated by sponsor West End with the release of a special draught beer can, featuring Port colors.

We all know that the Grand Final is watched around the world. Those who can't watch live will listen on the internet, or at least try to keep up with the scores somehow. An on-line website for Australian news called crikey.com recently featured some letters from footy fans who told of how they kept up with the game or where they watched it:

Abu Dhabi
Fox Sports - Middle East actually broadcast the Grand Final live in Abu Dhabi and across the Arabian peninsula. Unfortunately, with Thursday - Friday being the weekend, Saturday here in the Islamic world is the equivalent of Monday in Christendom, and I had to leave for work just as the telecast was starting! I listened via web radio up to 3-quarter time though, before I had to switch off for a teleconference. However, my wife, who was watching at home, sent me frequent SMS updates. Fox are repeating it a few times, so I might catch it again later in the week. The world is getting a smaller place when we can watch the Australian Football Grand Final live and even listen to it on the net, though I could do without Rex Hunt's live call at 9 in the morning. As a Kangaroos supporter, I was pleased to hear that Byron Pickett won the Norm Smith, as he came close to doing so when he was playing for us in the '99 GF.
MrMOB
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Washington DC
I stayed up late in Washington DC and watched the live coverage on Fox Sports World. First impression, what the hell happened to the G with all that construction and cranes as the backdrop? Then, Kath and Kim. Would Kim's thong/g-string exposure qualify as a wardrobe malfunction if seen on American network TV and incur a 550 thousand dollar fine? Probably not, thank God. The whole thing was refreshingly Australian, everyone seemed to be having a good time in Melbourne's balmy 18-degrees C and there was plenty of biffo in the first quarter. Maybe we should export the AFL to the US to replace the ice hockey season which doesn't look like it will get off the ground this year due to player contract disputes. The bare knuckle action and big swinging hits in AFL would keep hockey fans happy for a season or two! (Cringed ever so slightly when one of the announcers blithely remarked that Lions forward Alistair Lynch could have knocked someone's head off into the grandstand after one of his swings, but then I've been reading too much news this week about American hostages being decapitated in Iraq.)

The Pacific
I was crossing the Pacific on UA840 (Sydney-Los Angeles) during the Grand Final, but the obliging captain spent more time trying to get the results for us than actually flying the plane, it appeared. He proudly announced that he had to resort to bouncing a satellite message to the United operations centre in Chicago, who relayed the results from an employee somewhere in Sydney.
The captain read out the goals and behinds slowly over the PA, apologising that while he knew they were important to many passengers, he had no idea what it meant. About half the plane erupted when he finished, the other half (the Yanks I guess) looked a bit bemused...
Thom Cookes

Wellington
Although only across the ditch in the Land of the Long Aussie-Bash (you’d have thought the way the media went on about it, NZ beat Australia the other night on the cricket – not England!) Aussie Rules does not get a big look in.
Thankfully cable channel Sky Sport provided traditional Grand Final Day coverage from the Breakfast, all the way through the pre-match with Bert Newton to the game itself. It was like being at home.
A big well done to the Australian High Commission website for alerting those who did not know that the Grand Final was on … along with the Federal election!
This expat spent the day happily with other expats and English ring-ins (the latter who’d never seen the game in their lives and wanted it constantly explained – e.g. what is a corky?!). Ten’s coverage was on from start to finish and we enjoyed a traditional footy lunch of meat pies, hot dogs, Crownies and then made the Lions supporter watch the last quarter again. (Sorry about that Kirsten!)
Great to have Tim Lane back commentating again and we enjoyed the Pagan / Laidley segment. Highlights of the day – trying to explain to English friends why our unofficial national song is about a thief who kills himself; who was Cazaly; and Bert. NZ may be not that far geographically distant, but for the expats gathered to listen to Tim and Huddo, it reminded us of just how great home is; how we miss the smell of muddy ovals and the cries of ‘chips, pies, hot dogs’ and how no matter where you are as a good Victorian, few things are as enjoyable than seeing a decent bit of biff in a Grand Final!
Expat Dees Supporter
Wellington, NZ

Amsterdam
There are about half dozen Australians currently working in Nike's European headquarters for the 3rd year running, we watched the game in Holland ... downtown Amsterdam - 6am start next to a coffee shop & around the corner from the red light district. Just your typical sports cafe - a bar with flat TVs everywhere, including the men's toilet. In the past, been a combination of ex-pats & back-packers from the southern hemisphere - anywhere between 50 to 100 people this year we were lucky to get 20 of us drinking cold Heinekens & tucking into a full English b'fast seems having 2 interstate clubs in the grand final, just doesn't provide the same global appeal carn the pies for '05.
Simon Traynor

Bucharest
There is a solid six pack core of Expats gathering in Bucharest, Romania at 6am tomorrow to watch the game live from 7am.
Here in the capital rated one of, if not the most corrupt country in the world, home to Copiers of all things, Pirates of all things and not unattractive women, this intrepid band has found a Kiwi of all people who has a "Pirated Box" and disc capable of getting Sky live.
Thankfully no Collingwood supporter amongst us, Eagle, Docker, Hawk, Swan and two Sydney guys who could not give a stuff coming for the food and drinks only - this band of expats mainly from the finance profession, PWC, E&Y, Deloittes (trying to advise the Roms on a Market economy) and Mining, (who can forget the Danube spill of four years ago) a Journo, and Import Export guy, Blokes only!
We have requested all furniture in the Kiwi 's lounge be shifted to the bedroom and hallway so we all can stand and watch the footy, he agreed!
Breakfast starts at 6pm with a loosener , we have had a slab of VB hidden and saved for this event, not much between six, but in Bucharest priceless, as alcohol imports are 110% taxed, so of little interest to Fosters.
Breakfast, Bacon Eggs, Tomatoes, Baked Beans (Heinz of course saved again for the occasion ) and wait for it - Middle loin Lamb chops courtesy of Westmeats of Dandenong who imports into Bucharest and the main reason the Kiwi agreed to stage the event! Washed down with a sparking white, which should take us up to half time.
We then will open the first of many of the finest Reds from Coonawarra, from Hollicks Coonawarra who also imports into Romania a Cab Sav blend and a Shiraz - this should see us to completion of the game and then onto lunch and the post mortem.
These guys actually get super salary packages and a hardship allowance to work here? Makes one wonder Hardship allowance?
Go Power
Bill McVeigh

Beijing
As a compulsive and paid up member of Crikey I must tell you of our day yesterday. A trusty band of Aussies (and a couple of ring-in Kiwis and a Welshman) gathered at our apartment in Beijing to watch the big game. We did not have to run the magic box like the crew in Bucharest as we get excellent coverage on ABC Asia Pacific. The first beer (Boags Premium - a link back to Tassie for me and especially preserved for the occasion!) was cracked open at 11:30am as the coverage began. The BBQ was a hit and we settled down for the event. Many members arrived in their footy gear. The crow-eaters present were united in their desire for the Lions to win as they all (bar just one) agreed that an abiding hatred for all things Port Adelaide started at birth!
After all the burgers and snags disappeared out came a few decent Aussie reds to finish off the afternoon. A brilliant day was had and we can't wait for the next season to start (especially the Carlton supporters, there were 4 of us there!!!)
Keep up the great work and we tried to do our best!
Jim

Papua New Guinea
I’ll be watching the game with the nearly two hundred plus members of the A.R.S.O.L.’s, that’s the Aussie Rules Supporters of Lae for the initiated.
We’re based in Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. We have a tipping comp and a couple of get togethers during the footy season with a huge Grand Final bash. This year we even had the great Ron Barassi attend our start of season function as guest speaker.
Alex

Washington DC
It might be comforting to readers of Crickey that the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. - the embassy is one of only three countries that shares intelligence with the United States - was the only place in D.C. that could not get a cable feed to watch the AFL Grand Final Saturday night. Hence, for Aussies and Americans deprived of VBs and meat pies the deprivation must continue, and it was to an Irish Bar to watch the game, or at least the first three quarters until the bar shut. In a reflection of the goodwill and tolerance of Australians, not much was broken in the ensuing riot.
Yours in full faith in the competence of Australia's diplomatic corp.
Patrick
Colac, Australia

London
As an ex-staff member of the Brisbane Lions, now travelling the globe, not a week goes by during the Season without logging onto http://www.lions.com.au/ to check out the latest news, reviews and performance of my team.
This year I jumped out of bed at 4:00am after sleeping in my Number 6 Lions Guernsey all week to watch the Grand Final at the “Slug & Lettuce” in Fulham. Kick off was 5:30am and I was extremely nervous because I knew that this Grand Final game would really challenge the Lions compared to the Final’s in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
I have never felt more home sick since departing Australia 14 months ago then what I felt after the Grand Final game on Saturday. My heart was crashed.
The Brisbane Lions did not achieve their awesome foursome result but to me the entire team are true heros, their determination week in, week out drives me as an independent traveller to accomplish my greatest fears. I am not only honoured to be an Aussie but am also proud to be a Brisbane Lions Supporter. All for one and one for all! Keep your chins up lads; you have plenty to be proud of!
Nikki Young in London

Scotland
I am a Brisbanite and therefore a Lions supporter. On a bus tour of Scotland with a Victorian or two last year I switched on the TV in the motel at Leith, Edinburgh before breakfast. .It was the third quarter of a live telecast and the Lions had almost double the score of the opposition ! ! I ate with the tour group without saying a word that THE GAME was on local television. Otherwise my travelling companions would have had a most unenjoyable trip. They were expecting a delayed telecast later that night and I kindly let them enjoy the final day of the trip.
Tony Traveller

Enmore
I'll be ensconced in a lovely local in Enmore, but I was just talking it up to a bunch of Seppo and Cannuck mates and pointing them in all the right directions when I came across this shocker on the Triple J website and I quote:
"Listen Live please note: due to content rights issues, we will be streaming DIG duration of the AFL Grand Final: 14:00 - 17:00 on the 24.10.04."
Who's fault is this?!?! If the Festival Of The Boot isn't one of the great advertisements for the game, then I'm too hungover to think of a good metaphor.
FIFTY!!
Na-Na

And that's it for this week. I'll be back next week with the news of Jonathan Brown's fate at the Tribunal as well as all the trade news. And the report of next year's schedule follows immediately after this one posts.

GO BLUES!!