AFL Still Trying But Switch Unlikely

G'Day Footy Fans -

AFL Makes Preliminary Bid
The Melbourne Cricket Club has left open the possibility of Brisbane's preliminary final match being transferred from the MCG to the Gabba.
MCC chairman David Jones said that transferring the game to Brisbane was still unlikely, and the key to any deal would be the AFL agreeing to schedule a better mix of games at the MCG in the future.
His comments came after it emerged that the AFL had delivered a $1 million, 11th-hour bid to extricate itself from its deal with the MCG. But Jones did say it was not a done deal, that the MCC still had to consider if it was worth their while or not.
However, AFL chief Andrew Demetriou poured cold water on Mr Jones' claim and said he was certain an agreement could not be reached in time for this year's finals series.
Mr Demetriou said he did not believe the MCC had any intention of working to achieve a compromise.
The AFL last month offered to lift the MCG's annual home-and-away entitlement from a minimum 41 to 43 games. It also offered a series of corporate entitlements and a six-figure cash component of less than $300,000.
However, the MCC - which in July unsuccessfully offered to relinquish its hold on the preliminary final in exchange for the majority of Carlton's 11 home fixtures as part of its move from Optus Oval - is expected to request a guarantee of not only extra games but fixtures that would attract bigger crowds.
The AFL has compounded the disadvantage to the Lions by scheduling their final as a night game on Saturday September 18 - 24 hours after Port Adelaide's clash. This would give Brisbane one day less to prepare for the grand final, should it make it through.
Victorian Opposition Leader Robert Doyle entered the row, accusing the Lions of hypocrisy and arrogance. He called the Lions a pack of whingers.
The finals contract with the MCC does not expire until 2032.

GENERAL NEWS

Best of the Best
As if there was any doubt, West Coast's Ashley Sampi won the Mark of the Year for his spectacular grab in Round 7.

Kangaroo Daniel Wells won the honors for Goal of the Year for his midair scissors-kick goal in Round 15.

The 2004 All Australian Team represented a massive change of guard with 12 players named for the first time and a further four for only the second time in their careers.
Players were selected from 12 of the 16 AFL clubs but the eight finalists -- Brisbane, Essendon, Geelong, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Sydney, St Kilda and West Coast -- supplied the bulk of the team with 18 representatives between them.
Adelaide captain Mark Ricciuto was named an All Australian for the seventh time in his illustrious career and was named captain for the first time. Port Adelaide's Warren Tredrea, who filled the centre half-forward position for the fourth consecutive year, was named as his deputy.
Brisbane Lions pair Jason Akermanis and Nigel Lappin were also each named as All Australians for the fourth time.
Leo Barry, James Clement, Chad Cornes, Chad Fletcher, Barry Hall, Chris Judd, Brett Kirk, Matthew Lappin, Adam McPhee, Luke Power, Nick Riewoldt and Jeff White were the 12 players all selected for the first time.
Only Ricciuto, Tredrea, Nigel Lappin and Geelong's Matthew Scarlett were retained from the 2003 side. Players selected in the All-Australian side will automatically be included in the squad to play Ireland in the International Rules series against Ireland next month if they are available to play, with the Australian International Rules match committee having the right to add other players to the main group.

The All Australian Team is:
B: C Johnson M Scarlett L Barry
HB: A Jones C Cornes A McPhee
C: N Lappin S Black C Judd
HF: Akermanis Tredrea(vc) Riewoldt
F: B Hall F Gehrig L Power
R: J White M Ricciuto(c) S West
I/C: J Clement C Fletcher B Kirk M Lappin

Team details are as follows:
Chris Johnson (BRIS): 2nd time All Australian. Previously selected 2002. 22 games in 2004. Three goals, Four behinds. 202 kicks, 105 marks, 146 handballs, averaging 9.2 kicks, 4.8 marks, 6.6 handballs. 24 Clearances, 45 Inside 50m, 50 Rebound 50m.

Matthew Scarlett (GEEL): 2nd time All Australian. Previously selected 2003. 22 games in 2004. Three goals, three behinds. 220 kicks, 124 marks, 86 handballs, averaging 10.0 kicks, 5.6 marks, 3.9 handballs. Four Clearances, 25 Inside 50m, 91 Rebound 50m.

Leo Barry (SYD): First time All Australian. 21 games in 2004. 127 kicks, 99 marks, 140 handballs, averaging 6.0 kicks, 4.7 marks, 6.7 handballs. Eight Clearances. Five Inside 50m, 76 Rebound 50m

Austinn Jones (STK): Second time All Australian. Previously selected 1997. 22 games in 2004. Three goals, six behinds. 309 kicks, 78 marks, 110 handballs, averaging 14.0 kicks, 3.5 marks, 5.0 handballs. 26 Clearances, 54 Inside 50m, 70 Rebound 50m.

Chad Cornes (PA): First time All Australian. 21 games in 2004. Four goals, seven behinds. 324 kicks, 169 marks, 133 handballs, averaging 14.7 kicks, 7.7 marks, 6.0 handballs. 20 hit outs. 18 Clearances, 49 Inside 50m, 112 Rebound 50m.

Adam McPhee (ESS): First time All Australian. 21 games in 2004. 15 goals, nine behinds. 237 kicks, 125 marks, 125 handballs, averaging 10.8 kicks, 5.7 marks, 5.7 handballs. 21 hit outs. 29 Clearances, 62 Inside 50m, 61 Rebound 50m.

Nigel Lappin (BRIS): Fourth time All Australian. Previously selected 2001, 2002, 2003. 22 games in 2004. 15 goals, 16 behinds. 328 kicks, 97 marks, 215 handballs, averaging 14.9 kicks, 4.4 marks, 9.8 handballs. 96 Clearances, 107 Inside 50m, 47 Rebound 50m.

Simon Black (BRIS): Third time All Australian. Previously selected 2001, 2002. 22 games in 2004. 12 goals, 10 behinds. 251 kicks, 51 marks, 263 handballs, averaging 11.4 kicks, 2.3 marks, 12.0 handballs. 128 Clearances, 103 Inside 50m, 22 Rebound 50m.

Chris Judd (WCE): First time All Australian. 22 games in 2004. 22 goals, 14 behinds. 317 kicks, 49 marks, 165 handballs, averaging 14.4 kicks, 2.2 marks, 7.5 handballs. 124 Clearances, 111 Inside 50m, 38 Rebound 50m.

Jason Akermanis (BRIS): Fourth time All Australian. Previously selected 1999, 2001, 2002. 22 games in 2004. 40 goals, 30 behinds. 355 kicks, 97 marks, 93 handballs, averaging 16.1 kicks, 4.4 marks, 4.2 handballs. 43 Clearances. 153 Inside 50m, 10 Rebound 50m.

Warren Tredrea (PA): Four time All Australian. Previously selected 2001, 2002, 2003. 22 games in 2004. 75 goals, 40 behinds. 255 kicks, 173 marks, 95 handballs, averaging 11.6 kicks, 7.9 marks, 4.3 handballs. Two Clearances, 91 Inside 50m, Two Rebound 50m.

Nick Riewoldt (STK): First time All Australian. 22 games in 2004. 60 goals, 23 behinds. 283 kicks, 226 marks, 99 handballs, averaging 12.9 kicks, 10.3 marks, 4.5 handballs. Eight Clearances, 105 Inside 50m, Nine Rebound 50m.

Barry Hall (SYD): First time All Australian. 22 games in 2004. 70 goals, 37 behinds. 226 kicks, 178 marks, 93 handballs, averaging 10.3 kicks, 8.1 marks, 4.2 handballs. 32 hit outs. 13 Clearances, 60 Inside 50m, Zero Rebound 50m.

Fraser Gehrig (STK): Second time All Australian. Previously selected in 1997. 20 games in 2004. 90 goals, 34 behinds. 161 kicks, 115 marks, 46 handballs, averaging 8.1 kicks, 5.8 marks, 2.3 handballs. Three Clearances, 21 Inside 50m, Zero Rebound 50m.

Luke Power (BRIS): First time All Australian. 21 games in 2004. 15 goals, 13 behinds. 317 kicks, 72 marks, 152 handballs, averaging 14.4 kicks, 3.2 marks, 6.9 handballs. 84 Clearances, 99 Inside 50m, 44 Rebound 50m.

Jeff White (MELB): First time All Australian. 22 games in 2004. Seven goals, five behinds. 209 kicks, 119 marks, 171 handballs, averaging 9.5 kicks, 5.4 marks, 7.8 handballs. 509 hit outs averaging 23.1 hit outs. 58 Clearances, 85 Inside 50m, 33 Rebound 50m.

Mark Ricciuto (ADE): Seventh time All Australian. Previously selected in 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003. 22 games in 2004. 17 goals, 17 behinds. 305 kicks, 87 marks, 230 handballs, averaging 13.9 kicks, 4.0 marks, 10.5 handballs. 105 Clearances, 124 Inside 50m, 34 Rebound 50m.

Scott West (WB): Third time All Australian. Previously selected in 1998, 2000. 22 games in 2004. Seven goals, 10 behinds. 278 kicks, 104 marks, 314 handballs, averaging 12.6 kicks, 4.7 marks, 14.3 handballs. 123 Clearances, 91 Inside 50m, 44 Rebound 50m.

James Clement (COL): First time All Australian. 22 games in 2004. 251 kicks, 117 marks, 77 handballs, averaging 11.4 kicks, 5.3 marks, 3.5 handballs. Three Clearances, 21 Inside 50m, 114 Rebound 50m.

Brett Kirk (SYD): First time All Australian. 22 games in 2004. 10 goals, 11 behinds. 217 kicks, 51 marks, 224 handballs, averaging 9.9 kicks, 2.3 marks, 10.2 handballs. 107 Clearances, 70 Inside 50m, 28 Rebound 50m.

Chad Fletcher (WCE): First Time All Australian. 21 games in 2004. Seven goals, 12 behinds. 259 kicks, 93 marks, 275 handballs, averaging 11.8 kicks, 4.2 marks, 12.5 handballs. 80 Clearances, 75 Inside 50m, 33 Rebound 50m.

Matthew Lappin (CARL): First time All Australian. 22 games in 2004. 23 goals, seven behinds. 323 kicks, 114 marks, 122 handballs, averaging 14.7 kicks, 5.2 marks, 5.5 handballs. 32 Clearances, 67 Inside 50m, 93 Rebound 50m.

The All Australian side was selected by Rod Austin, Adrian Anderson, Gerard Healy, Robert Walls, Chris Mainwaring, Neil Kerley and Kevin Bartlett with Andrew Demetriou as non-voting chairman.

AFL Announces GF Entertainment
The winner of last year's Australian Idol Guy Sebastian will headline the entertainers at this year;s Grand Final. He will sing Waltzing Matilda and the National Anthem.
The Australian Opera’s David Hobson will be joined by the Combined Youth Choir to sing a tribute to this year's retirees with the Ten Tenors singing the club songs.
The sprint contest will also be featured again with 8 finalists testing their pace over 100 metres.
There will also be motorcades for the Hall of Fame inductees and the Olympic medalists.
The full pregame match program:
10.15am TAC Cup Grand Final
1.10pm Premiership Cup and match day balls arrive by Seahawk helicopter
1.35pm Olympic march past – Waltzing Matilda
1.50pm Hall of Fame & Legend Tribute - motorcade
2.00pm Carry the flag – paying tribute to the two competing teams
2.15pm Finale – Medley of Footy anthems
2.25pm National anthem

AFL Auskick kids will also again feature in the pre-match entertainment during the motorcade (running behind the retiring greats), at half-time and post match presentations in presenting the Premiership medals to the winning team.

The Melbourne Age got wind of the USAFL National Tournament and gave it a mention. Here's the link to read the story:
http://realfooty.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/08/1094530690710.html

Local Hero
Just weeks after having plates inserted in his skull to repair a fracture suffered in a game with the local Jakarta team, embassy worker Grant Dooley found himself rendering aid to victims of the recent bomb blast set off by terrorists.
Dooley, 38, a father of four and newly appointed economics first secretary, thought he could help because, as an ex-navy lieutenant, he had learned some first-aid skills.
Unfortunately, he spent more time covering bodies -- including that of the Indonesian mother of a five-year-old Australian girl who was airlifted to Singapore for medical treatment -- than treating the wounded. One of those he tried to save was a gardener.
He said he would use the counselling services offered by the Australian Government but that so far he had not experienced any post-traumatic shock.
Dooley, as well as playing for the Jakarta Bintangs, is also a passionate supporter of the Queanbeyan-based Harman Australian Football Club.
President Mark Pepper, who has known him for two decades, said Dooley had carried him injured off the football field dozens of times.

TRIBUNAL
Reported by AFL Investigations Officer Rick Lewis:
Michael Voss (BRIS) for wrestling Max Hudghton
Max Hudghton (StK) for wrestling Michael Voss
Brett Voss (StK) for wrestling Jonathan Brown
Jonathan Brown (BRIS) for wrestling Brett Voss
Brad Miller *MELB) for wrestling Andrew Welsh (ESS)

Cat Cameron Mooney was cleared by VRO Ian Robinson after Robinson viewed footage of a clash between Mooney and Port's Brett Montgomery.
Mooney was deemed to have made contact with Montgomery in an attempt to bump him off the ball, with video showing Mooney kept his arm tucked into his side.

However, Mooney's teammate Kent Kingsley was cited for striking Port''s Chad Cornes.

Brisbane Coach Leigh Matthews criticized the media for labeling Jonathan Brown's headlock on Saint Jason Blake as rough play, saying because it occurred during the 1/4 time break skirmish, it should warrant only a wrestling charge.

Lion Jonathan Brown was cleared of the rough play charge on a technicality.
The tribunal agreed with a Brisbane submission that Brown had no case to answer because play had stopped as a result of the 1/4 time siren.
Brown's defence advocate Sean Carroll argued that a rough-play charge was inapplicable because play had stopped. The three-member tribunal panel deliberated for 20 minutes over Brisbane's submission before ruling there was an ambiguity and dropping the charge.

AFL Operations Manager Adrian Anderson said he had some concerns about the ambiguous nature of the rough-play charge. He reviewed a transcript of the hearing to clarify how Tribunal chairman Brian Collis and the panel came to their conclusion.
After reviewing transcripts, the league is expected to rewrite the wording of the rough play charge in time for the start of next season to ensure there is not a repeat of the Brown case.
Adrian Anderson said the case would be reviewed as part of the AFL's annual post-season review of the Tribunal and he admitted errors had been made in the handling of the high-profile case.
Anderson, a lawyer, revealed that both AFL reporting officer Rick Lewis and Tribunal chairman Brian Collis could have ordered the charge to be amended to misconduct or wrestling even once the Lions had made their submission to have the rough play charge thrown out. The AFL does not have the power to appeal the case.
Anderson said it was impossible to charge the same player with the same offence twice while any appeal would only be able to deal with the rough play charge.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou echoed Anderson's concerns at the outcome of the hearing but denied the Lions had done anything wrong in getting their player cleared.
The Lions were able to have Brown cleared due to the wording of the charge of rough "play" because "play" was not going on at the time of the incident.

Several days after the hearing, the AFL blamed Investigations Officer Rick Lewis for not amending the charge of rough play against Jonathan Brown once it was discovered to be inappropriate because of the time of the incident.
Umpires are unlikely to use the rule for the rest of the season, instead reporting players for misconduct in similar situations.
Both Anderson and AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou expressed their disappointment that the Brown case was never heard by the tribunal. Demetriou denied the AFL had been embarrassed.
Anderson said it was "of concern" that neither Lewis nor the tribunal amended the charge when it was in their power to do so. However, it is believed that Lewis was unaware that he had the power to amend the charge.
Although the league is wary of criticizing Tribunal chairman Brian Collis, his decision not to change the charge has raised slight concerns.
The league is concerned the legalistic argument introduced at the tribunal on Tuesday night, which centered on the word "play", could create a precedent and encourage more legal maneuvering in the future.
Lewis later hit back at the AFL in a public attack, saying he had tried to warn them of the terminology loophole which saw the case thrown out.
Lewis said he had suspected Brisbane would use a technicality to get Brown off. He claimed Anderson had been "rushed" when Lewis tried to warn him, barely giving him a minute to discuss the case. Lewis also questioned Anderson's management of his department.
He was also critical of Anderson in that he heard of Anderson's concerns on the news instead of being personally contacted by league officials.
Lewis alleged the umpires department and umpire Stephen McBurney - a lawyer - also had known of the loophole and claimed the argument "had been around the umpires department".
Lewis himself also sought legal advice, some of it from his own wife, who is a lawyer.
He also claimed that the rules, contrary to what Anderson stated, do not allow him to change a charge nor had he been delegated the power to do so.
He expressed disappointment in his treatment by the AFL and said that he and the umpires deserved more support.
That support does not look to be forthcoming with Andrew Demetriou sticking by Anderson's version of events.
Lewis has conceded his career with the AFL is over - the league has suspended him from prosecuting at the tribunal for the rest of the season - and Demetriou said he and Anderson would discuss with the angry investigations officer his position and his public attack.
Lewis also alleged that Anderson had interfered with his investigation into an incident between Geelong's Matthew Scarlett and St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt in Round 1.
Appearing on last week's Footy Show, he said that he had recommended there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Scarlett on a striking charge, but said Anderson told him to lay the charge because of the publicity surrounding the incident.
Scarlett was then cleared at the tribunal, while Lewis was suspended from his investigations role for four weeks.
Anderson commented via a statement: "The AFL stands by its actions and comments... The AFL has appropriate internal channels for its officers to air grievances. Rick Lewis chose not to go through that process."
And the AFL has assured Brian Collis of his position over the matter.

Prior to the hearing, Brisbane Coach Leigh Matthews criticized the media for labeling Jonathan Brown's headlock on Saint Jason Blake as rough play, saying because it occurred during the 1/4 time break skirmish, it should warrant only a wrestling charge.

Geelong's Kent Kingsley was suspended for one match after being found guilty of striking Port's Chad Cornes.
Kingsley conceded he made contact to Cornes' head with his forearm, but said it was minimal, with his advocate suggesting it was merely a 'glancing blow'.
Kingsley also told the tribunal that he "wasn't aware of what I'd done until after the game" as he had closed his eyes as he braced for contact.
Cornes said that he felt slight contact to the head, describing it as "minimal". "Honestly, it didn't hurt at all," he said. "It looks worse (on video) than what it did on the day."
However, Tribunal Chairman Brian Collis, accepted the evidence of field umpire Martin Ellis, suggesting it was a reckless act with the force was sufficient to constitute striking.
In handing down the one-week ban, Collis said Kingsley's actions had the potential to cause serious injury.
Kingsley had not been reported in 158 games over eight seasons at AFL level, nor at any level since starting playing as a five-year-old.

As for the wrestling charges, along with Saints Max Hudghton and Brett Voss, all were fined $1200 while Lion Michael Voss was fined $3500.

MILESTONES
50 games: Nick Dal Santo (StK)
Most Finals Games Coached: Kevin Sheedy (ESS) coached his 43rd finals match with Essendon this week, taking him to second place among all coaches in the history of the game. The record is held by Jock McHale (59 finals games from 27 finals series with Collingwood between 1912-50). Kevin has coached 42 finals from 19 finals series since 1981, followed by Tom Hafey (42 finals from 14 finals series with Richmond, Collingwood and Sydney from 1966-88), Allan Jeans (41 finals from 17 finals series with St Kilda and Hawthorn from 1961-1990) and Dick Reynolds (37 finals from 16 series with Essendon from 1939-60).

I reported last week that there was a severe lightening storm passing through Sydney during the match against the Eagles.
Anyone interested in seeing some photos of the lightening over the Sydney Harbor, click on this link for some really awesome shots:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/petercp/lightning/lightnin.htm
TEAM NEWS

SYDNEY
Nick Davis' injury-plagued season continued, with him missing this week with a foot injury.
Davis, 24, has only played 12 matches in 2004 due to a string of setbacks, which included hip, thigh, and ankle injuries. His run of five consecutive matches - including last week's win against the Eagles - was his best effort in 2004.
Jarrad McVeigh replaced Davis.

Nick Malceski & Jason Saddington, left knee ACL reconstruction, season
Jarrad Sundqvist, right knee ACL reconstruction, season
Luke Taylor (rookie), left clavicle fracture, season
Matthew Davis (rookie), groin, season

BRISBANE
Coach Leigh Matthews made his feelings about the likelihood of a MCG preliminary final clear at a news conference last week. He is NOT happy about the side having to give up their right to host the final, calling the situation "rampant parochialism".
And the Lions will ask the AFL for an afternoon preliminary final and to pay for a $100,000 round trip charter flight as compensation so the team can return to Brisbane after the game rather than remain in Melbourne overnight.
Despite ongoing negotiations between the AFL and the MCC over the issue, Matthews accepted as a fait accompli that the Lions would play in Melbourne "because there will be a Melbourne team in it".
But he said that had it been two non-Victorian sides playing in a preliminary final, a solution would have been found to the MCG contract situation.
Matthews called for the AFL to consider a banking system for preliminary finals similar to that which it adopted last year for earlier finals to get around the required 4 finals at the MCG.

Alastair Lynch is lending his name to a new revolutionary style of footy boot which was designed by the man who worked with Australian-born English soccer star Craig Johnstone.
Lynch has gone into business with world-renowned designer Simon Skirrow, former global vice-president of adidas based in Germany, to develop the Predator range of boots.
The boots, to be released in January under the Nomis brand, have been produced from Australian kangaroo hide with a grip component that is said to be superior to that of normal boots.
The new grip component has been added to the upper part of the boot to give it more purchase, especially in wet conditions. According to Lynch, the boots gain grip when they get wet, which will reduce the chance of miskicks when the boots get damp.
Lynch, who will be the face of the Nomis brand, won't wear the new boots in the preliminary final because there are no samples in his size, but Jason Akermanis has been involved in testing and Dylan McLaren has worn them in matches.
Lynch said the feedback on the boots has been tremendous.
Lynch also has released wet-weather football gloves, which have been worn with success by players from eight AFL clubs. Mal Michael wore two in the water-logged Round 20 MCG clash with Hawthorn. A wet-weather golf glove has also been produced.
Lynch is already looking for name players throughout the AFL to wear his boots next year, and is also hoping to establish a market in the rugby codes and soccer.

Alastair Lynch is recovering nicely from his hamstring injury and is expected to be available next week, as will ruckman Clark Keating (calf) and Darryl White (illness).

Injury Update:
Alistair Lynch, hamstring, test
Jared Brennan, dislocated shoulder/reconstruction, season
Jamie Charman, PCL tear, season
Clark Keating, calf strain, test
Darryl White – still feeling the effects of the virus that forced his last minute withdrawal from last Saturday night’s game but has plenty of recovery time available to him. Available
Aaron Shattock, stress fracture of the foot, 2 weeks
Beau McDonald, knee, season

ST KILDA
St Kilda recalled Stephen Milne this week. Milne was dropped for last week's game due to poor form.
Fraser Gehrig, who struggled last week with a thigh injury in last week's game, is back to full fitness but Aaron Hamill was ruled out of the side again with his strained PCL.

Injury Update:
Leigh Montagna, hamstring, 2-3 weeks
Jason Gram, hamstring, 1 week
Leigh Fisher, hamstring tendonopathy, season
Craig Callaghan, ACL knee reconstruction, season

GEELONG
Defender Brenton Sanderson had his season ended prematurely after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation last week. The heart problem was discovered as Sanderson was examined after feeling light-headed and lethargic during last week's finals match.
Sanderson will have a five-to-six-week initial treatment phase of medication and mild electrical shock to get his heartrate back to normal.
Medication will include an anti-clotting agent as there is a danger that a clot could be dislodged in the course of treatment.
At the completion of the first phase, a regular medication dosage will be prescribed to keep the condition under control.

Corey Enright, who has not played since breaking his jaw in round 18, was recalled, as were David Johnson and Charlie Gardiner.

ESSENDON
Regained Adam McPhee (hamstring) this week.

CARLTON
The Stay at Optus group have not given up their fight for an EGM despite the club's refusal to call the meeting by last week's deadline. The group wants to spill the board over the issue.
Club VP Graham Smorgon ruled out an EGM, saying that the club's legal advice suggested the petition was not valid.
However, the rebel group is seeking its own legal advice, saying they were prepared to seek a Supreme Court injunction to force the club to reverse its decision to shift games to the MCG and the Telstra Dome.
The petition calling for a spill of the board was originally handed to the club on August 16 - under Carlton's constitution the board had 21 days to call the meeting. That deadline expired last Monday.
David Carroll, a spokesman for the group, said they had instructed its solicitors to write to the club asking why no date for the EGM had not been set.

David Teague won the John Nicholls Medal in his first season with the club. Teague polled 492 votes, ahead of Nick Stevens (461) and Matthew Lappin (449), and Scott Camporeale (397).
Teague joined Carlton after the 2003 season in a trade with the Kangaroos that saw he and Digby Morrell join the Blues and Corey McKernan return to his original club. He has enjoyed a very consistent season across halfback, becoming a real favorite with Carlton supporters through his displays of courage. Originally recruited from the Murray Under 18s, he was a Rookie List player with the Kangaroos before making his AFL debut in 2001. He has now played a total of 55 AFL matches.

Runner up Nick Stevens is also a first year player with Carlton, playing 20 of the 22 games during the season to take his AFL total to 147 games. Matthew Lappin finished 4th last season.

The voting was different this year to previous seasons. In the past, members of the match committee allocated votes on a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis after each game.
This year, the five match committee members each awarded votes out of a possible ten for the best players in a game with no limit to the number of players that can receive votes in a game, However a minimum of three players must receive at least three votes in a game. Therefore each Match Committee member must award a minimum of nine votes for each game.
John Nicholls officially presented the medal to a delighted David Teague following the counting of votes. In addition to this Award a number of other Awards were announced and presented during the evening.

Best First Year Player - Adrian Deluca
Past Players Encouragement Award - Jordan Bannister
Best Clubman - Ian Prendergast
Optus "SMS Best on Ground Competition" Player of the Year - Matthew Lappin
This was voted by supporters via SMS at each Carlton home game in 2004.
Women of Carlton - Player Ambassador of the Year Award - Glen Bowyer and Bret Thornton.
Introduced this year by the Women of Carlton to reward the players for their on field achievements as well as their work within the community and the manner in which they represented the club on and off the field.
The top ten: David Teague 492; Nick Stevens 461; Matthew Lappin 449; Scott Camporeale 397; Bret Thornton 327; Brendan Fevola 269; Ryan Houlihan 267; Heath Scotland 219; Anthony Koutoufides 209; Jordan Bannister 203

HAWTHORN
Hawthorn has appointed Alastair Clarkson as its coach for the next two seasons after overlooking Donald McDonald who led the club for the last five rounds of this year and the more experienced Gary Ayres.
Having helped steer Port Adelaide to a preliminary final as an assistant coach under Mark Williams, Clarkson has been released by the Power immediately.
Along with Rodney and Terry Wallace, the club interviewed Gary Ayres, Shaun Rehn, McDonald, Sydney assistant John Longmire, and Geelong assistant Daryn Cresswell.
Clarkson is the first non-Hawthorn person to take charge at the club since Allan Jeans in 1981 and arrives with a coaching apprenticeship that included VFL side Werribee, St Kilda, Central Districts in the SANFL and most recently two years at Port Adelaide, where he was responsible for the midfield in 2003 and the forwards this year.
Clarkson said the club had failed to move with the modern game and now needed to begin from scratch. His aim is to return the club to the glory it celebrated in the 70s and 80s.
Dunstall said that with the club recognizing that it must patiently rebuild its list through the draft, the Hawks' next coach had to be someone who not only espoused discipline but was capable of teaching and communicating with young players.
"We're embarking upon a youth policy. We want someone that can develop and teach and educate and nurture these people," Dunstall said.
Dunstall said that the supposed risk of appointing an untried coach and expecting them to flourish in a time when the club was not expecting to return to any sort of contention for several years had to be answered by realistic expectations.
Clarkson also said that the Hawks had not really been at the forefront of the competition in any way for the best part of 15 years and asked for time to regain some of that lost prestige and influence.
He said he was expecting to introduce a style of game and develop an environment built upon the principles of John Kennedy and Denis Pagan, a style which will embrace the "...discipline to play good, attacking, strong, and relentless footy..."
Clarkson played 93 games with North Melbourne between 1987 and 1995 and 41 games for Melbourne in 1996 and 1997 as a hard-working midfielder/forward.
But he is best remembered by some for his part in the brawl during the Carlton-North Melbourne exhibition match at The Oval in 1987 that came to be known as the 'Battle of Britain'.
Next on the agenda for the Hawks will be a new chief executive, with interviews continuing, while a new captain will be sought after Shane Crawford stepped down from that position.
It is understood Clarkson will be paid $250,000 next year and $300,000 in 2006.
Former St Kilda coach Tim Watson, who gave Clarkson his coaching start at Moorabbin in 1999, described his ascension as an "astute decision" and described Clarkson as having similar traits to Denis Pagan and Kevin Sheedy. He also said Clarkson was "street smart" and cunning.

Rebel Hawthorn leader Don Scott said last week that his group had no obligation to honor any new coaching contract offered by the Hawks, if his group seizes control of the club, because he does not believe the current board is capable of appointing the right man to lead the Hawks. Scott formally served notice to the current board to resign.
Scott said he would prefer the Hawks not to have go through a bloody election battle but said the Dicker-led board now legally had to either resign or call an extraordinary general meeting to allow members to have their say, following the lodging of his petition - which was backed by the necessary 100 signatures from club members.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
The football operations position at the club has been incorporated with the coaching duties.
As a result, Rodney Eade will take on those duties as well as coaching the team. This has forced Stephen Newport out. Newport concluded his duties last week.
In a prepared statement, the club said it acknowledged Stephen Newport’s contribution to the club during the past two years and it wished him and his family all the best in the future.

Former Bomber football manager Matthew Drain has joined the Bulldogs as Rodney Eade's senior assistant. Drain will fulfill a dual role, combining coaching and match-day preparation as Eade's lieutenant with an administrative role.
Drain's working relationship with Eade stretches back more than a decade, the two first working together at the Kangaroos under Denis Pagan in the early 1990s and later at Sydney during Eade's tenure as Swans coach. Drain headed the Essendon football department for five years from 1998.
The only position yet to be filled is that of fitness and conditioning coach.

The Bulldogs have delisted six players, including Lochlan Veale, the central figure in the trade that helped them snare Jade Rawlings this season. Veale has struggled with OP all season.
The 19-year-old Veale moved from Glenferrie as part of a three-way deal involving Essendon, Hawthorn, and the Bulldogs. The deal involved Bomber Danny Jacobs going to Hawthorn, Bulldog Mark Alvey along with the #6 draft pick to Essendon, and Veale to the Dogs, enabling the club to select Rawlings in the preseason draft.
He didn't play a senior AFL game in 2004.
Others to be delisted were Scott Bassett, Patrick Wiggins and rookie James Condos.
The retired Matthew Croft and Simon Garlick were also delisted as a matter of formality required by the AFL.
Bassett has played just 15 games in 2 years after crossing from Port and Wiggins, who played 12 games last year, did not make a senior appearance this year.

COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood has appointed former Hawthorn sports psychologist and development manager Simon Lloyd to its newly created position of High Performance Manager, which the Magpies once hoped Eade would fill.
The position is a new role in the football department involving sports psychology, specialist coaching, and player development.
Operations Manager Neil Balme believes Lloyd's expertise will assist players both on and off the field.
Lloyd was the Development Manager and Sports Psychologist at Hawthorn Football Club and has an extensive background in football as a player and coach.

ADELAIDE
As reported last week, midfielder Tyson Stenglein wants to go home to WA. It is believed he has already committed to a 3 year deal worth $800,000 with the Eagles. However, it is will only be a fait accompli if a suitable trade between the two clubs can be agreed upon.
Docker football director Steven Icke also spoke to Stenglein's manager.
However, the Crows have already said they want a player of similar age and experience. Stenglein is 24 with over 100 games to his credit. Also on the list for the Crows is a player who has the potential to play every game and be a leader at the club.

RICHMOND
Richmond president Clinton Casey has reaffirmed that he's prepared to step aside for a more suitable candidate. But he still considers himself to be the best man for the job.
In a prepared statement released ahead of the Richmond best-and-fairest count on Wednesday night, Casey said he believed he continued to enjoy strong support and stressed that now was not a time to take risks.
Casey is facing a challenge from a group headed by former Richmond board member Brendan Schwab, who has put together a ticket of businessmen to challenge the current board.
He said he would welcome a meeting with any of the candidates on Schwab's ticket to hear what they had to offer.
Casey said the Richmond Board last night gave final approval to its new strategic plan and
that the club's "recovery" was on the way, with 50 professionals having committed $250,000 to part of a coterie group with access to new coach Terry Wallace and "several exciting sponsorship developments".
One of the candidates on Schwab's ticket is former director Charles Macek, who served under previous president Leon Daphne. Macek also ran for president when Daphne stepped down. Another candidate on the Schwab ticket is former director Peter Walsh, who, like Schwab, resigned from the board earlier this year.

Casey said the club's "recovery" was on the way, with 50 professionals having committed $250,000 to part of a coterie group with access to new coach Terry Wallace and "several exciting sponsorship developments".

Midfielder Joel Bowden won the Jack Dyer Medal as the club's B&F. He was also voted player of the year by supporters.
Bowden won with 324 votes, ahead of Kane Johnson (279), who was also runner-up last year, Tiger debutant Nathan Brown (273) and Matthew Richardson (215).
Bowden often featured among the best players during games with an average of 26.8 possessions per match. His best was a 42 possession, two goal haul against Port in Round 9.
Normally a midfielder, he spent more time at CHB this season.
Bowden led the side in kicks with 345 as well as in total disposals with 522. He was also second in marks with 128, only two behind Matthew Richardson.
And in a sign of better things to come for this year's wooden spooners, the next three finishers were all youngsters with Chris Hyde fifth on 166 votes, Andrew Krakouer sixth with 145 votes and Brent Hartigan capping an outstanding debut season by finishing seventh with 111 votes.
Brown was unlucky not to take out the award and was leading the voting late in the season before being forced to miss two matches with a corked calf. Amazingly, neither Wayne Campbell nor Greg Tivendale, despite being fourth and fifth, respectively, in the team's overall disposals, made this year's top 10.
Richardson took out the Tigers' goalkicking award for his 65 goals with Brown in second place on 28 goals. Perhaps the biggest eyebrow-raiser was the seventh-place finish of Brent Hartigan, who played 19 games and was the Rising Star nomination for his 22-possession haul in round 22.
Youngster Chris Hyde won the best clubman award.
Rookie Brent Hartigan won the best first year player award.

For Bowden, it was a remarkable achievement due to a limited preseason which saw him struggle through the early weeks of the year. He was dropped after the disastrous round five loss to Adelaide - ending a streak of 136 consecutive matches dating back to round five, 1998. He returned in Round 7 and never looked back.
He showed he could match it against even the AFL's biggest centre-half-forwards such as Brisbane's Jonathan Brown while also continuing to win plenty of the ball and set up Richmond attacks out of defence.
In his last 14 games of the season Bowden only twice failed to collect at least 20 possessions and his dominance of the second half of the season was reflected in the counting for the Jack Dyer Medal.
After a blistering start to the season Nathan Brown had a huge lead over Bowden early on in the count but Brown only polled three votes after round 14 as he battled injury and dwindling form.
In contrast Bowden barely polled a vote in the first seven rounds but from round eight onwards he only failed to poll votes in two games and he was given a standing ovation upon being announced the winner of the 2004 Jack Dyer Medal.

FREMANTLE
Fremantle is courting dumped AFL coaches Peter Schwab, Danny Frawley, and Peter Rohde to fill a new player mentoring role being developed for next season.
CEO Cameron Schwab (Peter's brother) said the new role - which is expected to get Fremantle board approval within a month - would be a support arm for Coach Chris Connolly, who has a year of his Dockers contract remaining. It would deal with mentoring players of all ages on the club's list.

Fremantle has appointed Michael Broadbridge as an assistant coach.
Broadbridge has been an assistant, midfield, and analysis coach with Collingwood since 2000. He joins Chris Waterman, Kelly O'Donnell, and Steve Malaxos as assistants to Chris Connolly.
A former under-17 All-Australian, Broadbridge played 144 matches in the WAFL with East Fremantle and Swan Districts.
He was captain of Swan Districts from 1993-94, however, a serious knee injury cut short his career and he made a successful transition into coaching.
Broadbridge coached the Western Australian under-18 side to a national championship and to two runner-ups. He was named the under-18 All-Australian coach in 1999.

ADELAIDE
The Crows last week released three of its rookie listed players - Aidan Parker, Tim Hazell and Brad Dabrowski. All three will be eligible to go into the National Draft.
Matthew Smith has been upgraded to the senior list while Rowan Andrews has accepted a second year as a Rookie with the Crows.

GENERAL SILLINESS
Kangaroo Leigh Brown once won the "Downlow" award as the worst performed player on an end of season trip.

Jason Akermanis was an occasional guest on the Footy Show this year and relayed a story told by Alistair Lynch from his Fitzroy days. At the time, Robert Shaw was coach (1991-94) and Paul Roos was in the side. Once, when the team was getting ready to face the Kangaroos, Coach Shaw gave Roos the assignment on Wayne Carey with instructions to "look after him and keep an eye on him". Roos failed miserably as Carey kicked 4 goals in the first term. Shaw was not happy at the break and gave Roos a spray, saying something to the effect of "I told you to keep an eye on him!"
Roos response: "I was, but sh-t, he can play!"

Another from the Footy Show when Peter Everitt was on the panel. A clip of Everitt bumping into an umpire last season was shown and then compared to a similar incident involving Carlton's Ian Prendergast this year. Everitt was suspended for his indiscretion while Prendergast was only fined $3500. As the boys discussed the issue, Trevor quipped that it was now better to belt an umpire than criticize him.

Check out the amusing story at this weblink. The writer occasionally heads to Cincinnati to play with the Dockers there.
http://www.md-times.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=5240&format=html

And a few more Commetiisms from his book Centimeter Perfect:
"That was a remarkable grab by Modra. He went straight up like Lyle Lovett's hair.

And after Cat Barry Stoneham failed to hold onto a pass which ended up hitting him in the face: "A classic example of kiss my pass".

Jonathan Brown's Tribunal hearing was watched in Brisbane via a video link. Imagine the shock on their faces when a person they thought was Brown's victim, Saint Jason Blake, walked into the hearing wearing a full neck and back brace. Then imagine the sigh of relief when the Blake lookalike turned out to be a reporter from Brown's QLD hometown who came to cover the hearing. The bracing was due to a recent auto accident the reporter had been in.

Tribunal chairman Brian Collis is a lawyer. AFL Ops Manager Adrian Anderson is a lawyer. Investigations officer Rick Lewis is a lawyer. Most of the Tribunal panel are lawyers.
And all with vast experience in footy matters.
They all must feeling a bit embarrassed as it was Anne Allan, wife of Brisbane football manager Graeme, who first suggested the "no play - no charge" defence. She has no legal background but was at the game and saw the incident firsthand. She was on the way home from the game and mentioned the idea to her husband on the car phone.
According to Graeme, the seed was planted when Anne made the point of how could Brown be reported for rough play when play had ceased.