In a wide-ranging interview, Jeff Browne rejects suggestions Collingwood celebrated the flag too long, reveals plans for the Pies to grow, says they will be ultra-conservative with Nathan Murphy’s concussion issues and suggests that the players have provided him with inspiration in his health battle.
Hawthorn will unleash mercurial small forward Nick Watson in their season-opener against Essendon, while Demons star Clayton Oliver has turned his life around “significantly”.
The dual-Brownlow Medallist required medical attention on his back in the opening quarter of last week’s loss to Carlton, before returning to the field to play out the game.
The lawyer representing former Western Bulldogs premiership player Liam Picken in his concussion battle against the club and the AFL claims his client remains “totally incapacitated”.
Premierships are hard to win. Back-to-back flags are even harder. To avoid being brought down, Collingwood need much more than luck, talent and strategy. They must evolve, innovate and adapt.
The Tigers were blown away in their first half last week, so rookie coach Adem Yze is predicting the opening minutes of Thursday’s blockbuster clash with Carlton will be “pretty fill on” as they welcome back three stars and try to make amends for that embarrassing performance.
Former players have every right to address their pain how they see fit and are showing great courage. But I have concerns about the contents of the statement of claim in the class action against the AFL.
Sam Powell-Pepper has told 9News he won't change the way he plays, despite copping a four-game suspension for a bump on Adelaide's Mark Keane in a pre-season match.
Christian Petracca admits he feared his midfield partner Clayton Oliver would leave the Demons during a turbulent off-season. Meanwhile, humbled by their former coach Damien Hardwick last week, Richmond will welcome back a trio of premiership stars.