by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Richmond's Irish Proposal
In an effort to ease tensions over Irish Gaelic footballers being recruited to Australian Football, the Tigers have come up with a plan. That plan would involve an exchange program in which players from both codes who fail to make it at the elite level in their own sport would change codes. Richmond CEO Greg Miller and prominent player agent Peter Jess are planning to meet with GAA officials in early October to discuss the idea. According to Miller, the plan would allow Irish players to play for local footy clubs in Australia while visiting for work, study and/or travel. By the same token, Australian players could do the same in Ireland.
Source: independent.ie
Expand Interchange Bench
After Adelaide players Brett Burton and Jason Porplyzia suffered serious injuries in the Round 15 match against Collingwood, Magpie Coach Mick Malthouse has once again called upon the AFL to increase the interchange bench from four to six players. He would like to see the extra two players used to replace players who suffer game ending injuries. The move would allow teams to maintain an adequate interchange bench instead of depleting the team compliment.
Burton will miss the rest of the season due to a ruptured knee ligament, requiring a knee reconstruction. Porplyzia dislocated his shoulder. Those injuries meant the Crows then had only two players on the interchange bench.
Source: canberratimes.com.au
Michael Voss Joins Eagles
Former Brisbane champion Michael Voss rejected a three year deal to coach the new Gold Coast AFL team, which is planned to launch in 2011. Voss wanted a five year deal, believing he would need that long to really develop and establish the team. He has since signed a two year deal as an assistant coach with the West Coast Eagles. He believes the position will be beneficial to any senior coaching plans in the future. He has not completely ruled out taking on the Gold Coast job.
Voss will take up the role and move from Queensland to Perth in October. He is currently involved with the media and will see out that commitment before joining the Eagles.
Source: Melbourne Age
Cousins To Play VFL
Disgraced former Eagle Ben Cousins had his request and registration approved by the AFL. Cousins, who was deregistered and suspended by the AFL for "bringing the game into disrepute" has joined VFL team Port Melbourne, but is not expected to play senior football this year. He is currently training with WAFL clubs East Fremantle and Perth and will relocate to Melbourne next month. Cousins began his playing career with East Fremantle and his father Bryan played 240 games for the club.
Cousins' battle with substance abuse and addiction has been well chronicled and he was sacked by the Eagles last year, then faced the AFL Commission. He has since undergone rehab to overcome his addiction, but admitted he still has to overcome difficulties associated with addiction.
Source: watoday.com.au
Carey Plea Rejected
Wayne Carey's request for a diversion program, in which he would plead guilty and accept a court penalty rather than conviction and jail time, was turned down by the Melbourne Magistrates Court in late June. Diversion is usually granted to first-time offenders. However, Carey has previous offenses and he has been scheduled to appear in court early next month to face charges stemming from a domestic dispute in January. At the time, he was charged with assaulting police officers and resisting arrest.
The former North Melbourne champion is also facing similar charges in Miami and was due to face US court this month. That hearing has also been delayed at the request of his lawyer. Should Carey be found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in US jail.
Source: Herald Sun
2008 International Cup
Sixteen teams from around the world will be heading for Australia in August to compete in the third Australian Rules International Cup.The games will take place August 27-September 6 with the Grand Final to be played at the MCG.
The participating nations are: Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Ireland, India, Japan, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peace Team, Samoa, South Africa, Sweden and the USA. It will be the first participation by China, China, Finland, India, Peace Team, Sweden.
The first tournament was held in 2002 with only 11 teams competing. Since then, according to AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan, there are now over 35,000 players in almost 40 countries. Ireland took the title in 2002 while New Zealand was the 2005 champion.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Article last changed on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 1:55 AM EDT
