Recent news

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Geelong dominated the selection for this year's All Australian team, with a record nine players named in the final 22 named a function two weeks ago. Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey, Matthew Egan, Steve Johnson, Cameron Ling, Cam Mooney, Darren Milburn and Matthew Scarlett were chosen from the nominated group of 40. Only Scarlett has been previously selected. The eight newcomers from Geelong were among 11 first time players, while Adelaide's Andrew McLeod was named All Australian captain for the first time with Brisbane's Jonathan Brown named as vice-captain.

by Tim Murphy

Geelong and Port, first and second on the ladder. It rarely lies. The Cats are deserved favourites, but it should be good.

Your 2007 All-Geelong, er, All-Australian side:

B: Matthew Scarlett (Geel), Darren Glass (WC), Darren Milburn (Geel)
HB: Andrew McLeod (Adel, c), Matthew Egan (Geel), Campbell Brown (Haw)
C: Kane Cornes (PA), Jimmy Bartel (Geel), Chad Cornes (PA)
HF: Steve Johnson (Geel), Jonathan Brown (Bris, v-c), Brent Harvey (NM)
F: Brad Johnson (Foot), Matthew Pavlich (Frem), Cameron Mooney (Geel)
Foll: Dean Cox (WC), Daniel Kerr (WC), Gary Ablett (Geel).
Inter: Brendon Lade (PA), Dustin Fletcher (Ess), Joel Corey (Geel), Cameron Ling (Geel).

by Johnson Leung reporting for AFANA in Melbourne

The pre-match entertainment line-up for Saturday's Grand Final between Geelong and Port Adelaide has undergone a significant revamp. In a pre-match show that overturns tradition and emphasizes "multimedia elements", some familiar features have been omitted. The AFL, working with new event producer Peter Jones Special Events (replacing Kerrie Hayes Productions), have ditched giant banners, the Roulettes formation flyers, and the traditional motorcade of retiring players. Peter Jones Special Events boss Peter Jones said that the rendition of Waltzing Matilda, a traditional element for 20 years, might also not be retained for this year.

AFANA's photojournalists covered the preliminary finals matches in Melbourne. We have a great selection of photos from the match available in our photo gallery: Geelong v Collingwood.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Kangaroo Coach Dean Laidley plans to speak with the AFL Umpiring department about more protection for midfielder Brent Harvey. According to Laidley, Harvey has been "targeted" by opposition sides and has been buffeted from pillar to post in a number of games and has not received free kicks for the treatment. According to Laidley, it was no different in last week's game as Harvey was often surrounded by three or four opposition players whenever he went near the ball. Laidley said Harvey got one free kick late in the game, and said that Harvey had been reported in one game earlier in the season after receiving some harsh treatment to the point where he retaliated.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Essendon and young gun Bachar Houli are working out a plan which allow Houli to train and still fulfill his religious obligations. Houli, a devout Muslim, began a month long fast last week for the holy month of Ramadan.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

COLLINGWOOD
Injury Update:
Josh Fraser, back, test
Chris Egan, knee, season
John Anthony, neck, season

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

TRIBUNAL
Charges Laid:

Jordan Lewis (HAW), striking Kangaroo against Kangaroo Brent Harvey: assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points), equaling six points, a Level Three offense, 225 demerits and a two game suspension. He has no existing good or bad record, but does have 60 demerits held over, increasing the penalty to 285 demerits. He accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 213.75 demerits, still a two game suspension. He will be required to serve the suspension at the start of the 2008 season. He will be allowed to play in the preseason games.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The Eagles went into this game without Chris Judd (groin), Ben Cousins (hamstring) and Daniel Kerr (finger). Beau Waters, named as an emergency, was a late withdrawal with a hip complaint. Ashley Hansen returned from a hamstring injury this week.