Ben Cousins

Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Most club games: Lenny Hayes (StK) played his 265th game in Round Two, putting him equal with Gary Colling in fifth place on the all-time club games list. Ahead of them are Robert Harvey (383 games, 1988-2008), Nathan Burke (323 games, 1987-2003), Stewart Loewe (321 games, 1986-2002), Barry Breen (300 games, 1965-82). Following them are Stephen Milne (260 games, 2001-through Round Two, 2013), Kevin Neale (256 games, 1965-77), Justin Peckett (252

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The University of South Australia’s Center for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding and the Australia Day Council have created an award to honor those who contribute to multicultural understanding, social harmony and community cohesion. Richmond defender Bachar Houli

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Luke Power (GWS) is the 66th player in the game’s history to reach 300 games. His former Brisbane teammate Simon Black reached the milestone earlier this season. Power was a member of the "Fab Four" Brisbane midfield and played in all three of their Premiership wins. He played 282 games with the Lions 1998-2011 and was co-captain in 2007-08.

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities.   All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT.  This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. : This story will be periodically updated with late information.

Time AEST/US EDT  Event             
11:40 AM / 9:40 PM Gillette AFL Grand Final Sprint heats
12:10 AM / 10:10 PM AIS Academy Squad / TAC Cup presentation and photo
12:55 PM / 10:55 PM Delivery of match footballs to Umpires
1.00 PM / 11:00 PM On-field pre-match set up
1.10 PM – 1.25 PM / 11:10 PM – 11:25 PM Preliminary on-field warm-up opportunity for competing clubs
1:25 PM / 11:25 PM Stage and sound set in centre square
1:30 PM -- 2:00 PM / 11:30 PM --12:00 MN Pre-match entertainment featuring INXS.  Welcome to country by Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy Wandin.
1:30 PM / 11:30 PM International TV feed begins including coverage on ESPN Classic, TSN2, and ESPN3.com.  The host broadcaster is Channel 7 and the announcers will be lead by Bruce McAvaney and Dennis Cometti.

ST KILDA
Steven Baker, toe fracture, test
Raphael Clarke, hamstring, season, long term injury list
Zac Dawson, hand, test
Robert Eddy, hand, test
Michael Gardiner, hamstring, test
Lenny Hayes, back, test
Clint Jones, ankle, indefinite
Jesse Smith, ankle, season, long term injury list

Due to rampant speculation in the previous 24 hours, it came as no surprise when Ben Cousins announced that he would retire at the end of the season. He and Richmond Coach Damien Hardwick fronted a packed press conference on August 17. Cousins had approached club officials the week before but they told him to take another week to think about it.

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

When two AFL teams sitting near the bottom of the ladder are scheduled to meet, anticipation is not high for an exciting spectacle. The Round 10 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Richmond Tigers was a special game for Terry Wallace. Wallace, the media-besieged Richmond coach, would complete his 500th game 

Changes of all off season sorts

HAWTHORN
In early November, Shane Crawford announced his retirement. Crawford, 34, had been considering his decision for some weeks before informing Coach Alistair Clarkson and football manager Mark Evans. Crawford suffered from knee tendinitis for much of this past season, but was recently cleared by medical staff to play on in 2009 and had agreed in principle to a new contract.

In making his announcement, Crawford said he had achieved everything he had set out to do in his career and that the 2008 premiership was the highlight. He also said ending his career on such a high was the way to leave the game. He thanked the club for their support and said he was proud to have been a one-club player and would look back on his career with fond memories.

New names, new teams, old troubles all in the news

Telstra Dome Renamed
While it was under construction, the Dome was known as the Docklands, then it became Colonial Stadium when it opened. Communications giant Telstra then bought the naming rights several years ago. Starting in March, the ground will be known as Etihad Stadium.  United Arab Emirates airline Etihad Airways has signed a five year sponsorship deal for the naming rights. The deal also has an option for a further five years. The effective date of March coincides with the airline's first flight into Melbourne next year. Etihad Airways also sponsors British soccer team Chelsea, the Ferrari racing team and the English rugby team Harlequins.