Time to dock points, not picks

Dejected Demons leave the MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAD Essendon not voice last week its concerns about systematic doping, the investigation into Melbourne's alleged tanking in 2009 would have ended.

There's only so many black eyes the AFL can take at any one time.

Despite having a fair bit on its agenda today, the AFL Commission may want to reflect on how it punishes its errant clubs.

It's time to stop stripping draft picks as a penalty.

It's time to finally invoke Rule 16 by stripping clubs of premiership points.

If, as expected, the case is made that senior club officials told Melbourne's coaching staff to lose games in 2009, the Demons are expected to be banned from four consecutive drafts.

This is the maximum penalty the AFL Commission can impose on the club.

But what does this really do? It compromises the draft for every AFL club - more so when Melbourne returns to the draft table and is handed quality draft picks, as evidenced with Carlton after its salary cap rorting.

It delivers an uncompetitive Melbourne.

That would be fine if the AFL was a promotion-relegation league and the Demons, for their crimes, collapsed all the way to the third division. But in a one-tier league, what point is there in having a basket-case team compromising the chase for the AFL premiership? More so when the lopsided draw can serve up to some clubs two lollipop clashes against the Demons and just one to others.

The AFL - and the game of Australian football - is better served by keeping Melbourne competitive but without reward for its on-field victories. That is, have the Demons stripped of 20 premiership points this season, 16 in 2014, eight in 2015 and four in 2016.

And when it comes to the settling the annual draft order, Melbourne should be ranked by its wins rather than its premiership points to ensure the Demons are not rewarded with a string of No. 1 draft picks should they finish last of 18.

No AFL club has ever been stripped of its premiership points.

The shame of being the first would hurt Melbourne, the game's oldest club.

As for any club official proved to have orchestrated this form of match-fixing - to secure a prime draft pick and Tom Scully in 2009 - the penalty clearly has to be a life ban from all football.

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Saint and sinner a fine line

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

Two recruits, one agenda: Brendon Goddard (centre) faces the music yesterday with Pie Clinton Young as AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou launches the NAB Cup at AFL House. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Herald Sun

AMID the seriousness, Brendon Goddard had a chance to laugh yesterday.

The star recruit became the first Essendon player to front the media - albeit a NAB Cup promotion - since news of the performance-enhancing drug scandal at his club broke a week ago.

Goddard had made the move from St Kilda during the off-season in search of greener pastures.

But just what has the 27-year-old walked in to?

"I'd say I've got a bit of experience in dealing with these kinds of things," Goddard joked, referring to the colourful history he had to deal with at the Saints.

But then the seriousness returned.

How are his new teammates feeling given the allegations levelled at them?

"Understandably they've been a bit anxious," Goddard said.

"It's probably hard for me to get my head around it because obviously I wasn't there last year and not directly involved or affected."

Watson: Players' parents in good spirits

Has the reputation of the club and its players been tarnished?

"I don't think tarnished. It's all allegations at this point, so nothing's been proven," Goddard said.

And what do you say to fans questioning whether or not to keep the faith?

Dank says coaches took drugs

"At this point in time it's all allegations and at no point can you jump to conclusions," he said.

"So as players, as supporters, it's important just to stick by the club because the boys are doing everything they can to prepare for another season of footy and obviously that starts on Friday night."

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Time to strip points for tanking

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey was at the helm in 2009 when the Demons were accused of tanking. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

HAD Essendon not slipped into AFL House last Tuesday to express concern about possible doping at Windy Hill last year, the long-running investigation into Melbourne's alleged tanking in 2009 would be over.

As it is, a decision on whether charges will be laid against Melbourne is expected this week.

Without prejudicing anything, the AFL Commission may want to reflect on how it punishes errant clubs.

It is time to stop stripping draft picks as a penalty. It is time to finally invoke Rule 16 and strip clubs of premiership points.

If, as expected, the case is made that senior club officials told the Demons coaching staff to lose games in 2009, Melbourne will probably be banned from four consecutive drafts. This is the maximum penalty the AFL Commission can impose, but, really, what does it achieve?

It compromises the draft for every AFL club, more so when Melbourne returns to the table and is handed quality picks, as happened with Carlton after its salary cap rorting.

It delivers an uncompetitive Melbourne. That would be fine if the AFL was a promotion-relegation league and the Demons, for their crimes, slipped all the way to the third division.

But in a one-tier league, what is the point of a basket-case team compromising the chase for the premiership?

The lopsided draw would serve up two lollipop clashes against the Demons to some clubs, but only one to others.

The AFL - and football - would be better served by keeping Melbourne competitive but without reward for its on-field victories.

Strip the Demons of 20 premiership points this season, 16 in 2014, eight in 2015 and four in 2016.

And when it comes to the draft order, rank Melbourne by wins rather than premiership points to ensure it is not rewarded with No.1 draft picks should it finish last.

As for any club official proved to have orchestrated tanking - a form of match-fixing - to secure a prime draft pick, the penalty must be a life ban.

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Wing and a prayer for Bombers

The scientist at the centre of Essendon's controversial performance supplements program says it was within the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

Steve Dank has told the ABC's 7.30 that Essendon coach James Hird was fully informed about the nature of the program the biochemist was paid to run at the club. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

Former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank in 2005 with NRL club Manly. Source: The Daily Telegraph

SAMPLES from a "tank" of frozen blood could be flown to a Cologne laboratory as part of the doping authority investigation into Essendon's use of supplements last season.

As former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank proclaimed his innocence last night, it emerged a world-first test for peptides could be used to analyse blood from Bombers players.

About 1000 frozen drug samples have been taken from athletes across Australia who are under suspicion for doping, have been previously target-tested or have achieved success, including Grand Final wins.

It is expected the blood of some Essendon players taken last year would be in the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's repository, dubbed the "Tank" by insiders.

If that blood tested positive for performance-enhancing peptides, it would be sufficient proof that Essendon players had been injected with illegal substances, whether knowingly or otherwise.

Essendon officials last night briefed the parents of players, as the club braced for the full-scale Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL probe.

Dank says coaches took drugs

It is expected the majority of players or even the entire list would soon be interviewed, as will the coaches.

The advanced testing would prove crucial in the ASADA probe, as peptides can not be detected in regulation tests and Dank is adamant he did nothing wrong.

Watson: Players' parents in good spirits

Re-testing blood could provide concrete proof, as would Australian Crime Commission evidence uncovered in its year-long investigation.

The Crime Commission has confirmed using wire taps, coercive interviews and surveillance to amass evidence for its report.

Former ASADA chief executive Richard Ings told the Herald Sun yesterday it was common for new testing procedures to be used in ASADA investigations.

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

"If new intelligence comes up then you can thaw out the samples and target-test it," Ings said.

"In the case of peptide hormones there was no test for it, but now there is a German lab and ASADA can take Player X's sample and send it to Germany and have it tested for peptide hormones.

"It gives you a second bite of the cherry.

"If there is only one lab in the world which has a certain test, it is common to put it on a plane and get it tested."

Ings did not want to comment on the Essendon probe, but noted examples of players being given a 75 per cent discount on two-year bans if they could prove they had not knowingly ingested banned substances.

"They have to show they have no knowledge of what is going on, (and be) able to demonstrate exactly who gave it to them, and prove that the person gave it to him," Ings said.

"It is rare, but there are case studies and examples of it happening."

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Pies to go straight up guts

Alan Didak will be part of Collingwood's new game plan as it prepares to be more direct. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD will unveil an overhauled game plan incorporating more rapid-fire ball movement in Friday night's NAB Cup opener.

The Pies have moved away from their trademark long passage around the boundary line, practising much shorter, more direct ball movement over summer.

A clear plan to kick the ball shorter and move the ball quickly emerged in its most distinct fashion in Friday's intraclub match and the previous Saturday's hour-long match simulation session.

Collingwood has used the boundary line more than any other team in the past two seasons and was ranked first and third for long kicks attempted in 2011 and 2012.

But coach Nathan Buckley has put his stamp on the side's game style in the lead-up to his second season in charge, swapping the sledgehammer hits up the ground with a swift, switchblade attack.

A revamped Collingwood, Carlton and West Coast have been routinely described as three of the most impressive teams in pre-season training by opposition club scouts.

With the Pies' refined coaching strategy, Fox Sports analyst David King expected them to improve on last year's preliminary final loss to Sydney.

"They're going beautifully and I think there is going to be a different change to Collingwood this year," King said on SEN.

"With Nathan Buckley playing probably more of his style, (there is) a bit more flair and real quick, short, sharp ball movement through the corridor."

Buckley's troops will open their NAB Cup account in shortened clashes against Western Bulldogs and Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The Pies' remodelled forward line has also shown encouraging signs, with spearhead Travis Cloke kicking five goals despite finishing Friday's scratch match early.

Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer also impressed after injury-ravaged 2012 seasons.

The club recruited five mature-age players - Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Jordan Russell (Carlton), Clinton Young (Hawthorn), Ben Hudson (Brisbane Lions) and Frankston goalkicking midfielder Kyle Martin - to add depth, while Luke Ball (knee) has joined in parts of the club's main training session.

"Collingwood have had a fantastic injection (of recruits), and big Lynch is going to make a huge difference down there," King said.

Knee victim Luke Ball has begun participating in parts of main training session as he continues to make welcome progress from a knee reconstruction.
 

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Players feel the strain

Tough gig: Ross Lyon warned his players they could not afford to "relax" over the Christmas break and instead prescribed a period of "active rest". Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL Players' Association is unhappy with excessive training demands on players during their annual break, warning it could lead to "behavioural issues".

The Herald Sun can reveal a "substantial" increase in compulsory training programs and fitness reporting have landed some clubs in hot water and put players' mental welfare at risk.

The AFLPA has confirmed it has reported a small number of clubs to the league after complaints from players about off-season fitness requirements.

It is understood Fremantle, headed by demanding coach Ross Lyon, is treading a fine line with its demands.

But the year-round regimens are not an excuse for players to explore performance enhancing drugs, the association says.

Lyon warned his players they could not afford to "relax" over the Christmas break and instead prescribed a period of "active rest".

AFLPA operations manager Ian Prendergast said some clubs were going "over the top".

"We've had increasing concerns recently that players aren't enjoying genuine annual leave," Prendergast said.

"The level of monitoring and extent to which they are expected to work during their annual leave has increased substantially.

"We've referred a couple of matters through to the AFL based on feedback we've received from players."

Players are prescribed a minimum eight weeks' annual leave.

At Fremantle's best and fairest night, Lyon said his players would be watched closely during the off-season.

"The players have been sent away with strong programs, they're monitored daily and all that information comes back to head office, so Big Brother's watching," Lyon said.

Prendergast said clubs should trust players to maintain acceptable fitness levels.

"We need to give these players some down time, otherwise I think there can be some serious ramifications," Prendergast said.

"If we don't allow them to rest and have their own individual experience away from the footy clubs, away from the scrutiny that's involved, potentially it's going to contribute to some of the behavioural issues that we see from time to time."

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AFL plea for calm in storm

Andrew Demetriou has called on fans to keep believing in the AFL despite the controversies over illicit and performance-enhancing drugs. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL says screaming headlines proclaiming the code's vulnerability to illicit drugs are old news, given its summit two weeks ago.

The league said yesterday it could not have made the dangers clubs face from illicit drugs any clearer.

Reports yesterday that at least seven clubs were "vulnerable" to illicit drugs were met with a lukewarm response by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

"We treat all of our clubs as being vulnerable when it comes to illicit drugs; hence why we had briefings at the end of last year with Victorian police, hence why we have written to the Victorian Government, and hence why we have had a drugs summit where every club was spoken to by experts, including the Federal Police and Victorian Police - before the Australian Crime Commission report," he said.

Demetriou called on fans to keep believing in the AFL despite the controversies over illicit and performance-enhancing drugs.

That might prove difficult with events such as yesterday's NAB Cup launch and announcement of a partnership with the Red Cross being hijacked by a focus on the Essendon allegations.

"I want to stress to all our supporters, whether it is the NAB Cup or premiership season, to come along and watch football, to have faith in the game," Demetriou said.

"This is not a widespread problem relating to performance-enhancing problems in the game. Have faith in the game and come along and watch your team play because the AFL has been at the forefront of (opposing) performance enhancing drugs."

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Law experts say Hird accountable

Essendon chief executive Ian Robson, chairman David Evans and coach James Hird address the media when the story first broke last week. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

CORPORATE governance experts say Essendon chief executive Ian Robson and coach James Hird are in the gun, but club chairman David Evans may yet survive the fallout of the Bombers' drug investigation.

One authority said a case could be made for Robson and Hird to be sacked as they were responsible for the operational side, regardless of whether Essendon players were found to have taken performance-enhancing drugs.

While Evans and his board have control of the club, if Evans had no knowledge of the issues that have brought the Bombers to their knees, he could survive.

"The CEO would definitely be the person who the buck stops with," RMIT University professor Brendan O'Connell, a corporate governance expert, said.

"The board of directors of any company is supposed to oversee the CEO in terms of performance, so, in their (the directors) case, they're probably not fully accountable for this at this stage.

"Obviously, if something had come to light that they were aware of and then they chose not to do anything about it, it would be a different story.

"Clearly, what we're seeing in Essendon's case, they've - at the very least - pushed the envelope on what's acceptable from a normal ethical perspective and that's happened under his watch, so I think the CEO has a lot to say to this."

O'Connell said coach Hird should also be accountable, as well as the club's then football manager, Paul Hamilton, who resigned at the end of last year.

Watson: Players' parents in good spirits

"If it's proven they were (banned) substances, these senior people will have little choice but to resign their positions and take the accountability that goes with that," O'Connell said.

"If it's shown that they're not illegal substances, but they're certainly ones that are very questionable, then it becomes a really interesting exercise for the club and its directors.

Dank says coaches took drugs

"I think there needs to be some form of sanctions imposed by the club on these people.

"With the players, they (the club) are very quick to fine or suspend players if they misbehave or are in breach of their contract.

"I would suspect there's probably potential breach of contract by the coach and the CEO, too, because I'm sure their contract of employment would include that they won't bring the club into disrepute and I think everyone would see that already they have. The level of disrepute is really up in the air."

Law professor Ian Ramsay, from the University of Melbourne, said boards should have systems in place to ensure laws were followed.

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

"If the board delegated, as would normally be expected, huge amounts of responsibility to a CEO and the board's done that to a competent CEO and the board's not on notice that anything's gone wrong, but something does go wrong, then in those circumstances the board wouldn't be liable because they've done all that could be expected," Ramsay said.

"Then it falls on the CEO. One issue always is whether boards are put on notice by something, whether there's been any mention in the press before this all erupted for example, of whether there were problems.

"We're talking about a duty owed by company directors to exercise reasonable care and diligence."

Sports scientist Stephen Dank left the club last year, but fitness expert Dean Robinson remains on staff under suspension pending the investigation.

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said he had faith in Evans.

"Essendon will have to resolve this themselves and I have confidence that their president will do so," Kennett said.

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Adelaide SuperCoach preview

Patrick Dangerfield is Adelaide's SuperCoach superstar. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

WHICH Adelaide players should you pick in your SuperCoach team this year and who should you avoid?

Over the next month we'll count down every team in the AFL with a comprehensive SuperCoach preview. The series starts today with Adelaide.

Crows were the surprise packets of the 2012 season, jumping from 14th to a preliminary final.

Along the way they unveiled some SuperCoach gems who are likely to ensure the club doesn't fall too far this season, despite the loss of Kurt Tippett (one less headache for SuperCoaches, at least until Round 12).

Which Crows will be in your SuperCoach team? Leave a comment below

Patrick Dangerfield exploded like we all hoped he would and he was joined by fellow midfield hard nut Rory Sloane. Along with ever reliable Scott Thompson and underrated ruckman Sam Jacobs, the Crows' engine room will spark plenty more wins in 2013.

How did the Crows fare in their trial match? See our full wrap here

 The Crows have being dealt another favourable draw and don't meet a 2012 finalist until Round 6, opening their year with matches against Essendon (home), Brisbane (away), Port Adelaide (home) and the Western Bulldogs (home) - if you want to get off to a flyer, you could do worse than stack your team with Adelaide players.

BYE: Round 13 (with Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Gold Coast, GWS)

Get your SuperCoach news first and join the debate on Facebook at facebook.com/supercoach

SUPERCOACH SUPERSTAR

Patrick Dangerfield $636,000 mid

SuperCoaches were waiting for the Danger Man to to show what he could do when given a regular midfield gig, and he didn't disappoint. After warming up with four scores in the 90s in the opening four rounds last season, Dangerfield went nuts, scoring more than 140 five times including monster scores of 169, 174 and 187.

With a game perfectly tailored to SuperCoach scoring with high contested possession and clearance numbers and the ability to kick goals, his average skyrocketed from 80 to 118 and he starts 2013 as one of the competition's premier midfielders. The downside of that is the extra price it attracts - and the fact he can no longer be picked as a forward. But at age 22 there's no reason to think he can't repeat those numbers this season.

BANK EM

Scott Thompson $591,000 mid
The Mr Reliable of SuperCoach.

If you want to pick your team on Thursday night and not worry about it until Monday morning, this is your man. Thompson scored less than 90 just three times last season and has missed just one game in the past three years. Did we mention he averaged 110 points a game? Can't go wrong.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Scott Thompson Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Rory Sloane $567,700 mid

Would have received more love for his breakout season if it wasn't for Dangerfield. The Upwey-Tacoma gun improved his average output from 88 points a game to 106 and he's just a month older than his more recognised teammate. Wins his own ball and tackles like a maniac. Another big year beckons.

BUY EM

Brad Crouch $115,900 mid

Has flown under the radar after being picked in the 17-year-old mini draft behind Jaeger O'Meara. After a year of senior footy in the SANFL he's ready to rock.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Brad Crouch Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Brodie Smith $347,200 def

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Ideal candidate for a breakout season. A first round draft pick in 2010 (No.14 overall), Smith eased into the Crows team in 2011 then played 22 matches last year, averaging 64.5 SuperCoach points a game. Of note were his final seven games, when he averaged 85 including scores of 100 and 116.

BURY EM

Graham Johncock $334,400 def/fwd

A reliable pick for years, Johncock struggled to keep his place in the Crows line-up last season and his average plunged to 62.5 points a game. At 30 his SuperCoach days are over.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Graham Johncock Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Angus Graham $310,900 ruck

Graham's average of 83 looks promising but that was scored in one game, against Gold Coast - when first-choice ruckman Ivan Maric was out injured. It is likely to be a similar story this year for the former Tiger who will be second banana to Sam Jacobs.

SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLIST

Sam Jacobs (ruck)

Not in the big hitters ruck club but doesn't miss out by much. Might be able to snag a quality big man (who averaged 102 points a game last year) in one of the later rounds.

Brent Reilly (defender)

Unassuming running backman made the All-Australian squad last season and averaged 92 SuperCoach points a game.

AFL football - Adelaide Crows vs Fremantle Dockers second semi-final match at AAMI Stadium - footballer Brent Reilly after giving away a free kick that resulted in a goal. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Matthew Wright (forward/mid)

Didn't get much attention across the border but bumped his average from 68 to 88 in 2012 highlighted by a 37-disposal, 170-point return against Fremantle in Round 20. Should improve again and has the bonus of dual-position status.

For more SuperCoach tips follow Al Paton on Twitter: @al_superfooty

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