Jack walks away from tripping charge

Swans co-captain Kieren Jack has been cleared by the match review panel. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: The Daily Telegraph

SWANS co-captain Kieren Jack will not miss the celebrations when the 2012 premiership flag is unfurled on Saturday after he was yesterday cleared of tripping.

Jack's good news came as the war of words between Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and North Melbourne counterpart Brad Scott continued to simmer yesterday after Buckley said that Kangaroos forward Lindsay Thomas "got away with one" when the match review panel cleared him of striking Magpie Ben Reid.

Jack was investigated for tripping Giants midfielder Stephen Coniglio during the Battle of the Bridge clash at ANZ Stadium on Saturday in what appeared to be a deliberate ankle tap which went unseen by the umpires.

But despite the fact that Coniglio shanked his kick and hit the turf when Jack's hand made contact with his foot, the review panel deemed it not severe enough to report.

It means Jack will line up against the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG on Saturday when the Swans show off their 2012 premiership banner at their first home game of the season.

Giants vice-captain Tom Scully was also cleared of tripping yesterday for innocuous contact with Swans defender Rhyce Shaw, for which he was reported and punished with a 50m penalty.

The review panel said the contact between Scully's hands and Shaw's foot was not serious enough to warrant any action.

The Giants can now field an unchanged side against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.While Brisbane's Pearce Hanley and Melbourne's Colin Sylvia can avoid one-week suspensions with early guilty pleas for incidents on the weekend, Thomas's hit off the ball on Reid has overshadowed their misdemeanours.

Buckley refused to back away from comments that the review panel should have taken action.

"To the letter of the law, the way it's written right now, Lindsay Thomas has got away with one," Buckley said. "It was an incidental head clash but it was caused by the actions of the opposition player."
 

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Sanderson sets sights on Lions

The pressure is on Adelaide Crows selectors to pick Brad Crouch for the match against Brisbane Lions. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson will today break his cycle of "more work, less talk" to reveal his faith in the Adelaide squad - and how much scope his club's selectors have to challenge it.

The Crows' long post-mortem from the season-opening loss to Essendon on March 22 turns to finding answers today, particularly at selection.

Here the case for teenager Brad Crouch to finally make his AFL debut - against pre-season champion Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday - is made.

But who pays the price in the underperforming Adelaide midfield for Crouch to be 192nd player to represent the Adelaide Football Club?

There may be a domino run at selection. Crouch could replace half-forward Graham Johncock, who would become the substitute, replacing Brodie Martin.

A refit of the Adelaide attack also makes for a debating point at Adelaide's match committee.

The heavy reliance on key forward Taylor Walker forces the Crows selectors to perhaps think of the potency offered by genuine go-to forwards Tom Lynch and Lewis Johnston, rather than tapping into an opportunist such as small forward Ian Callinan.

The other big call - which will become clearer after practice at West Lakes this morning - is on midfielder-defender Brodie Smith.

Sidelined by a broken collarbone suffered in the NAB Cup 20/20 opener against Port Adelaide in mid-February, Smith is back in training. He says he is more likely to resume against the Power in the April 14 Showdown.

"I'm still aiming for round three," said Smith in a club-based interview.

"My rehab is going very well," added Smith who hopes to have a medical clearance to return to competitive training this week.

Sanderson will today give his first measured reflections on why the Crows failed to live up to their own standards against the Bombers.

And how he has dealt with the glaring problems in the midfield and with inept tackling.

But there is unlikely to be an overreaction from Sanderson, whose faith in his players in based on them not losing consecutive games since his arrival as coach last year.

Adelaide returns to the Gabba - where they lost to the Lions in round 21 last year - to find Brisbane making its own roar about finding redemption after the embarrassing loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

Coach Michael Voss also faces a test of his faith in his players.

"Whether everyone gets the chance to get that redemption, I can't say right now," said Voss.

"We'll look at the game at match committee and look at what we did and didn't have against the Bulldogs. Everyone has to be accountable for a performance like that.

"Our players may have earned (faith) because they have been so good up until Saturday. We can focus on one day but it was one day in a very long campaign."

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Round 1: Studs and duds

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

Magpie Dane Swan was once again SuperCoach gold against North Melbourne. Source: Herald Sun

SUPERCOACH STUDS AND DUDS: WHO starred and who stank in the first round for SuperCoach points in 2013?

ESSENDON 117 d ADELAIDE 82

Crows stud: Not many. Sam Jacobs and Matthew Wright cracked the ton - both scoring 102.  Taylor Walker's last-quarter goals boosted his score to a respectable 91, but there was little joy elsewhere for the home side.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

Crows duds: Patrick Dangerfield finished with 63 points, about half of which were scored in the first term. After that Heath Hocking was sent to the explosive star and didn't give him an inch. Ouch, particularly for those who made Danger captain.

One to watch: Luke Brown was substituted out with a foot injury. The popular rookie-priced defender accumulated 44 points before that, but won't require a trade after being cleared of bone damage. With Michael Doughty retired, this young lad could be set for a promising season.

AFL round 1 - Adelaide Crows v Essendon Bombers at AAMI Stadium - LUke Brown Taken off at the end of the game Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Dons stud: Captain Jobe did it again. He racked up 121 points and, given his supreme consistency, looks a mega captaincy contender, particularly if you don't have little Gazza. Ben Howlett played out of this world with four goals and 164 points, but can't see too many having him. Brent Stanton and Courtenay Dempsey also cracked the ton, while the lively Nick Kommer looks a bargain. A handy 70 points on debut. Cash cow goes: "Mooooooooo".

Essendon's Nick Kommer runs through the middle of AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Dons dud: Paddy Ryder finished with only 54 points, and that almost seemed generous given he had just two kicks. Brendon Goddard finished on 86, but showed damaging signs from limited involvements. If he gets a heap of it expect booming scores.

Vested interest: He'll build on his match fitness with a VFL hit out next week, and that surely means no more substitute action for David Zaharakis. The goalkicking midfielder scored 28 points from one quarter on Friday night and that means he's set for a big price drop. Keep an eye on Zaha in about a month or so.

Got a SuperCoach question? Send it to supercoachtips@heraldsun.com.au and watch The SuperCoach Show on Fox Footy at 6pm Thursday for expert advice

FREMANTLE 108 d WEST COAST 11.14 80

Dockers stud: New boy Danyle Pearce was the SuperCoach standout. A bumper 130 points from the $460k steal, who is even dual-position (defender/midfield). Ross told us Pearce had "bought in" - and it showed. Seven Dockers cracked triple figures in a monster display, with Michael Barlow (144) and David Mundy (126) leading the charge.

Danyle Pearce celebrates kicking his first goal in Dockers' strips. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Dockers dud: Skip Matty Pavlich finished with no goals, just 60 points, a report and a night in hospital. Ouch. Won't see that too many times again.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

True to form: Jon Griffin's excellent pre-season held true. The ruckman scored 116 from four kicks and could be a handy point of difference with the big fella Sandilands out for a while.

Eagles stud: Has to be Josh Kennedy. Worked hard all night, kicked a couple and cracked the ton. Not bad for a player under $300k. Gee, he'd be handy in navy blue, wouldn't he? The ever-reliable Beau Waters top scored with 117, while Dean Cox scraped his way to 99.

Eagles dud: "Dud" a harsh term but none of West Coast's star-studded midfield hit three figures. Masten (87), Scott Selwood (81), Gaff (66) and Shuey (56) were all quiet, while Priddis's efficiency of just 39 per cent also kept him under 100.

Fire the Frenchman: It's a tragedy, but Mark LeCras has to go. If you had him, give yourself a pat on the back as his first half looked splendid. LeCras was on track to smash past 100 before a collision with Tendai Mzungu broke his arm, which requires surgery. And that means 4-6 weeks. Look for LeCras' teammate, Josh Kennedy, who is about $70k cheaper.

Eagle Mark LeCras comes off the ground with a serious arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

RICHMOND 106 d CARLTON 101

Tigers stud: Over the past week many SuperCoach players have been agonising over whether to pick Trent Cotchin or Brett Deledio in the midfield. Turns out either would be great. Deledio's three big goals shot him past triple-figures first but a huge last quarter put the new skipper just head, notching 119 points to Deledio's 116. For some value how about maligned big man Ty Vickery ($282,400 fwd) who pulled down nine marks and 94 points.

Tigers dud: Brandon Ellis had a great pre-season but didn't get a chance to use his precise kicking in the Thursday night pressure cooker. He was subbed out with just 35 points and will need a big game next week to avoid a price drop after Round 3.

The Tackle: Footy's hardest-hitting column

Blues stud: If you haven't got Bryce Gibbs, hang your head in shame. We talked all pre-season about how a move to the midfield under Mick would turn him into a SuperCoach jet and last Thursday night was exhibit A. He had 34 touches including 16 contested possessions, six clearances and two goals for a massive 150 points.

Blues dud: There was pain for Mitch Robinson on the field and for his SuperCoach owners off it. Robbo had just 20 points to his name when he launched a kamikaze attack on the footy and Ty Vickery, and came off second best.

It's not too late to join - sign up here for a shot at $1000 every week

WESTERN BULLDOGS 127 d BRISBANE LIONS 59

Bulldogs stud: Ryan Griffen (138) was everywhere, Daniel Giansiracusa (118) and Bob Murphy (106) turned back the clock and Tom Liberatore (130) has a huge neon "breakout season" sign flashing above his head, but we can't go past Brett Goodes. The fairytale story of 2013 already, 29-year-old Goodes - who cost us just $128,200 - pulled on the boots for the first time at AFL level and scored 113 points, in a stroke salvaging many floundering SuperCoach backlines.

Bulldogs dud: Koby Stevens was in plenty of our midfields thanks to the promise of more game time after crossing from West Coast. That didn't factor in him getting subbed off after scoring 59 points.

Brisbane stud: The Rock is back. Tom Rockliff had a disappointing end to last season but bounced back to his best on Saturday with 33 disposals and 122 points. Not bad for a guy we can pick in the forward line.

Brisbane dud: Plenty of candidates but we have to go with Michael Tuck Medal winner Daniel Rich. Suspect he won't be the first player to fall victim to the Nick Lower clamps this season, but after averaging 119 points in the NAB Cup, Rich didn't touch the footy until almost quarter-time and finished with just 61.

If you don't mind umpire: Round 1's most controversial calls

SYDNEY 106 d GWS 76

Swans stud: Josh Kennedy showed pre-season form does count for something. He scored 121 and 134 in his final two NAB Cup matches, so 147 against the Giants wasn't a surprise. He's got Gold Coast next week so expect another monster score. An impressive 104 from Canadian Mike Pyke showed his Grand Final was no fluke.

Swans dud: Tony Armstrong looked genuine value in defence after a good pre-season, but he was handed the subs vest and registered just 12 points. Ouch. Lewis Jetta (37) was unusually quiet.

Giants stud: Dylan Shiel had plenty of backers last year, but this could be the season he stamps himself as a star midfielder. He made a good start, topping the GWS scoresheet with 117 points. And how about 102 to Dean Brogan?

Giants dud: Ball magnet Toby Greene registered the lowest SuperCoach score of his career with just 45 points. It could have been worse if he hadn't slotted a goal from an impossible angle in the forward pocket.

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GOLD COAST 90 d ST KILDA 77

Gold Coast stud: Could Gary Ablett be the first SuperCoach player to top the $800k mark? That might be pushing it, but if you were hoping to snare Ablett after an early-season drop from his starting price of $740,500, you could be in serious trouble. Gazza obliterated his ridiculous break-even of 137, scoring 178 including 91 in an awesome final quarter that included 13 disposals, eight contested possessions, six score inolvements and three goals. Read more about Ablett's incredible performance HERE.

Gold Coast dud: Shane Crawford has picked Brandon Matera as his SuperCoach smokie this season and we suggest he stick with him despite just 50 points on Saturday night. When you consider they all came after Matera was subbed in early in the final quarter, the figure is a whole lot more impressive.

Saints stud: If you picked Jarryn Geary in your defence, well done. The small defender had 28 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency, plus six tackles, to score a super-impressive 144 points. David Armitage (113) won the battle of the breakout contenders with Jack Steven (89) while Ben McEvoy recovered from a very slow start to finish on 99 points. Suspect he scores a lot of his points in final quarters when everyone else is out on their feet.

Saints dud: Jack Newnes was talked about during the pre-season as a unique midfield option, but had three clangers in his 12 disposals for just 31 points at Metricon. 

Gary Ablett dominated against St Kilda. Picture: Jerad Williams Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

PORT ADELAIDE 133 d MELBOURNE 54

Power stud: Port could be the SuperCoach goldmine of 2013, with cheap options delivering on just about every line yesterday. Down back Hamish Hartlett (123) delivered on his promise while bargain basement picks Jasper Pittard (93), Campbell Heath (70) and Lewis Stevenson (66) all justified their selection in our sides.  Up forward Jake Neade chimed in with a handy 57 - perfectly acceptable considering the lack of depth in forward rookies this season - and in the midfield Ollie Wines was a beast with 24 disposals and a crazy 125 points in his first game. And have to give a shout out to veteran Kane Cornes who racked up a massive 166.

Power dud: The only rookie who missed out on the party was Kane Mitchell, who started as the sub and only came on in time to register 13 points. Hope you didn't have him on the field and Wines on the bench.

Demons stud: Wines' best mate Jack Viney was clearly the Demons' best player in his AFL debut, scoring 122 points. He just fell short of Ollie's total but beats him on value considering he started the year $60,000 cheaper.

Demons dud: Jack Watts scored 160 in his final pre-season game two weeks ago, but yesterday could manage just 48. Yuck.

Port Adelaide midfielder Oliver Wines. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD 103 d NORTH MELBOURNE 87

Magpies stud: If you picked Ablett, Kennedy and Scott Pendlebury as your starting midfield, you're off to a pretty good start. Pendlebury was pure silk all day, finishing with 160 points. Dane Swan scored 136 without really standing out. Special mention to rookies Jack Frost (72), who didn't know he was playing until five minutes before the game, and Sam Dwyer (49) who started as the sub.

Magpies dud: Brent Macaffer had barely passed his break-even score of 24 until he took a one-handed mark and kicked the sealing goal. A score of 44 should ensure a very modest price rise.

Kangaroos stud: Andrew Swallow doesn't get the recognition of the SuperCoach guns mentioned above but he fits neatly into the same category - and he's just about a unique pick. Another 137 points yesterday.

Kangaroos dud: Ben Jacobs generated plenty of hype when the Roos beat seemingly every other Melbourne-based club to sign the former Port Adelaide defender. But he didn't live up to it yesterday, subbed off with just 45 points to his name.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Brent Macaffer celebrates his goal in the last quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

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Time for Clarkson to go: Kennett

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has called for coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end following 10th straight loss to Geelong

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett last night called for premiership coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end.

After watching his side lose to Geelong for the 10th consecutive time at the MCG today to continue the 'Kennett Curse',  the man himself said it was time for a change.

Asked if he thought Clarkson should be moved on at end of the season, Kennett said: "Yes."

"I think we need to introduce a freshness at the club that doesn't exist at the moment because so many of the personnel have been there for a number of years," Kennett told 3AW last night.

"They have been listening to the same voice for too long."

HAVE YOUR SAY - IS IT TIME FOR CLARKO TO GO?

Clarkson, who has a 57 per cent winning percentage in his eight years at the helm, has another year remaining on his contract.

But Kennett said the club had "underachieved" since winning the 2008 premiership.

"I always believe six to eight years is long enough any coach should stay at any club," he said

"He has brought great service to the club, but he has been in charge of one of the best groups of young men going around in footy now for a number of years now, certainly since 2008.

"There was an excuse in 2009 for our performance because of injury.

"But in 2010, 2011, 2012 we underperformed...someone has to accept responsibility for that."

Kennett said the club should look at appointing an untried assistant coach rather than try to lure a big name.

"I'd be looking for a second-tier coach who has proved himself and hungry for success and trying to prove himself," he said.

"I don't believe you look around for another senior coach - you elevate an assistant coach who has something to prove.

"Alastair has now been there for a long time, the players understand him very well...you have to freshen up the group.

"And we have a very good list still."

Kennett said near enough was not good enough at Hawthorn.

"What are we doing right? We're not winning flags," he said.
 

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What you missed on TV last night

Coach Mark Neeld searches for answers during Round 1 clash against Port Adelaide. Source: Herald Sun

DID you miss last night's AFL television shows? Rewind and catch up here on all of hot topics and big issues discussed.

AFL 360

* The boys were quick to discuss former Hawk president Jeff Kennett calling on Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the year's end. Robbo said the Hawks need to respond withing 24 hours to put it to bed. READ JEFF'S FULL COMMENTS HERE.

* Melbourne's dismal Round 1 display was a big talking point and Robbo did not hold back. The Herald Sun chief football scribe stressed he liked Demons coach Mark Neeld, but said he would have to go if the Demons are still playing like that in a month. "Something would have to give," Robbo said.

* The panel heaped praise on Suns superstar Gary Ablett following his epic performance against St Kilda. His former coach Mark 'Bomber' Thompson said Ablett was "getting better and better with age." He went on further to declare he would finish his career regarded as one of the best 10 players of all time.

Suns skipper Gary Ablett. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

ON THE COUCH

* Paul Roos said he believed Hawthorn have a 'significant' problem with their ball use and going inside 50.

* The state of the Melbourne Football Club was a hot topic with Roos declaring there was something "seriously wrong" with the Demons.

* Gerard Healy said new football operations manager Mark Evans should appeal the MRP's decision to clear Lindsay Thomas for his off-the-ball bump that floored Magpie Ben Reid. "Everyone is confused now," Healy said.

* Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was the guest and said he had no plans to reconcile with Eddie McGuire. SEE MALTHOUSE'S FULL COMMENTS HERE.

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

FOOTY CLASSIFIED

* Garry Lyon said he could not defend anything said about Melbourne after their Round 1 performance.

* Cats coach Chris Scott said he did not believe in the 'Kennett Curse' and said it would be "arrogant in the extreme" to suggest they have a mental hold of Hawthorn.

* Scott would not be drawn when asked about the stoush between Magpies coach Nathan Buckley and his brother, North Melbourne coach Brad. "My policy is you should be really careful about talking about other teams," he said. Although that answer may have gave away what he really thought on the matter.

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

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Positive effects surface for Port

Port Adelaide's Kane Mitchell and Oliver Wines celebrate as they sing the team song in the dressing rooms after their round one win over Melbourne at the MCG. Picture: Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

NEW president, new board, new coach, new fitness coach, new captain, new game plan - and finally new results.

It's been a tough time of change at the Port, but the

The broom at Port Adelaide has done its job.

Congratulations to the decision-makers who have hired and fired the necessary people in order to start the rebuild of this proud club.

It's not thanks to one man.

It's thanks to many people - past and present staff who have made the hard calls, some on themselves.

Nothing against Matt Primus and Brett Duncanson because they gave their all. They made huge sacrifices, personally and financially, and both love their club as much as anyone. But it was time for a change.

Yes, they only beat Melbourne but you could see this result coming as clearly as you could see GWS beating them last year.

The pre-season has been close to perfect. The minute they ran out against St Kilda in the NAB Cup you could see they were fit.

Port will win three to four more games than last year just because they are fitter

They have been kidding themselves for two years thinking they had been training hard enough.

Whoever made it a priority to chase Darren Burgess needs to be commended. He is obviously a gun. Not sure how they can pay the rumoured salary of $350-$400k when they lost as much as they did last year, but they probably don't care and they shouldn't.

Fitness coaches are critical to a football club. You could make a strong argument to say they nearly rival the head coach in importance.

It's time to watch some of the young guns blossom under Burgess's influence.

Most players would be feeling the fittest they have ever felt and when you take your fitness to a level it's never been before, you feel incredibly powerful.

You feel like you can run all day. You look forward to taking on your opponent because you know you will run over him.

Port will win three to four more games than last year just because they are fitter.

When challenged they will fight back and not roll over.

I was disappointed when the Power played the Crows in game two of the NAB Cup. They rested a few guns which may have cost them the game.

At the time I said it may have also cost them the NAB Cup and I think I was right.

After taking a half-baked side to the Riverland to play Melbourne, Port then went on to beat West Coast in Alice Springs in good fashion then knocked off the premiers Sydney in a game where the Swans were going flat out.

Two big scalps, even in the pre-season. I know it's more important to prepare to play round one but winning anything is surely good when you haven't won much for a while. I thought the confidence and experience would have been valuable.

Ken Hinkley has been fantastic so far for Port Adelaide.

In some ways he is doing to Port what Brenton Sanderson did to the Crows last year.

He has come in and made all the right calls.

He identified what needed to change and did it. He has made it crystal clear what is expected from his players and communicates it clearly.

He has a strong focus on defence but has also straightened them up as well.

How good was it to see the Port players taking the game on against the Demons?

Hard, attacking running for which Melbourne had no answer. He has clearly taken a lot from Malcolm Blight over the years as well.

Some players have been given the biggest bakes or sprays that they have ever had in their careers.

No gold passes, no excuses, no compromise for anyone.

The standards at Port appear to have risen sharply. I don't think you will see Bobby Carlile miss a game because he is overweight this season, but expect him to have his career-best year instead.

Whether it was luck or good management that Port ended up with Hinkley doesn't matter, even though it was clearly luck.

Every person I have spoken to who has played or coached with Ken holds him in high regard. Some, such as Cameron Ling, couldn't believe that he didn't have a head coaching job earlier.

He has served a long and thorough apprenticeship and is ready to stamp his influence.

People say that a coach can only do so much, that it's all about the cattle he has at his disposal. That's true, to some extent. But look at Port at the moment.

They have pretty much the same players out there but are like chalk and cheese from last year.

The good coaches can and will get the best out of their players. They provide the environment and give them the tools to have career-best years.

I can see Hamish Hartlett becoming a gun, Travis Boak becoming an A-grader, Chad Wingard fulfilling his potential and Jasper Pittard will be like a new recruit.

Even Jay Schulz will benefit from being in a team that moves the ball faster with a deeper midfield. Don't be surprised if he kicks 60-plus goals. The list goes on and on.

Things are looking a lot brighter than 12 months ago.

Port has clearly bottomed out and is on the way up. How quickly they improve depends on how many players have career-best years.

They need some luck with injuries, as all sides do, but even more so when you don't have any depth.

Whatever happens this year needs to be a stepping stone for the future.

They need to replicate the off-season again. The recruiting officers need to get it right over the next two years, as they did last year.

At the moment it's looking like they had a cracker.

If Port can win eight to 10 games this year, play with passion and compete week in, week out then not only will the supporters rush back in numbers, but the sponsors will too.

At the moment they are on top of the ladder and should enjoy it while it lasts. It might be for a month.

Then we will see how good they really are when they mix it with the big boys.

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Shot haunts Harry O

Collingwood star Harry O'Brien. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD star Harry O'Brien has revealed he questioned the value of life after witnessing the death of a man in Rio de Janeiro.

O'Brien, 26, speaking at a youth conference, told how the incident on Christmas Day, 2011, sparked a period of depression that affected him throughout 2012, including on the field.

O'Brien recalled how he went to the aid of a man who crashed his car into a light pole, and found the driver with blood streaming from a bullet wound in his neck.

"I locked eyes with him and it was possibly the most intimate moment I've ever had in my life as I watched the life being drained from this human being who had been shot," O'Brien said.

"I felt extremely helpless. I couldn't do anything but look into this man's eyes as he was trying to communicate with me."

O'Brien, who was staying with family in Rio, could not open the door of the mangled car.

"As I looked into the car I saw a young man, possibly in his late 20s just like myself, and he had a gaping hole in his jugular," he said.

"He'd been shot ... I was shaken up by it but I tried to keep my composure. I knew I had to get him out of the car.

"As I looked into the car I noticed he had a pistol on his lap. I was trying to open the door of the car but it just wouldn't budge. I felt extremely helpless."

O'Brien, born in Rio to a Brazilian mother and African father, moved to Australia when he was two.

He is heavily involved in social issues and was a speaker at a Model United Nations conference in Melbourne last month, where he addressed university students from around the globe.

He said he didn't experience the enormity of the incident in Rio de Janiero until two weeks later, after he returned home to Australia.

"I sunk into a depression," O'Brien said.

"I had terrible anxiety and post-traumatic stress and, as a result, my football, which is my current occupation, went downhill.

"My performance went downhill, my involvements out in the community.

"I had less of energy and I felt terrible. I had lost all faith in the world and I was contemplating whether or not I should be alive."

O'Brien said he had found peace of mind since addressing the tragedies in his life, which include more than the incident in Brazil.

He encouraged his audience to learn lessons from their own experiences.

O'Brien told SEN radio yesterday he had learned a lot about himself from confronting what he referred to as "those dark times".

"It was a real grind last year," he said. "But I got through it and I'm so much happier, the fittest I've ever been and I'm loving my football again."

O'Brien, a regular in the backline, shone on the wing during Collingwood's 16-point win against North Melbourne on Sunday.

"Pretty much right at the start of pre-season I spoke to all of the coaches and I asked if I could just get the opportunity (on a wing)," he said.

"I told them that I was preparing myself to have the best pre-season and get myself to a fitness level where it would be a huge asset to the team to be able to have the capability to play on the wing and add that string to my bow.

"I learnt the role over the summer. I got myself to the required fitness level and I'm just grateful to be getting that opportunity."

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Ablett, Goodes and Cotch make cut

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett celebrates the Suns victory over St Kilda. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WELCOME to another year of Team of the Round, where the champions were joined by the unknowns.

Yes, Gary Ablett, Jobe Watson and Scott Pendlebury were there, but so were Brett Goodes, Nick Lower and Sam Dwyer.

Will Minson was an unlikely face in the ruck and maybe he can finally string it all together.

Brendan McCartney has copped plenty in his short tenure yet may still have the last laugh.

And who bobs up at full back? The grandfather of course in Dustin Fletcher

Scroll down to see Jon Anderson's Team of the Round. Live chat from 1pm below:

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

BACKS

Brett Goodes: How many others have been missed over the journey?

Dustin Fletcher: When will this journey end?

Nick Lower: A second chance can mean so much.

HALF-BACKS

Sam Mitchell: Did everything in his power to lift the Hawks

Harry Taylor: Remains one of the best ever drafting selections.

Jarrod Harbrow: Provided the dash he is known for

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CENTRES

Trent Cotchin: Leadership will only enhance his game

Jobe Watson: Continues to bring his own ball to games

Bryce Gibbs: A sublime and prolific display

HALF-FORWARDS

Joel Selwood: When it  had to be done, guess who rallied

Travis Cloke: looked to be a player enjoying his footy

Kieren Jack: Easy to see why they made him captain

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

FORWARDS

Lindsay Thomas: When he turns it on what a sight he is

Jay  Schulz: Just needs to find consistency

Ben Howlett: Making the transition from good to very good

RUCKS

Will Minson: One of this maligned player's finest games

Scott Pendlebury: Just cruises around at his own pace

Gary Ablett: What more can you say?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

INTERCHANGE

Andrew Swallow: His teammates should follow his lead

Hamish Hartlett: Are we going to see a breakout season?

Michael Barlow: Yet another midfield ball magnet.

SUBSTITUTE

Sam Dwyer: Another just happy to grab his chance

COACH

Brendan McCartney: Deserves this after engineering a massive win

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Speed, grunt and impact

Geelong stars Tom Hawkins and Travis Varcoe celebrate their victory over Hawthorn with the fans. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

IF FOOTY was five a side, Geelong would have the ideal set-up.

Skipper Joel Selwood in the middle and the quartet of Mathew Stokes, Allen Christensen, Travis Varcoe and Steven Motlop on the perimeter.

That's grunt and leg speed, although the Fab Four aren't averse to getting their knees dirty.

Speed is symbolic. The Cats have always moved the ball quickly and had composure, and now they have leg speed to complement the lot.

They used it again against Hawthorn, which was brave enough but not good enough and the Hawks will kick themselves for giving up a game they should have won.

Up by 30 points late in the second quarter and dominating possession and clearances - they led 21-11 at the half - the Hawks could not drive the dagger deeper into a Geelong team which maybe, just maybe, might have thought the streak was over.

Two goals just before the siren, however, to Tom Hawkins and Varcoe, and the difference at halftime was only 20 points.

That was the momentum swing.

A kick there, a handball here, and the Hawks could easily have been seven or eight goals in front.

Gee, you've got to love the Cats.

They took the lead at the 15th minute of the third quarter and were never headed. That's 10 in a row against a team many believe is about 2cm off a premiership.

Don't know how curses work, or myths, or karma, but it's got to be more than bad luck.

For whatever reason, the Hawks choke against the Cats.

Be it kicking for goal, disposal under pressure, nerves, or fear of taking responsibility ... the Hawks somehow find a way to fail.

Yesterday, they had poor performers in Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston, Liam Shiels, David Hale and Shane Savage; Luke Breust who kicked three behinds; and a midfield that won plenty of the ball that wasn't reflected on the scoreboard.

The Cats hung and hung and, on the back of Joel Selwood, Paul Chapman after quarter-time, and Andrew Mackie, Harry Taylor and newbie Jared Rivers at the back, they wrested control.

The Fab Four and a rebuilt group of flankers, which includes Jordan Murdoch, Josh Caddy, Billie Smedts and star in the making, Mitch Duncan, all played a role.

"It's different isn't it?" coach Chris Scott said of his speedy midfield.

"(Josh) Caddy is a very hard runner as well and we've injected some speed in the last couple of years that hasn't played together all that often.

"Varcoe was obviously a big loss for us last year, but it was more the combination of Varcoe, Motlop Murdoch, Smedts, Caddy, Taylor Hunt that makes us look a little bit different."

Yep, the contested ball is there and it's always welcomed in a footy team, yet it is the speed of the Fab Four that gives the Cats an edge.

Time and again, Christensen, Varcoe and Motlop dazzled the opposition. They opened up space, which creates overlap, which in turn draws defenders, which in turn leaves their forwards, at worst, in one-on-one contests.

That's what leg speed does.

Stokes is the more mature and rounded performer and had 29 possessions. Motlop and Christensen had 18 each and Varcoe 13.

But this isn't about numbers. It's about impact. And they had plenty.

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