Port wants draft picks, not players

Port Adelaide is seeking early draft picks for Ben Jacobs, who has nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide seems keener on North Melbourne's early draft picks than any Kangaroo player in return for losing young defender Ben Jacobs.

Despite being at Alberton for just two seasons, 20-year-old Jacobs has behaved as a "pseudo free agent" by walking out of Port after completing his first contract and declaring his go-home preference to be a Kangaroo.

This follows Jacobs being chased by fellow Victorian clubs St Kilda and Essendon.

"Talks with North Melbourne have become more meaningful (with Jacobs declaring his club of preference)," said Power football chief Peter Rohde yesterday.

"But we have a long way to go before anything will be done," added Rohde, noting the Kangaroos have been consumed with trading out Cameron Pedersen.

Speculation of a four-club deal taking Jacobs to North Melbourne - while other players and draft picks criss-crossed the nation - is far from Port's thinking.

"We're trying to keep out of multi-club deals," Rohde said.

North Melbourne currently has draft picks 15, 38 and 39.

These are more appealing to the Power than Kangaroos forward Matt Campbell and defender Luke Delaney.

Jacobs was a first-round draft pick (No.16) in 2010. He played 26 games - 14 in the past season - for the Power.

Port's search for defenders to support Alipate Carlile and Jackson Trengove after the free-agent move of Troy Chaplin to Richmond may still involve Carlton's South Australian draftee Jordan Russell. He was not claimed as a free agent last week.

"It's said we fell in love and then fell out of love with Jordan," Rohde said.

"But all along we've said we will look at Jordan at the end of the trade period."

Port also may join St Kilda in moving on Fremantle's 26-year-old defender Greg Broughton as the Power seeks to replace former vice-captain Jacob Surjan, who was delisted last week.

Broughton is on contract to the Dockers for next season.

The month-long AFL trade period ends at 1.30pm on Friday. There was no deal lodged with the AFL yesterday.

The AFL's first free agency period closed on Friday with Adelaide and Hawthorn bewildered by the compensation rulings from the league.

Geelong chief Brian Cook says the compensation draft picks should be scrapped.
 

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Umpires wired for in-game coaching

AFL umpires, including multiple grand final whisteblower Brett Rosebury, could receive in-game coaching from their mentors via a two-way radio under a plan proposed by former Adelaide coach Neil Craig. Picture: Stuart Milligan Source: Herald Sun

NEIL Craig failed to put his Crowbots on remote control when he was Adelaide coach, but he has convinced the AFL to do more with its wired-up umpires.

AFL umpires will trial during the NAB Cup pre-season series taking messages from their coaches sitting in the grandstands.

Craig, who is currently the high-performance director at Melbourne, sold the idea to the AFL after sitting in the umpiring observers' box during the past season.

He questioned why the umpires - who are wired up to take direction on score reviews - are not sent direct messages from their coaches.

AFL football operations chief Adrian Anderson thought the concept sound enough to merit a trial in the pre-season competition starting in February.

"Neil was saying, 'You could've helped that umpire by alerting him to this or that or telling him he needs to adjust his positioning - why don't you talk to them?"' Anderson said.

Craig trialled sending direct messages to his players at training in 2008 when he was coaching Adelaide.

The concept never developed beyond training because the AFL objected to players being wired-up.

Anderson says the radio messages from AFL umpiring director Jeff Gieschen and coaches Rowan Sawers, Hayden Kennedy and Bryan Sheehan are not to influence umpires' decisions.

"It wouldn't be telling them what decisions to make or anything like that, it'd just be in terms of their positioning, or anything they might need to look out for," he said.

"They might say, 'You need to keep your eyes on what's happening in the goalsquare'."

The trial in the NAB Cup will determine if the concept becomes a routine for umpires in the premiership season.
 

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Giants on fast track to success

Giants coach Kevin Sheedy is urging caution with preparing a large group of youngsters for the rigours of AFL. Source: Getty Images

A KEEN racegoer and successful horse owner, Kevin Sheedy used a turf analogy to describe the massive task of preparing his stable of young players at Greater Western Sydney.

Sheedy said that, unlike the racing industry, he did not have the luxury of allowing colts to mature.

"Bart Cummings wouldn't train 35 horses as two-year-olds for a Melbourne Cup," he said yesterday.

"He would be questioning our theory behind all of this, but that's the task we have as a group of coaches.

"Our players need to be able to do a number of pre-season training years in a row. It's very important we understand that because, if you don't do that, you won't be anywhere in four or five years. And you'll probably muck up the whole list."

The Giants and fellow expansion club Gold Coast had no alternative, but to start focusing on 2013 before the end of last season.

The Giants had 13 players suffering season-ending injuries, and the Suns 17 before Round 23.

"We've sent some out for minor operations -- not major surgery, but to get them back in time for the start of pre-season," said Sheedy,  who described the his team's debut season as a juggling act.

"We needed to get as many players as possible to 10 games or more to give them the attitude, 'I can play this game; nothing worries me now'.

"I would rather get it over and done by playing a lot of young players.

"We will recruit a little bit differently again this year as we build this list up."

Suns coach Guy McKenna said midfielder Jackson Allen was typical of the challenge between satisfying the weekly demand for success against ensuring the longer term development of his players.

Displaying early signs of osteitis pubis, Allen, 19, was ordered to rest after only one game so he would be ready for the high-altitude training camp in Arizona next month.

"There comes a cut-off point. We keep pushing him and he won't be up and running for Arizona. Then it's a no-brainer," McKenna said.
 

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Lake building up for a big year

In this file picture, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson announces Brian Lake has been traded to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: News Limited

HAWTHORN'S prized trade Brian Lake is already hard at work in the gym at Waverley Park.

Club football manager Mark Evans said the former Western Bulldogs full-back wanted to make an impression when pre-season training resumed next month.

"He's keen to make a really positive start and he's chipping away slowly at a strength program," Evans said.

"His season finished earlier than ours, so he's ready and back doing mostly weight training.

"We've got a few players doing a few things, but he's obviously four weeks further rested than most of our guys.

"We've got quite a few guys who are off enjoying the sun somewhere.

"But some of the guys who are in Melbourne are still calling in to continue with their strength programs or rehab programs."

The Hawks nabbed Lake in one of the surprise early trade deals, and the dual All-Australian will provide height and strength to the backline next year.

"It was well publicised that there were a couple of games during the year where we could have used Brian," Evans said.

In other news, Hawthorn is leading the fight for AFL clubs to get more information on the formula used to decide free agency compensation.

The Hawks are still studying whether they can challenge receiving draft pick No.66 in return for running defender Clinton Young's move to Collingwood.

"We'll go back through our documentation to see whether there's (grounds) for an appeal or not," Evans said.

"There doesn't appear to be one at first look."

Evans said clubs wanted more details about the new system, claiming they are "flying blind" when not even being aware of an offer to a player who is an unrestricted free agent, which was the case with Young.

"We'll all get used to it, but we need to have a system that has some equity in it," he said.

"And we need to be able to understand why some things come out the way they do.

"I know it was an agreement between the AFL and the Players' Association and that the formula be kept secret, but it doesn't help us understand the system.

"We certainly need some better detail on why we ended up getting pick 66 for Clinton Young."
 

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The sun rises for coach Primus

Ex-Crows fitnees guru Stephen Schwerdt and former Power coach Matthew Primus at Gold Coast training. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

THREE years ago, when Matthew Primus was an assistant coach at Alberton, Port Adelaide made a play for Crows fitness coach Stephen Schwerdt.

Yesterday, that plan came together...at Gold Coast.

Primus started his return to AFL football - two months after being sacked as the Power's senior coach - as an assistant to Guy McKenna at the Suns.

Schwerdt, the Gold Coast's new high-performance manager, launched the new training regime for the third-year Suns players.

They will all move off shore next week when the Gold Coast squad takes up high-altitude training in Arizona.

Beyond Primus and Schwerdt, McKenna has a dramatically changed coaching panel that includes Mark Riley and Sydney premiership player Ben Mathews.

"Matty Primus has been a senior coach and an assistant for five years," McKenna said.

"Certainly the coaching ranks have improved."

Absent at training were Tom Hickey and Joshua Toy, who are linked to trades - Hickey to St Kilda and Toy to several Victorian clubs.
 

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Blues bring big hitters to table

Australia Post chief Ahmed Fahour has officially joined Carlton's board. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

AUSTRALIA Post chief Ahmed Fahour and Pricewaterhouse Coopers boss Luke Sayers have been officially added to Carlton's bulging board.

Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour and Pricewaterhouse Coopers boss Luke Sayers have been officially added to Carlton's bulging board.

Its members now total 13 -- the most across the league -- with businessmen Ryan Trainor and Craig Mathieson, the nephew of pokies benefactor Bruce Mathieson, also appointed at last night's meeting.

One of Fahour or Sayers will replace Stephen Kernahan as president at the end of next season under a peace plan agreed upon last month.

Kernahan had been under pressure to keep his job, despite the signing of coach Mick Malthouse.

"This brings about orderly change while introducing new people and fresh ideas to the board table," Kernahan said last night as Carlton's new-look board met for the first time at Visy Park last night.

Mark Harrison and Ari Suss have retired, while Jeanne Pratt will remain as vice-president for 2013.
 

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Plenty of life left in the Big O

Orren Stephenson is not giving up on his AFL dream despite being delisted by Geelong. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: Geelong Advertiser

ORREN Stephenson is hopeful his AFL fairytale has another chapter left in it despite his departure from Geelong.

The mature-aged recruit played eight games this season with the 'Big O' becoming a crowd favourite, but the drafting of Hamish McIntosh meant his services are now no longer required.

Stephenson holds no grudge towards the Cats, but believes he will be a better AFL player next year.

"I understood that they thought the best thing for the footy club is to go for a guy who is younger and played some really good AFL footy," he said.

"That's the ebs and flow of it and you have to roll with the punches. They were certainly forthright with it so I understood where they were looking to go.

"But there is still an urge there (to play AFL).

"The biggest thing is that now I've got a little bit of experience and I know there is still improvement in me.

"Even though people will say, 'He's old, he's 30', I know I've definitely got more improvement in me so I'll see what pans out."

After playing in three consecutive VFL flags with North Ballarat, Stephenson was taken by the Cats with pick No.78 in last year's national draft to cover the retirement of Brad Ottens.

He made his AFL debut in Round 1 against Fremantle and played six games in the first half of the season before breaking back for two at the business end.

However, a broken hand suffered against West Coast in Round 20 was a blow.

Stephenson returned for the VFL finals series and led the Cats to the premiership, his fourth in five years.

"Twelve months ago if someone had said. 'You will play a season of AFL footy, win another VFL flag and improve your footy', I would never have believed them," he said.

"I've been very blessed, I've played Friday night footy on the 'G against Hawthorn and it was all very exciting times.

"The biggest thing I got out of it was that I certainly know I am capable of playing AFL footy.

"You used to sit back and wonder if I got that opportunity, would I go alright? Now, I know I'm capable."

Stephenson, a father of three, who works as a Telstra technician in Ballarat, has put his life on hold as he waits to see if opportunity comes knocking again.

"I've said to my employer, who has been terrificly supportive, that if the opportunity arises again I'm not going to say no," he said.
 

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Training is no sweat for Ablett

Suns skipper Gary Ablett made a brief appearance at the start of Gold Coast pre-season training yesterday. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HE barely raised a sweat, but Gary Ablett made a brief cameo at Gold Coast training yesterday.

The Suns started their pre-season campaign in sweltering heat at Carrara's Metricon Stadium and despite not being required to attend, Ablett made a short appearance to boost his troops.

The Gold Coast captain cut an upbeat figure as he participated in handball and goalkicking drills before retiring to get treatment on a stiff back.

Ablett and the Suns' playing list will leave for the US on Sunday for their two-week high-altitude training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said he was not surprised to see Ablett show his face.

"He's done it every year he's been captain," McKenna said.

"He's had his break, he's out here ... he understands.

"It's typical of Gazza's keenness to make sure we finished off the season well last year, and to maintain that momentum."

Trade targets Tom Hickey and Josh Toy did not train yesterday even though players with less than eight years' experience were required to attend.

Hickey is seeking a trade to St Kilda while Toy has attracted interest from several clubs.

The Suns unveiled the last addition to the coaching panel for 2013 yesterday with 2005 Sydney premiership player Ben Mathews joining former Carlton assistant Mark Riley and ex-Port Power senior coach Matthew Primus as the newcomers to McKenna's staff.
 

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Dawes open for hefty pay rise

Collingwood forward Chris Dawes is set to earn more money if he joins Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Dawes is headed for a hefty pay rise as Melbourne remains in pole position to secure his services.

The Herald Sun understands the Collingwood key forward will almost double his pay at any new club in an enormous sweetener to being squeezed out by arriving West Coast Eagle Quentin Lynch.

It is believed Dawes was paid about $280,000 this year at the Magpies - not far above the league average.

But his market value has soared since he announced his wish to be traded, with Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs jostling for the 24-year-old's services and pushing up his price.

Industry sources yesterday confirmed Melbourne, Dawes' club of choice, is prepared to pay him in the region of $500,000 a season.

The Bulldogs refused to comment yesterday, but it is believed they have not given up all hope of striking a deal for Dawes and met with the Magpies yesterday.

The Dogs may have more picks to throw Collingwood's way, with room to move on finances after Brian Lake's departure.

But a move to the Dogs appears a long shot given players invaribly get to their preferred club.

Dawes still has two years to run on a contract signed at Collingwood after last year's Grand Final, but will move on a long-term upgraded deal without finacial contribution from the Pies.

On the surface, it seems bizarre he would be rewarded with a pay hike coming off a poor season, but big men in the right place at the right time can cash in.

It is also difficult to begrudge Dawes given he stayed at Collingwood for "unders" due to salary cap pressure and loyalty.

Last season he knocked back significantly bigger offers, potentially in the $500,000 range, to stay for less and vie for a premiership.

Despite the Pies talking to the Dogs yesterday, there was little movement on the Dawes' issue from Melbourne's end.

It may now depend on the compensation the Demons receive for losing free agent Brent Moloney, which will not be known until Friday.

The Dees have put pick No.20 on the table for Dawes, but may come in late with another pick down the order to get the deal done.
 

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Lions hunting Hawk Clinton

Hawthorn midfielder Clinton Young celebrates a goal in the Hawks' 94-point win against Essendon. Source: Getty Images

THE Brisbane Lions are still in the hunt for free agent Clinton Young but are in the midst of a five-way fight for the services of the Hawthorn premiership player.

The Lions, Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Essendon have expressed interest in the midfielder who may still opt to stay with the Hawks after testing the free agency market which closes at the end of this week.

Collingwood and Hawthorn are believed to be leading the race for Young, 26, who provides plenty of run and carry as well as a penetrating left boot.

The Lions secured midfielder Brent Moloney from Melbourne last week so boosting their on-ball stocks is not as high a priority as finding a key forward/ruckman type.

The Lions' brains trust will meet today to assess recruiting strategies for the next two weeks of the AFL trade period.

But like a vast majority of clubs, the Lions are eagerly waiting to see how the AFL allocates the compensation picks to teams who lost free agents before setting a game plan in stone.

The Gold Coast says it has "moved on" from Kurt Tippett and has no interest in the Queenslander if trade talks between Adelaide and Sydney break down.

The Crows are playing hardball in negotiations with the Swans and Tippett could be forced into the draft if a deal does not get done.

The Suns have pick No.2 in the pre-season draft and could swoop on the ex-Crows spearhead.

Both the Lions and the Gold Coast tabled offers to Tippett in the understanding he wanted to head home but Sydney won the bidding war for the 25-year-old who received a $4 million, four-year offer from the Swans.

However Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Tippett was no longer an option for the Suns.

"His decision has been made. We respect that and we move on with what we need to do," Ashcroft said.

"We have some priorities of our own that we need to achieve."

The Suns yesterday committed to Queenslander Clay Cameron as their Queensland zone selection in next month's national draft.

The 18-year-old was a standout for Mt Gravatt and the Suns reserves in the NEAFL this year with his athleticism, courage and competitive nature and was also a member of the AFL/AIS Academy and Queensland under-18 team.

A key defender who can also play forward, Cameron also recorded impressive results at the recent draft combine in the 20m sprint and running vertical leap tests.

A former track-and-field junior star who excelled in discus, shot put and high jump, Cameron stands at 191cm, tips the scales at 83kg and is regarded as the pick of the draft-age Queenslanders in 2012.

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