Israel Folau's Switch To Team GWS Makes Sense

What do you think about Israel Folau's switch to Team GWS. Here I've written a story on The Roar about it, so follow the link, have a read and pop in a comment and your opinion. Cmon, It'll be fun.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/06/02/israel-folaus-switch-to-team-gws-makes-sense/

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AFL's Holding The Ball Interpretation Is All Wrong

The umpires have been making some pretty awful Holding the ball decisions this season and it appears to me they've got the interpretation wrong. What do you think? Click on the link to this story and have a look, make a comment.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/06/01/afls-holding-the-ball-interpretation-is-all-wrong/

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Do AFL Players Really Need Farewell Games?

Something to chew over the weekend on farewell games, what do you reckon folks? Click on the link, have a browse and post a comment.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/05/29/do-afl-players-really-need-farewell-games/

And good luck with your DT this wknd!

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Fraser Problems From Bad To Worse

Those DT coaches who've been hanging onto $286k Pies ruckman Josh Fraser, it's time to trade him out.

Fraser - who is owned by just under 5,000 DT coaches - has struggled for a game lately and now has an injury problem.

"He just rolled his ankle at training," Pies footy manager Geoff Walsh said.

"He had a scan and there is no structural damage. There are no breaks or ligament problems but it did blow up very quickly.

"So he obviously didn't come up this week and now we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

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Around The Grounds

• Collingwood's $275k fwd Leon Davis - owned by over 18,000 DT coaches - may miss two games with a calf injury. Teammate Shane O'Bree said: "Leon's carrying an injury at the moment so it's probably better that he has a week or two off just to freshen up and get himself right."
• Geelong's $222k def Matthew Scarlett - owned by almost 20,000 DT coaches - is set to miss a month with a hamstring injury.
• Richmond's $164k ruck Tyrone Vickery - owned by over 8,000 DT coaches - is set to be rested until the mid-season break after a heavy workload.
• WB $326k fwd Jason Akermanis - owned by almost 9,000 DT coaches - could be suspended by his club next week after lying about his controversial Herald Sun article last week.

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Armstring Close To Bursting Bubble

Those DT coaches keen on Adelaide's $94k midfield two-gamer Tony Armstrong will be pleased to hear coach Neil Craig speaking positively about his chances of a recall.

Armstrong - who is owned by over 16,000 DT coaches - played Round One for the Crows but disappointingly only posted 36, before his Round Eight return where he scored 123!! Then he was dropped?

So Craig was asked about Armstrong and recalled: "Tony Armstrong travels with us and misses out on an SANFL game. He plays against North Melbourne and plays a reasonable game, but gets omitted.

“He then goes back to North Adelaide and plays another good game- that’s the sort of pressure that you want to underpin a bit more internal competition that we haven’t had… it’s a good problem to have for a change."

It's difficult to kinda negotiate Craig's comment there, but me thinks Armstrong's close to a recall and a bubble bursting third game.

Also, Adelaide's $359k fwd Chris Knights will miss a further 6 weeks after foot surgery this week. Still over 3,000 DT coaches own Knights.

Knights' Crows teammate, $94k one-game def Will Young, will also miss some more footy as he undergoes arthroscopy on damaged knee cartilage.

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Carlton Changes Aplenty

There's likely to be changes aplenty at Carlton this week following some injuries.

$220k defender Simon White - owned by over 43,000 DT coaches - has a knee injuy.

As you've probably heard $322k midfielder Andrew Walker - owned by around 1,500 DT coaches - is back for Carlton. Not big news in the DT world.

"It is a big boost and I think it's a credit to Andrew with his rehab and what he's done to just keep up with his knowledge of football," Blues coach Brett Ratten said from Visy Park on Thursday.

"He's been at most opposition games to have a look with the coaches so I think it's been a real credit to him."

But Ratten admitted there were a few others in the blender for this week.

"Shaun Grigg will probably come back in after three weeks out," Ratten said. "Brock McLean will be pretty much in the mix as well with Grigg, and Richard Hadley's in the same boat so we've got a few decisions to make."

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Presti To Return?

Owners of $134k Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo will be pleased to here he could return this weekend.

Prestigiacomo - owned by almost 19,000 DT coaches - along with $351k fwd Tarkyn Lockyer and $286k ruck Josh Fraser are under consideration for the Pies game in Brisbane this weekend.

“All those guys had a great last game in the VFL,” Pies football manager Geoff Walsh said.

“They all were very prominent in the stats and with their form overall, so they’d all be in contention, there’s no doubt about that.

“I don’t think there’ll be any compulsory changes [from the Geelong game]. From a selection point of view there may well be, but we’ll see how blokes pull up tomorrow.”

Also $271k fwd Brad Dick - who recently returned to VFL action - isn't far off a return either.

Walsh said: “Hopefully he’s not too far away from senior selection.

“Now it all comes down to form because his fitness is there, so hopefully he pushes in on a form basis.”

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Medhurst Misses Another

Collingwood's $259k fwd Paul Medhurst - owned by over 20,000 DT coaches - will miss out again this weekend due to a foot injury.

“He wasn’t [able to train] … and on the basis of that he won’t be available for selection,” Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s a foot problem that he’s had before, and it hasn’t responded as quickly as we thought, so he certainly won’t be available this week, but we’re hopeful that next week he’ll be up and going.

“He had a stress reaction last time, a bit of a hot spot in the foot, which is not a fracture or anything like that but there’s a bit of pain there so we just want to make sure he can control that pain first and then hopefully get him back up and going.”

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Roo Could Be DT Finals Must-Have

St Kilda's $445k premium forward Nick Riewoldt is on track to return to AFL ranks in the latter part of the season.

Riewoldt has been back running with the Saints and could return just in time for the DT finals.

At his price, that's not bad news for those who sold him. Curiously almost 25,000 DT coaches still have him!

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said: “He is running at the higher end; he’s not yet 100 per cent but he is certainly doing a lot of quality work and it’s been pleasantly surprising because I’ve stepped away from it and got really good reports off the surgeon.

“We’re really optimistic that Nick will be back in the latter third of the season.”

But Lyon didn't offer a return date.

“If I put a timeframe on it, it becomes a countdown and every week [people are asking] ‘is he playing?’” he said.

"There are no certainties until it occurs but he’s really vibrant and positive.”

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Freo Set For Changes

If you've got any Fremantle fringe players in your DreamTeam look out as the Dockers could make a few changes this week.

Dockers coach Mark Harvey said on Wednesday: "We’ve had three big games in 14 days and we might just need to make a few changes through that."

$184k midfielder Matt de Boer and $246k defender Clancee Pearce travelled with the squad to Sydney last week and could be a chance.

Also $89k defender Dylan Roberton might be in the blender. He, of course, has only played 2 games and is ready to burst his bubble.

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Bruce Close To Dees Return

Melbourne's $381k midfielder Cameron Bruce could return for the Dees after a hamstring injury.

$327k fwd Matthew Bate is also a chance, but Demons coach Dean Bailey rated Bruce the more likely.

"Matthew might be close. Brucey actually trained reasonably well last week, wasn't quite as bad as first thought, so he might be better than 50-50."

Melbourne face reigning premiers Geelong at Skilled Stadium this weekend.

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Brock McLean Back

Carlton have revealed $293k midfielder Brock McLean will be back from injury this week.

"McLean was a chance to play last week," football manager Steven Icke said on Tuesday.

"But we just held him over for another week and if he gets through all the training this week then he's up for selection.

"He's had some quad soreness and that's what primarily kept him out over the last couple of weeks. Initially he had a hip injury, but it was the quad injury he sustained in the Collingwood game which has been the issue in the last couple of weeks."

Icke also revealed Andrew Walker (shoulder) and Brad Fisher (knee) were closer to returns, while Ryan Houlihan will resume after being a late withdrawal last week with a hamstring worry.

Chris Yarran will probably miss with a thigh injury, while Kane Lucas is definitely out.

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Daniel Bradshaw To Miss Three

Sydney media release...
Sydney Swans forward Daniel Bradshaw had an arthroscope today on the right knee he injured in the third term of Saturday's game against Fremantle.

Bradshaw had minor wear and tear in his knee which was cleaned up, but otherwise no significant problems were found.

Bradshaw is expected to miss three matches and be available for selection to play Collingwood on June 26, the weekend after the Club's split round break.

As Swans coach Paul Roos confirmed yesterday, Tadhg Kennelly has strained his medial ligament and will also miss three matches.

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Motlop Suspended By Club For One Match

Port Adelaide media release...
Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop has been suspended by the club for one match.

The club-imposed suspension has come after Motlop left the team hotel in Darwin to pick his girlfriend up from the airport early last Saturday morning when she arrived at 2am on a flight from Adelaide.

This came ahead of the Saturday night game in Darwin. There was no other breach involved. The club has also fined Motlop $2,500.

Power Football Operations Manager Peter Rohde says the decision was made by the football department in conjunction with the leadership group.

“While we understand this is a challenging time for Daniel in his personal life and he believed he was doing the right thing by his girlfriend, he has nevertheless not met the standards the club requires or accepts regarding professional preparation for a game,” Rohde said.

“We are very serious about setting high standards and Daniel has unfortunately not met those standards. He made a poor decision regarding his preparation and he accepts that.

“We will now work closely with Daniel to help him bounce back to be the player we know he can be.”

A decision on whether Motlop returns through the SANFL or AFL will be made next week.

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Bombers Injury Concerns

Essendon coach Matthew Knights has revealed a few of his side's injury concerns ahead of the Bombers clash with the Dogs on Friday night.

Nathan Lovett-Murray is a chance after a foot injury, while Jake Melksham is only 50-50 due to an ankle injury.

Ricky Dyson is an outside chance with a knee problem, while after a month out Kyle Reimers may return via the VFL following a thumb injury.

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MRP Lets Barry Hall Off?

Barry Hall is free to play in Round Ten after the Match Review Panel downgraded his rough play charge to misconduct. It's quite staggering really (good news for most DTers) but here's an article on the MRP's surprising show of sympathy towards Hall.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/05/25/match-review-panel-sympathy-lets-hall-off-the-hook/

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Kennelly Gone For A Month

Sydney have confirmed Tadgh Kennelly and Daniel Bradshaw will miss a fair chunk of footy with knee injuries.

Kennelly, a $254k defender, has a medial strain and will miss a month, while Bradshaw will miss two weeks.

Swans coach Paul Roos said: "We're simply not the same team we were at the start of the year,'' he said.

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Jed Adcock Injury Update

BL Media Release:

Scans have today revealed that Lions Vice-Captain Jed Adcock has fractured the third metatarsal in his left foot.

The injury occurred during the second quarter of last Sunday's match against the Adelaide Crows at AAMI Stadium.

Adcock will undergo surgery tomorrow and is expected to spend an indefinite period of time on the sidelines.

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Saints Second-Half Subi Surge Says They're Back

What do we think of the Saints after their win in the west? The Saints have been struggling for form in the last month and that looked likely to continue for two-and-a-half quarters on Sunday before they kicked into gear and returned to some of their best footy. Are they back?

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/05/24/saints-second-half-surge-says-theyre-back/

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News On Jonathon Brown's Injury

There's some good news for DT coaches with Jonathon Brown in their sides after Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss told the media the bigman isn't injured.

$310k fwd Brown - owned by 46% of DT coaches - was kept goalless on the weekend but Voss says it just wasn't his day rather than injury restricting him.

“He hasn’t come out and trained for the last two or three weeks and is missing that continuity of being able to get out there and feel the football”, he said.

“Browny is struggling a little bit with his body but then Fevola comes out and kicks five and he is the same situation if not a little bit behind Brown.”

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Melksham In Doubt, Fletcher OK

Essendon coach Matthew Knights had revealed the extent of concerns for Bombers duo Dustin Fletcher and Jake Melksham.

"We had a few sore boys in the last 15 or 20 minutes, when we took Fletcher off and he had a slight inconvenience with his back," Knights said after the match. "He should be fine."

"Jake Melksham was obviously really courageous with what he did to go back on," Knights said.

"Ankles can tend to be a little bit tedious ... so we'll know more in the next 48 hours. I would have thought he was possibly in some doubt for Friday considering it's a six-day turnaround."

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No News On Swans Pair

Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos hasn't offered too much to DT coaches on the injuries to Daniel Bradshaw and Tadgh Kennelly.

$296k fwd Bradshaw and $254k def Kennelly both picked up knee injuries during the loss to the Dockers on Saturday which will worry plenty of DT coaches.

And Roos couldn't reveal much about the extent of those injuries post-game.

“I really am not sure," he said. "I haven't caught up with the doctors afterwards.

"Both were knees, I don't know how badly they both got knocks, but I'm really not too sure.”

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Pies Shown Up Again By A True Premiership Contender

What do we think of the Pies after losing to Geelong again? They seem to really struggle against the top teams and haven't beaten either of last season's Grand Finalists in their past seven attempts. That's a worry. Click on the link and read about it on The Roar.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/05/22/pies-shown-up-again-by-a-genuine-premiership-contender/

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Friday's Blockbuster Is No Grand Final Preview, Yet!

Big game coming up this weekend, but is it really that BIG?
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/05/19/fridays-blockbuster-is-no-grand-final-preview-just-yet/

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Should the Crows sack Craig?

Tough times have befallen Neil Craig and the Adelaide Crows. The fans are irate as the team's finals hopes look gone, when they were promised a premiership challenge. So is Craig a goner!

Read about it here;
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/04/20/craig-attracts-critics-with-direction-less-crows/

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Trade Burgoyne ASAP

Hawks Media Update;

Shaun Burgoyne will miss between 3-6 weeks having sustained a fracture to his jaw in Sunday’s VFL match against Geelong.

Scans last night revealed a fracture to his jaw following a head clash with Geelong’s Max Rooke in the second quarter.

A specialist today confirmed that the injury will sideline Burgoyne for at least 3 weeks.

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Injury Lists

In a press release from the Blues today, this is their injury list;

Injuries
Mark Austin – Groin –Test
Paul Bower – Leg – Test
Brad Fisher – Knee – 7-8 weeks
Brock McLean – Hip – Test
Rhys O’Keeffe – Hip – 1-2 weeks

In a press release from Adelaide, this is their injury list;

Injuries
Nathan Bock (hamstring): 1-2 weeks
Trent Hentschel (knee): TBC
Nathan van Berlo (hamstring/back): Test
Rory Sloane (ankle): 3-4 weeks
James Sellar (hamstring) 2 weeks
Scott Stevens (concussion): Test
Sam Shaw (shin): 2-3 weeks
Brad Symes (knee): indefinite
Brad Moran (knee): indefinite
Brodie Martin (knee): indefinite
Andy Otten (knee): season

Same applies for the Dogs below;

Injuries
Tim Callan- Knee- To be assessed
Ayce Cordy- Shoulder- 3 weeks
Christian Howard- Hip- 4 weeks
James Mulligan- Hamstring- 1 week
Liam Picken- Ankle- 5-6 weeks
Shane Thorne- Knee- 12 weeks
Callan Ward- Groin- 5 weeks
Easton Wood- Knee- Test

And again for Port Adelaide;

Injuries
John Butcher, back – indefinite
Daniel Motlop, hamstring – 1-2 weeks
Marlon Motlop, fractured foot – indefinite
Jay Schulz, knee bruising - test
Matthew Westhoff, groin - 2-3 weeks

And for Essendon;

Injury update
Leroy Jetta – Thumb - Available
Mark McVeigh – Elbow – Test
Angus Monfries – Quad – Test
Brent Stanton – Back - Test
John Williams – Ankle – Test
Mark Williams – Ankle – Test
Darcy Daniher – Quad – Test
Michael Quinn – Quad – 1 week
Ben Howlett – Ankle - 1-2 weeks

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Josh Gibson Gone For A Dozen

Press release from Hawthorn:

Hawks defender Josh Gibson will undergo surgery later this afternoon to repair a damaged hamstring tendon injured in last Sunday’s match against the Western Bulldogs.

The surgery will see Gibson sidelined for up to 12 weeks.

Hawks General Manger Football Operations Mark Evans confirmed the news today.

“Josh has a high-grade hamstring tendon injury,” said Evans.

“After consultation last night and this morning with our Club medical staff and surgeon it was determined that a surgical procedure will deliver a better outcome than non-surgical options. Josh will have surgery later this evening.”

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Fremantle Not Interested In F-Word

The Fremantle Dockers are pretty hot right now. But they've been hot in the past and let the fans down. So will they do it again?

After observing them first-hand on Sunday, I'm convinced they won't. This seems a team on a mission. Have a read.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/04/13/fantastic-that-freo-arent-interested-in-f-word/

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Cousins, Polo, McGuane Out, Connors Gone For 8

RICHMOND FOOTBALL CLUB STATEMENT:
Monday April 12, 2010

As a result of the investigation undertaken today by the Richmond Football Club into player misbehaviour at the team hotel in Sydney on Sunday morning, the following sanctions and penalties have been handed down by the Club, in consultation with the leadership group.

Daniel Connors has been suspended for eight weeks for unsociable behaviour, which included being intoxicated. Connors will not be permitted to train at the club for the first six weeks of his suspension. As part of this sanction he will be attending alcohol counselling once a week for an indefinite period.

Luke McGuane, Dean Polo and Ben Cousins have all been suspended for one week. While not intoxicated, these players were deemed to have not acted responsibly or in a manner expected of them by the Club.

“The Richmond Football Club will not tolerate the behaviour shown by these players, and has acted accordingly,” Richmond General Manager of Football Craig Cameron said.

“These actions go against all the values that we set for ourselves as a club,” Cameron said.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said: “Every player at this club needs to fully understand the responsibility that goes with pulling on the yellow and black jumper.”

Daniel Connors said: “I am extremely disappointed in my actions and I regret the stupid decisions I made on the night. I apologise to all Richmond members and supporters, my team mates, club officials and the guests at the Intercontinental Hotel, who were subjected to my behaviour.”

“Over the next few weeks I will be doing everything I can to win back the respect of those who I have let down,” he said.

“This has been a massive wake up call for me and I accept that I have a problem with alcohol which I need to address,” Connors said.

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Riewoldt Update

Official press release from St Kilda:

St Kilda Football Club medical officer Dr Tim Barbour has confirmed that Nick Riewoldt has undergone surgery today to repair the damaged hamstring tendon sustained during St Kilda’s Rd 3 match.

The tendon repair was performed by Mr Julian Feller and went according to plan.

Nick is expected to return to football in the later part of the season.

Both Nick and Dr Tim Barbour will be available to speak with the media later in the week.

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Ottens Pulls Out

Geelong ruckman Brad Ottens has pulled out the side to play Fremantle this weekend.

Ottens will miss with soreness from Monday's crunching clash with Hawthorn according to Geelong footy operations manager Neil Balme.

Balme also confirmed the big man will be replaced by youngster Dawson Simpson in the 22 to face Freo.

Ottens is expected to be okay for Round Four.

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Is It Worth Bumping Anymore?

I've written a story on The Roar today, about the death of 'the bump'. Is it worth the trouble anymore with five players getting suspended in 2 rounds of footy?
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/04/09/is-it-worth-bumping-anymore/

What do you think?

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Cheap McVeigh Will Miss Round 3

Press release from Essendon:
Mark McVeigh will remain in hospital under observation for a fifth night but is expected to be released tomorrow (Friday).

General manager of football operations said the 29-year-old is recovering well but is unlikely to attend the game on Saturday.

"Mark is feeling much better which is great and he has had plenty of visitors from the club which has kept his spirits up," Hamilton said.

"Naturally he is very disappointed about not being able to play against one of our fiercest rivals this weekend. Hopefully he will be back and ready to play in Round 4."

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Pies Insider Says Sam Fisher Is Back

Collingwood are claiming they've received insider knowledge telling them St Kilda's $373k defender Sam Fisher will play this weekend.

Fisher, owned by over 10,000 DT coaches, has been out of action since an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.

Saints coach Ross Lyon had stated earlier this week Fisher wasn't ready to return.

But Collingwood's Scott Pendlebury said today: “Their best side is going to play tomorrow night.

"Sam Fisher, an insider has got to us and we expect him to play as well, so they are going to be a pretty full strength side.”

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Popular Presti A Chance

Widely-owned $145k Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo could return for the Pies this weekend against St Kilda.

Presti, owned by over 24,000 DTers, missed Collingwood's win over Melbourne with a quadriceps problem.

Collingwood footy manager Geoff Walsh said: "He trained today and I think he's a reasonable chance of getting up.

"It'll only be a six-day turnaround so any session on the track won't be that big anyway.

"He did what the medical boys wanted him to do today, so we'll just how he pulls up later in the week.

"He did everything that was asked of him today, so he's on target."

$294k defender Ben Johnson will definitely miss the Saints after a kneecap injury. But the official diagnosis is better than expected with Johnson to miss only around a month of footy.

Walsh acknowledged $216k defender Tyson Goldsack is working his way back after viral meningitis, while cheap $128k fwd Sean Rusling isn't far off either after a run in the VFL.

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No Pies Return For Sam Fisher

St Kilda's popular $373k defender Sam Fisher isn't likely to make his return from injury against Collingwood this Friday.

Fisher, owned by almost 11,000 DT coaches, has been out of action after sustained an ankle injury in pre-season.

Saints coach Ross Lyon commented today: “He hasn't trained with the group yet to this point.

"He rehabed yesterday and I think he went okay, but today he isn't training with the group.”

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Hooper Gone, Lewis Touch-And-Go

Hawthorn's injured pair Rhan Hooper (hamstring) and Jordan Lewis (ankle) have received contrasting news with the former gone for 3-4 weeks while the latter faces a test for next week.

$411k mid Lewis is owned by 3000 DT coaches, while $237k fwd Hooper is owned by over 4000 coaches.

Hawthorn's Chance Bateman said today: “Both are being assessed today, but I'm pretty sure Rhan will be out next week and with Jordan we'll just have to wait until later on in the week after he's assessed today and see how he improves during the week.”

Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson said on Monday after the game: "Hooper did his hamstring in the first two minutes of the game."

Clarkson added: "He (Lewis) tweaked an ankle, so he could've nearly come back on, but with a six-day break and being uncertain about the injury, he shouldn't be a long-term thing."

Also, in a press release from the Hawks today, $446k midfield Brad Sewell is said to be 2-3 weeks away from a return after a shoulder injury.

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McVeigh Battling Infection

Essendon cheap $268k midfielder Mark McVeigh appears unlikely to play next weekend after being hospitalised with an infected arm.

McVeigh, who had a troubled 2009, is owned by almost 14,000 DT coaches.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights said: “Mark is still struggling a little bit.

"His fever has come down but he's obviously still in recovery mode and he'll be in hospital until he feels good enough to come out.

“It's not an ideal preparation for the week ahead and we've just got to monitor that with our medical staff and Mark as the week goes on.”

When asked if McVeigh was a chance to play Knights was cool in response.

“It is probably tough to say at the moment," he said. "If he stays in hospital for another day or two it is probably unlikely, but if he gets out this afternoon we'll have a look at it.

"It's just one of those scenarios. We'll make a decision on that probably tomorrow.”

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Scarlett May Miss Freo Trip

Geelong coach Mark Thompson believes $287k defender Matthew Scarlett could miss next weekend's clash with Fremantle.

Scarlett, owned by over 27,000 DT coaches, injured his back late in Monday's win over Hawthorn.

Thompson said: “When his back goes, it really goes. He landed pretty heavily on the hard part of the ground so we'll have to wait and see how he pulls up, we play in six days, so it'll be a challenge.”

The Cats coach also confirmed $94k fwd Steven Motlop's injury, stating: “Motlop has a dislocated shoulder, subluxed.”

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Have Freo Arrived?

Gday folks, after another weekend of footy, I've plonked together a story on the Dockers. I sat down and watched them on Sunday afternoon and was impressed?!?!?

Anyway have a read (and pop in a comment) about what I like about them and also why it's just good for Freo's fans to get some joy, for once?!
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/04/06/have-the-fremantle-dockers-finally-arrived-2/

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Cousins A Chance Next Week

Popular $352k midfielder Ben Cousins is a chance to return for Richmond in Round Three.

Cousins, owned by over 12,000 DT coaches, missed the Tigers loss against the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said: “He's a possibility, he's got to get through training and we'll see how he goes from there.”

$374k midfielder Nathan Foley isn't too far away either after long-term injury.

Hardwick said: “Possibly, we've just got to monitor his training. We're not putting a timeline on Nathan, we don't want to rush him. He's an important player to us.”

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Brad Johnson Should Be Back In Round 3

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade thinks $431k forward Brad Johnson should return in Round Three.

Johnson was a late withdrawal with a virus from the Dogs' Round Two side which defeated Richmond.

Eade said: "Brian Lake had [the virus] and Shaun Higgins had it early in the week and Brad got it later in the week, although not as severe.

"But we just err on the side of caution, because his energy levels were down and he's only played the one game - 70 per cent or whatever it was - so was it a recipe for a soft-tissue injury?

"I think he'll be right for next week."

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Tarrant Likely To Miss

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey confirmed $224k defender Chris Tarrant could miss a game or two after injuring his ankle in Sunday's win over Essendon.

Tarrant, owned by almost 15,000 DT coaches, was injured late in the contest.

Harvey said after the game: "Tarrant rolled his ankle."

The Dockers boss also spoke about $313k midfielder Garrick Ibbotson, who hurt his shoulder.

"I can't exactly say how long he's going to be out for at this chance, but it is probably going to be at least a month," Harvey said.

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Mick Unsure About Johnson Injury

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse has revealed he's hopeful but unsure about the extent of Ben Johnson's knee injury.

The $294k defender injured his right knee in the second quarter of today's one-point win over Melbourne.

There had been speculation Johnson had injured his ACL and would miss the rest of the season.

But Malthouse told the media after the game: “He seems to have hit the ground. I know there's a major abrasion on the side of his knee that's caused some discomfort but that's all I can say.

"I'm not one hundred percent sure that it's a massive injury. We're quite hopeful.”

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Voss: Jed Not Too Bad

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss claims he thinks $371k defender Jed Adcock's latest injury shouldn't be a major problem.

Adcock, owned by nearly 10,000 DT coaches, injured his quad in Brisbane's win over Carlton on Thursday night.

Voss said after last night's win: "He's hurt his left quad. So we'll just see how that goes, he hasn't done it kicking, when you normally tear them when you're kicking that's normally the worst one.

“I guess we'll assess that in the next 24 hours. The normal protocol is he'll have an MRI to ensure the length of the damage, but normally when you do it running it's not as bad.”

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Cheap Birdman Set To Return?

Adelaide Crows could bring in some big guns this weekend with cheap $229k fwd Brett Burton and $332k fwd Jason Porplyzia both a chance to return from injury.

The Crows have lost Rory Sloane (ankle) and Scott Stevens (concussion) from their Round One, so coach Neil Craig admits there will be changes.

“In the perfect world for us they (Burton, Maric, Sellar and Porplyzia) would all play SANFL this weekend because of the nature of the game, but just with the structure of our team at the moment, I’m going to have to make a decision to play certain people and that will depend on the position they play,” Craig said.

“Some of those guys will come into our side and hopefully they’re able to play some top-level footy. We’re compromised only because of the situation we’ve got (with injuries).

"That’s the way the cards have fallen and there’s no way out of it, so we’re going to have to bite the bullet and play these guys at some stage.”

$372k fwd Chris Knights trained this week but will make his way back through the SANFL after a foot injury.

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No Debut For Cunnington

Exciting $141k North Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington won't be playing anytime soon according to Roos coach Brad Scott.

Highly-rated Cunnington, North's top draft pick in the last draft, is owned by over 6,000 DT coaches.

But Scott said: "He won't play this week.

"He's not ready to play but we're all pretty excited by him - we've seen what he's capable of, but he needs a bit more match fitness before we play him."

Scott said $293k def Nathan Grima (who was very popular with DT coaches in 2009) was a good chance to come in.

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Some Dodgy Self Promotion!

Just a quick one this morning folks, about footy on Good Fridays. What do people think about it? I've written a story up on The Roar about the topic at:

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/04/01/its-time-for-afl-to-get-on-good-friday/

Please have a read and comment with your thoughts.

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Around The Grounds

• $330k WCE fwd Mark LeCras is likely to miss Round Two due to general soreness. WCE coach John Worsfold said:"[He's] probably unlikely to play this week, considering how it's feeling at the moment."
• $371k BL def Jed Adcock should play on Thursday despite an ankle scare this week. Lions coach Michael Voss said: “He did a fitness test this morning, other than pulling up, he's actually fine to go.”
• Freo's $340k fwd/def Adam McPhee could be okay to go this weekend despite an ankle problem. Freo coach Mark Harvey said today: "He's progressing well. I expect him to train tomorrow and be available for selection."
• $355k Geelong def Darren Milburn could be out for a fortnight. Assistant coach Steve Hocking said: "Darren Milburn sustained a grade one hamstring injury on Friday night and will be missing for one to two weeks at this stage."
• PA pair Daniel Motlop and Robbie Gray are facing spells out. Port coach Mark Williams said: "Motts and Robbie won't play against West Coast. They've got a week or two to go and they're not playing. "
• $ 309k WB mid Callan Ward isn't far off a return after a groin strain. "It would be fair to say if you erred on the side of caution, he's probably closer to two weeks than one," WB general manager of footy Jason Fantasia said.

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McVeigh Confirmed To Return

Essendon coach Matthew Knights has confirmed cheap $268k midfielder Mark McVeigh will return after suspension this weekend.

Knights said: "He'll come straight into the line-up this weekend.

"It'll be great to have Mark back in the team. He played with Bendigo last weekend and performed really well.

"It's quite frustrating for him after having a great summer that he had to sit out and watch that Geelong game last Friday night.

$202k forward Jay Neagle had an ankle injury scare on the weekend but Knights added: "Injury-wise we're fine.

"Jay Neagle's fine, his ankle pulled up really well and he'll do a little bit of light training today and we'll assume he'll be right to train on Thursday."

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Sylvia Close, Watts Not: Bailey

Melbourne's $418k fwd/mid Colin Sylvia could be a chance to return for the Dees on the weekend after a broken jaw.

Demons coach Dean Bailey said today: "We'll see how he gets through training tomorrow.

"He's probably got to do more than he did last week, but he's very keen to play. He was very keen to play Round One but medically he wasn't prepared.

"This week we'll see how he trains tomorrow, if he gets through training on Friday then I'm sure Colin will be a good player for to play on the weekend."

Bailey also commented about popular $145k fwd Jack Watts' immediate future.

"We won't play Jack until he plays a few more games at Casey to get his fitness back up," he said.

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Sloane Out For 6- Crows Injury Update

Injured Adelaide youngster Rory Sloane is expected to miss six weeks due to ankle ligament damage sustained on Sunday's loss to Freo.

Meanwhile, Scott Stevens ($274k def) is in doubt for Round Two after being concussed against the Dockers.

And Round One late withdrawal Graham Johncock ($358k def) will miss at least another fortnight with a fractured thumb.

There is some good news from Adelaide, with Chris Knights, Ivan Maric, Jason Porplyzia and Brett Burton closer to returns.

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Match Review Panel for Round 1

The Match Review Panel decided to give Essendon's David Hille a reprieve for his late hit on Geelong's Jimmy Bartel. I found it pretty staggering and here's a story on it (please have a look and comment on it).
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/03/30/can-the-match-review-panel-find-some-consistency/

Elsewhere, Justin Koschitzke will accept a three-week ban for his heavy bump over Nick Malceski. Saints coach Ross Lyon declared so on On The Couch on Monday night.

While Zac Dawson escaped punishment for his hit on Tadgh Kennelly.

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Buchanan Out For 4-6, Adcock 50-50

Brisbane Lions coach has revealed the injury problems of pair Jed Adcock (ankle) and Amon Buchanan (thumb).

Voss said on Monday about Adcock: "Pretty good actually, walking around, but he's 50-50.

"He made quick advancements yesterday but they can hang around and grumble a little bit so we'll just wait and see in the next 48 hours how he's going, but we'll give him every chance."

Voss added about Buchanan: "He'll have an operation tomorrow on his thumb. It's largely determined on the outcome of whether it's a clean break, that determines the longevity of it.

"Best case is two weeks, but history shows you never operate off best case.

"But probably more likely to be in the four to six range, I would have thought with four being pretty hopeful."

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Brad Johnson Feeling Fit

If you were thinking about signing up Western Bulldogs veteran Brad Johnson, you'll be interested to know he thinks he's injury-free.

Johnson was sidelined during pre-season with an Achilles/calf injury.

The $431k forward posted just 59 in Round One, although the Dogs face juicy Richmond in Round 2.

Johnson said today: "No issue whatsoever with my injury, I hadn't felt it for a couple of weeks.

"I got through quite well."

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Brisbane Lions Injury Report

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has revealed the extent of his side's injury problems following their win over West Coast on Saturday.

Josh Drummond ($333k def), Amon Buchanan ($268k fwd), Jed Adcock ($371k def) and the popular Matt Maguire ($101k def) all had concerns.

Voss said: “Drummo's fine, Buchanan has broken his thumb, we believe and Jed has done his ankle, how bad, I think it's just a little tweak, but that'll put him in doubt with four or five days to go, for next week.”

He added about Maguire: “We suspected he might of hurt his hamstring, but it was just a cramp. And that's what Round One does.”

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The Latest on 2010

not long until the new season folks, but the dilemma remains will DT News return in 2010.... and to be honest im not sure just yet....i'd love to do so, but time is my constraint.....

anyway register here http://dreamteam.afl.com.au/

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