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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