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.”

Read more »

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/

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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.

Read more »

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?

Read more »

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."

Read more »

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.”

Read more »