Bolters join Jobe, Harry and Cyril

Gold Coast sensation Jaeger O'Meara finds space against Greater Western Sydney. Picture: Kym Smith Source: Herald Sun

OUR Round 5 team has the perennials in Jobe Watson, Harry Taylor and Cyril Rioli joined by a trio of bolters in Rory Laird, Jon Griffin and Charlie Dixon.

The bearded Dixon has been huge for the Gold Coast Suns after an indifferent 2012 while Griffin is relishing the work-load created with the absence of Aaron Sandilands.

And Laird is a rookie promotion for the Crows who shows some real signs.

Then there is Jaeger O'Meara, a 19-year-old who compared very favourably with his illustrious teammate Gary Ablett against the Giants.

O'Meara would appear to be everything the good judges have been saying for the last couple of years.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Lance Franklin (L) of the Hawks gets tackled by Scott Thompson of the Kangaroos during the round five AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 28, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

B: Michael Hibberd (Essendon): Has he played a bad game in 2013?

Ben Reid (Collingwood): Without him the Magpies would have been gone a lot earlier.

Scott Thompson (North Melbourne): Just another top job from the business-like defender

HB: Andrew Mackie (Geelong): Whether playing half back or wing, is just a class act.

Michael Johnson (Fremantle): Loved his composure when it mattered.

Andrew Walker (Carlton): So effective at either end.

C: Daniel Hannebery (Sydney): Is very much on the up.

Lenny Hayes (St Kilda): The old legs have a bit of life yet.

Jaeger O'Meara (Gold Coast): They boy is as good as they say.

HF: David Zaharakis (Essendon): Can run, win his own ball, and kick goals.

Harry Taylor (Geelong): Apologise for suggesting he be penned in as a defender.

Brent Moloney (Brisbane): He was the difference between the teams.

F: Steve Johnson (Geelong): His genius still flickers.

Charlie Dixon (Gold Coast): The big beard deserves his moment.

Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn): Has so much influence when the ball is in his area.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Jobe Watson of the Bombers runs with the ball during the round five AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

R: Jon Griffin (Fremantle): Has replaced the giant and getting better by the game.

Jobe Watson (Essendon): When it mattered there was Jobe leading the way.

Hamish Hartlett (Port): It has taken a while but the wait was worthwhile.

I: Brock McLean (Carlton): If you haven't already, get him in SuperCoach.

Steele Sidebottom (Coll): Can win a lot of ball in a short space of time

Travis Boak (Port): He and Hartlett are the AFL equivalent of Torvill and Dean.

Sub: Rory Laird (Adelaide): Loved his attack on the ball when he got his chance.

Coach: James Hird (Essendon): Won a close one over Ken Hinkley, mainly due to the calibre of opposition.

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Rioli out for two months

Long term injuries to Cyril Rioli and Tex Walker a huge blow for AFL.

Cyril Rioli leaves the field after hurting his hamstring. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN has suffered a huge blow with Cyril Rioli set to miss the best part of two months with a hamstring injury.

Carlton's Bryce Gibbs will also spend time on the sidelines with a hamstring strain, but he is likely to miss only one week in what was better news for the defender.

Rioli suffered a high grade tear to the lower part of his right hamstring during the final quarter of Sunday's win against North Melbourne.

The Hawks livewire will not require surgery, but the club has already conceded the 23-year-old will not play before its bye in Round 11.

"It's probably not looking too good,'' Rioli said yesterday.

"I just remember hearing and feeling a pop and I went down.

"I'd love to be out there every week, but these sort of things happen and I think it will give me a good break mentally from footy.''

The damage Rioli's absence could cause was no more apparent than Sunday considering, before he went off, he was a huge part of why the out-of-sorts Hawks were able to topple the Roos.

Rioli, who was walking with a considerable limp yesterday, said the injury was all the more frustrating considering his previous history with hamstring troubles in both legs.

Teammate Grant Birchall said Rioli's injury was a blow.

"He's obviously very explosive and a very damaging player,'' Birchall said.

"He's pretty hard to replace with his skill level and his ball winning ability and his goalkicking and all that sort of stuff, so he'll be sorely missed.

"But we've got some good depth, so I'm confident whoever comes in can fill the void pretty well.''

Gibbs was substituted during the third quarter of Saturday's win against Adelaide after feeling tightness in his hamstring.

Scans yesterday revealed a low-grade strain and the Blues wasted no time in ruling Gibbs out for the weekend's clash with lowly Melbourne.

"By missing this week's game and then having an extended eight day break, we will evaluate how Bryce recovers and reassess next week his availability for the round seven Monday night match,'' Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

PORT Adelaide's Jackson Trengove will miss "an extended period of time'' with a foot injury according to high performance manager Darren Burgess.

The 22-year-old key defender had surgery yesterday after scans revealed a fracture in his foot.

"After an incident in the game (against West Coast) we thought it was only a minor foot issue, but given that he was unable to continue playing we had it investigated and found a metatarsal fracture,'' Burgess said.

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Knee injuries not uncommon: AFL

Long term injuries to Cyril Rioli and Tex Walker a huge blow for AFL.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker being helped off the MCG by trainers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

Injured Crow's star Taylor Walker leaves the ground on crutches. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Limited

THE AFL is not concerned by the amount of season-ending knee injuries that have occurred this year.

Adelaide's Taylor Walker yesterday became the 13th player this season to fall victim to a year-ending knee injury, with scans confirming he has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

He will have a traditional knee reconstruction in the coming days following his sickening fall in the first quarter of Saturday's loss to Carlton at the MCG.

But the chief of the AFL medical officers association, Dr Hugh Seward, said a high ratio of knee injuries at this time of the season is not uncommon.

The 2012 AFL Injury Report states 16 players had knee reconstructions last year, but most were the result of early-season incidents.

By the completion of Round 5 there were already 11 players on the long-term injury list owing to knee injuries.

There were 12 players on the long-term injury list after Round 5, 2011 because of knee injuries -- the same as now -- seven in 2010, eight in 2009 and 11 in 2008.

Dr Seward said it was unfortunate to see so many players felled by knee injuries, but said he is not worried a new trend is developing.

"If you look back on each season, the first five or six weeks contain a similar number of ACL injuries,'' Dr Seward said.

"It appears to be a condition that is predominantly at the start of each season, so at this stage it doesn't look as if it's much different from the trend over the last 25 years.

"It probably relates to the hardness of the ground and the type of grass that grows over the summer as well as the condtioning of the players, their conditioning further improves as the season goes on.

"I'm asked the same question each year because it happens each year in the same way and we get a couple of high profile players go down.''

Walker, 23, also suffered damage to the lateral aspect of the joint in his knee.

He was one of three players to suffer year-ending knee injuries last weekend, Fremantle's Kepler Bradley and Collingwood's Alan Toovey being the others.

Adelaide general manager of football administration Phil Harper said the club is "devastated'' to lose Walker for the year.``But we know how professional he has become in his treatment of injuries,'' Harper said.

"He will be given the best possible treatment and rehabilitation program to help him get his knee prepared for the rigours of AFL football.''

THIRTEEN'S UNLUCKY

Players to suffer ACL injuries this year:
Claye Beams (B.L)
Kepler Bradley (Frem)
Alex Johnson (Syd)
Daniel Markworth (StK)
Daniel Menzel (Geel)
Anthony Morabito (Frem)
Jon Patton (GWS)
Alan Toovey (Coll)
Ryan Schoenmakers (Haw)
Matthew Suckling (Haw)
Taylor Walker (Adel)
Alex Woodward (Haw)
Stephen Wrigley (B.L)

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Giesch takes a stand

Herald Sun cartoonist Macca's take on the straddling debate. Source: Herald Sun

AFL umpires boss Jeff Gieschen has defended the goal umpires' right to straddle the line.

The positioning of goal umpires has come under scrutiny after official Dale Edwick was partly in the field of play when a shot from Richmond's Matt White struck him on the leg.

No goal review was called, but Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believed the ball crossed the goal line.

The AFL has asked if umpires can stand where they are not on the field.

"I would think that first of all, let's get it so the ball doesn't hit the umpire in the first place," AFL football operations boss Mark Evans said.

"We've asked the umpires to look at whether, in an instance where the ball is rolling towards the goal line, that goal umpire, if he can't get to the opposite side so the ball is rolling away from him ... is there a position that the goal umpire can take so he doesn't actually come on to the field of play?"

 Gieschen said umpires had been straddling the line for years.

"They do that because they want to try and adjudicate accurately touched balls on the line," he said.

"If they're not on the line people are going to say, 'Why aren't they on the line?'

"If they are on the line they run the risk of getting hit a few times and that's exactly what happened on the weekend."

The AFL has declared a goal review should have been called. "He was extremely confident, and that's the reason why he didn't call for a score review," Gieschen said.

"The goal umpire knew exactly where it hit him and where he was in relation to the line."

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Live chat with Crow Josh Jenkins

IT wasn't too long ago Adelaide was facing off against Hawthorn for a spot in an AFL Grand Final.

On Saturday, the Crows will be fighting for their 2013 survival against the in-form Hawks at AAMI Stadium.

Josh Jenkins will be one of the Crows expected to step up and fill the breach left by inured spearhead Taylor Walker.

Lewis Stevenson and Shaun McKernan also in the mix to join the short-handed forward line.

Throw your questions at Josh from 3pm (ACST) Thursday in the live blog below.

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Rivals feast on soft Pies

Collingwood's Scott Pendlebury clashes with Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis on Anzac Day. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD acting captain Scott Pendlebury called his teammates cheats - and there is evidence to support him.

The Magpies can be exposed as one of the biggest front-running sides in the competition, with their opponents scoring with ease from turnovers and stoppages in the Pies' defensive half.

Statistics supplied by AFL analyst Champion Data reveal an alarming set of figures that threaten to derail Collingwood's season.

Pies leaking points at a worrying rate

In what has been a worrying start to their campaign, the Pies have:

CONCEDED more points from opposition clearances (124) in their back half than any other side.

LEAKED 186 points from turnovers in their back half. Only Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney have conceded more from this source.

GIVEN up an average 106.4 points a game, fourth most in the league.

Collingwood legend Peter Daicos said the Pies had no reason to panic five weeks in, but there was "clearly cause for concern".

"They're not getting their hands on the pill and when they do they're not using it as well as they used to and not cutting sides up," Daicos said.

"Against the heavyweights they're being shown up."

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Fans roar for broom at Gabba

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss is under the pump. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE'S coach, chairman and players are on notice.

Their fed-up fans have used a couriermail.com.au poll to express their loss of faith in the direction the club is headed, and to deliver a damning assessment of Michael Voss' coaching performance.

It is hardly news that Voss is under extreme pressure - the ladder and the uncompetitive nature of the Lions' recent performances told us that.

What the poll screams out is that the fans are demanding accountability from chairman Angus Johnson and his board.

Johnson instigated the review into the Lions' football department that extended Voss' contract until the end of this season, and he produced the strategic vision that promised fans a premiership by 2016.

At some point Johnson has to make a decision on the club's favourite son.

And there are candidates out there.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson is coming off contract and there has already been a push for his highly regarded assistant coach Adam Simpson, while Voss' assistant Mark Harvey also has supporters.

No one at Brisbane can honestly claim Voss' status as a champion player has not provided him a buffer during his coaching career.

It has influenced the board and, in the early days, the fans as well.

But no longer.

Johnson acknowledged the results of the poll could not be ignored but said there would be no knee-jerk reaction. "We are going to review his contract at end of year," he said.

"And as I have already said, we will not be providing running commentary on Michael's position.

"But I would say, I suspect if the poll was taken in the week after we won the NAB Cup grand final, the result would have been different."

The Lions hope the dissatisfaction with their recruiting will pass.

Only Brisbane really knows exactly what has happened in recent drafts and trade periods. But claims levelled against the club by industry insiders is that Voss and his football department have developed a habit of overruling the recruiters.

Essendon's gun youngster and 2011 Rising Star Dyson Heppell was the recruiters' choice in the 2010 draft but the Lions went for Jared Polec.

It has been said John Reid, who was heavily involved in the club at the time as the author of the first review into Voss' football department, was influential in that decision.

Polec, currently injured, has yet to make an impact and it has been suggested he will leave the club at the end of the year.

Johnson concedes there have been issues with recruiting but believes they have been sorted out.

"We have a new recruitment structure in place, it is only two years old and I think it is too early to make a judgment," he said.

"Recruitment is a major focus for us. We are always looking to improve, we have the third youngest list in the competition and I think we have played more debutants than any other club going around."

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Stef limps into wounded Lions' den

Injured Stefan Martin, left, with embattled Lions coach Michael Voss. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE has been rocked by another serious injury, with ruckman Stefan Martin set to miss six weeks with an ankle problem.

The 26-year-old had already been ruled out of today's must-win clash with his former club Melbourne.

But Lions medical staff yesterday confirmed Martin will go under the knife this week.

Martin was making a decent fist of the forward/back-up ruck role at the Lions but the ankle injury had hampered his movement in the past couple of weeks and it had showed no signs of improvement.

Billy Longer has been called up for today's Gabba clash, after being an emergency for last week's game against North Melbourne.

Martin's injury news comes days after star midfielder Daniel Rich suffered a broken shoulder blade in a training mishap, which will rule him out for eight weeks.

Fellow midfielders Claye Beams (knee, season) and Jared Polec (ankle, 4-6 weeks) are also in the expanding casualty ward. Matt Maguire will miss today's match with a leg injury but is expected back soon, while Simon Black and Brent Staker are also on the comeback trail from knee injuries.

Brisbane midfielder and former Demon Brent Moloney, who will celebrate his 150th AFL game, expects Melbourne to come out firing after a club-record 12-goal final quarter to set up their first win of the season against GWS last week.

"They'll come up here quietly confident of having a real crack," Moloney said.

"They finished off the game really well last week so we have to be ready to go from the start."

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Controversy sparks umpire review

SORE POINT: Was Richmond's Matt White robbed of a goal on Friday night? Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

AFL football operations manager Mark Evans will ask the umpiring department to review the positioning of goal umpires in the wake of Fremantle's controversial one-point win over Richmond at Patersons Stadium on Friday night.

League spokesman Patrick Keane also said the AFL believed the controlling field umpire was wrong not to call for a score review after the bizarre last-quarter flashpoint.

Tiger Matt White failed to score with his shot on goal with three minutes remaining after the ball skidded into the goal umpire.

Experienced Perth-based official Dale Edwick was straddling the goal-line, with one leg inside the field of play.

The ball hit him in the groin and remained in play, before bemused Dockers midfielder Stephen Hill picked it up and walked it over the line.

Richmond did not receive a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind, despite Hill appearing to be under no direct pressure.

Goal umpires traditionally straddle the goal-line to get an optimal view, but the umpiring department is expected to reconsider whether there is any need for them to stand inside the field of play.

Former Freo captain Peter Bell and Melbourne great Garry Lyon were among leading figures who called yesterday for goal umpires to remain behind the goal-line, especially given they now had access to score reviews.

Talkback radio on both sides of the country was inundated by furious Tigers fans.

The incident will also fuel debate over whether teams who feel "robbed" by decisions should be able to call for score reviews themselves, similar to challenge systems used in tennis and cricket.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick and Dockers counterpart Ross Lyon both said they believed White's shot would have been a goal.

A seething Hardwick said the ball had already crossed the line before striking the umpire anyway.

"I know it went through for a goal. It crossed the line," Hardwick said.

"Have you see the replay? Maybe we should've called a review you would've thought, no? Seriously, in a tight game - joke.

"There's a system in place. Use it, or don't bother."

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Forward thinking needed for Freo

BIG SHOES: Jack Hannath may be required to help fill the forward breach at Fremantle. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE could turn to one-game players Tanner Smith and Jack Hannath as its key marking targets against Gold Coast on Saturday night after the loss of Kepler Bradley compounded its forward-line issues.

The Dockers were yesterday waiting on the results of scans that were expected to confirm Bradley ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the second quarter of Friday night's thrilling one-point win against Richmond.

It comes as a devastating blow for the popular clubman and leaves the team struggling to find a viable target in attack.

Skipper Matthew Pavlich is likely to be out until after Fremantle's Round-11 bye following surgery on his plantaris tendon this week, while ruckman/forward Zac Clarke is yet to shake off a calf problem.

While Bradley has been a fringe player for much of his time at Freo, he was one of the players the club could least afford to lose, given the absence of Pavlich.

A lack of natural key forwards has been viewed as the weak spot on Fremantle's list for several years.

Bradley could be tempted to have controversial LARS surgery in a bid to get back before the finals.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and his future is in doubt.

Coach Ross Lyon rued the ACL curse striking at Fremantle again.

"It's really sad for any player, but when it's one of your own it makes it worse," Lyon said.

"But we'll support Kepler and rehabilitate him."

Promising youngster Smith made his debut in defence against Hawthorn last weekend but has the ability to play forward.

The 19-year-old will have a fitness test this week after missing Friday's match with a minor hamstring injury.

Ruckman Hannath had just four possessions in his debut against the Tigers but took a crucial mark with 30 seconds remaining and is likely to hold his place.

The Dockers need to manufacture a functioning forward line ahead of a critical five-game period leading into their Round-11 bye, before the anticipated returns of Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands.

Small forward Michael Walters said it was important the team found another tall target.

"We were kind of short once Kep went out. I think (Jonathon) Griffin and Jack Hannath swapped over every now and then," Walters said.

"It was just kick to them and we were trying to just crumb off them because we were so short.

"Me and Ballas (Hayden Ballantyne) aren't going to get the contested mark so we really felt it, that there was no one tall down there.''

Options for the match committee to consider include switching either Luke McPharlin or Michael Johnson into the forward line.

McPharlin and Johnson were excellent in defence against Richmond and coach Ross Lyon will be loath to remove either key plank from his back six.

"We'll wait and see what Ross is thinking," Johnson said. "The good thing is that I've played a number of roles in the past and if Ross wants me to play another role for the team, I'm happy to put my hand up.

"I think Luke's playing his best footy down back. He's our leader down there and leads by example so you don't really want to take him out of his best position.

"But whatever happens, we can move a number of players around to suit our strengths."

Defender Alex Silvagni, who played for Claremont yesterday, could even be considered as a wildcard forward solution.

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Power answer Hinkley's challenge

Power coach Ken Hinkley called on his leaders to lift against West Coast. Picture: Getty Source: The Advertiser

KEN Hinkley's promise that his Port Adelaide players will never give in held up again last night as the Power extended its best-ever start to an AFL season to five wins.

Port overcame a 41-point deficit in the third term - 10 points more than it gave Adelaide at the same stage of the Showdown a fortnight ago - to beat West Coast by five points at AAMI Stadium.

Hinkley last night paid tribute to his team's leaders - best-afield Hamish Hartlett and captain Travis Boak - for carrying the Power to an extraordinary victory with their superb second-half efforts.

"I challenged Hamish at three-quarter time because I felt there was something there that he was going to deliver," said Hinkley. "I challenge my leaders really hard all the time; I demand things from them. I can't shy away from that.

"Hamish, Travis and Brad Ebert and Robbie Gray, Jay Schulz - our team leaders - they kept fighting, wanting to find a way. I know this group of young men want to do everyone proud ... they won't give up.

"I have a group that are just willing to give everything they've got. The message at half-time was to make sure we did not give up. And they did not give up."

At 5-0, Port will be considered a contender to reach the AFL finals for the first time since 2007. But Hinley says his "no limits" theme will not change at Alberton.

"No limits, no restrictions," said Hinkley. "People will want to make more of it, but we just need to make sure we stay focused. As I said on Friday, we will not get ahead of ourselves. If you step ahead of yourself, you'll be in
trouble. We're not going to do that."

Hinkley cleared his whiteboard at half-time to remove all the technical issues exposed in statistical sheets, such as the Eagles' dominance in contested football.

"We had some things written on the board - things I thought were hurting us - but I ended up rubbing them off; that was not our biggest problem," said Hinkley. "Our biggest problem was getting some effort. And if we had some effort we would put ourselves in the contest.

"In the end, you get what you deserve."

Port reported one injury with key defender Jackson Trengove, who was subbed for Robbie Gray after showing the signs of a sore foot. Key forward Jay Schulz also was nursing a sore foot after the game.

Neither is considered in doubt for next weekend's clash with North Melbourne in Hobart.

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Beams stays focused on recovery

Dayne Beams stretches out at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

INJURED Collingwood star Dayne Beams has revealed plans to return to football within the next two to three weeks.

Speaking for the first time about the torn quad muscle that sidelined him for the past five games, Beams said he had plans to step up his running this week before aiming to return via the VFL in a fortnight.

He suffered the injury the day before Collingwood's first game against North Melbourne and had a slight setback a few weeks later which brought about a more conservative approach from the medical team.

"I'm not too far away," Beams said yesterday.

"I have just got back into training and things are looking positive again.

"Obviously, with the little re-bleed that I had, they have gone the ultra-conservative path now. It's a long year, so I have got to look after it, and hopefully come back in the second half of the season bigger and better."

Beams said he would likely "step it up a bit this week and see how my legs feel."

"My ambitions compared to the physios' are completely different. I am hoping for a couple of weeks, but obviously I will have to come back through the VFL.

"I am looking at about two or three weeks."

The 23-year-old midfielder said the injury had been "extremely frustrating", but it had been put into perspective by the season-ending knee injury suffered by his brother, Brisbane's Claye Beams.

Dayne said: "I had never torn a muscle before, so it was a different feeling.

"Claye is laying up on the couch and it is just so disappointing for him. I've really got nothing to complain about."

Beams is confident the Magpies would hit back hard from their Anzac Day loss in Friday night's game against St Kilda.

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New footy drug fear after NRL death

Stephen Dank denies any wrongdoing and insists the substances he provided were above board. Source: The Daily Telegraph

A PERFORMANCE-enhancing drug given to a rugby league player before his death from cancer may have been given to at least one AFL player.

Sports bodies are investigating whether the peptide CJC-1295 was given to the player, whom the Herald Sun has chosen not to name.

He is the mystery athlete originally identified alongside Essendon players as possibly having used banned drugs.

The peptide CJC-1295 is prohibited for use by athletes. It has not been approved for human use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The player is from a club that has had an association with sports scientist Stephen Dank.

NRL player Jon Mannah died in January this year.

Mr Dank is central to investigations by the AFL and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority into whether players and coaches have been administered with substances that are dangerous or prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Mr Dank denies any wrongdoing and insists the substances he provided were above board.

CJC-1295 is promoted on bodybuilding websites as a substance that helps reduce fat and repair injured tissue.

The AFL player believed to have been given the substance has suffered a recent on-field injury.

Parramatta's Tim Mannah makes a statement about reports his brother, Jon's, fatal cancer was accelerated by peptides.

The player's representatives did not return calls and his club declined to comment.

CJC-1295 is prohibited for use by athletes, according to WADA. It is featuring heavily in investigations into sports doping in the NRL.

Cronulla has received advice that the peptide may have accelerated the Hodgkin's lymphoma death of Cronulla Sharks prop Jon Mannah.

CJC-1295 was one of the two main peptides identified by the Australian Crime Commission's Project Aperio as being widely used.

The project was an 18-month investigation into links between organised crime, performance-enhancing drugs and sport.

The hormone GHRP-6 was the other substance said to be in wide use.

A synthetic peptide that stimulates the body's natural growth hormone production, CJC-1295 was developed to treat burns and growth disorders, and can be injected or applied as a cream.

The TGA has confirmed to the Herald Sun that it is not approved for human use.

Only six permits exist for the peptide's importation, according to the Australian Crime Commission. 

carly.crawford@news.com.au

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Hunt tackles the AFL's best

Gold Coast's Karmichael Hunt handballs under pressure in the Queensland derby against the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Chris Hyde. Source: Getty Images

HAVING tackled the biggest props in rugby league, Gold Coast Suns code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is making it look just as easy stopping the biggest names in the AFL this year.

In a new role as a midfield assassin, Hunt has already claimed the scalps of St Kilda star Nick Dal Santo, Melbourne's Nathan Jones and Brisbane's former rising star Daniel Rich.

Ahead of the Suns' showdown with fellow fledgling club GWS in Canberra today, the former rugby league international revealed to The Daily Telegraph pre-season training sessions tagging Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett have

been one of the reasons for his improved consistent form this season.

In a wide-ranging interview Hunt also opened up on "rough patches" he and Israel Folau both experienced in their first AFL seasons and his burgeoning golf game.

Natural ability may be the reason for his skill on the golf course, but it has nothing to do with the 26-year-old's rise on the football field.

Having played AFL briefly in high school before being recruited by the Brisbane Broncos, it is a cop-out to think genes or talent are the reason he has succeeded in AFL when Folau hit the wall.

It is only through gut-busting work that Hunt has developed into the player Suns coach Guy McKenna trusts with the most difficult and crucial defensive assignment each week.

"I worked my butt off, I'm still working my butt off," he said. "I don't know if it's a cop-out or not, but I don't think everyone realises how hard I've had to work and

how hard the work is I still need to do to get to where I want to head.

"There have been rough patches. I get enjoyment out of being able to see improvement. You know, like in any game, the goal is trying to get better.

"There are hurdles, but you've got to find ways around it, work through it. I've always found motivation there. It was obvious the only way out for me was to work through it."

Hunt last week played on the half forward line for the Suns and could start there again if he is not given the job of shutting down Giants' prolific ball winner Callan Ward.

While the Giants overran the Suns in Canberra for their first win, the Suns appear to have made the most progress this off-season and have won eight quarters of football - and their round one clash with St Kilda - compared to the Giants' four.

Hunt's golf game is also advancing rapidly, and he is now playing off a handicap of 14 after less than two years hitting casually.

Good enough that his friendly competitions on the Burleigh Heads links with Jared Brennan, Nathan Bock, Brandon Matera and Tom Murphy, usually finish with teammates handing him their pocket money.

"Of late, I probably have been collecting a little bit of the money," Hunt said.

"But out of all of us, Nathan Bock has been playing the longest, so I'd say traditionally he is usually at short odds when we start. We're both on the same handicap at the moment.

"I got him the other day, though. It's a bit of a release. I just have to balance that with my home life with my family.

"I have a little 10-month-old daughter (Halo Amelia), which obviously takes up a fair bit of my time as well."

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Tigers defence comes to the fore

Richmond's Nick Vlastuin manages to keep the ball in play. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

RICHMOND took another step towards maturing into a September-quality side, matching its defensive mechanisms with the robotic Fremantle and showing dramatic improvement to its timid tackling.

The Tigers were blasted for gloving Collingwood just 33 times last week, but slung Dockers into the turf 71 times in a fierce display to grasp the lead until Hayden Ballantyne's match-winner at the death.

Live HQ: Fremantle v Richmond

Part of the solution was found in Nick Vlastuin, who dished out plenty of hurt in his debut at the House of Pain.

The No. 9 pick, who the Tigers identified as their wanted man months before last year's draft, laid three tackles in the first term to make an instant impact.

The ferocious half-back, who averaged 6.3 tackles last year and was renowned for his hard edge, was also pivotal off the ball.

The Vic Metro captain opened his AFL career with a goal-saving spoil against Michael Barlow, while the two consecutive smothers that led to Chris Knights' third goal would have pleased coach Damien Hardwick.

Vlastuin finished on Stephen Hill, while antagonist Daniel Jackson racked up eight tackles.

And it was the Tigers' second-stringers that led their gallant display, with Trent Cotchin struggling to shake off an ankle injury and Brett Deledio blanketed by Ryan Crowley.

The Dockers tagger, who restricted Deledio to only six disposals from 62 minutes last year, kept him to 20 and little influence last night.

Alex Rance marshalled the defence with a dominant effort against Chris Mayne, while Dylan Grimes (Jack Hannath) and Jake Batchelor (Kepler Bradley early) all won their duels.

Knights enjoyed a breakout first three quarters, booting a trio of goals, but Jack Riewoldt (one goal) and Ivan Maric (53 per cent disposal efficiency) were all down on their blistering starts to the year.

The last-gasp loss sets up a crunch clash for Richmond next week against the undefeated Geelong.

Another defeat would consign the Tigers to a 3-3 start, undoing their early jump on the competition.

Richmond became the first side to travel to Perth and lose this season, unable to match the heroics of Hawthorn, Carlton and Essendon.

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Freo break Richmond hearts

Nat Fyfe starred for Fremantle. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

RICHMOND was left heartbroken after a dramatic one-point loss to Fremantle in hugely controversial circumstances at Patersons Stadium last night.

Hayden Ballantyne was the hero in the Len Hall Game, snapping his fourth goal in the dying stages as the Dockers escaped with a thrilling victory.

But Ballantyne's goal came after Matt White's shot on goal for Richmond was obstructed by the goal umpire.

Live HQ: Fremantle v Richmond

Legend Leigh Matthews criticised the goal umpire at the city end, saying he should have been standing behind the goal line and that his positioning could have cost Richmond a goal in the final minutes of the last quarter.

White nailed a goal from the pocket a minute later to put the visitors five points up before the gallant Tigers would be denied by Ballantyne at the other end.

Richmond gamely hung in throughout the second and third terms despite having just 13 forward entries between quarter and three-quarter time.

AFL ROUND 5- Fremantle Dockers v Richmond Tigers at Patserons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Richmond's Ricky Petterd leaves the field after their one point loss. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source:

The Tigers held their own in the clearance and contested ball battles, but it failed to translate into meaningful forays into attack.

The Dockers dominated much of the game but failed to kill off the match, with the Tigers within eight points 10 minutes into the last quarter when Dustin Martin landed a sensational goal from the boundary line.

Ty Vickery kicked his third goal to close the gap to two points entering time on to send shudders through a Freo team that was pipped by Essendon at the same venue a fortnight earlier.

Chris Knights also kicked three goals.

Richmond captain Trent Cochin suffered an injury scare late in the second term when he limped from the ground but played out the match and finished with 26 touches and seven clearances.

With Matthew Pavlich still four to six weeks away after Achilles surgery this week, the Dockers lost another tall forward with Kepler Bradley subbed out with a knee injury in the second quarter.

Bradley was understood to have suffered a lateral ligament injury in his right knee after he swung his leg into the body of Dylan Grimes when trying to snap a goal.

Richmond held a 20-point lead after a terrific opening quarter, with Shaun Grigg getting a goal in the opening 30 seconds to set the tone.

The Tigers had the first three by the time Chris Mayne soccered out of mid air to get the Dockers on the board, the forward's effort coming at the same end of the ground where he hit the post a fortnight ago when Fremantle fell short against Essendon.

The Dockers dominated the second stanza, going inside 50 18 times to three and taking the lead for the first time 11 minutes into the second term when Stephen Hill's set shot made it three in a row for the home side.

AFL ROUND 5- Fremantle Dockers v Richmond Tigers at Patserons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Richmond's Dustin Martin celebrates a great goal in the final term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source:

The visitors made the most of their few opportunities to remain firmly in the match at the main break, with a second goal to Knights and followed by a great grab and goal to Vickery.

Sparks flew between coaches Damien Hardwick and Ross Lyon after the teams last meeting in Round 21 last season, when the Dockers brought in Aaron Sandilands for Jonathon Griffin just minutes before the teams ran out.

The late changes last night were finalised when the teams were handed in, with Jake King (leg) a late withdrawal for the Tigers and replaced by Robin Nahas.

Freo defender Paul Duffield was left out with a calf injury, with Nick Suban earning a repieve.

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Crows boss in bid to clear the air

The Crows' clearance king, Patrick Dangerfield, is being shut down by opposition taggers. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE spent a significant portion of its closed training session at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday working on centre clearances.

After being one of the competition's best in this category last year, the Crows are averaging an AFL-worst 10.2 centre clearances a game this season and have continually put themselves on the back foot.

The problem has stemmed from a worrying start to the season by ruckman Sam Jacobs.

Jacobs is winning less than 40 per cent of the centre hit-outs, forcing the Crows' on-ballers to adapt to reading off the opposition ruckmen.

Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Thompson - who were both in the top 10 in the competition for centre clearances last year - appear to be struggling in this area as their combined output has dropped from 5.7 centre clearances a game to just 2.7.

Sanderson said their numbers were down because "we're experimenting with them in different roles".

While it's true in Dangerfield's case, particularly last week when he spent time in attack, Thompson is attending 80 per cent of the Crows' centre bounces - the same figure as last year.

And Dangerfield's drop from attending 76 per cent of centre bounces last year to 68 per cent this year hardly justifies a near 60 per cent drop in clearances.

"The boys are trying hard in there. We'll just keep working on our method inside the centre bounce," said Sanderson after his side lost the centre clearances 13-5 to Will Minson and the Bulldogs.

"Minson is a very good ruckman - he controlled it in there."

Adelaide experienced success last season with a four-man combo of Jacobs, Thompson, Dangerfield and either Nathan van Berlo, Rory Sloane or Richard Douglas.

But it struggled when Matthew Wright was the fourth member, winning the centre clearance just 40 per cent of the time.

Surprisingly it has been this combination - Jacobs, Thompson, Dangerfield and Wright - that has become Sanderson's favourite this season.

Whether that changes today against the Blues - who have been scored against heavily from centre clearances this season - remains to be seen.

"It is an area we have been working on," Sanderson said.

"We did a lot of work (on Wednesday) on the centre bounce and stoppages."

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Hardwick blasts umps over point

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick shows his anger after losing the match by one point to the Dockers. Picture: Paul Kane. Source: Getty Images

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has blasted the umpires for not calling for a goal review in a decision that could have cost the Tigers victory against Fremantle.

Speedster Matthew White's snap was heading goalward before the ball became obstructed by the goal umpire.

The ball was then rushed through for a behind, with Tiger Tyrone Vickery behind the goalline celebrating.

Vickery missed a mid-air shot at the ball, leaving White's kick to head to the post.

A frustrated Hardwick said it as a "joke" that it wasn't sent upstairs.

"There is a system in place. Use it," he repeated several times at his post-match press conference.

"I know it crossed the line. Have you seen the replay?

"Someone make a decision."

The incident occurred deep in the last quarter of Fremantle's one-point win.

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Swans hold sway over Saints

Sydney claim the first overseas AFL win, beating the Saints in Wellington.

The AFL video review system is in the spotlight again after a close call in New Zealand

Sydney's Mike Pyke and St. Kilda's Ben McEvoy lock horns. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

ST KILDA made history last night. Unfortunately their season has now been consigned to the same status.

The Saints broke new ground as the first team to host an international premiership match, and they used the occasion to display heart and determination in short supply at times this year.

First they beat the AFL's in-and under specialists at their own game early on, then they kick-started a last term comeback that captivated the crowd of 22,546 Wellington fans.

Yet by the end of a night in which Sydney just did what they do best - stop an opponent in their tracks, surge, and stifle a late charge - the Saints were still 1-4 and out of the finals race.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

This was not quite the game to showcase everything that is glorious about the AFL, with the game at times more rugby than the aerial pinpong non-converts have accused it of resembling.

Still, with Wellington abuzz to the sounds of the AFL for a week and Westpac Stadium two-thirds full last night, it was a mighty promising start.

'Proud' Watters lauds beaten Saints

For the first and last quarters St Kilda showed everything coach Scott Watters had demanded, out Sydney-ing Sydney through the efforts of Nick Riewoldt (27 touches) and Lenny Hayes (eight tackles, 11 clearances).

Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh and St. Kilda's Clinton Jones go in hard. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Then just as Sydney and Anzac Medallist Dan Hannebery seemed certain to lock down the game as they have so often at their SCG fortress, the Saints came alive again.

From 26 points down at the last break, the kids finally began matching the work ethic of the older brigade.

By the time Leigh Montagna's silky goal from deep in the pocket had reduced the margin to ten points, the Westpac Stadium crowd was rocking for the first time.

Jon Ralph - 'Cake tin' serves up soggy dish

Shane Mumford's goal in time on iced the contest for Sydney, but given the fleet of kids the Saints carried in their line-up there was no disgrace in the loss.Not only did the Saints fight to the end, they did it with a side including first-gamers Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders, as well as Tom Lee (one game), Seb Ross (two) and Nathan Wright (two) all playing last night.

All of them showed glimpses at times, and while Riewoldt (31), Hayes (33) and Montagna (29) clearly the club's best three players, it seems St Kilda supporters are prepared to come along for what could be a rocky ride.

Sydney's Adam Goodes fends off St. Kilda's Nathan Wright. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

The good news was those elder statesman led from the front all night, Riewoldt running himself to exhaustion and inspiring fellow veterans in Sam Gilbert into some rousing first-half action.

Sydney just absorbed St Kilda's best blows, then got on with the job of rebounding from that humbling loss to Geelong last week.The old stagers took time to warm to the contest, but soon midfield stars Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebury and Jarrad McVeigh were dominating the clinches.

Luke Parker belied the slippery conditions to kick two critical goals in a low-scoring match, and Kieren Jack's 13 tackles showcased his rugby childhood.

St Kilda had the first five inside 50s and all the momentum, and could so easily have led by three goals in an inkling.

Yet an interchange infraction to Ahmed Saad gifted Josh Kennedy a long-rang goal and then Jarryn Geary's long bomb seemed to have crossed the goal line before video reviews from a shocking TV angle handed Ted Richards the mark.

Sydney's Mike Pyke crunches Justin Koschitzke after taking strong mark. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Yet with such inexperience in this St Kilda side - and Sydney containing so many flint-hard matchwinners, the Swans inevitably too control.

They would pile on the pressure - and 28 of the next 41 inside 50s - through a combination of brilliance, luck and St Kilda mistakes.

Ben McGlynn was gifted a goal-line goal when Gilbert could not force the ball through, a controversial push-in-the-back call on Tony Armstrong won Kieren Jack another, and the brilliant veteran Jude Bolton capped off another sure-handed display with a third.

From the main break, with St Kilda ten points down and battling, it looked like getting ugly.But St Kilda's rousing finish ensured that even if they remain locked on only win, nearly everyone went home happy last night.

VOTES

3. Lenny Hayes
2. Daniel Hannebery
1. Luke Parker

BEST

ST KILDA: Hayes, Riewoldt, Montagna, Gilbert, Geary, Fisher, Roberton

SYDNEY: Hannebery, Parker, McVeigh, Jack, Kennedy, 

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Crows define new role for Johncock

Adelaide Crows veteran Graham Johncock at training earlier this week. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE has defined a new role for veteran and crowd favourite Graham Johncock as he moves into the final phase of his career.

Coach Brenton Sanderson, Johncock and forward coach Mark Bickley discussed Johncock's future last week after he was dropped from the side for the second time this season.

They have now identified his role as a mentor, and one who doesn't necessarily have to play every week.

Sanderson wants him to be on edge and also sees him as a forward rather than in defence, where he has spent the majority of his 227 games.

"I had a good chat with Graham last week, with Mark Bickley, who's his line coach - we see him more as a forward now," Sanderson said.

"He's just going to have to play consistently well to stay in the side. Once again, he's had a great career for us and he's going to have to (stay) on edge to maintain his spot in the side. It's as simple as that.

"But it's not the end for him, by any means. He's offering a lot around the club as well.

"He's so much knowledge and he's played so much footy.

"He has to be able to mentor that next group of young players coming through; that's going to be part of his his role as well.

"But when he's in form, he'll play.

"At the moment, he's out of our side."

Sanderson came to Adelaide after being an assistant coach at Geelong, which regularly rested senior players, and was flexible on how to best use the Crows' other veteran, Ben Rutten.

But Rutten has been dependable this year, keeping most of his opponents quiet and guaranteeing his selection.

"Sometimes you can plan for that (resting players) to happen," Sanderson said.

"I must admit I thought that a little bit with Ben Rutten at the start of the year.

"But he's been one player for us who's just been in red-hot form.

"You probably don't notice him as much on the outside, but his opponent rarely gets much of the footy and rarely has much of an impact on the game.

"So Rutten at his age, Johncock at his age: those guys have to expect to play less footy throughout a season.

"It's just getting harder and harder, you know."

Geelong was instrumental in extending Brad Ottens' career with him becoming their version of Mr September because of the club's fitness staff's ability to time his run.

The question Sanderson will grapple with at the Crows is this: have they got enough depth to cover for Rutten and Johncock so that they can get the most out of the veterans when it matters most?

But his vision does have a clear upside. The reason Johncock is no longer seen as a defender is because they want to get more game time into younger players. Resting Johncock and Rutten at times during the home-and-away season will achieve the same aim.

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Hartlett is Port's lethal weapon

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley watches Hamish Hartlett during a drill. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

HAMISH Hartlett is Port Adelaide's long bomber.

When the ball's in his hands, good things happen.

No Power player is more effective with the football in his possession 40m or deeper from goal.

The man known as "The Jet" because of his class and the way he moves so gracefully around the football field has a lethal right boot which makes him one of the AFL's most dangerous players.

Of Hartlett's 25 goals in his 50-game career, 18 - or 72 per cent - have come from outside 40m. And 11 have been kicked from outside 50.

It is an extraordinary percentage of the midfielder/half-back's goals, and highlights just how deadly his laser-like right leg is.

Of current AFL players, only six have better hit rate percentages from long distances than Hartlett.

They are Hawthorn's Grant Birchall (90 per cent) and the injured Matt Suckling (79.2), West Coast's Shannon Hurn (87.2), Richmond's Chris Newman (75.8), Collingwood's Ben Johnson (75.7) and Sydney's Martin Mattner (72.5). All are renowned as superboots.

Hartlett - finally fit and firing after an injury-plagued first four years in the AFL - has become Port's go-to guy.

The Power wants the ball in his hands 60m from goal and is prepared to dish it off to him with handballs from set plays.

While five of his six AFL goals this year have come from outside 40m, he booted three from outside 50, including one from 65m, in the NAB Cup clash against Melbourne in Renmark.

Those statistics haven't been recorded.

"Hartsy's (Hartlett's) kicking is awesome," Port's Brad Ebert said of his midfield sidekick.

"It's so good for our team to have a player who can kick the ball so long, low and accurate as him.

"I played with Shannon (Hurn) at West Coast and he's the best kick I've seen but Hartsy's right up there. In fact he's probably as good as Hurn now."

In a season where Port has relied on its short kicking and ability to control the footy to rise dramatically up the ladder, Hartlett is the exception.

His average kick distance of 34.1m is the highest at the Power while his average metres gained per game of 496m sits second behind prolific disposal winner Kane Cornes (513m).

Hartlett's gamebreaking feats have seen him become the No. 1 target for opposition taggers who know how deadly he can be.

The 22-year-old says the attention doesn't faze him.

"It's been interesting," he said of being picked out for extra attention each week.

"If they come to me, I've got no worries about that because it gives us the opportunity to free up guys like Boaky (captain Travis Boak) and Brad (Ebert).

"If we can have a multitude of guys that are playing really well through the midfield it makes it difficult for the opposition to shut us down."

Cornes said while Hartlett's kicking was elite and had been instrumental in Port's blistering start to the year, he said his hardness at the contest should not be underestimated.

"He's so important for us," Cornes said.

"It's not only the super-skilled stuff he does for us, including his kicking, but his hardness at the footy is as good as we've got at this club.

"He is a leader of the footy club and I'm just happy he is playing for us."

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Porps axed, Vince back to face Blues

Axed Crows forward Jason Porplyzia attempts to tackle Bernie Vince at training. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

JASON Porplyzia has joined the gangplank of big-reputation Crows paying the price for indifferent form this AFL season.

The specialist forward, who was added to the Adelaide leadership group this year, last night followed Graham Johncock and Bernie Vince in losing the patience of the Crows selectors.

Porplyzia was dropped for tomorrow's clash with Carlton at the MCG, where Adelaide (2-2) will seek consecutive wins for the first time this premiership season.

Like Johncock and Vince, Porplyzia has known he was on the edge by having twice worn the substitute vest this year, in round two against Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs last Sunday.

Porplyzia's numbers have fallen in each game this season. He had 16 disposals against Essendon when he started; 13 as the substitute against the Lions; 12 as a starter in Showdown XXXIV against Port Adelaide and four at the weekend when he was given just 15 minutes of action against the Bulldogs after replacing key forward Taylor Walker.

Porplyzia has kicked just two goals this season in an attack that has lacked both stability and suitable supply from the Crows' midfield.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson last night recalled half-forward/midfielder Vince and regained midfielder-defender Brodie Smith, who last played for the Crows in the NAB Cup openers in February when he injured a collarbone.

Vince and Smith replace Porplyzia and injured first-year midfielder Brad Crouch, who strained a hamstring at training on Wednesday.

Vince resumes after being dropped to the SANFL last Friday when the Crows wanted the 2009 club champion to rebuild his confidence with a high count of disposals at Woodville-West Torrens. He had 26.

Johncock remains on the outer for the second consecutive week.

CARLTON surprised by quickly recalling Eddie Betts, who has been recuperating from a jaw injury.

Unbeaten PORT ADELAIDE recalled versatile forward Paul Stewart and denied defender Lewis Stevenson the chance to face his former West Coast team-mates at AAMI Stadium tomorrow evening.

Stewart missed last week's win against Gold Coast to recover from a minor knee injury taken out of the derby against the Crows.

Stevenson's axing is a surprise, but this highlights the difficult debate at Alberton where coach Ken Hinkley has a confident group in his match 22, all of whom can all justify selection.

WEST COAST faces the Power with its top-four finals aspirations challenged by a surprising 1-3 start. The Eagles have strengthened their defence by recalling Beau Waters and key defender Mitch Brown.

They replace shutdown midfielder-defender Adam Selwood (back) and defender Will Schofield.

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Vanuatu dreaming for Swans hopeful

Kilip Andrew from Vanuatu at the AFL's South Pacific Academy Squad skills and agility testing session in Wellington Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Kilip Andrew from Vanuatu at the AFL's South Pacific Academy Squad skills and agility testing session in Wellington Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

CLEARING crabs from a football field before you can have a kick with your mates - welcome to the life of Swans hopeful Kilip Andrew.

But Andrew's home country of Vanuatu and other islands in the South Pacific are the next hotspot of potential AFL talent.

Andrew and a dozen other promising youngsters who are part of the AFL's South Pacific academy completed a skills and agility workshop under the gaze of some of the sport's top talent spotters in Wellington last week.

"Who knows if any of these kids here today will make it to the highest level, what this program is about is showing them and everybody else there is a pathway for them to do it,'' AFL international development manager Tony Woods said.

The Sydney Swans have lead the league in scouring the corners of the earth to find premiership players with the likes of Tadgh Kennelly (Ireland) and Mike Pyke (Canada).

Now they are taking a look at talent a lot closer to home in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

"You're always looking for other ways to gain some sort of competitive advantage and add value to your list,'' Swans football development manager Stuart Maxfield said.

"We've been reasonably successful with our international recruiting.''

Regardless of the country from which they hail, Maxfield believes there are some characteristics which are vital for all players to succeed.

"The guys have to have a natural competitive streak in them, but they also have to have the capacity to listen and learn and put that into practice,'' Maxfield said.

"Mike Pyke is a classic example of a guy who is a fantastic competitor but also a really good listener and he's able to put that into practice and he has the work ethic to back it up day after day.
 

"Hawthorn have lead the way in recruiting from New Zealand and have four Kiwis on their books including Kurt Heatherley who only played his first game of Aussie Rules just over two years ago and initially knew very little about the game including the rules.

"I didn't even know it had four goal posts and I didn't know it was an oval field,'' Heatherley said.

"`I got caught for running too far with the ball I ran about 35 metres.''

The 18 year old was spotted playing under 16 basketball for New Zealand in Tasmania two years ago.

When the Hawks approached Heatherley he thought it was a joke.

"I thought they were taking the Mickey out of me so I never went to this meeting in Auckland they organised,'' Heatherley said.

Hawthorn persisted and signed the 18 year old up this year.

``I've still got a long way to go to get there but if I can compete hard and give everything a go I've got a chance.''

It's not just Heatherley that's still coming to terms with his change of sports, many of his family and mates are struggling to understand his move.

``There's a couple of my mates think AFL's for pussies,'' Heatherley said.
 

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Jack says AFL will win over Kiwis

Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack and St. Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt in Wellington ahead of today's historic first AFL match in New Zealand. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

SWANS co-captain Kieren Jack believes rugby-loving New Zealanders can fall for AFL football just like he did.

Today's history-making Anzac Day match in Wellington is expected to draw more than 20,000 fans to Westpac Stadium, home of rugby's Hurricanes.

"I tried a range of different sports and fell in love with AFL at 12 in an AusKick competition which is similar to KiwiKick over here," Jack said.

"I grew up in a very traditional rugby league background and didn't really come across the game of AFL until then.

"My passion just grew from there, it encompassed a lot of the skills and still had the same toughness levels and I really enjoyed that.

"As I started to grow older the passion really grew for AFL."

The AFL established KiwiKick in 35 New Zealand primary schools in 2009. That number has grown to 133 in 2012. Participation has gone from 1145 to 25,449 over that time with coaching numbers going from 44 to 628.

Jack believes bringing a competition game to Wellington will give New Zealand's rugby devotees a chance to make sense of what looks like a mystery sport on television.

"The more people come out that's where it starts, they come out and watch and develop an appetite," Jack said.

"Some kids might come out and watch and take it up and that's positive for the game and it's growth and hopefully we can put on a good show and people really enjoy it."

Saints co-captain Nick Riewoldt believes having the match on Anzac Day will add enormously to the sense of occasion for the locals and players alike.

"To play on Anzac Day in another country the first time in the history of the sport is a momentous occasion," Riewoldt said.

"Having been in the system for a long time I've always admired Collingwood and Essendon and they've had a mortgage on the day and represent the spirit of the day.

"As a playing group we feel really privileged to be doing that and our effort come game day will reflect that."

Westpac Stadium is home to the Hurricanes and the A-League's Wellington Phoenix but is configured in a perfect oval shape and is just 50cm shorter and wider than Etihad Stadium.

Swans coach John Longmire believes that makes it perfect for Aussie Rules.

"I don't think there's a bad seat in the house, to be able to sit there and watch a game of AFL football at a fantastic venue like this is a wonderful opportunity," Longmire said.

"You're right on top of the action and you'll be able to not only see what happens you'll be able to hear what happens. That's part of being able to come and see AFL live."

Longmire has made two changes to the team which lost to Geelong by 21 points.

Andrejs Everitt and Craig Bird come into the side for the injured Lewis Roberts-Thomson, while Mitch Morton has been dropped.

There are currently 14 players with New Zealand heritage playing in the AFL including Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn), Simon Black (Brisbane) and Karmichael Hunt (Gold Coast).

Five New Zealand-born players also hold AFL International scholarships.

The teams will play for the Simpson Henderson trophy which will be presented by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

Private John Simpson (Simpson and his donkey) served with the Australian Army Medical Corps and was killed in action at Gallipoli. Private Richard Henderson, a stretcher-bearer in the New Zealand Medical Corps, took over from Simpson.

Wellington's hotels have been completely booked out with 1500 Swans fans making the trip from Sydney and another 2500 of the St Kilda faithful travelling from Melbourne for the match.
 

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Scene, not Hird on Anzac Day

ANZAC day match is more than just a game for James Hird.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Essendon coach James Hird. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

James Hird after winning his third Anzac Day medal in 2004. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ANZAC Day is not about James Hird - he just knows plenty about it.

He grew up in Canberra, two torpedoes from the War Memorial, and every year as far back as he can remember, he would be outside watching people old and young march to the heartbeat of Australia.

Hird's grandfather and great uncle fought in World War II.

Both returned.

So, when Hird arrived at Bomberland and began playing in the annual blockbuster against Collingwood, the importance of Anzac Day was already entrenched.

That he won three won three Anzac Medals (2000, 2003-04) is beside the point.

He played some magical football on the revered occasion, but if you ask him his favourite moment of Anzac Day, he would say it was the birth of his first daughter, Stephanie, on this day in 1999.

"Anzac Day has always been a big day," he said.

"My house in Canberra was the closest house to the War Memorial, so Anzac Day was always huge. You had the big march, and from a young kid, you went and watched the march up Anzac Parade.

"Then, when I think back to '95, we played footy on Anzac Day.

"It has always meant a lot because I've been around it all my life.

"But it wasn't a football game that changed my thinking about Anzac Day."

The Bombers on Anzac Day last year. Source: Getty Images

Today is his third Anzac Day as coach and he says it remains as important to him as the first occasion as a player.

"It's an historic day where we remember people who have done so much for our country - it's as simple as that,"

Hird said. "It's very important for our young players and all players of our football club to remember those people."

Yesterday was about the Anzac message.

Hird wouldn't go into detail about what was said, and by whom.

On Monday, several players visited the Shrine of Remembrance.

This morning, those players not playing will attend the dawn service.

"We'll speak about what it means to Australia and how the young people of Australia have carried the day on," Hird said.
This is where Hird and Magpie coach Nathan Buckley are so important - at their respective teams, they carry the torch of responsibility.

They follow on from Kevin Sheedy and Mick Malthouse; men who understood the messages of life - not just football.

Hird and Buckley are there to talk to their young players.

They are also there to show leadership to young people.

Hird never tires of Anzac Day.

"There are always different stories to tell, different occasions, different parts of the story ... it's not a story I get sick of telling," he said.

"Our country was built on hard work, and part of the our history is the men and women who served and sacrificed, and who served in other countries to protect people.

"When you think of all the people who sacrificed part of their life to go to war, you just have huge pride and respect."

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We've never been better: Cornes

Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes dishes out a handball under pressure from Crows onballer Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

KANE Cornes says Port Adelaide's unbeaten 2013 team is "probably as an exciting group as we've ever had".

In a glowing endorsement of new coach Ken Hinkley and a side which has stunned the football world with its blistering start, Cornes' statement sends a warning to its rivals at what might just lie ahead for the league's third-youngest list.

Cornes played in the Power's historic first premiership team in 2004 and its only other grand final side in 2007.

The 30-year-old says this year's list compares favourably with the two which made grand finals, talent-wise at least.

"The age profiles of those groups was totally different but the club's never been in a better spot," said Cornes, who on Saturday will join Warren Tredrea as the Power's only 250-game players.

"I think if we can continue to develop and everyone strives to do that, then who knows how far we can go?.

"Our draft picks over the past two or three years have been spot-on and their excitement and ability to win contested ball and tackle has been great.

"Right now we've probably got six, seven or eight guys playing well in the SANFL and we haven't had that for a while at this club.

"Certainly our injury list is as good as it's ever been, so the boys know they've got to perform or they won't play."

Cornes said the Power - which won a total of eight games in the previous two seasons - was reaping the reward of some astute recruiting and off-field decisions.

"The club's made some really good off-field decisions," he said.

"Not only with the coach and the support network that he has got around him, but with the fitness staff.

"We punished ourselves during the pre-season and that's given us the ability to be able to compete.

"We've all known that we've had talent but for Burgo (fitness coach Darren Burgess) to come in and get them fit and firing has been important.

"And full credit to the players because they've worked so hard behind closed doors and now they're getting the reward."

Cornes said the sky's the limit for Port this year but that one of the keys to its early success was not looking too far ahead.

"Right from the moment Ken took over he spoke about our behaviours," Cornes said.

"If our behaviours are spot on, who knows how far we can go."

The Power faces another big credibility test against West Coast at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

While the Eagles are struggling at 1-3, they were one of the pre-season favourites to win this year's premiership.

"It's a huge game for us," said Cornes.

"Obviously they've copped a bit this week (after losing at home to Carlton) but they are such a proud club and a club that we've got such respect for.

"They've touched us up the past three times we've played them, their midfield depth is amazing and they've got superstars on every line, so the boys are really looking forward to it."

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Injury setback for young gun Crouch

Brad Crouch, left, warms up with Matthew Jaensch and Bernie Vince before a closed session, at which Crouch injured his hamstring. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE midfielder Bernie Vince will receive the chance to redeem himself against Carlton on Saturday after rookie Brad Crouch hurt his hamstring at training.

It was a blow to the Crows to lose Crouch, who has impressed in his debut season, but will take some pressure off at the selection table. Crouch is expected to miss at least two weeks but the initial thought was a minor strain.

Vince was dropped for the Crows' win against the Western Bulldogs after a spate of humdrum form but responded with a commanding match for Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL on Friday night.

It led to coach Brenton Sanderson yesterday announcing Vince is too good to run around at local level and made him shuffle the magnets to find a spot for him against the Blues at the MCG, the Crows' first outing at the venue this season.

"I did like how Bernie went back, you know," Sanderson said.

"He went back and dominated that game in the SANFL and he's too good to be playing in the SANFL.

"So we'll look for opportunities to get those guys back when we can.

Bernie Vince in action for the Eagles last weekend. He's too good for the SANFL, says Crows coach Brenton Sanderson. Picture: Sarah Reed.

"It wasn't that he (Vince) had to learn a lesson, he was just a bit out of touch, he was out of form and we had players playing in the SANFL who we really liked.

"I really do like Bernie as a player. It wasn't that he had to go back to learn a lesson. He just had to go back and just find some form and he did that."

But Sanderson, whose side has been on a rollercoaster after last year's spike in form, will continue to be ruthless when it comes to selection.

He said he was unconcerned about having a side that changed significantly on a weekly basis and would not value having a settled side over the form of players.

"I think you pick the team each week to win," Sanderson said.

"You don't think, 'we're not going to change it because I don't want to make too many changes'. You pick a 22 each week that you think will win the game."

Crowd favourite Graham Johncock, who was left out of the Crows side on the weekend, had no chance to make amends in the local league when he was Adelaide's emergency.

Sanderson said there were still plans ahead for Johncock, primarily in the forward line.

Sanderson also revealed the club had discussed having Cam Ellis-Yolmen, whom he had hoped would make his AFL debut this year, change SANFL clubs if he cannot crack into the firsts at the Eagles.

"Ideally, we'd prefer for our players to be playing SANFL league," Sanderson said.

"But that can't always be the case and we work with the SANFL teams to ensure that the guys get as much exposure as they can to league footy.

"But we understand they pick a side to win, as well.

"We are monitoring that one and it could be an option for us if he continues to play reserves footy.

"But the ball is in his court a bit, too.

"He should be dominating SANFL reserves and hopefully he gets back into the league side and plays well.

"I'm still confident that we'll see him play AFL this year."

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We took the drug: Essendon

Essendon have admitted to drug investigators some of its players took anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last year. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has admitted to drug investigators some of its players took the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last year.

The Bombers said they relied on a document purported to have been issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency approving use of the substance, which WADA confirmed this week was banned.

It is believed Essendon's former sports scientist Stephen Dank showed a document to Bombers club doctor Bruce Reid.

Essendon does not have the letter, and believes Dank has the only copy.

Several Essendon officials are aware of the letter's existence.

Dank was not available to respond to questions about the document yesterday.

It has been reported "half a dozen" Bombers took the drug as part of the supplements program at Essendon last year, the subject of a joint Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority-AFL investigation.

While AOD-9604 is not banned under category S2 of the WADA code - which lists specific substances - it is prohibited under category S0, which states substances not approved for human use are prohibited at all times.

Reid has been interviewed by ASADA investigators and is believed to have told them of the letter of authorisation.

Essendon coach James Hird also has been interviewed, with other coaches and players to follow.

Dank has not yet agreed to talk to ASADA.

Given he is not employed by an AFL club, he is not compelled to submit to interview.

Asked about an AOD-9604 "authorisation letter" last night, an Essendon spokesman said: "The club has launched an AFL-ASADA investigation and an internal review and we will not be commenting until the investigations are completed."

If charged with doping, players would be expected to defend themselves under 'exceptional circumstances' provisions in the WADA code and the AFL Anti-Doping Code, which can have two-year bans cancelled.

WADA's rule 10.5.1 discusses the principle of "no fault or negligence", and is based on athletes proving they did not know what they were being given by sports scientists or doctors.

If an athlete can prove "in an individual case that he or she bears no fault or negligence, the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility shall be eliminated".

The Australian Crime Commission said yesterday it had relied on information from ASADA in compiling its report on drugs in sport, which stated several times AOD-9604 was not prohibited.

Melbourne has also been linked to "AOD" in text exchanges between Dank and Demons club doctor Dan Bates revealed last week.

Bates, who has been stood down by Melbourne, was interviewed by ASADA and AFL officers last week.

He said yesterday: "I wish to point out that I will be open and transparent and I look forward to continuing to fully assist ASADA and the AFL in their investigations."

with Eliza Sewell

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Players must step up: Watters

Swan Kieren Jack and St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt in Wellington. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters has channelled legendary coach Mick Malthouse by urging his players to prove their character in today's historic Anzac Day clash.

The Saints enter the game against Sydney with a precarious 1-3 record.

Big man Justin Koschitzke will play his first game of the season as one of five changes, with All-Australian defender Sean Dempster (wrist) another inclusion.

St Kilda will field two debutants - Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders - while Tom Lee is back in.

Sydney recalled Craig Bird and Andrejs Everitt for Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) and forward Mitch Morton (dropped).

This game is shaping as St Kilda's line in the sand moment - playing the Swans on a foreign ground with key absentees and at a ground guaranteed to provide flukey winds.

For Watters, an assistant with Collingwood on previous Anzac Days, this is a chance for his players to prove their mettle.

"What we are looking for is real honesty in the contest. On this particular day, this particular stage, so many people watching, it's an opportunity for players to show what they stand for, on both sides, I guess," Watters said.

"You've got to take those opportunities whether you're a young player or an older player, to make a statement on what type of player you are.

"It's not a final, but these sort of games have that sort of feel to it.

"You've got to win games to stay in the hunt, we don't shy away from that. It's a big game, as last week was.

"You've just got to take your chances when they're there if you want to stay relevant and push yourself up the ladder."

Of debutant Saunders, Watters said: "He is a terrific kid, he's got great courage over the footy.

"He has good pace, good endurance, a developing player."

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt said yesterday he remained quietly optimistic about the club's season.

"At the end of the day, it's a game of football for four points and we are on the hunt for a win." he said.

"We have been thereabouts this season without getting over the line and are clearly playing an opposition that we respect, but I think we match up really well. Last year we had a couple of really close games against them so we are quietly confident about our chances and looking forward to a really tough struggle."

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Voss has backing of Lions chairman

Lions coach Michael Voss isn't surprised some are calling for his head.

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has the full support of his chairman Angus Johnson despite the team's poor start to 2013. Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE chairman Angus Johnson says the Lions have lost respect in the AFL after their poor start to 2013 and has challenged the players to make amends on Sunday.

Johnson has also thrown his full support behind senior coach Michael Voss ahead of the must-win match against Melbourne at the Gabba.

Brisbane is 1-3 after four rounds, but the way the Lions all but surrendered to the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne has rendered the undefeated NAB Cup campaign irrelevant and placed the club under the microscope for all the wrong reasons.

"Talk is cheap. The only way that the team will undo the lack of respect that the first month has brought about will be by performing on the field and it starts this Sunday against Melbourne," Johnson told The Courier-Mail.

"Our (Brisbane's board) take on the start to the season is no different to that of our members, supporters, sponsors, players and all stakeholders in the Lions ... it has quite clearly been very disappointing.

"The board is of the view that we are four rounds into what is a long season and the players now have an opportunity to show the football community that they are better than that."

Johnson said Voss had the full backing of the board.

Triple premiership captain Voss is off-contract at the end of 2013 and negotiations have been put-off until the end of the season.

Brisbane won 10 games in 2012 and Voss needs to pilot the Lions to at least that mark if he is to keep his job.

The Lions take on seven of last year's top eight as well as Essendon and Carlton in the next 10 weeks.

"We are all very confident that Michael is the right man to lead this club," Johnson said.

"We are not going to give a running commentary on the coach. We said a month ago that we will be reviewing Vossy's contract at the end of the year and nothing has changed."

A defiant Voss said yesterday that he did not feel under any extra pressure to keep his job.

"Based on past experience, I'm not surprised at all (that I'm under pressure)," Voss said.

"The only way I can explain that is, a coach is not what I am, it's what I do."

Voss said for the Lions players this week was about "righting some wrongs".

Brisbane has resisted the temptation to rush veteran midfielder Simon Black into the senior side after a successful comeback from a knee injury in the NEAFL last week.

He will play for the Lions reserves against the Gold Coast in Mackay today.

Irishman Niall McKeever is set to be dropped from the seniors with rookie elevation Justin Clarke poised to take his place and make his senior debut.
 

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Jumper is no black-and-white issue

Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert and nephew Brad Ebert in the traditional black-and-white guernsey. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

LIKE a red rag taunts a bull, a black-and-white strip at Port Adelaide stirs emotions: And reactions, far and wide.

The Power will close its AFL story at AAMI Stadium - ignoring finals - wearing the club's traditional "prison-bar" black-and-white jumper.

Even referring it to as a "prison-bar" guernsey creates debate as some of the old guard from Port's 1940s teams say they always knew the white stripes on their jumper to reflect pickets rather than prison bars.

They suggest the jail reference has been manufactured by Port's detractors, who love to put a stigma on the club's social base.

So where is everyone at with the Power opting to wear its black-and-white colours for just the third time in the AFL?

Almost every hardcore Port supporter loves it. They still wish the Power had told the AFL and Collingwood to jump when the club's entry to the big league demanded a new set of colours and a new nickname to avoid a clash with the Victorian Magpies.

Those who are club members are already lining up or counting their pennies to put down the $260 fee to get one of the 1600 limited-edition replica jumpers.

So why not every hardcore Port fan? Because there are still some who believe the Magpies in the SANFL are the "real" Port Adelaide and the Power has no right to its history, traditions ... or prison bars.

Then there is the non-Magpie Power supporter, the one who came to the AFL from Sturt, Norwood, Central District and any other SANFL club that has seen the prison-bar jumper as a symbol to hate.

Keep in mind Port promoted that hate with a "them-against-us" theme.

There will be those who argue wearing the black-and-white jumper will do nothing to endear the Power to the wider football community.

They will seek out a Power player - such as the Sturt-bred Angus Monfries and West Adelaide-reared Hamish Hartlett - to see how they truly feel about wearing an enemy SANFL jumper.

It was the same with the Glenelg-linked Cornes brothers when Port last wore black-and-white in 2007.

For the record, Kane Cornes - who hopes to wear the prison bars for the second time in August - says he is more than happy to wear the black and white.

Then there's Collingwood - the club that has an extraordinary hold on black and white stripes in the AFL.

Club president Eddie McGuire's first reaction to the Power dusting down its SANFL jumper was to automatically snarl.

But he has conceded, recognising Port has a "heritage" theme for wearing the jumper.

The Power wants to pay homage to the 13 SANFL premierships won at AAMI Stadium from 1974 - a success story that propelled the club to the AFL.

Some will smirk at this tribute, considering how Port has strived to get away from the old Football Park to the new Adelaide Oval next year.

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Cahill's seal for heritage tribute

Port Adelaide great John Cahill announcing his retirement from coaching back in 1995. Picture: Ray Titus. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide legend John Cahill has backed the Power's decision to wear the traditional black-and-white jumper in its farewell from AAMI Stadium in August.

And the man who guided the Magpies to 10 of their 13 SANFL premierships at the West Lakes arena says the new-look Power is again upholding all of the Port Adelaide traditions built in the "prison bar" guernsey.

"I can see the old-style of Port Adelaide coming back," said Cahill yesterday as the Power launched the jumper at AAMI Stadium.

"And I don't see any reason why they won't keep winning.

"They're confident and the way they are playing there is no limit to where they could go.

"They can achieve anything if they want."

Port will wear the black-and-white strip for the third time in an AFL premiership match when it hosts Carlton in the last AFL home-and-away game at AAMI Stadium in late August.

The club's special run of 1600 replicas jumpers - that will sell for $260 to members - was keenly taken up by Power fans yesterday.

Victorian-draftee Robbie Gray yesterday embraced honouring the black-and-white jumper in the farewell to AAMI Stadium.

"As soon as you walk into the club you appreciate the importance of its history," Gray said.

"In round 23, we play on AAMI Stadium for the last time remembering how proud the club is to have won 13 premierships on the ground.

"It is a great opportunity for the boys today to recognise how those flags set up the club for the AFL, and we're looking forward to honouring those achievements."

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Port membership set to crack 40,000

Port Adelaide president David Koch among the Power faithful, volunteering to throw pies at Footy Show presenter Garry Lyon in Rundle Mall. Picture: Mark Brake. Source: The Advertiser

THE Port Adelaide community is "igniting" behind the club with its best-ever start to an AFL season to be matched by record membership this week.

Amid fears supporters had disengaged from the club in recent years, chief executive Keith Thomas said membership was now poised to sur-pass  its  highest-ever total of 38,850 set in 1998.

Last Friday, membership went past last year's tally of 37,735 and is expected to hit the magical 40,000 by the end of the month.

"It's a really significant number; it's another milestone and a statement to the AFL and to the whole competition that Port Adelaide is back and significant," Thomas said.

"I think it's just fantastic that the Port Adelaide community is buying in to the club's resurgence and they're voting with their feet.

"That support is so important to this playing group because you can feel it, you can feel the energy."

Thomas, who has been in the role since October, 2011, said Port Adelaide supporters never lost interest during a difficult last few years, but some had become "disengaged".

"A key difference is last year they'd buy membership but wouldn't require games, this year they're buying memberships with 11-game opportunities, so they want to come and watch again and that's a very big stat," he said.

"I think the Port Adelaide community was disappointed with what they'd been seeing and hearing from Port Adelaide for many years and were sitting back with their arms folded saying `show me something'.

"Now they're seeing it and I reckon they're igniting underneath it."

Thomas said internal optimism had been building at Alberton since the new coaching and playing group attacked pre-season.

"But you can't really tell until you start playing and I reckon that's where the broader Port Adelaide community is at, they're starting to see it materialising in front of them.

"I think we are in that phase where the hope of a better season and spread of results is starting to turn into belief.

"There's a great deal of optimism around the place and they're enjoying watching Port Adelaide play again."

If Port Adelaide's "Drive to 40,000" membership campaign is achieved, one member will win a Renault car - the ticket to be drawn at the home game against Collingwood on June 29.

The next step for the club will then be to throw away the black tarps which for years have covered empty seats at AAMI Stadium.

There were no tarps for the Round 3 Showdown and only two were in place against GWS because of sponsorship commitments.

"But our intention is we won't be needing them in the future," Thomas said.

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Smith begs for reprieve from axe

Gold Coast ruckman Zac Smith is struggling for form and in danger of being axed. Source: Getty Images

UNDER-PRESSURE Suns ruckman Zac Smith has made an impassioned plea for coach Guy McKenna to give him another chance as the club prepares to wield the axe for Saturday's crunch clash against Greater Western Sydney in Canberra.

Smith's head is expected to be on the chopping block after he failed to use his big body to any effect in the loss to Port Adelaide last weekend.

Smith last night revealed he had genuine concerns about keeping his spot in the team.

It would be a major call to axe Smith, regarded as one of the club's best talents.

But it is believed the match selection committee are concerned with his form.

Smith declared he wanted another chance, certain he can lift his game.

"I want the chance to play against GWS this weekend to prove myself," he said.

"Lynchy (Tom Lynch) had a great game (in the reserves) last weekend and I'm sure he will be back in.

"Because he had such a good game and I'm tall as well, there is always that bit of doubt I might not be there."

Smith has been criticised for his lack of aggression in his early days at the Suns.

While the 205cm giant admits he has a long way to go to better use his big frame, the 23-year-old is adamant he is moving in the right direction.

"I need to show a bit more intensity in the air and crash a few more packs," he said.

"I'm still working on (my aggression) but you know you're not going to be perfect every week and I'm trying to become a consistent player.

"It's tough and you know during games when you make mistakes and you just wait around to Monday for that review and wait until you can address that with the coaches."
 

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