Tank statements may cook Dees

The AFL investigation has centred on comments made in a Demons football department meeting run by football operations manager Chris Connolly, pictured with Dean Bailey, allegedly reminding staff about the importance of the extra draft pick. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

FIGURES connected to the Melbourne tanking investigation have been told up to a dozen people have "rolled over" about how the club has managed past lists.

The statements potentially incriminate Demons administrators amid growing fears the club and individuals could face serious league sanctions.

Club leaders are examining evidence gained from the AFL's five-month inquiry into its controversial 2009 season.

The AFL has demanded an official response from the club before it decides if charges will be laid.

Current and former Dees officials questioned by AFL investigators were warned their future in the game was at risk if they did not co-operate or were found to have provided false information.

The Herald Sun can reveal some of the interviewees were subsequently told as many as 12 people had provided the AFL's investigators with potentially incriminating details about the club's intent throughout the second half of the 2009 campaign.

After the initial interviews, many were recalled for second and third meetings from October to clarify inconsistencies in evidence.

The AFL has stated it expects to make a decision on any charges by the end of the month.

If guilty, Melbourne could be stripped of draft picks or fined.

But there is a growing belief the AFL would prefer to penalise individuals for wrongdoing.

Melbourne won just four games in 2009 to qualify for a priority draft choice.

The AFL investigation has centred on comments made in a Demons football department meeting run by football operations manager Chris Connolly, allegedly reminding staff about the importance of the extra draft pick.

It is also believed it has inquired about knowledge of a follow-up meeting between former coach Dean Bailey and chief executive Cameron Schwab at Schwab's house.

Unusual tactical moves in the Dees' losses to Sydney (Round 17) and Richmond (Round 18) have been the subject of intense speculation.

It is believed up to 20 people were interviewed by AFL investigators Brett Clothier and Abraham Haddad, including Bailey, Schwab, Connolly, ex-captain James McDonald and current football manager Josh Mahoney.

Others included Scott West, Kelly O'Donnell, Sean Wellman, Mark Williams and ex-recruiting boss Barry Prendergast.

Melbourne has pledged to defend itself against any charges.

Former Melbourne player Brock McLean provoked a formal inquiry into the tactics when he said Blind Freddy could see the club had a strategy to restrict performance.

"You can't create a good culture by going out and experimenting and trying to get draft picks and losing games of football," McLean said. "It goes against everything you're trying to do."

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Bombers backed for flag

Essendon coach James Hird will have plenty to smile about this year if punters are on the money. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has been the best backed team in AFL premiership markets with the Bombers firming from $26 into $17.

"As soon as we opened them at $26 there was solid support and obviously with the signing of Brendon Goddard they are well placed to have a big year," TAB's Adam Hamilton said.

Bigger bets placed with the TAB on the Bombers include $500 at $26 and $1250 at $17.

There has also been strong backing for West Coast at the seemingly generous odds of $7.

"We took a $3000 bet on West Coast at $7 for a potential $21,000 collect right after the announcement that they had recruited classy midfielder Cale Morton so plenty of punters are confident they have the list to go to the next level this season," Hamilton said.

One Sportsbet.com.au punter is predicting Geelong can have another big season.

"We took a $10,000 bet on the Cats for the flag at $21 for a potential $210,000 collect," Sportsbet.com.au's Haydn Lane said.

Geelong is now into $18.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood can sum up his club in one word: evolving. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Coleman Medal

LANCE Franklin has been well backed at $3.25 to win the 2013 Coleman Medal with leading online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au.

"Buddy had the Coleman at his mercy this year before his assault was ruined by injury, he kicks big bags and we expect the money to continue for him at that price," Sportsbet.com.au's Haydn Lane said.

Adelaide forward Taylor Walker is the $5.50 second favourite ahead of this year's winner Jack Riewoldt, who has opened at $6 alongside Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.

One punter is confident that Collingwood forward Travis Cloke will have a big year after staying with the Pies.

"One of the first bets we wrote was a $250 wager on Cloke for a potential $4500 collect," Lane said.

Good news for me - Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

No love for the Saints

ST KILDA has attracted the most money to not make the finals this season.

"Punters are treating the $1.55 on the Saints not playing finals footy as a free kick with bets of $2500 and $1500 on at that price," Centrebet's Michael Felgate said.

The Western Bulldogs are the shortest priced team at just $1.01 not to make the eight with odds not offered for new boys Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

"We also have a most losses market and one punter has had a monster crack on Melbourne at $15 with a bet of $5000 for a potential $75,000 collect," Felgate said.

No loss: St Kilda coach Scott Watters insists he is not bothered star utility Brendon Goddard has quit the club. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Brownlow Medal

FOR the first time in AFL betting history there are four players locked at the top of Brownlow medal markets.

"We can't split Gary Ablett, Dane Swan, Trent Cotchin and Jobe Watson all locked at $9 so we are leaving it up to the punters and there has been solid support for all four of them," Hamilton said.

Rising Star Award

MELBOURNE father-son recruit Jack Viney has been the best backed player to win the NAB Rising Star award.

"We opened Viney at $16 and he was heavily backed at that price and is now into $10 and second favourite,"

Gold Coast rookie Jaeger O'Meara remains the $7 favourite with good money for another son of a champion at long odds.

"Barry Mitchell's son Tom has firmed from $35 into $26, he showed plenty of promise last season and has the advantage of a second season in the system," Eskander said.

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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From the basket to Crows' rookies

New Crows recruits who were former basketballers - Jack Osborn and Tim Klaosen. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

He is standing in the Crows shed with recruiter Hamish Ogilvie and list manager David Noble and being told to kick the football.

But he is a basketballer, not a footballer. He has barely held a football for nine years, let alone tried to kick one.

And this is no half-time heroes session in the backyard with mates.

He is trying to convince Adelaide officials he should be on an AFL list.

It is SANFL grand final day and outside nearly 30,000 people are making their way to AAMI Stadium.

Inside the shed, there are only three people as Klaosen takes a deep breath and lets rip. He is sure it did not auger well when the pair had called him in for a chat.

"At the end they said, 'we've had basketballers out before and said no straight away','' Klaosen recalls of their October 7 meeting.

"But they said, 'we've seen enough in you to invite you back' and I was shocked.''

That bought Klaosen four days until his next examination to practice kicking the footy with his brother.

Again, he passed the test.

Then came the sprint and agility testing, followed by another kicking session under pressure at Lockleys Oval and he was signed.

That is how a Sturt basketballer who had not played football since under-14s even then he lasted only four games before rolling his ankle and giving it away became an Adelaide Crow.

Even his closest mates were stunned.

"They make a bit of fun but they've been good about it,'' Klaosen said. "They say things like 'let's go and play cricket for Australia'.

"Some of my basketball teammates didn't even know it was happening so they were really taken aback.''

Along with Hobart basketballer Jack Osborn, the pair has joined Adelaide as three-year non-registered rookies for the 2013 season.

Osborn at least had a semi-serious football background before spending the past four years playing college basketball in the US.

He played juniors with Kingborough and North Hobart right up until leaving for America, but is yet to play a game of senior football.

The 205cm giant returned to Australia this year but when his NBL deal with the doomed Gold Coast Blaze fell through, his manager Paul Bell raised the possibility of returning to football and opened talks with the Crows.

In late October, Osborn flew from Hobart to Adelaide for an interview and a beep test at Crows headquarters.

Also being interviewed that day was Werribee's Kyle Hartigan, who was subsequently taken by the club in the rookie draft.

"I think it went well that day,'' Osborn said.

"The best thing I knew they liked was that I can jump high and tap the ball.

"My biggest fear was that I would not be fit enough.''

But he has improved rapidly, going from 1360m in his first five-minute run to almost 1500m in a few weeks.

He has also shed 7kg in the past fortnight to tip the scales at 107kg.

Bell, a state league basketball coach, was also the reason Klaosen found himself standing in the Crows shed in October. They had five weeks of pre-season training before finally enjoying the festive season break.

Together, they have done up to three sessions a day of everything from running and weights to yoga, wrestling and even gymnastics to turn themselves into footballers.

"I didn't think we'd be doing gymnastics,'' Klaosen said of his new regime.

According to Klaosen, his footy knowledge is up to speed and his hands are good, but his kick still needs work and, as a right-footer, the rookie is yet to even try kicking with his left foot.

"The development coaches have told me to get the right foot correct first,'' he said.

"I've got to work on kicking accurately over 20-30m that flat, low ball.

"Mine are a bit floaty.''

He rated Scott Thompson and Andy Otten as the best kicks he had seen so far.

At 196cm and 88kg, Klaosen knows he has to put on size but hopes to develop into a tall defender.

His long-term goal is to play an SANFL league game somewhere in the second half of next season.

Klaosen has enjoyed the physical side of training so far but knows the contact work will come soon enough.

"I'll let you know how I'm going in a couple of months,'' he said.

Osborn admitted he was still getting his head around the fact that he had gone from "might give footy a try'' to an AFL list in six weeks.

"It has blown my mind,'' he said.

"I've gone to Centrals in the mini-draft and I'm really excited about going out there and getting involved.

"I've just got to keep working hard and show the coaches and players I belong.

"All my mates have been supportive but they think I'm really lucky as well.

"But a lot don't know how hard I'm working.''

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Cats turn up the heat

Looking back on Port's year of pain

Jimmy Bartel back training at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: HWT Image Library

GEELONG blew out its festive cobwebs in sweltering conditions at Simonds Stadium yesterday.

As the mercury climbed over 30C by mid-morning, the players sweated their way through a light skills session.

Star midfielder Jimmy Bartel completed some short run-throughs and handballing drills as he recovers from a foot injury.

Daniel Menzel, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after straining it before Christmas, arrived on crutches.

Billie Smedts showed no signs of a nagging hip injury, while ruck recruit Hamish McIntosh was a notable absentee.

Assistant coach Blake Caracella said McIntosh would be ready for Round 1.

"Hamish was a bit sore early on, but before Christmas he was starting to run around and join in training," Caracella said.

"The first NAB Cup game is only six or seven weeks away. There is a program we have set out and we need to complete the modules inside that (to be ready)."

Caracella said Geelong had tweaked its game plan to "stay ahead of the curve" in 2013.

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Converts are not such a tall order

Looking back on Port's year of pain

New Crows recruits who were former basketballers - Jack Osborn and Tim Klaosen Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

THE Crows aren't about to stake out local basketball games every weekend but list manager David Noble knows there's plenty of potential to find more footballers crashing the boards.

Tim Klaosen and Jack Osborn's signings as three-year non-registered rookies last month made it five basketball converts on Adelaide's list in 2013.

Forward Ricky Henderson was shooting hoops in Victoria when he was drafted in 2009, Ben Dowdell was a former college basketballer signed under the AFL's alternative talent rule last year and Josh Jenkins played NBL before lobbing in the AFL.

Noble said there were tell-tale signs as to whether a good basketballer might make it on the football field.

"We went to watch Tim (Klaosen) play basketball,'' Noble said. ``You look for things like can he turn defence into offence? How does he release the ball? Is he a good decision-maker? Is he aggressive?

"Then you need to make an assessment on their mechanics. Where they can improve, what areas to target and how long until we get them there.''

Klaosen admits his kicking needs plenty of work but Noble said there were many positives. ``What caught our eye was his athleticism and his agility at ground level.

"And as you get further into it you understand what these guys are like. You get a feeling of how hard they're willing to work and are they going to give it everything they've got''

Osborn was just as impressive in his trial for the Crows after four years of basketball in the US.

"His speed was good for a big guy,'' Noble said.

"He'd played (football) longer than Tim had and we watched him with (ruck coach) Matt Clark and how he marked the ball at the highest point.

"It was a normal marking style.''

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Geelong's Brian Cook off to school

Brian Cook is going back to school. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

ONE of the AFL's top club administrators, Geelong chief executive Brian Cook, is going back to school.

Cook will do a six-week advanced management course at Harvard University in Boston early this season.

The Cats have given him their blessing to further his studies after he turned down a lucrative offer to join North Melbourne late last year.

Geelong president Colin Carter said the trip was intended partly to help refresh Cook after turning the Cats into a powerhouse.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook is involved in his seventh grand final with the Cats Picture: Glenn Ferguson/Geelong Advertiser Source: No Source

"It's a six-week course for very senior executives and the idea is that, considering he has been in the role for 14 years, it is a good time to go away and reflect on the work he has done and get away from the place," Carter said.
"I know he is looking forward to it and we think he will find it quite a refreshing experience.

"There will be 50 to 100 really top-class people from all sorts of walks of life, from business and various industries, and they will all contribute to each other."

It is expected Cook will be overseas throughout April, with senior Geelong staff members to share his role in his absence.

The Cats remain confident they can continue an extraordinary run with a seventh consecutive finals appearance.

They have missed September action only once in the past nine years and accelerated a transition by blooding 10 players at senior level last season.

It was the first time in 32 years a reigning premier played that many debutants.

Carter, who oversaw the introduction of the priority draft pick as an AFL commissioner in 1993, said the Cats wanted to buck the trend of top clubs "bottoming out".

"AFL equalisation, which I was originally a part of, was designed to force us down the ladder, and based on that we should be going gracefully down the bottom - but we don't intend to do that," he said.

Carter said the performance of the team's youngsters in making the elimination final last year was a positive sign the Cats would remain a force.

The club has also bolstered its list by welcoming former Gold Coast onballer Josh Caddy, 20, and two mature-age players, ex-North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh and defender Jared Rivers from Melbourne.

New Geelong recruit Josh Caddy. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Herald Sun

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Crows win Bunn fight for recruiter

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson, right, keeps and eye on pre-season training. The club has just added former Port Adelaide staffer Phil Bunn to its recruiting team. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE has nabbed a long-term Port Adelaide staffer to fill its recruiting vacancy and help guide it through the most testing draft period in its history.

Phil Bunn will join the Crows' recruiting team next month and is responsible for harvesting the best available talent in SA and WA.

He will have the added challenge of finding diamonds in the rough after the Crows were banned from the first two rounds of the 2013 National Draft for their part in the Kurt Tippett scandal.

Bunn has been the Power's Melbourne-based recruiter for the past three years and been involved in talent identification with the club since its inception in 1997.

In 2008 he coached the Murray Bushrangers to the TAC Cup premiership and helped produce AFL stars Steele Sidebottom, Jack Ziebell and Tom Rockliff.

Crows list manager and acting football operations manager David Noble yesterday confirmed Bunn's appointment and said the two parties were now finalising a start date.

"We've been through the interview process and we've settled on him (Bunn)," Noble said.

"It was a terrific field (of candidates) and we had a lot of inquiries both interstate and locally.

"Phil came out on top. He's got great experience, is a great person and has a great eye for detail.

"His attention to detail in his presentation was very good. We haven't got first and second round picks (this) year so to have someone with experience ... and he's got a great record as far as development goes."

Bunn will report to Noble and recruiting boss Hamish Ogilvie.

While Port Adelaide officials were unavailable for comment yesterday, Noble said he did not expect Bunn's appointment to ruffle any feathers at Alberton.

"I don't think so, that was not the intention," Noble said.

"It was about finding the best candidate, creating opportunities and bringing them on board.

"We had to decide what our structure was going to look like and he'll (Bunn) be crucial in our planning."

Noble said the club had always intended to bolster its recruiting team following Matt Rendell's sudden departure last year, but it was a "matter of timing" before making an appointment.

Adelaide players return to training from their Christmas break on Monday.

According to the club's website, Luke Thompson (ankle), Bernie Vince (shoulder), Ricky Henderson (finger), Matthew Jaensch (groin) and Jared Petrenko (shoulder) will move from modified programs to full contract training when they return to West Lakes.

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Sam struts a different sash

Changed man: Sam Lonergan wants to repay the faith the Tigers have shown in him. Picture: David Smith Source: Herald Sun

SAM Lonergan had a feeling his papers had been stamped.

But when coach James Hird told him his 79-game Essendon career was over, it hit him like a ton of bricks.

"It was a two-minute meeting with Hirdy and it was pretty much, 'We're not going to go with you going forward'. That was pretty much it," Lonergan said.

"It left me wondering and wanting to know answers. I was very frustrated and there was a sense of being angry towards that decision.

"I was shocked because at the time I believed I still should be in that team, but I'd seen it coming. When I started getting inklings about my future it was frustrating and a bit of a shock to be experiencing that, and at times it was very tough.

"Even now I still probably don't understand why it happened, but that's footy and the way it works. You deal with things to the best of your capabilities and, I guess, do it respectfully rather than losing your cool.

"You've got to move forward and wait for the next door to open up and you attack that with everything you've got."

The door opened to a rookie list spot at Punt Rd.

But the midfielder's path to Richmond was far from cut and dried. He met the Tigers within days of being delisted, but then heard nothing for three weeks.

"I spent a good month doing my own pre-season," Lonergan, 25, said.

"It was different because there are moments when you have flat days, where you're not feeling great, or you're not as enthusiastic to train.

"Of course that happens in the regular AFL environment, but when you're in a large group ... other guys bring you up.

"But in saying that, I was really happy with the month that I had by myself. I felt I'd trained extremely hard and probably did more than I needed to do just to try and ease my mind on if I was falling behind or going along the same as AFL clubs."

Unsure about the future and with no income, Lonergan, along with former Bombers teammate Ricky Dyson, took to construction work.

Then a week before the December pre-season and rookie drafts, the Tigers got back in touch.

"They said they hadn't gone anywhere. They'd just kept it quiet and laid low. Then on the day I got a phone call about 20 minutes before the draft, saying, 'We're going to take you'.

"Richmond has done very well through the trading and drafting period. I've been very impressed with the character that they've brought to the club, along with the character that's already at the club.

"In terms of opportunity, for me it's not my No.1 goal at this stage to be looking at that sort of stuff.

"I really just want to get myself in absolute peak physical shape. Performances will come after that and whatever happens happens."

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Williams misses coaching job

Looking back on Port's year of pain

Overlooked: Paul Williams found himself as caretaker coach with the Western Bulldogs for three games at the end of the 2011 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

PAUL Williams looks set to spend the year out of the AFL coaching world just one season after taking the reins at the Western Bulldogs.

Williams, who took over as Dogs caretaker coach from Rodney Eade for three games at the end of the 2011 season, has failed to win an assistant's job this year.

The 2005 Sydney premiership player was a victim of the Carlton coaching clean-out in September when Blues chiefs cleared the decks for new boss Mick Malthouse.

Assistants Gavin Brown and Matthew Capuano stayed, but Alan Richardson (now at Port Adelaide), Mark Riley (Gold Coast) and Williams, were moved on.

Williams, 39, was midfield coach at the Blues last season. He is believed to be considering teaching this year.

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Bock puts year from hell behind him

Looking back on Port's year of pain

Nathan Bock just wants to get on with season 2013 as he endeavours to put last year's horror movie behind him. Picture: Adam Head Source: The Courier-Mail

GOLD Coast vice-captain Nathan Bock says 2012 was the toughest year he's had in footy.

It started with a two-week suspension stemming from a betting scandal the year before, then a broken leg and the jailing of his mother, Michelle, for drug trafficking, wrecked his season on and off the field.

"I'm happy to put this year in the back of the mind and concentrate on 2013," the 29-year-old Bock said.

"(2012) was obviously pretty draining and it was frustrating at the start of the season to miss those two games because of the suspension. Then I felt like it took me a few weeks to get into form and the game I really felt the best was the one against Fremantle when I ended up breaking my leg.

"Then obviously the stuff with Mum had been dragging on ... the year was mentally quite challenging and physically very challenging."

Bock, a month ahead of schedule in his rehab, resumed running last month.

"Initially I hadn't planned to start running until about Christmas but I've been running for about four or five weeks now," he said.

The former Crow holds hope of striding out on to Metricon Stadium in the Suns' season opener against St Kilda on March 30.

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