Crows seek fairer trade for Tippett

Sydney's Jesse White during a visit to Adelaide last week. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

ADELAIDE is creating salary cap relief for itself - and pain for the Swans - as the Kurt Tippett trade hinges on Sydney paying for Jesse White's move to West Lakes.

The Crows already have an in-principle two-year agreement with White, who is parcelled with Sydney's first-round draft pick (No. 23) for the defecting Tippett.

That trade was to have been lodged with at AFL House in Melbourne late on Friday - until Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg called back Crows list manager David Noble.

Trigg, who had just returned from his holiday in Europe, took the trade out of the Adelaide and Sydney football departments and into the clubs' highest offices.

The bottom line is the original trade was weighted too heavily in Sydney's favour.

And with the Swans remaining a serious barrier to Adelaide's premiership hopes next season, Trigg demanded his Sydney counterpart Andrew Ireland give the Crows salary cap relief.

Had the original deal stood, Adelaide would have:

ABSORBED White's current contract with the Swans.

CUT a contracted Adelaide player, such as midfielder Richard Tambling.

BURNED as much as $300,000 from its $9.14 million salary cap.

White's arrival at West Lakes would over-subscribe Adelaide's list by one player, requiring a Crow to be cut.

By contrast, Sydney would have gained about $300,000 of salary cap relief for moving on White - and used that money to advance its flag defence. This is clearly against Adelaide's interests.

Trigg's push for Sydney to take on the salary pain of moving White to Adelaide is destined to drag talks to Friday's trade deadline.

"I felt the talks had reached the point where it needed to be chief executive to chief executive to resolve (the trade)," said Trigg yesterday.

Trigg confirmed White remains on Adelaide's wish list even after the Crows traded for Richmond ruckman Angus Graham on Friday.

Noble says Adelaide has sought two players to replace Tippett, who worked as a key forward and back-up ruckman for Sam Jacobs.

Graham serves as insurance with Jacobs.

White is to add more dimension to an Adelaide attack that cannot allow its new No. 1 key forward, Taylor Walker, to be double-teamed by defences.

The 24-year-old Queenslander would join Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan as talls forward seeking to work in tandem with Walker.

Adelaide has no other trade in play, so the Crows can push White's salary with the Swans until Friday's deadline.

If the deal is not sealed by then, Tippett will move to the draft pool where Adelaide gets no compensation.

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Saints land Suns ruckman Hickey

Gold Coast's Tom Hickey is heading to the Saints. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

ST KILDA has used its prized compensation pick for losing Brendon Goddard on promising Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey.

The Saints will hand Gold Coast pick No. 13 and the clubs will also swap later draft picks.

The Saints have now parted with both their first-round picks but they will move up the draft in later rounds with the clubs set to exchange selections before the paperwork is lodged with the AFL today.

The Saints will receive Hickey and picks No.26 and 47. The Suns will get pick No.13 as well as 37 and 57. Hickey, 21, has been recruited to partner No.1 ruckman Ben McEvoy.

The Queenslander, played 10 games for the Suns this year and two in his debut season.

He requested a trade to the Saints this month - to be closer to his girlfriend, according to the Suns - but talks stalled last week when the Suns demanded a first-round pick.

The 201cm former elite volleyball player was a zone selection for Gold Coast.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said his side was thrilled to gain a top-15 draft selection after coughing up pick 2 to Greater Western Sydney last week.

"Our ability to add pick 13 to our selections in the upcoming draft means we will have the ability to draft another elite young player to our club," he said.

St Kilda got pick No.13 as compensation for the loss of free agent Brendon Goddard to Essendon.

The Saints traded their first pick, No.12, to Greater Western Sydney as part of a deal to snare Claremont forward Tom Lee.

The trade means the Suns will now have a first-round selection in next month's draft.

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Port backs itself in fresh trade deals

Former Sturt junior Jack Hombsch is returning from GWS to play for Port Adelaide. Picture: Brett Costello. Source: The Daily Telegraph

Jack Hombsch punches the ball away from Brent Thornton. He is heading to Port. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

PORT Adelaide is finding a new defensive line-up in the AFL trade market.

The Power has claimed former Sturt tall defender Jack Hombsch - and sweetened the trade with 17-year-old NT small forward Jake Neade - to ultimately cover the loss of free-agent key defender Troy Chaplin to Richmond.

In return, Port has allowed Greater Western Sydney to continue stockpiling much-valued picks in next month's AFL national draft.

The Giants get Port's second-round pick (No. 29) for 19-year-old Hombsch.

After losing Chaplin, delisting former vice-captain Jacob Surjan and watching Jacobs walk, Port's need for new defensive options is high.

Live: AFL Trades Chat

But Port's play for Fremantle's switch-hitting defender Greg Broughton has cooled after learning how much cash the Docker carries on the last year of his contract. The 26-year-old also wants a long-term deal from a new club.

On the way out of Alberton remains 20-year-old defender Ben Jacobs, a first-round draftee two years ago.

But talks with his preferred Melbourne-based club, North Melbourne, failed to advance yesterday as the Power insisted on draft picks from the Kangaroos rather than players such as small forward Matt Campbell and defender Luke Delaney.

North Melbourne currently has picks Nos. 15, 38 and 39 in the first round of next month's national draft.

"The clock is ticking," said Port football operations manager Peter Rodhe last night.

The Power has until 1.30pm Friday to trade Jacobs or run the risk of losing the Victorian draftee without compensation in next month's draft, where he would be claimed by any of the Kangaroos, Essendon and St Kilda and possibly Richmond.

Port's reputation of chasing South Australians in the trade market continues.

See every deal at Department of Trades

Hombsch was the first SANFL-based player claimed by the Giants when they formed their preliminary squad two years ago.

Originally from Roxby Downs, he played nine AFL games this year.

"We see Jack as being a long-term, strategic replacement for Chaplin in defence," said Rohde.

Hombsch joins to-be-elevated rookie Tom Jonas and 2011 draftee Nathan Blee in the race to be part of Port's new back six.

"I see it as a massive opportunity to try to play some consistent footy back in my home state," Hombsch said.

"I spoke to (new coach) Ken Hinkley the other day and he told me the direction he sees the group heading in and it really confirmed to me what a fantastic club Port Adelaide is and that it has a great future."

 

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Demon a fix for lengthy problem

Ruckman Stefan Martin at Melbourne training. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE has met Melbourne ruckman/forward Stefan Martin as it moves to recruit much-needed tall timber in the dying stages of the AFL's three-week trade period.

Martin, 26, flew to Brisbane yesterday to talk with Lions coach Michael Voss and medical staff.

With Melbourne recruiting Collingwood forward Chris Dawes and possibly North Melbourne's Cameron Pedersen, Martin's role at the Demons could be limited, despite having a year left on his contract.

Several clubs have asked Melbourne about Martin but Brisbane are in the box seat to lure the 57-gamer north as a foil to captain Jonathan Brown.

A draft pick would be enough to see a trade completed by the 1pm Friday deadline.

Martin played only seven games in an injury-riddled 2012 after a breakout 2011 when his mobility, competitiveness and versatility stood out.

Lions midfielder Andrew Raines, 26, has signed for two more years.

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No honeymoon at Blues for Mick

Mick Malthouse says Carlton will be playing a brand of football aimed at September action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

Cartoon by David McArthur. Source: Herald Sun

COACH Mick Malthouse yesterday promised Carlton would be "up and running early" to cope with a draw from hell to open the season.

Malthouse said the Blues would play a brand of football geared towards September action.

"Given what I have just heard about our draw - which is something like Richmond, Collingwood, West Coast, Geelong and Adelaide - the (AFL) have done us no favours," Malthouse said.

"But I go along with what Andrew Demetriou says - the draw is the draw is the draw, and very rarely does the top four ever reflect anything but that."

Malthouse was speaking at the MCG launch of Malthouse, A Football Life, a book by his daughter Christi that details his 40 years in the AFL.

The four-time premiership coach said there would be no great surprises in the style Carlton would play.

"I can categorically tell you the game plan won't change," Malthouse, 59, said.

"It will be defence first, defence second and defence third.

"How you manage the strategies depends on the players you have at your disposal."

Malthouse said Chris Judd would retain the captaincy - if he wanted it.

Malthouse's former team, Collingwood, is also believed to be headed for a tough start to the season with games against this year's finalists contenders North Melbourne, Carlton and Hawthorn in the first three rounds. Essendon looms in Round5 on Anzac Day.

The Herald Sun understands the Magpies will play as many as seven Friday night games as Channel 7 gets bang for its buck with the most powerful club in the land.

The game plan won't change ... it will be defence first, defence second and defence third

In a major change to recent seasons, the Pies are believed to be set for more Sunday afternoon games.

Collingwood is expected to have an away game against Gold Coast to promote football in the area.

The Pies will be striving for another top-four finish, but Malthouse refused to speculate on the Blues.

"I'm not going to put a target on where we will finish but I'm desperate to make the final four because that's where premierships are won," he said.

"We will play football that is capable of winning finals matches."

Malthouse will officially begin at Carlton on November 5 before the club travels to Arizona. He has been doing altitude training to ensure his fitness is at the desired level.

Malthouse said there would be no dramatic changes to the Carlton list before the trade period ended on Friday.

Carlton has little room to move in its salary cap, despite not having reached the top four in the past decade.

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Bombers wait on Lovett-Murray

Essendon veteran Nathan Lovett-Murray at training. Picture: Chris Scott. Source: Herald Sun

Essendon ruckman David Hille has re-signed with the club. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Essendon small forward Alwyn Davey. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: News Limited

ESSENDON is all but locked and loaded for next season with Nathan Lovett-Murray the only club veteran yet to sign.

The Dons yesterday signed David Hille and Alwyn Davey on one-year deals and Lovett-Murray is expected to sign soon.

Hille's signature - first reported at superfooty.com.au - means there is a ruck crush at the club.

Father-son pick Joe Daniher will grow into a forward who can go into the ruck alongside Tom Bellchambers and Paddy Ryder.

In recent weeks the club has signed Scott Gumbleton, Dustin Fletcher, Leroy Jetta and David Myers. Henry Slattery is looking for a new home but Ricky Dyson could yet stay.

Every deal and delisting at Department of Trades

Essendon, which secured St Kilda free agent Brendon Goddard, hasn't lost any of its key position players in what should be a talent-laden spine.

Cale Hooker and Tayte Pears look set to stay, with Daniher considered so talented he could play in Round1.

Hille will need to be at the top of his form to play senior footy, but is up for the challenge.

"My hunger, desire and passion to compete ... is as strong as it has ever been," he said yesterday.

Join the live trades chat here

PORT ADELAIDE has converted its second-round draft pick of No.29 to two players in the trade period. Greater Western Sydney tall defender Jack Hombsch will return to SA.

The second player is forward Jake Neade, now studying at St Patrick's College in Ballarat. The 17-year-old is a zone-based recruit the Giants can on-pass to rival clubs.

Hombsch was the first South Australian added to the GWS list.

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Giants on fast track to success

Giants coach Kevin Sheedy is urging caution with preparing a large group of youngsters for the rigours of AFL. Source: Getty Images

A KEEN racegoer and successful horse owner, Kevin Sheedy used a turf analogy to describe the massive task of preparing his stable of young players at Greater Western Sydney.

Sheedy said that, unlike the racing industry, he did not have the luxury of allowing colts to mature.

"Bart Cummings wouldn't train 35 horses as two-year-olds for a Melbourne Cup," he said yesterday.

"He would be questioning our theory behind all of this, but that's the task we have as a group of coaches.

"Our players need to be able to do a number of pre-season training years in a row. It's very important we understand that because, if you don't do that, you won't be anywhere in four or five years. And you'll probably muck up the whole list."

The Giants and fellow expansion club Gold Coast had no alternative, but to start focusing on 2013 before the end of last season.

The Giants had 13 players suffering season-ending injuries, and the Suns 17 before Round 23.

"We've sent some out for minor operations -- not major surgery, but to get them back in time for the start of pre-season," said Sheedy,  who described the his team's debut season as a juggling act.

"We needed to get as many players as possible to 10 games or more to give them the attitude, 'I can play this game; nothing worries me now'.

"I would rather get it over and done by playing a lot of young players.

"We will recruit a little bit differently again this year as we build this list up."

Suns coach Guy McKenna said midfielder Jackson Allen was typical of the challenge between satisfying the weekly demand for success against ensuring the longer term development of his players.

Displaying early signs of osteitis pubis, Allen, 19, was ordered to rest after only one game so he would be ready for the high-altitude training camp in Arizona next month.

"There comes a cut-off point. We keep pushing him and he won't be up and running for Arizona. Then it's a no-brainer," McKenna said.
 

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Lake building up for a big year

In this file picture, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson announces Brian Lake has been traded to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: News Limited

HAWTHORN'S prized trade Brian Lake is already hard at work in the gym at Waverley Park.

Club football manager Mark Evans said the former Western Bulldogs full-back wanted to make an impression when pre-season training resumed next month.

"He's keen to make a really positive start and he's chipping away slowly at a strength program," Evans said.

"His season finished earlier than ours, so he's ready and back doing mostly weight training.

"We've got a few players doing a few things, but he's obviously four weeks further rested than most of our guys.

"We've got quite a few guys who are off enjoying the sun somewhere.

"But some of the guys who are in Melbourne are still calling in to continue with their strength programs or rehab programs."

The Hawks nabbed Lake in one of the surprise early trade deals, and the dual All-Australian will provide height and strength to the backline next year.

"It was well publicised that there were a couple of games during the year where we could have used Brian," Evans said.

In other news, Hawthorn is leading the fight for AFL clubs to get more information on the formula used to decide free agency compensation.

The Hawks are still studying whether they can challenge receiving draft pick No.66 in return for running defender Clinton Young's move to Collingwood.

"We'll go back through our documentation to see whether there's (grounds) for an appeal or not," Evans said.

"There doesn't appear to be one at first look."

Evans said clubs wanted more details about the new system, claiming they are "flying blind" when not even being aware of an offer to a player who is an unrestricted free agent, which was the case with Young.

"We'll all get used to it, but we need to have a system that has some equity in it," he said.

"And we need to be able to understand why some things come out the way they do.

"I know it was an agreement between the AFL and the Players' Association and that the formula be kept secret, but it doesn't help us understand the system.

"We certainly need some better detail on why we ended up getting pick 66 for Clinton Young."
 

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Training is no sweat for Ablett

Suns skipper Gary Ablett made a brief appearance at the start of Gold Coast pre-season training yesterday. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HE barely raised a sweat, but Gary Ablett made a brief cameo at Gold Coast training yesterday.

The Suns started their pre-season campaign in sweltering heat at Carrara's Metricon Stadium and despite not being required to attend, Ablett made a short appearance to boost his troops.

The Gold Coast captain cut an upbeat figure as he participated in handball and goalkicking drills before retiring to get treatment on a stiff back.

Ablett and the Suns' playing list will leave for the US on Sunday for their two-week high-altitude training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said he was not surprised to see Ablett show his face.

"He's done it every year he's been captain," McKenna said.

"He's had his break, he's out here ... he understands.

"It's typical of Gazza's keenness to make sure we finished off the season well last year, and to maintain that momentum."

Trade targets Tom Hickey and Josh Toy did not train yesterday even though players with less than eight years' experience were required to attend.

Hickey is seeking a trade to St Kilda while Toy has attracted interest from several clubs.

The Suns unveiled the last addition to the coaching panel for 2013 yesterday with 2005 Sydney premiership player Ben Mathews joining former Carlton assistant Mark Riley and ex-Port Power senior coach Matthew Primus as the newcomers to McKenna's staff.
 

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Blues bring big hitters to table

Australia Post chief Ahmed Fahour has officially joined Carlton's board. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

AUSTRALIA Post chief Ahmed Fahour and Pricewaterhouse Coopers boss Luke Sayers have been officially added to Carlton's bulging board.

Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour and Pricewaterhouse Coopers boss Luke Sayers have been officially added to Carlton's bulging board.

Its members now total 13 -- the most across the league -- with businessmen Ryan Trainor and Craig Mathieson, the nephew of pokies benefactor Bruce Mathieson, also appointed at last night's meeting.

One of Fahour or Sayers will replace Stephen Kernahan as president at the end of next season under a peace plan agreed upon last month.

Kernahan had been under pressure to keep his job, despite the signing of coach Mick Malthouse.

"This brings about orderly change while introducing new people and fresh ideas to the board table," Kernahan said last night as Carlton's new-look board met for the first time at Visy Park last night.

Mark Harrison and Ari Suss have retired, while Jeanne Pratt will remain as vice-president for 2013.
 

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