Daisy next big story

Port players are struggling with J-Mac's death

Dale Thomas could be targeted by rival clubs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD is bracing for more speculation about a key player leaving next season.

The Magpies are aware midfielder Dale "Daisy" Thomas will be the target of free-agency speculation unless he re-signs.

"We've got Dale Thomas who has got another 12 months of a contract and then he becomes a restricted free agent," coach Nathan Buckley said yesterday.

"There's going to be one story in the next 12 months that becomes bigger than others because it becomes the free agent story of the year.

"Now, Collingwood has probably had that two out of three years.

"Pendles (Scott Pendlebury) was big in the first year of GWS (Giants), and Clokey (Travis Cloke) was big.

"And Collingwood's a big club and we know we're going to get a lot of speculation about us."

Buckley said he had no doubt Cloke's form this year was affected by the constant speculation.

"A lot of people would choose to neglect to consider the fact that he has taken a hit (financially) to stay, but the club was really keen on not bending to a point where we had to butcher our list by keeping one bloke," Buckley told SEN.

Collingwood's pre-season training starts on November 21, with senior players returning a week later.

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Delay to best-laid plans

Essendon CEO Ian Robson says the ovals will be ready in January. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON will not start using its freshly laid training ovals until January.

Chairman David Evans predicted in August the players would be training at an MCG-sized oval at Tullamarine by the middle of this month, but the plans have been delayed.

Chief executive Ian Robson is confident the turf is settling after a wet winter.

"What might have been a couple of sessions pre-Christmas now will be a first week of January," he said.

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Robson denied there had been major issues with the turf, but said it needed time.

"We're all very impatient in football. We'd like to roll it out today and train on it tomorrow, but it needs time to bed down," he said.

"We are keen to find our feet on the oval, bearing in mind we are still confronting the issue (at Windy Hill) of a co-tenancy with a cricket team."

The Bombers will use a mixture of venues before Christmas, including Windy Hill, The Tan, Victoria Park, Gosch's Paddock and Aberfeldie athletics track.

When the Bombers do start training at their new Tullamarine base, they will be changing in portables as construction gears up.

The club is looking forward to the certainty of its own pre-season base.

"There's no denying there's a certain beauty and feel that comes from a location that is predictable and secure," Robson said.

"What we're delivering is a long-term solution to address some of the challenges we've been facing at Windy Hill because of the historical co-tenancy with cricket."

It is possible the Bombers will be able to move mid-season in 2013 if the building of the training centre adjacent to the oval goes to plan.

Essendon's Etihad Stadium-sized oval on the same site is at least a fortnight behind the MCG-sized ground, which had been planned as it was sown more conventionally.

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Bailey keeps cool in tank claims

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says he didn't tell the Dees to lose. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Melbourne coach Dean Bailey is arguing he is innocent of tanking claims, despite being in the "vault" when football operations manager Chris Connolly reinforced the need to play for draft picks.

The AFL is unveiling its investigative arsenal as it builds its case, warning some Melbourne assistant coaches of severe sanctions if they refuse to be interviewed or are not honest in testimony.

Some Demons officials have been told the AFL can impose life coaching bans, though interviews are not conducted under oath.

Others have been re-interviewed and told that their testimony is inconsistent with those who believe there is evidence of tanking.

While Connolly is under the most heat, Bailey is said to be comfortable with the fact he never instructed coaches or players to deliberately lose games.

He is one of several Melbourne figures who remembers Connolly making his controversial aside in a portable shed at the Junction Oval, dubbed The Vault, after the Port Adelaide win in Round 15, 2009.

While that meeting has been painted as the start of an orchestrated campaign to lose games, the context of that discussion is at the heart of the tanking investigation.

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Some, including Bailey, believe the Connolly statement urging the coaching staff not to maximise their high draft picks was a 30-second aside in a lengthy match committee meeting.

They dispute it was a specific meeting held as a call-to-arms to the football department.

Others have accused Connolly of saying words to the effect of, "Make this happen, or you'll all get sacked".

Whether the AFL believes the more generous interpretation, or declares the Connolly statement as evidence of tanking, is the crux of the investigation.

The Herald Sun has reported Bailey, now an Adelaide assistant coach, told the players in mid-2009 some would be played in radically different positions.

Melbourne faces "severe" penalties if found guilty, but will likely have seven days to reply to any AFL findings.

That means Melbourne has a good chance of retaining its No.4 selection and the No.27 pick it needs to secure father-son selection Jack Viney in the November 22 national draft because the investigation will be ongoing.

The AFL Commission meets on November 19.

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Stewart setback not final

Quick, versatile and perfectly suited to the modern game, James Stewart is likely to be taken in the second half of this year's AFL Draft.

James Stewart (left) should still get drafted despite the Pies overlooking him as a father-son pick. Bruce Magilton Source: Herald Sun

JAMES Stewart had to focus on the 17 other doors that could open when Collingwood closed theirs.

With three picks inside the top 21, the Pies made the tough call to overlook the father-son prospect, turning Stewart's draft dream on its head.

The setback continued a year of challenges for Stewart, which included a stress fracture to his back, and a major growth spurt that turned the former midfielder into a 197cm key-position player.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch highlights of Stewart and get our expert analysis in the video player above

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While it has taken time to develop into the new role, Sandringham Dragons regional manager Ryan O'Connor said Stewart had the tools to blossom into an agile AFL forward.

"He's 197cm and he can basically run like an onballer. He has the athleticism of a wingman," O'Connor said.

s51me970 - U18 AFL champions. Vic Metro vs Tasmania at Visy Park. Vic. James Stewart tackling. Picture: Hilton Stone Source: Herald Sun

"He has fantastic foot skills and is very good with his hands. He just needs to keep working on all the attributes of contested football - like positioning as a key forward and key back."

"But the reality is he hasn't played that much in those roles.''

There were some encouraging signs late season when Stewart reeled in a string of contested grabs and conversions on goal, providing what O'Connor believes was a "taste of things to come''

Stewart said he tried to emulate the versatility in the game of Sydney champion Adam Goodes.

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"I'm a tall player that can play in the forward line, up the ground as well," he said.

O'Connor said Stewart, whose dad Craig played 115 games for the Pies, had shown great maturity dealing with the father-son focus.

s02wh202 c1 Football. Eastern Ranges v Sandringham Dragons. Sandringham's James Stewart with ball against Eastern's Shaun Kennedy. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano Source: Herald Sun

"Like any young footballer would be, there was a part of him that was disappointed (being overlooked by Collingwood)," he said.

"The whole experience has put a microscope on him, and it's something he's had to come to terms with.

"But I think he will be better off from it all."

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"A kid of his size and his athleticism, given the right opportunities, I have no doubt he will get out there (in the AFL) and do very nicely."

THE JAMES STEWART FILE

AGE: 18
HEIGHT: 197cm
WEIGHT: 82kg
FROM: Sandringham Dragons
POSITION: Mobile forward
DRAFT RANGE: Late third round
IN THE MIX: Crows (54), Roos (58), Cats (59)
PLAYS LIKE: Adam Goodes

Follow Jay Clark on Twitter: @ClarkyHeraldSun

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Crows, Power lose members to Oval

Membership at the new-look Adelaide Oval could take a combined 6000 members from the Crows and Power. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

ADELAIDE Oval membership is becoming an emotional fight, with the two Adelaide AFL clubs facing a loss of a combined 6000 members to the Stadium Management Authority's Ultimate membership.

Clubs have highlighted that passionate fans who change their membership will no longer contribute to their football clubs and no longer be considered members but customers of the SMA.

Unlike under arrangements at AAMI Stadium, those who take out membership that admits them to all fixtures at Adelaide Oval will have none of their money trickle back to the respective clubs.

The situation has allowed the clubs to pull at the heartstrings of members at a crucial time: the Crows this year banked their first profit in three years; the Power is still mired in debt and dependent on assistance.

The Crows have prepared themselves to lose as many as 4000 members to the venue, which gives Ultimate members access to all regular season football and cricket at Adelaide Oval but sends none of their $795 annual fee back to their clubs.

The Ultimate members will no longer be considered members of their club and will lose any voting rights - more significant for South Australian Cricket Association members - and are no longer expected to receive regular updates from the club they support.

The Crows were diplomatic in their assessment of the membership yesterday, but told The Advertiser their members had indicated it was becoming an emotional issue.

The club has been firm in telling existing members nothing would change in the rules and regulations of their memberships once football shifts to the Oval in 2014.

We know that football people want a personal connection with their club ... for these people a direct football club membership is the best solution

"They just need to understand that they become an SMA customer," Adelaide's general manager of supporter services, David Couch, said. Their membership is under a new arrangement.

"The SMA need to fund their operation and this is a part of how they do that," Couch said.

"It ends up in the industry anyway, but some people would like to think that they're contributing directly to their club.

"So it is important to some people. We try to keep people abreast of the arrangement in terms of that.

"It remains to be seen how many of our members will go. We're answering lots of questions at the moment with people feeling it out.

"But it's a good product and they'll get their numbers.

"You always expect a migration of people and we've modelled in a migration of our people. We've known it's been coming for a number of years and we've prepared for that."

Port Adelaide, which is striving for a fresh beginning under new coach Ken Hinkley, is giving its members a similar message.

"The Adelaide Oval Ultimate Membership will suit some people, but there is no doubt that football supporters want flexibility and choice with their seating and ticket arrangements plus they want to know that they are directly supporting their club," a club spokesman said.

"We know that football people want a personal connection with their club and they want to be part of it, and for these people a direct football club membership is the best solution."

SMA chief executive Andrew Daniels told The Advertiser it was designed to be an additional product - on top of the existing ways to attend sport at Adelaide Oval - and that the SMA was doing everything in its power to bring more people to the people's ground.

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Port's struggle with J-Mac's death

Port Adelaide players are struggling to deal with the loss of John McCarthy, according to Andrew Moore, centre. Picture: Jan Kruger. Source: Getty Images

PORT Adelaide players will continue to receive counselling as they struggle to deal with John McCarthy's death.

Days after Power captaincy contender Brad Ebert made an emotional tribute to former teammate McCarthy after kicking the winning goal against the Western Bulldogs in the AFL's London exhibition game, young midfielder Andrew Moore said many players were still haunted by McCarthy's death in Las Vegas in September.

"A lot of players are still struggling to come to terms with it,'' said Moore, who was one of 10 Port players who travelled to the US with McCarthy.

"Every one of us is dealing with his loss differently and some have been affected more than others.

"He was extremely close to everyone here, so it's been a really difficult time for us.''

Speaking publicly for the first time since McCarthy's death, Moore said he would seek ongoing counselling after continually having his memory "jolted'' by the terrible accident.

AFL EXHIBITION at The Oval in London. Port Adelaide 14.4 (88) beat Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87). Port Adelaide players celebrate their victory. Picture: Christopher Lee Source: Getty Images

Moore spent most of last month back home in Victoria alongside family and friends to help him deal with the incident.

"I find the counselling helps me a lot,'' Moore said.

"All of the boys, particularly the ones who were in Las Vegas with J-Mac (McCarthy), are dealing with his passing in their own way but I think most will continue with counselling.

"Port and the AFL have been great in offering us ongoing support and I'm sure that will continue for some time.

"The support network has been really good and some players will require it for quite a while, I would think.''

Travis Boak, Alipate Carlile, Matthew Broadbent, Brett Ebert, Hamish Hartlett, Jackson Trengove, Paul Stewart, Justin Westhoff and Tom Logan were the other Power players who travelled to Las Vegas with McCarthy.

The Power team wore black armbands out of respect to McCarthy against the Bulldogs.

The club has also planned a memorial for him in its first home game against Greater Western Sydney in round two next season.

Ebert "saluted'' McCarthy when his last-minute, 50m kick for goal won the game (by one point) against the Dogs, and Moore said the club would dedicate the 2013 season to a player who made such a big imprint in his only season at the club.

"He was a one-of-a-kind type of guy who fitted into our group so well, so we want to deliver a good season for him,'' said Moore.

"His accident will drive us on because we feel we owe him something while it also highlighted that life, and a football career in particular, can be very short and that you have to make the most of every opportunity you have.

"I think that drive was evident from the boys on Sunday when we were well behind at one stage but never gave up.

"I'm sure Johnny's given us that little bit of extra motivation to push that bit harder.''

Port will arrive from London this afternoon after winding up its 10-day European training camp by watching the Liverpool-Newcastle English Premier League clash at Anfield and touring Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London.

New coach Ken Hinkley had his players study game analysis during the Reds' 1-1 draw with the Magpies, particularly zoning.

"It's been a really successful trip,'' Moore said from London.

"We were pleased with how we performed against the Bulldogs after a slow start and tactically we've learned a lot.''

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Cross country ace running hot

A champion runner whose stocks soared this year when he lowered the colours of top AFL Draft prospect Lachie Whitfield.

Tom Temay could be the next Heath Shaw. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: Herald Sun

TOM Temay was only 12 years old when he began running with a fitness coach to help his footy.

He never envisaged the move would help mould him into one of the country's top young cross country runners.

After placing third at the Pan Pacific Championships as a 15-year-old, the endurance machine had an agonising decision to make.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch highlights of Temay and get our expert analysis in the video player above

Either pursue a potentially international athletics career or continue running his opponents into the ground on the footy field.

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"I was tossing it up, between footy and athletics at that stage, but footy has always been a big dream of mine,'' Temay said.

"Dad (Paul) played a bit (52 games for St Kilda) and footy is a team game and in the end I like being part of a team.''

The attitude has served him well.

The 179cm right-footed backman is firming as a bargain back-end selection in this month's national draft.

Modelling his game on Collingwood's Heath Shaw, Temay blitzed the lines at this year's national championships, averaging 19 possessions at a pinpoint 78 per cent efficiency.

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Broadening his appeal, Temay also illustrated the defensive side of his game in run-with roles on No. 1 pick Lachie Whitefield and WA star, Dayle Garlett.

While Temay's run and carry game can be devastating, the Vic Metro ball-carrier said he is unafraid to roll up the sleeves and help shut down the opposition's match-winning midfielders.

North Melbourne and St Kilda, his father's club, are among those who have taken strong interest.

"I provide run and carry, that hard work through midfield and the back line,'' he said.

"But I also like to help teammates out a lot and do the one per centers.

"I actually really enjoyed the task on Whitfield, it was something I was very excited about.

"If playing a role like that is going to reward my ream, I'm always up for the challenge.''

THE TOM TEMAY FILE

AGE: 18
HEIGHT: 179cm
FROM: Sandringham Dragons
POSITION: Running defender/wingman
DRAFT RANGE: 30-60
IN THE MIX: Saints (44), Roos (48)
PLAYS LIKE: Heath Shaw
 
Follow Jay Clark on Twitter @ClarkyHeraldSun

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Time for 'soft' Suns to toughen up

Gold Coast midfielder David Swallow says the Suns must be more physical if they want to climb up the AFL ladder. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GUN midfielder David Swallow admits the Suns went "soft" last season and must develop a stronger physical presence if the club is to surge up the ladder in 2013.

The call comes as the squad faced another demanding wrestling session in Arizona yesterday, where ripped shorts, stretched singlets and a busted ear were some of the side effects.

The Suns have been heavily scrutinised for a lack of physical pressure in their opening two seasons and Swallow didn't hide when asked if the club was too soft in 2012.

"Well yeah, maybe we were compared to the first year where we were really cracking in hard and it was something we really prided ourselves on," he said.

"The first year around clearances we were really good and it was probably one of the areas we dropped away last season.

"Maybe in the second year the boys just weren't going in as hard as the first year and its one of those things we just have to get back to.

"If we start winning more clearances and contests than the more chance we have of winning more games."

Swallow welcomed the new look fitness department's stronger focus on body contact this pre-season and said the new approach was already paying dividends.

"Obviously AFL is a very physical sport and these type of sessions give you confidence that your body can handle it," he said.

Dion Prestia was the only casualty from yesterday's wrestling session, with the midfielder suffering a corked calf and a lacerated right ear.

Danny Stanley almost had his shorts completely torn off from a determined Gary Ablett, while Jackson Allen was also left with a stretched singlet after a strong tussle with the Suns skipper.

Suns head of fitness Paul Haines conceded there was a higher risk of injury involved in the wrestling sessions, but said it was a chance the club had to take.

"A big part of our pre-season focus is the body contact training and we do it to give the players confidence that when they play games they know they've done the work," he said.

"It's a bit of risk versus return and in close quarters its not too bad.

"They will get a few bruises, knocks and blood noses but nothing major.

"Plus we keep a close eye on the guys who have modified programs anyway."

Ablett and Stanley were the standouts in the hour-long hitout, while Steven May put his big frame to good use.

In promising signs for the club, injured vice-captain Nathan Bock participated in most of the sessions, but was kept to light duties.
 

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