Schwab to mentor Leppa

Former Hawks premiership player and coach Peter Schwab has joined the Lions. Source: Adam Armstrong / News Limited

Peter Schwab will assume all those roles in his bid to help make Justin Leppitsch a successful senior coach.

During the hunt for a new coach, Lions general manager of football Dean Warren and newly-elected board member Leigh Matthews became convinced that a senior director of coaching and development would be an equally critical appointment.

Schwab, who had been invited by Warren to join the selection panel that chose Leppitsch, was right under their noses.

When Warren suggested the three-time Hawthorn premiership player and former coach, Matthews was instantly convinced.

"He is totally ideal, he was just a fantastic appointment,'' Matthews said of his 1983 premiership winning teammate.

Matthews is neither old school nor new age. He is simply ultra-practical. According to the four-time premiership coach, if you hire a coach you back them to do the job.

He did not believe Leppitsch needed an experienced former head coach as a senior assistant to help him formulate his game plan or the values he wants to the Lions to live by.

Leppitsch needed Schwab to shield him from all unnecessary distractions, mentor him when required and to make sure Leppitsch's vision was implemented across all levels of the footy club.

"As a coach in modern footy, the main role is to coach your coaches to coach your players in the manner you want them to be coached,'' Matthews said.

"That is a gigantic job in itself.

"There is a lot that goes on around a footy club and any coach, let alone a first-time coach, needs someone senior to manage that for them.''

Schwab's is the position Michael Voss so desperately needed. The wheels started to fall off for Voss when footy manager Graeme Allan and senior assistant coach Wayne Brittain left at the end of 2009.

Factions developed within the club that ultimately claimed his scalp. No one at the Lions wanted another favourite son to founder because he had no one with experience to either prop them up when they were struggling or pull them up when they steered off course.

Schwab has never left Victoria and admits only a firm belief that Leppitsch had the attributes to make a quality senior coach convinced him to pack up and move north.

"The ultimate aim for me is to make sure Justin is a long term coach,'' Schwab said..

"I think he can be a great success and I want to make it as easy as possible by covering things for him that allows him to focus where he really needs to.''

Schwab agrees with Matthews that a senior coach's fortunes can rest on the performance of their assistants.

"It's Justin's game plan, but he hasn't put it into action yet,'' he said. "He has what I think is a great way of going about things but he will obviously rely heavily on the players.

"The ones who will educate the players are the coaches.

"I guess I'm the observer and the person that is there to drive the group behind Justin.''

Schwab's matchday duties will centre around ensuring Leppitsch's vision is being implemented by line coaches Simon Black (forwards), Shane Woewodin (midfield) and Murray Davis (defence).

Leppitsch, who arrived at the club during a period of board unrest, a mass player walk-out and a turnover of new staff, says he has quickly found there is always something within a club that can drag a coach away from his main duties.

"I am aware of the dangers in trying to be involved in every level and Schwabbie will be invaluable in making sure all the departments are cohesive,'' Leppitsch said.

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Owen chases glory in different field

Michael Owen draws barrier six for his horse Brown Panther at the Melbourne Cup draw at Flemington. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

THAT Michael Owen will feature in a major Australian sporting event in November will bring to mind, for many, a Sydney derby rather than a Melbourne Cup.

At 33, and retired after injuries limited his playing time with Manchester United and finally Stoke City, the former England and Liverpool star more fits the profile of an ­A-League marquee player than a successful owner-breeder.

But Owen, who arrived in Australia for the first time yesterday to watch his five-year-old stayer Brown Panther run in the Melbourne Cup, is far more than just the usual footballer turned bit-part racehorse owner having a bit of fun at the track with the lads.

It will be Owen's exploits with England and in the Premier League that make him the most sought after guest in the marquees at Flemington today and on Tuesday - albeit a ­reluctant centre of attention.

Contacted in England, Owen agreed to be interviewed about his Melbourne Cup runner after he returned from a trip to Indonesia but did not return subsequent calls.

And so far the Victoria Racing Club has not been able to get Owen to commit to any promotional appearances.

Perhaps that is a sign Owen does not want his deeds on the park to overshadow his now-substantial interest in racing, one that includes a multi-million pound investment in the Manor House Stables he built and now owns in partnership with Betfair co-founder ­Andrew Black.

Michael Owen says owning racehorses is a different experience to running out in front of 60,000 at Anfield. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

Near his hometown of Chester, Owen turned 68ha of paddocks with a couple of old milking barns into an elaborate 100-horse enterprise.

It is where he bred Brown Panther, winner of seven of his 16 starts including the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2011 and this year's Goodwood Cup. And, now, with better than a fluking chance at taking out the Melbourne Cup.

Owen's interest in racing began as a child watching his father place his usual 50 pence bets on Saturday morning.

Then, as a teenage sensation at Liverpool in the late 90s, he bought his first horses.

One was called Etienne Lady, in honour of the World Cup goal he scored against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup at St Etienne. Another was Treble Heights, named after Liverpool achieved the treble. She is Brown Panther's dam.

But while Owen had some success at local tracks and used his football earnings to build the stables, Brown Panther has provided his breakthrough in the racing world.

Having raced her dam and bred the stayer himself, Owen was in tears when he won at Royal Ascot in 2011.

"He's been a superstar for us," he said at the time. "He consistently kept our name in lights ... he's taken us to some great places. He's a high-quality horse and I'm really fortunate to have bred him myself.''

Owning racehorses, Owen told the BBC before his trip to Australia, is a different experience to running out in front of 60,000 at Anfield.

"Your jockey and your horse are down at the start and you can't control anything," he said. "Whereas on a football field, you are in control of your own destiny."

Michael Owen has had some success at local tracks and used his football earnings to build the stables, but it is Brown Panther who has provided his breakthrough in the racing world. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

The investment of Black in his stables and the appointment of trainer Tom Dascombe have given Owen's enterprise credibility. But, perhaps like England at the World Cup, he acknowledges there is still a gap between aspiration and achievement.

"It's like buying Manchester United," Owen said. "The investment doesn't stop there. You've got to buy 20 or 30 players as well."

In his badly disrupted time with Manchester United, Owen shared a passion for ­racing with Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We probably spoke more about horses than we did about racing," Owen said.

"'He's very passionate about racing, like I am."

Owen said, in almost everything, he is in it to win. But the Melbourne Cup journey with his wife and four children is a rare exception. This time, he feels fortunate just to have made it.

"Just to get over there and sample what a festival, what a carnival it is, it's going to be fantastic," he said before ­leaving England.

"Everyone tells me it is fantastic. It's the first time I'm ­going to say just to be there is an honour."

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McIntosh starts long road back

Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh will return to training early in a bid to beat his injury curse. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: News Limited

Dawson Simpson (knee) and Nathan Vardy (hip) were restricted to a combined 16 games in 2013, while recruit Hamish McIntosh (knee and ankle) has not played since Round 7 last year when he was at North Melbourne.

Trent West was the Cats' most durable ruckman this year, but the club's willingness to trade him to the Brisbane Lions for pick 41 in this month's national draft highlights its belief it can't be that unlucky again.

The fitness of McIntosh, Vardy and Simpson is critical given the position was Geelong's glaring achilles heel this year, particularly in the shock qualifying final loss to Fremantle in which Aaron Sandilands dominated.

McIntosh, who has struggled mentally with his prolonged absence, will report for pre-season training with the Geelong youngsters on November 18 in a bid to finally bury his fitness problems.

Cats football manager Neil Balme said the 29-year-old had made progress from knee, achilles and ankle problems, but admitted the coming months would be key.

"We're trying to put all of it behind him and we're quite confident he'll be OK next year, but he's still got a bit of work to do and he's still got too show he's resilient enough to push through it," Balme said.

"If he can do all the work, clearly he'll be able to play but we have to see. We have said that before but we're confident he can.

"He's pretty good shape at the moment."

Simpson had been in solid form before he strained the medial ligament and dislocated the kneecap in his right knee against St Kilda in Round 18.

"He's come through that pretty well and is in good shape," Balme said.

"We'd be very surprised if he didn't do the full pre-season and be ready to go as well."

If that pair can string games together it will allow Vardy to fill the void left by the departure of James Podsiadly to Adelaide, along with Shane Kersten.

Daniel Menzel, recovering from a fourth knee reconstruction, is targeting a June return, while Cats medicos are hopeful Tom Hawkins' back issues can be solved with a long period of rest.

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Saints bound to pay out Watters

Axed St Kilda coach Scott Watters to pocket $500,000 package. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Watters, who has left for country Victoria to come to grips with his termination, will pocket the sum after he was fired on Friday with a year to run on his contract.

It's understood Watters was being paid in the vicinity of $400,000 to $450,000 a season by the Saints.

But, like most coaching contracts, it is an agreement bound by several performance-based clauses. Given the St Kilda board has made it impossible for Watters to achieve those KPIs next year, it is bound by law to pay them out.

It is unclear what clauses exist within Watters' contact, but it's understood that once they are paid it will take his payout to beyond half a million dollars.

St Kilda chiefs are expected to move quickly, settling the financial obligation by the end of next week.

Watters, 44, remains "raw" over the manner of his dismissal and despite denials by Saints president Peter Summers on Friday, Watters has told friends he believed he was "done over" by head of football Chris Pelchen.

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But it's Pelchen's close relationship with Port Adelaide premiership coach and Richmond's current head of development Williams that has the latter a white-hot favourite to take the reins.

Williams and Pelchen worked together as coach and recruiter during the Power's rise to the 2004 flag. But the pair are more than former colleagues, with some saying they are best mates.

The Saints, who want to appoint their new coach before the national draft on November 21, would be heartened by the knowledge Williams and Pelchen can work well together.

St Kilda champion Robert Harvey is the romantic option and would win back member support, but he would appear a long-shot to get the job. Whether he is willing to return as an assistant remains to be seen.

Leigh Tudor, who is due to start as an assistant coach at North Melbourne this week, was interviewed by Essendon, West Coast and Brisbane in recent times and is also a contender.

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Scratching helps Precedence cause

Craig Williams rides Precedence at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images) Source: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

THE chances of Bart and James Cummings having a starter in the Melbourne Cup with Precedence moved a step closer yesterday when Silent Achiever was scratched yesterday.

Silent Achiever's trainer Roger James contacted RV stewards and said the mare had contracted a virus.

Silent Achiever, who was to be the only New Zealand trained runner, was number 19 in the Melbourne Cup Order of Entry.

This now leaves Precedence at number 28 going into today but he will need things to fall his way today to sneak into the field.

MacKinnon favourite Jet Away, currently 29th in the order of entry, is one of several horses who will attempt to catapult into Tuesday's Cup ahead of him though.

Kelini (24th), My Quest For Peace (26th), Moudre (31st), Araldo (35th), Ironstein (36th) and Bass Strait are among the Cup contenders chasing a spot through the Lexus.

Ethiopia (13) and Mr Moet (23) who are also in front of Precedence also run today.

The scratching of Silent Achiever is good news for Irish stayer Simenon who is now number 22 in the Melbourne Cup order of entry and is now guaranteed a run.

Ciaron Maher also announced that Mr O'Ceirin (31) won't start in the Melbourne Cup.

In other Melbourne Cup news Nick Williams tweeted the six riders for the Macedon Lodge Melbourne Cup attack.

Brett Prebble will again ride last year's winner Green Moon and Nick Hall will stick with Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner.

Steve Arnold will ride Sea Moon, Michael Rodd will partner Masked Marvel and Hugh Bowman will be on Seville.

Brenton Avdulla will have his first ride in a Melbourne Cup on Mourayan.

Last year's Melbourne Cup favourite Mount Athos could again assume that position this year after he has been heavily backed.

Sportingbet Australia's Michael Felgate said they have taken two bets of $10,000 in the past two days which has seen him firm from $10 to $7.50 to be equal favourite with Fiorente who has drifted from $7.00 to $7.50.

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Scott gets early PGA warm-up

Adam Scott is back in Australia for the PGA. Source: Kevin C. Cox / AFP

ADAM Scott is a $45 million-a-year industry yet it was playing for a humble $10 Lotto ticket on the Gold Coast on Friday which showed the pure love for golf of the Masters champion.

A workman at Royal Pines shouted "gidday" and there were double-takes aplenty by fellow golfers as the world No.2 materialised unexpectedly for a low-key round at the scene of the Australian PGA starting on Thursday.

Scott partnered father Phil, himself a PGA professional, in a laugh-filled 18-hole reconnaissance which came with a serious side — duelling with Scott's old schoolboy buddies Aaron Nye, the former Queensland cricketer, and Adam King.

"Dad and I cleaned them up. Aaron and Adam are both pretty good golfers but as their careers grow, their golf gets worse," Scott said with a grin.

"Hopefully I keep getting better and the gap widens. I've won a $10 Lotto ticket but they are trying to get out of this with the cheapest QuickPick they can find."

Good humoured and grounded as ever, Scott's popularity is not just because of the green jacket he won but the grace to his all-on-the-line success at Augusta when he became Australia's first Masters champion in April.

"The green jacket is with me. It's been hung in a lot of hotel closets this year because one of the cool things is taking it everywhere with you and being able to show it off, which I plan to do in Australia," Scott said.

Adam Scott, of Australia, celebrates with his green jacket after winning the Masters golf tournament. Source: AP

"I was overwhelmed by the support from Australia with the Masters so I've been looking forward to sharing it."

He is sure to be wearing it when Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate presents Scott with the key to the city just after midday on Wednesday by the 18th hole on pro-am day.

Scott's 12.30pm slot was unannounced so the magnetic personality who galvanised millions of sports-loving Aussies with his Masters triumph was able to tee off at the 10th with an audience of three.

Tournament organisers are excited that record crowds will flock from Thursday to Royal Pines, a layout ripe for a seven-under-par 64 from Scott or a similar birdie barrage from American drawcards Brandt Snedeker and Rickie Fowler.

"I had maybe five or six birdies out there but the greens are tricky to read so that's where a player is maybe going to separate himself from the field," Scott said.

Aussie golfers Adam Scott and Jason Day. Source: AFP

The Queenslander flew in secretly on Tuesday to maximise his time out of the spotlight as Adam Scott, brother, uncle, son and friend, rather than sought-after superstar.

It was BRW's Young Rich list which recently pegged the Scott juggernaut on and off course at $45 million for 2013.

A cold recently picked up in Europe has prevented him yet indulging in his head-clearing passion for surfing but he has fallen for the new babe in his life at Sanctuary Cove where he and his family lives.

She is niece Olivia, the two-month-old daughter of sister Casie and brother-in-law coach Brad.

"She's the sweetest little thing, so well behaved. I didn't make her cry, which is a good thing," Scott said.

Scott ripped a driver and seven iron downwind to 4m on the 460m par four ninth, the hole with the greatest teeth at Royal Pines so if he gets his Mercedes-smooth game humming, look out.

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Ego costs Watters his job

St Kilda chief executive Michael Nettlefold and president Peter Summers front the media following Scott Watters' sacking. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

SCOTT Watters was delusional.

Maybe he was made to be delusional, but in the end he was delusional about his power at the club, delusional about his support, and, most importantly, delusional about his standing against the new head of football Chris Pelchen.

Two weeks ago, on October 17, under the umbrella of the club's vision statement, Watters was told Pelchen was head of football and that Watters would report to him.

For a man with tons of self-confidence -- others have called it a sense of smugness, if not ego -- Watters seemingly didn't accept the seriousness of the edict.

You coach, he was told, and leave the running of the football department to Pelchen.

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Watters agreed to the "buy-in", but over the next two weeks, continued to act the all-encompassing football coach.

In effect, Watters couldn't or wouldn't let go.

So, finally the Saints did it for him.

It's a strange business, footy.

If Watters knuckled down to his task, he would still be coach, and potentially still be in line for a contract extension sometime next season.

There were some issues, but nothing insurmountable.

Clearly, yesterday's decision was a drive-by shooting.

He believed, up until yesterday morning when he initiated a radio interview with SEN Radio, that he had the support of the board, namely the new president Peter Summers, and that there was nothing wrong with his relationship with key officials.

He was sacked hours later.

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Delusional might not adequately explain how wrong Watters was in reading the tea leaves.

He would be desperately disappointed with Summers.

Three weeks ago, in a Brighton cafe, Watters spoke of the support he had from the president, as he did yesterday, and truth be told, there was an indication that he expected to be reappointed at the next board meeting -- October 17.

He spoke of forming a strong alliance with Summers and the new chief executive.

It was known that Watters and Pelchen had an uneasy relationship, which affected the large group of support staff.

It has been said that Watters wasn't too choosy with who he aired his dirty laundry with, which included members of staff, which is always fraught.

Because absolutely no-one has said football clubs are a circle of trust.

From October 17 to yesterday, Watters managed somehow to lose the confidence of the board and the executive, which included Pelchen and outgoing CEO Michael Nettlefold.

Much has been hinted about his relationship with the players, but it's understood that played next to no part in the club's decision.

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Skipper Nick Riewoldt, who is in Texas, was told yesterday after the decision was made.

Still, Watters and the players were in a bit of a mess.

Watters inherited an ageing group, a poor youth list, and a barren group of 25-year-old's, and knew he had to make changes.

Indeed, he was in a tough position for he was dealing with highest club greats.

Shipping off Brendon Goddard and then Nick Dal Santo may one day be seen an advantageous moves _ let's see who the draft picks acquire _ but at present it is being viewed as the breaking down of a once committed and hungry group a bounce away from a premiership.

Perhaps not the club's fault either, but Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna and Sam Fisher in trade headlines also made players jumpy.

Riewoldt was planning to address the treatment of the older players when he returned from the Lone Star State.

There was also the savaging Watters gave the group after the dwarf fire debacle, which has been described as withering.

Watters, wanting to heap standards on the group, didn't name names, but threatened players with immediate expulsion from the club if their off-seasons included such things as benders in Las Vegas, and all nighters on Koh Pangan.

Watters told people the players accepted the dressing down. Others have said some players were taken aback.

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It has also been said Watters address at the club's best and fairest, where he spoke about not accepting mediocrity bemused the gang of 2009 and 2010.

Watters clearly worked to the beat of his own drum.

For example, he played Ahmed Saad at the Gabba in the week it was revealed he'd had tested positive to taking a performance-enhancing drug.

That's all good, the support of the coach to a player, but it's believed the executive didn't know of the decision, and that several football staff found out when Saad arrived, in civvies, in Brisbane.

Watters' dismissal isn't down to one act or one conversation, it's about a collective which finally skewered him.

The club did not attempt to sack him on October 17, as has been reported, but rather the discussion was around what would happen if Watters did not adhere to the new terms of employment.

Yesterday we found out.

The now-famous SEN interview was not the single killer blow either, but in an environment where structure and adhering to authority was suddenly paramount, Watters calling the radio station off his own bat had Saints officials shaking their heads.

And so the Saints have done it again. It's another inglorious end to a coaching appointment and although they'd argue they did it for the good of the club - when don't they? - the Saints are looking for a new coach.

Mark Williams is an obvious candidate as is club great Robert Harvey and unquestionably other names will pop out of the wilderness.

Whoever gets it best have a clear understanding of the job description.

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Business as usual at St Kilda

St Kilda sacked coach Scott Watters yesterday. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

ONCE again, St Kilda confronts turmoil. Nothing new for a club which has churned through 15 coaches in the past 40 years.

Nothing new for a club which has churned through 15 coaches in the past 40 years.

But the mess that has engulfed the club this season was at least partly cleaned up when the Saints made the tough call to replace Scott Watters yesterday.

Faith in the coach had withered to such a point that his position became untenable when he conducted a non-sanctioned interview on SEN yesterday morning.

He assured Saints fans everyone was on the same page at Seaford, but it could not have been further from the truth, following breakdowns in relationships with key football officials and senior players.

Simply, some people felt they could not trust the coach any more. Not his behaviour or his football teachings.

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Sounds harsh for a man who guided Subiaco to two flags in the WAFL and helped steer the Saints to 12 wins in his first year in charge, narrowly missing finals.

But the fanfare around their last-round win over Fremantle, saying goodbye to Justin Koschitzke and co, glossed over the cracks which had begun appearing much earlier this year.

This is now a critical time for the club, struggling financially at a headquarters in Seaford that players merely tolerate, rather than love.

Saints fans should feel frustrated. One premiership since 1897, including two of the most heart-breaking of misses under Ross Lyon in 2009-10

But the past two years under Watters aren't a total waste.

Watters kept reminding us about how bad the Saints recruiting record was in Lyon's reign, leaving an ageing list without much fresh, top-end talent.

They won five games this year and probably less next year, following the departure of Nick Dal Santo and Ben McEvoy.

But the transition is on and internally there remains much hope in the 19 players which have been injected over the past two seasons and the three more stars they hope will be plucked from the top-20 of this month's draft.

Young midfielders Jack Newnes, Seb Ross and Nathan Wright and utility Tom Curren, and forward Tom Lee all showed considerable promise, albeit in patches.

Daniel Markworth and Spencer White are unseen high octane, speedy forwards, who should emerge next year.

Add to that this month's mature-age recruits, who are all 24 years old or younger, Shane Savage, Billy Longer and Luke Delaney, and the platform is there. At least they key defensive holes have been plugged.

But the rate of development has to quicken for these young players.

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Worryingly, the club's youth could not reap a single Rising Star nomination this year. It must have been a concern for the board when it made the call to cut Watters one year early.

The club is confident that Rising Star trend will turn.

Head of football Chris Pelchen this year told the Herald Sun he could not be more confident in the club's recruiting processes.

Pelchen helped setup premierships at Hawthorn and Port Adelaide and has vowed to get this month's national draft right.

"Not taking anything away from any of the clubs I have worked for, but the amount of work these (recruiting) guys are doing, across our whole recruiting network, is the equal of anything of anything I've been involved in,'' Pelchen said.

"The way of modern recruiting is about applying objective data to your decision-making and that's something we have applied great focus on.''

For now, the team has three elite players recognised by Champion Data. They are Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna.

Before the trade period, the stats gurus rated the squad the fifth oldest, but third last for quality.

Hence, the major trade action in the exchange period, designed to help materialise the grand visions the club has for finals in 2017-18.

Yesterday may look like a disaster, but the board decided things were only going to get worse had Watters stayed, which is why the trigger was pulled.

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Sky Blues could poach Berisha

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STAR attacker Besart Berisha is no certainty to remain with Brisbane Roar next season, with the Albanian international tipped to be targeted by Sydney FC.

All times EDT. 

• A-LEAGUE
• Friday: Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide, 7.30pm, Fox Sports 1 HD
• Saturday: Perth v Sydney FC, 5.30pm; Newcastle v Central Coast, 7.30pm; Fox Sports 1 HD
• Sunday: Brisbane v Melbourne Heart, 5pm, Fox Sports 1 HD 
• Monday: Melbourne Victory v Wellington, 7.30pm, Fox Sports 1 HD 

 

Kick Off, 6.30pm (EDT) Friday: Patrick Zwaanswijk joins Tara and Harps to preview the round. 

Shootout, 7.05pm (EDT) Sunday: William Gallas gives his first television interview since signing with Perth Glory; Bruce Djite and Michael Bridges join Adam and Boz in the studio, and there will be a cross to the Mirror's Darren Lewis in England.
 

Saturday morning

• Barcelona v Espanyol, 6.55am, Fox Sports 2 HD

Saturday night/Sunday morning

• Chelsea v Newcastle, 11.35pm, Fox Sports 1 HD
• Fulham v Manchester United, 1.50am, Fox Sports 1 HD 
• Viewers' Choice: West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace; West Ham v Aston Villa, Stoke City v Southampton, Manchester City v Norwich
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Sunday night/Monday morning 

• Tottenham v Everton, 12.25am, Fox Sports 1 HD
• Cardiff v Swansea, 2.50am, Fox Sports 1 HD 

Off contract at the end of the season, the man widely regarded as the A-League's most lethal striker is understood to be weighing up his future.

Sources close to Berisha have revealed that the 28-year-old forward remains unsure of his next move, which could yet be a return to Europe to allow him and his young family to be closer to relatives.

His current focus is on recovering from a hamstring injury which will again sideline him when the Roar host Melbourne Heart at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

However, from today rival clubs can formally ask the Roar for permission to speak with Berisha as he has entered the final six months of his two-year Brisbane deal.

And it is expected that Sydney will be among the clubs who approach the Roar.

With a further cleanout of players tipped for the besieged Sydney at the end of the season, Berisha is understood to be on their radar.

The Sky Blues coaching staff currently includes Rado Vidosic, the former Brisbane boss who discovered Berisha on a scouting trip to Germany in 2011.

Since signing with the Roar before the 2011-12 season, the former Hamburg, Horsens, Burnley, Rosenborg and Arminia Bielefeld marksman has scored 36 goals in just 58 A-League appearances.

The Sky Blues are also almost certain to be in a position to offer Berisha a potential deal outside the salary cap, something that the Roar are not as their foreign marquee player Thomas Broich is contracted to the club until the end of the 2016-17 season.

But for the Sydneysiders to do so, it would require a huge change in their marquee philosophy.

Their current permitted overseas marquee man — the soon-to-be 39-year-old Alessandro Del Piero — commands at least $2 million a year.

Previous Sydney foreign marquees Dwight Yorke and Juninho have also been big names on the international stage.

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There's no shortage of fodder for the gang to discuss - from the Sydney derby, the Sky Blues woes, the latest from the EPL and Europe and a look to this weekend's domestic action - and none of our pundits are short of an opinion.

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However, with Del Piero not expected to return to the A-League next season, the Sky Blues, who haven't scored in their past two matches, may look to reduce the amount of money they spend on players outside the cap.

But it would still be potentially more than the Roar could offer, with Brisbane having already delved into a non-football budget to lure prodigal son McKay back to the club on an Australian marquee player deal after a two-year stint overseas.

However, money won't be the only factor in Berisha's decision if he decides to remain in the A-League.
A huge fan of the Brisbane lifestyle, Berisha could yet to commit long-term to the Roar, who helped revive his career.

Brisbane Roar managing director Sean Dobson and coach Mike Mulvey were both unavailable for comment on Thursday.
 

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Mount Athos or Mount Etna?

Jockey Jamie Spencer will ride Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

COULD be some interesting glances between Luca Cumani and visiting jockey Jamie Spencer this week.

The pair had a public spat last month when Cumani criticised Spencer for "two very bad rides" on Mount Athos.

Spencer responded by tweeting a picture of a crying man throwing broken toys from a pram.

Spencer is now contracted to Dunaden's owner Sheikh Fahad and will ride him in the Melbourne Cup.

Spencer had his first look at Flemington yesterday after riding work at Werribee.

He will ride Cox Plate import Side Glance in the Mackinnon Stakes tomorrow, before having another couple of rides on Tuesday before the Cup.

"(Side Glance) just wouldn't relax (in the Cox Plate). Hopefully running him a week later, the freshness will be off him," Spencer said.

Us versus them mentality in Derby clash

TOMORROW'S Victoria Derby is shaping as a State of Origin clash between Victoria and New South Wales.

The Peter Snowden trio of Complacent, San Diego and Tupac Amaru are backed up by John O'Shea's Savvy Nature and David Payne's Criterion making for a strong NSW squad.

The other NSW runner is Anthony Cummings Thunder Fantasy.

They take on 10 horses trained in Victoria headed by Robbie Laing's Polanski.

Northerners have the numbers

NEW South Wales bred horses also make up more than half of the field with 10 representatives

by sires based here.

Victoria has four horses bred here - Polanski (Rakti), Throw The King (Elvstroem), Honey Steel's Gold (Keep The Faith) and Cadillac Mountain (Reset).

There are two Kiwis bred gallopers and one from South Australia and Queensland.

On breeding outsider Cadillac Mountain, who is first emergency could follow in the footsteps of his brother Rebel Raider who won the race at $101. Cadillac Mountain, who is also a half brother to Shamoline Warrior is at $41.

Cash goes with Nash

NASH Rawiller has been installed as favourite for the Group 1 Jockeys Challenge which TAB will run during the week.

The Group 1 Jockeys Challenge will be run on the same format as a normal jockeys challenge with three, two and one points allocated for the first three placegetters but it will only apply to the eight Group 1 races for the week.

Rawiller has three Group 1 rides tomorrow including two favourites - Solzhenitsyn and Red Tracer.

CUP WEEK - GROUP 1 JOCKEY

$2.70 Nash Rawiller

$2.90 Any Other Jockey

$6 Glenn Boss

$6 Kerrin McEvoy

$7 Hugh Bowman

$11 Damien Oliver

Includes all eight group 1 races over the Flemington Carnival (2/11-9/11).

Points allocated on 3-2-1 basis.

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Polanski script might bury Darley

Trainer Robbie Laing with his genuine Victoria Derby hope Polanski. Picture: Jay Town Source: Jay Town / News Limited

POLANSKI, the $4000 yearling, could derail the Darley juggernaut in the Victoria Derby at Flemington tomorrow.

In one of those rag-to-riches stories that prove horse racing is a great leveller, modestly bred Polanski was purchased by trainer Robbie Laing "on a whim".

"So many times in racing a stallion will pass away and get a good one in his last crop,'' Laing explained.

"When his sire, Rakti, died, I thought I might get one of his yearlings.

"I always had a rap on Rakti as a racehorse, he was a very good middle distance horse.''

Rakti won six Group 1 races in Europe during an outstanding race career. He was rated the world's best miler in 2004 after wins in the Prince of Wales Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

He was retired to the Irish National Stud and was later "shuttled" to stand at Chatswood Stud where he died three years ago following a paddock accident.

The stallion had not set the world on fire at stud so when his last crop were offered for sale as yearlings in 2012, there was very little interest.

Laing had a theory about the progeny of Rakti and put it to the test after securing his yearling for just $4000 at the Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sales.

"Rakti was a cantankerous type and many trainers thought they would be in for a 'war' with his sons, so many were gelded,'' Laing said.

Polanski made his race debut in March and finished near last in a Cranbourne maiden. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Limited

"I wanted to try a Rakti as a 'bull', the same as Rakti raced himself. This colt is out of a three-quarter sister to Ballroom Babe, New Zealand's champion filly, so the pedigree is all right as long as you were prepared to give a Rakti a go.''

Laing revealed by December last year he began believing the-then unraced-Polanski was a potential Victoria Derby contender.

"We had him broken in and by Christmas time, this colt had developed so much I told some of the guys at the stable that this is a nice horse and I wouldn't mind betting he will be in the Derby come the spring,'' Laing said.

"They just thought I was full of it but I just liked him. He has this great, big sweeping stride and does everything right in his races.''

Polanski made his race debut in March and finished near last in a Cranbourne maiden.

Since that inauspicious start to his race career, the colt has won three of his next seven starts, was disqualified in another, and is a two-time stakes winner of the Listed UCI Stakes and Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes.

Laing's Derby dream is now very much alive, particularly after Polanski drew ideally in barrier one.

"He'll being 'good', he'll show enough speed to hold his position and I can envisage him second or third on the fence getting a sweet run with a lap to go,'' Laing said. "He can stay well so I think we are right in this race.''

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Eugene focused on Reds, then Roos

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YOU could mount a strong argument to say that has been the most consistent player in the A-League for several years, no matter what machinations have gone on behind him at Adelaide United.

But six months ago even Galekovic had had enough, adding to the list of compelling United rants with an indictment of the club's culture.

All times EDT. 

• A-LEAGUE
• Friday: Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide, 7.30pm, Fox Sports 1 HD
• Saturday: Perth v Sydney FC, 5.30pm; Newcastle v Central Coast, 7.30pm; Fox Sports 1 HD
• Sunday: Brisbane v Melbourne Heart, 5pm, Fox Sports 1 HD 
• Monday: Melbourne Victory v Wellington, 7.30pm, Fox Sports 1 HD 

 

Kick Off, 6.30pm (EDT) Friday: Patrick Zwaanswijk joins Tara and Harps to preview the round. 

Shootout, 7.05pm (EDT) Sunday: William Gallas gives his first television interview since signing with Perth Glory; Bruce Djite and Michael Bridges join Adam and Boz in the studio, and there will be a cross to the Mirror's Darren Lewis in England.
 

Saturday morning

• Barcelona v Espanyol, 6.55am, Fox Sports 2 HD

Saturday night/Sunday morning

• Chelsea v Newcastle, 11.35pm, Fox Sports 1 HD
• Fulham v Manchester United, 1.50am, Fox Sports 1 HD 
• Viewers' Choice: West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace; West Ham v Aston Villa, Stoke City v Southampton, Manchester City v Norwich
• Hull v Sunderland, 1.50am, Fox Sports News
• Arsenal v Liverpool, 4.25am, Fox Sports 1HD
• Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid, 5.55am, Fox Sports 3 HD

Sunday night/Monday morning 

• Tottenham v Everton, 12.25am, Fox Sports 1 HD
• Cardiff v Swansea, 2.50am, Fox Sports 1 HD 

So maybe the Wanderers should beware the fact that when United hit Parramatta Stadium tonight, he seems a happy man again as Adelaide are reborn under Spanish coach Josep Gombau.

Prepared to dig in for the long haul, Galekovic likes what he can see from the goalmouth. It promises a fascinating clash of style against Western Sydney.

"The coach is a big part of it — he's really positive and has complete belief in the style he wants us to play," Galekovic said.

"We might not have had the results yet, but he's adamant we will focus on possession and playing the game the right way.

"When you're trying to build something, it has to start with foundations and that's what he's trying to put in place.

"The boys are enjoying it, you can see — trying to keep the ball is the most enjoyable way to play. When you start hoofing it the midfielders tend to lose interest — instead we're keeping it on the deck and his coaching is all about giving options to the man on the ball."

In the back of his mind, Galekovic admits that — as per all the incumbents — he's waiting to see how fast and how wide the Ange Postecoglou revolution will change the Socceroos.

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Having shone at the East Asian Cup, he admits that another World Cup shot is a driving force.

"I guess all the boys are a bit in limbo and hopefully we'll all find out what the future holds for us when the next squad is announced," he said.

"On a personal level, I know it can be hard to get noticed for the Socceroos in the A-League but increasingly we've seen players given a go who are playing in Australia.

"The fact that Ange Postecoglou has come from the A-League and knows it well, hopefully that will make things a bit different too, and certainly my personal goal for this year is Brazil.

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"I can only worry about what I do week in, week out for Adelaide and hope that's enough."

He does of course have reason to want to do particularly well at Parramatta Stadium, after the 6-1 drubbing United received last December.

"The last time we played there was a game I'd like to forget," he said. Wanderers are very disciplined, very structured and press well.

"In fact we played the Mariners who are champions last week and now we've got the minor Premiers so it's a tough couple of games.

"But we did well against the Wanderers in pre-season, and I thrive on the atmosphere that will be there — as a player you should love big games and every time Western Sydney play it feels like a big game thanks to that crowd."

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Couch fans big winners in draw

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ANDREW Demetriou's mantra in his decade as AFL boss has always been to maximise attendances.

Yet the draw his executives will release today at AFL House shows increasing the league's future TV rights deals is just a crucial for Demetriou and Co.

There are two clear themes that will emerge from the 29-week extravaganza when the bells and whistles are stripped away.

The equalisation formula introduced by the league will ensure a season that has never been closer or had more of a logjam for September spots.

But what is just as apparent is that the action will also never be easier to watch from the couch.

The trial of as many as five Sunday games is an exciting prospect, but is also guaranteed to cost the AFL fans through the turnstiles.

Consider the two best Sunday night contests as revealed by the Herald Sun: Carlton v Collingwood on June 29, and Essendon v Carlton on April 6.

This Collingwood fan lets it all out after a Magpies loss.

Play either of those games on Saturday afternoon at the MCG and you guarantee 85,000 supporters and probably hope for more.

In their Sunday 7.40pm timeslot, anything over 60,000 supporters would be a win.

So there go 50,000 supporters in one stroke of fixture boss Simon Lethlean's pen.

Yet push aside the attendance issue and there is no doubt Sunday night football shapes as the cash cow that will increase the league's current $1.258 billion TV rights deal.

The league is two years into a five-season deal and will start preliminary talks on the next deal sooner rather than later.

With Monday Night Footy no chance on a weekly basis and the league not keen on a night Grand Final, Sunday Night Football is the carrot for broadcasters keen for exclusive timeslots.

But if Friday and Sunday night football is the almost exclusive domain of quality sides, there will be plenty in this draw for the bottom-six sides.

They are almost guaranteed a brilliant on-field draw given they receive one or no double meetings against top-six sides and two or three meetings against fellow bottom-six sides.

On face value it creates an enormous opportunity for sides like West Coast, the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast to shoot up the ladder as Adelaide did in 2012.

North Melbourne and Essendon, which both finished out of the finals, will also believe their draws give them a chance to leapfrog into the eight.

Even on a conservative estimate there are 13 sides which have exceptional claims to making September.

It also means sides like the Demons and St Kilda face enormous commercial challenges because of the glut of poorly attended home fixtures that presents.

If you are a football lover with a membership, a Foxtel subscription and a desire to be still at the footy at 11pm on Sunday night, this fixture is for you.

If you are a TV executive desperate for ratings in a competitive market is just as exciting.

But families unwilling to have kids out at 11pm on a Sunday night or traditionalist who love quality MCG games at 2pm on Saturday afternoon might find the cupboard is bare.

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Bart's gamble to sneak into Cup

Melanie Fox walks with Precedence at Bart Cummings' Saintly Place stables in Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images Source: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

THE maestro Bart Cummings is going against his proven Melbourne Cup-winning formula and is instead relying on a high attrition rate or the intervention of the Victoria Racing Club committee for his stayer Precedence to get into the field for the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday.

Precedence, an impressive Moonee Valley Cup winner last Saturday, is 29th in order of entry for the Melbourne Cup and in very real danger of missing a start.

CHECK OUT PRECEDENCE AND THE CUP CONTENDERS

Cummings and his co-trainer, grandson James, had nominated Precedence for both the Mackinnon Stakes and Lexus Stakes at Flemington on Saturday but when the fields for Derby Day were declared yesterday, the eight-year-old gelding was not among final acceptors.

The winner of both races is exempt from the Melbourne Cup ballot.

Bart Cummings kept his hopes of alive of starting his 88th runner in the Melbourne Cup when veteran galloper Precedence won his second Moonee Valley Cup on Saturday.

Bart Cummings has won 12 Melbourne Cups and used Derby Day to finetune 11 of his winner - Light Fingers (1965), Galilee (1966), Red Handed (1967), Think Big (1975), Gold And Black (1977), Hyperno (1979), Let's Elope (1991), Rogan Josh (1999) and Viewed (2008) all contested the Mackinnon, while Think Big (1974) and Kingston Rule (1990) lined up in the Lexus.

The trainer's champion, Saintly, was his only Cup winner that didn't race on Derby Day, his final lead-up race being his epic 1996 Cox Plate win.

James Cummings said it was decided that starting Precedence on Derby Day in either race would be detrimental to the horse's chances in the Melbourne Cup.

"The plan all along has been to go from the Moonee Valley Cup to the Melbourne Cup and we didn't want to change that at the last minute,'' co-trainer James Cummings said.

"Precedence is really thriving on the lighter preparation we have given him this spring and we felt his best opportunity in the Melbourne Cup would be if we went straight into the race and not run Derby Day.

"His best Melbourne Cup effort was when he came off a Moonee Valley Cup win in 2010.

"We just have to keep our fingers crossed he makes the field - our owner Dato Tan Chin Nam is confident the horse will get into the race so I hope he is right.''

Bart Cummings is hoping Precedence sneaks into the Melbourne Cup field. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Precedence has started in three Melbourne Cups, finishing eighth (2010), 11th (2011) and ninth (2012). His top 10 finishes came after running in the Moonee Valley Cup and then going straight into the Flemington two-miler.

In 2011, Precedence ran ninth in the Mackinnon then 11th in Dunaden's Melbourne Cup.

Precedence's only hope now of getting into the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field is if there is a number of withdrawals from stayers ranked above him in the order of entry, or if the committee exercises its discretionary powers to elevate the stayer into the Cup field.

There is a growing groundswell of support to get the Cummings-trained stayer into Tuesday's race.

Corporate bookmaking firm Sportingbet has even started a Twitter campaign calling it "Give Bart the chance to make it 13 in '13".

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England tight-five hit by injury

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THE Wallabies hopes of a crucial European tour-opening success at Twickenham have been boosted by a second injury to a key tight-five England forward.

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Lineout specialist Geoff Parling has joined scrum weapon Alex Corbisiero on the sidelines after being ruled out late Tuesday due to a head knock at training.

The loss of both British and Irish Lions pack-members is a major boost to Australia's hopes of kicking off their grand slam tilt with victory in what looms as their toughest November assignment.

England's expected set-piece superiority will now be under more question with Mako Vunipola set to start instead of Corbisiero and Courtney Lawes to replace the concussed Parling.

According to Wallabies lock and lineout caller Rob Simmons, Parling's own skill and organisation at the set piece made the English lineout one of the best in the game.

But the home side still boasts fine depth with the athletic Lawes in fine domestic form for Northampton and Joe Launchbury vying with Dave Attwood to start in the second row.

The same can be said in the front row as Tongan-born Vunipola is set to make history by starting alongside brother Billy for the first time.

But Vunipola struggled to make anywhere near the same impact as Corbisiero in the Lions' 2-1 series win and had his colours lowered by Australian tight-head Ben Alexander in the second Test loss in Melbourne.

"They've got loads of good props; whoever they pick will be good," Alexander said.

"Whenever you are playing the Northern Hemisphere sides it's always scrum first and that's what they build their game on - in the Southern Hemisphere not so much

"When you dominate, or do well, in that area the rest of your game falls into place."

England are also set to have former Wigan rugby league teammates Joel Tomkins and Chris Ashton start together out wide as Tomkins looks likely to replace powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi.

Tuilagi and Brad Barritt - England's centres in last year's stunning upset over the All Blacks - are both sidelined by injury in another help to Australia.

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LIVE: AFL reveals 2014 fixture

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AN ANZAC Day bonanza involving nine hours of football in two countries and three time zones will be unveiled by the AFL today.

The Herald Sun understands Fremantle has been awarded an Anzac Day clash which follows the traditional Collingwood-Essendon match and St Kilda's New Zealand game.

SCROLL DOWN TO JOIN OUR LIVE CHAT AND SEE THE FIXTURE AS IT IS REVEALED FROM 9.30am (AEST) THURSDAY

It means fans will be able to enjoy an afternoon MCG blockbuster, the 5pm Wellington clash between the Saints and Brisbane, and then Patersons Stadium late show.

Anzac Day falls on a Friday, so the league has been able to accommodate Fremantle's request for its Len Hall game against North Melbourne.

The AFL will today release its full fixture for a record 25-week home-and-away season culminating in a September 27 day Grand Final.

But while a raft of premiership contenders means many blockbuster games, the season will kick off with a whimper because of the unavailability of the MCG and Adelaide Oval.

The Round 1 schedule will be split over two weeks and is short of exciting clashes.

Collingwood will open the season against Fremantle on Friday March 14, with Geelong v Adelaide and North Melbourne-Essendon other rare highlights.

It is understood Hawthorn will take on Fremantle for the first of two clashes in Round 3, when the Hawks will unfurl their premiership flag for the second time.

They show off the flag to their Tasmanian fans when they kick off their premiership defence against Brisbane in a twilight clash on Saturday March 22.

It is understood the AFL's push into Sunday night prime time could be greater than first thought, with North Melbourne also set to play a pair of Sunday night matches.

The Roos will face West Coast at Patersons Stadium in Round 11 at 5.40pm local time — meaning a 7.40pm start in Melbourne — and then take on Richmond at 7.40pm a week later.

Three Sunday night games have already been revealed — Essendon versus Carlton on April 6, Carlton-Collingwood on June 29, and Carlton's Round 1 game against Port Adelaide on the day of the Melbourne Grand Prix.

North Melbourne's disappointing 2013 season will have a silver lining in the shape of its 2014 fixture — made easier because North missed the finals this year.

While the Roos are again forced to travel twice for away games in Perth, they are set to enjoy a soft run into September with games against GWS, Adelaide in Hobart, the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne.

North, which plays sides including Geelong, Adelaide and the Bulldogs twice, has been rewarded for its attractive play with as many as five Friday night matches.

The league is again expected to shun 2013 battlers on Friday nights, with Carlton and the Pies also on show repeatedly in that prime timeslot. 

First Elimination Final Richmond v Carlton, Tiger cheers squad, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HeraldSun

ROUND 1

FRIDAY MARCH 14
Collingwood v Fremantle, Etihad Stadium (night)

SATURDAY MARCH 15
Gold Coast v Richmond, Metricon Stadium (day)
GWS Giants v Sydney, Skoda Stadium (twilight)

SUNDAY MARCH 16
Carlton v Port Adelaide, Etihad Stadium (night)

THURSDAY MARCH 20
Geelong v Adelaide, Simonds Stadium (night)

FRIDAY MARCH 21
North Melbourne v Essendon, Etihad Stadium (night)

SATURDAY MARCH 22
Hawthorn v Brisbane, Launceston (twilight)
Melbourne v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium (night)

SUNDAY MARCH 23
West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Patersons Stadium (afternoon)

FIXTURE HIGHLIGHTS

- First round split over two weekends - March 14-16 and March 20-23

- A home-and-away season of 25 weeks, including the split round and two byes for each club

- Nicky Winmar tribute game between St Kilda and Collingwood on the first night of Indigenous Round

- A trial of Sunday night football, with at least five games to be shown at 7.40pm in a time-slot to be shunned by families

- A pre-season of just two NAB Cup practice matches and no NAB Cup final, with a representative game on March 7 or 8

- Carlton being hit with a tough draw given its unlikely finals win, playing twice against Collingwood, Geelong and Essendon

- James Podsiadly taking on his former side in Round 1 as Adelaide and Geelong face off at Simonds Stadium

- An AFL Grand Final expected to be 2.30pm on Saturday September 27

- Carlton and Collingwood facing off twice, but the Blues play Richmond only once

- Richmond and Carlton's traditional season opener pushed back to Round 2 given the MCG is unavailable in Round 1

- Port Adelaide hosting Adelaide in the Adelaide Oval grand opening in Round 2

- Melbourne playing two home-and-away matches in the Northern Territory, one in Darwin and one in Alice Springs

- Hawthorn unfurling its premiership flag twice - the first against Brisbane in Launceston in Round 1

- St Kilda to play against Brisbane in Wellington on Anzac Day after the traditional Essendon v Collingwood game

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Mariners get golden McBreen back

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DANIEL McBreen has barely broken stride since winning last season's Golden Boot, but the veteran striker will dive straight back into the service of the Mariners when he returns from his loan spell in China this weekend.

Alhough he won't return in time to be in contention for Saturday's F3 derby with Newcastle, McBreen insists he'll be at Graham Arnold's service immediately after to continue the defence of last year's title.

McBreen's loan spell with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Dongya ends tonight against Marcello Lippi's table-topping Guangzhou Evergrande, and after flying back to Sydney on Friday night McBreen will report for training Monday morning.

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For a 36-year-old, his longevity has been impressive — appearing in12 of 13 league games that his club have played since his arrival in July, and completing 90 minutes in 10 of them.

In the past 12 months the figures are 42 games and 20 goals, but there is little prospect of a break despite his re-emersion into a Mariners season that thanks to the Asia Champions League will run until at least May.

"Arnie asked if I wanted a break, but I told him I'm just keen to keep playing and I am," he said.

"Training here in China goes for longer but is less intense, and if I'm honest Arnie and Clarky [Mariners fitness coach Andrew Clark] are very good at managing each individual players' training program.

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"I'm sure we'll be able to manage the workload to go through the season. I've only seen snippets of the Mariners games thanks to the internet, but I heard at the weekend we got one goal and could have had a few more.

"The thing is though, we've always been slow starters, and I can't wait to get back. I've said before how much I enjoy playing with Mikey [McGlinchey], and I can't wait for the prospect of playing with him and Marcos Flores."

Having already played in England, Scotland and Romania, McBreen admitted the wanderlust to play abroad again wasn't a surprise - even though the cultural differences were sizeable.

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"When we first came here, all the foreigners in the team were asked what we though about training and everything, and we gave our opinions, which were promptly ignored," McBreen said.

"It taught us not to worry too much, and just get on with things. I can't lie, I'm looking forward to getting back to Australia in terms of training.

"But equally I came to experience a different culture, and I love that side of football — the chance to see other parts of the world.

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"I'd heard that Shanghai was an amazing place and that's very true, and overall I've really enjoyed myself. There's nothing worse than 4-5 months of an off-season and in coming here I've managed to keep playing and make some new friends.

"If the opportunity came up again to play in China, I'd be keen. It's funny, every second week I seemed to be up against an Australian as there are a lot here.

"It's been good to hear the accent and have a bit of banter on the pitch, it breaks up the monotony a bit. They talk a lot about fighting spirit in their team talks here, and Australians have that in spades."

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No pressure Emile, just get a goal

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NO pressure Emile. Just find us a goal.

That's the message from Newcastle Jets fans desperately hoping the likely return from injury of striker Emile Heskey for Saturday night's derby against the Central Coast at Hunter Stadium will end the club's goal drought and kick-start their season.

Three games down and still not on the scoresheet. That's been the tale of woe on the attacking front for the club, who have been without the services of their marquee star following a knee injury he picked up during the pre-season.

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When you take into account the Jets failed to score in the final one and a half games of last season, it's now been 406 minutes since they last found the back of the net in the A-League.
Heskey's return against the Mariners will hinge on how he gets through the club's next couple of training sessions.

He will be assessed by the medical staff after training with the full squad Tuesday.

Assistant coach Craig Deans was hopeful prior to the session that Heskey will be ready to either start the game or make a contribution from the bench on Saturday night.

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"We'll have a reasonably hard session today and if he pulls up with no problem from that, than it's just a matter of whether we think we can get 45 to 60 (minutes) out of him or whether 30 as an impact player is best," he said.

"Emile knows himself better than anyone so I'd imagine he and Gary (coach Van Egmond) will have a conversation about how he is best used on the weekend."

Deans has no doubt Heskey's presence alone with give the club a huge boost.

"Absolutely. It lifts our team, it lifts our supporters," he said.

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"It puts a little bit of fear and doubt into the Central Coast team and they have quite a young backline at the moment.

"He's important to our team and our club. He's a marquee player and someone everyone wants to see play."

Deans did not attempt to gloss over the focus on the club's lack of goals, which has left the club with two draws and a loss to start the season.

"It's fair criticism if you want to call it that," he said.

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"We haven't scored a goal and goals win you games and it's something that we do work on a lot. It's just a matter of it clicking on the day.

"I think the boys know it's not that far away. It's a game of small margins and at the moment, the small margins are not going in our favour but we are still going to stay positive.

"At the same time, to have what looks to be quite a solid defensive structure at the moment is something that's pleasing and something we can build on.

"The defensive efforts in the last two weeks in particular have been good. It's very early days and to get carried away with negative stuff at this early stage is pointless."

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London Irish to save O'Connor

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JAMES O'Connor believes his switch to English club London Irish will be a life-changing and career-saving experience.

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"I will make it work," an assured O'Connor said at his official unveiling at the club's headquarters.

The controversial Wallabies star will line up at fullback this Sunday in his first appearance in the Aviva Premiership.

"I am not going to lie, I have made many mistakes, that's how I've got myself in this position," O'Connor said.

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"I have drawn a line in the sand.

"This is an opportunity for me to grow as a person and as a player.

"That's been part of my decision, to leave my support structures and come overseas and become my own man."

O'Connor had his ARU top-up contract torn up after numerous off-filed indiscretions, and his former employers say he will not be eligible for the Wallabies next year because he cannot play a full Super Rugby season.

O'Connor will play out the remainder of the season, which finishes in May - more than two months after Super Rugby kicks off.

He said he may still play for Western Force upon his return to Australia.

Ironically, O'Connor's former Wallabies teammates are also in London preparing for a Test against England.

"It will be tough watching the boys the weekend but I will definitely be there supporting them," O'Connor said.  

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'Retire now for good of boxing'

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ANTHONY Mundine has been a detriment to the sport and should have left boxing years ago, former world champion Daniel Geale says.

While not involved in the promotion, Mundine was a central figure in another farce during the week when his opponent Shane Mosley flew home to the US just 24 hours before his bout with "The Man'' after failing to be paid on time.

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Geale, who held the coveted IBF middleweight world title before losing a split points decision this year to Englishman Darren Barker, said it was overtime for Mundine to go.

"It has probably been that way for a while,'' Geale said.

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"A lot of people do argue he's done a lot for the sport, he's kept it in the media but at what cost?''

He said the previous week had been damaging not only to the sport in Australia but to world boxing and would have an adverse effect on up and coming professional fighters like fellow Tasmanian, London Olympic boxing captain Luke Jackson.

"There are a lot of really good fighters out there working their butt off doing the right thing,'' he said.

"There are a new crop of Olympians who have turned pro coming through now and they are going to find it extremely difficult because no one will want to go near boxing for that reason.

"They are too scared that something bad will happen so they won't sponsor it and get behind it.''

Anthony Mundine lands one against Daniel Geale. Source: News Limited

Geale and Mundine have been rivals in and out of the ring, with Geale suffering his first pro loss to Mundine before turning the tables on the former NRL star with an easy points win earlier this year. But leading into that fight, Mundine questioned Geale's Aboriginal heritage and criticised the Launceston born and raised fighter for having a "white woman'' as a wife.

"I look at it like there definitely has been a lot of negatives,'' Geale said of Mundine.

"I don't like that. I love the sport of boxing and I only want to see the sport in the right light,'' Geale said.

"When he's been involved, and not only him but others around the world who have done the wrong thing, it makes it hard for everyone else.''

Geale said he was still hopeful his next bout would be against the winner of December's Darren Barker-Felix Sturm fight to regain his IBF belt.

Daniel Geale (right) was robbed in his fight against Darren Barker, says Jeff Fenech. Source: AFP

The 32-year-old Sydney-based father of three said he had watched a replay of his narrow split points loss to Barker with some frustration.

"I had a copy of the scorecards in front of me while I was watching,'' Geale said.

"I'm not a judge but I've watched a lot of fights over the years.

"There were some rounds that I thought how could that be? You just wonder how things are done.

"Whether you are sitting on one side of the ring or the other, there is not that big a difference.

"It is just a frustrating sport at times.''

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Barometer: Summer edition

Brad Scott's Kangas are heading back to Utah. Picture: nmfc.com.au Source: Supplied

NEWS' team of award-winning reporters gives a complete rundown of every club's list as they move towards another AFL campaign.

From off-season moves, training plans, draft picks and travel itineraries, we've got it all covered in this comprehensive guide.

JOIN US FROM MIDDAY IN THE CHAT AT THE BOTTOM TO DISCUSS HOW YOUR CLUB IS SHAPING UP

Now, on with the clubs ...

ADELAIDE

MEDICAL ROOM

Taylor Walker (knee) continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury that has included a trip to the US to see world-renowned rehabilitation expert Billy Knowles. Fellow forwards Josh Jenkins (ankle) and Tom Lynch (foot) also are on the recovery path with Lynch ready to start pre-season training. Scott Thompson (hip) and Jared Petrenko (hip) have had clean-ups.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Rory Sloane won his first Malcolm Blight Medal.

LIST CHANGES

OUT: Graham Johncock (retired), Bernie Vince (Melbourne), Tim McIntyre, Dylan Orval, Tim Klaosen (delisted).

IN: James Podsiadly (Geelong), Eddie Betts (Carlton).

TO BE PROMOTED FROM ROOKIE LIST: Rory Laird, Kyle Hartigan.

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Appointed Heath Younie to be the Crows first coach in the SANFL.

TRAVEL

No pre-season camp as Adelaide says it prefers to spend its budget on other aspects of its team development.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Begins with least-experienced players — those with one to four years in system — on November 6.

MICHELANGELO RUCCI SAYS: It is hard to image the Crows can be as cursed again as they were on and off the field from the moment Kurt Tippett chose to defect to Sydney. Big test ahead for the Adelaide midfield to reinvent itself after losing its edge while the attack will need to mix and match while waiting for Walker to resume (probably June), but Betts' arrival helps to light up new scoreboards at Adelaide Oval. Should contest for a spot from 6-8.

DRAFT PICKS: 23, 46, 82, 100

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BRISBANE

MEDICAL ROOM

Daniel Rich (ankle), Jed Adcock (ankle) and, James Polkinghorne (shoulder) all had minor off-season surgery. Daniel Merrett (ankle) is recovering from a major break but should start running next month.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Defender Joel Patfull claimed back-to-back Merrett-Murray Medals.

LIST CHANGES

In: Jono Freeman (Lions Academy), Justin Clarke (rookie list elevation), Jackson Paine (Collingwood), Trent West (Geelong)

Out: Simon Black (retired), Callum Bartlett (delisted), Richard Newell (delisted), Niall McKeever (delisted), Aaron Cornelius (delisted), Patrick Karnezis (Collingwood), Billy Longer (St Kilda), Elliot Yeo (West Coast), Jared Polec (Port Adelaide), Sam Docherty (Carlton).

OFF-FIELD MOVES

AFL icon Leigh Matthews rejoins the club as football director after a two-month boardroom battle. The four-time premiership player and four-time premiership coach is the biggest "in" at the Gabba since he first joined the club as senior coach in 1999. Triple-premiership defender and three-time all-Australian Justin Leppitsch takes the reins as senior coach after serving seven years as an assistant coach at the Lions and Richmond.

Hawthorn premiership player and former senior coach Peter Schwab was part of the panel that picked Leppitsch to replace Michael Voss and has decided to move to Brisbane to serve as coaching director.

Assistant coaches Adrian Fletcher and Mark Harvey left the Gabba while fellow assistants Shane Woewodin and Murray Davis were offered contract extensions. Recently-retired AFL great Simon Black has been offered a three-year deal to join the coaching panel.

TRAVEL PLANS

Arizona training camp in November.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Entire senior list returns to training on November 5 before departing for Arizona the following day.

GREG DAVIS SAYS: It will be a relief for the focus to switch to football at the Gabba after a shambolic off-season that featured a long search for a new senior coach and an even more protracted boardroom battle. The Lions will miss Simon Black in the midfield but will get to enjoy Jonathan Brown's work for one more season. With a host of up-and-coming players departing the club, Brisbane is light on for depth. A host of draft picks from a busy trade period will not fill the void. Leppitsch will be doing well to repeat Voss's effort of a 10-win season.

DRAFT PICKS: 7, 22, 25, 28, 33, 34, 63

Dale Thomas in his new Carlton colours in artwork prepared by the Blues. Source: Supplied

CARLTON

MEDICAL ROOM

Dale Thomas (ankle), Marc Murphy (knee), Chris Judd (knee) and Andrew Carrazzo (calf) will all be fit for the start of pre-season on December 2. There were 17 players who had some form of surgery after the finals, but the Blues are confident none will be hampered early in the pre-season.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Veteran Kade Simpson won his first John Nicholls Medal after a superb season in defence.

LIST CHANGES

In: Dale Thomas (Carlton), Sam Docherty (Brisbane), Andrejs Everitt (Sydney)

Out: Eddie Betts (Adelaide), Shaun Hampson (Richmond), Jeremy Laidler (walked out), Luke Mitchell (delisted), Patrick McCarthy (delisted), Marcus Davies (delisted), Aaron Joseph (delisted)

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Carlton has lured Collingwood's fitness guru David Buttifant to sit alongside his long-time friend and co-author Mick Malthouse. Long-standing fitness boss Justin Cordy has gone back to the Western Bulldogs.

Gavin Brown has left the club to work with North Melbourne, a blow given his coaching nous. The Blues are still considering replacements and have two vacancies for a midfield and defensive coach. Twelve months ago Malthouse had a crack at Andrew McLeod and Cameron Ling, but both said no, and Ling has now gone to North Melbourne in a part-time capacity.

JOIN US FROM MIDDAY IN THE CHAT AT THE BOTTOM TO DISCUSS HOW YOUR CLUB IS SHAPING UP

TRAVEL PLANS

The Blues jet out to Arizona on December 3, with 35 players going on the high-altitude trip. Veterans Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo will remain in Melbourne.

PRE-SEASON

The Blues first to fourth-year players come back on November 18, with the older players back on December 2, a day before the Arizona trip.

JON RALPH SAYS: A super off-season given the acquisition of Dale Thomas. The Blues were thrilled when the scans on his ankle showed at best some scar tissue or perhaps just minor damage from the sutures from past surgery. It means they are confident they will get bang for their bucks, after handing him $700,000 a season.

The blow is the departure of Eddie Betts given his goal power, but to be honest they probably couldn't have afforded both Dale and Eddie.

Docherty is a former No.12 pick and while his kicking wasn't great at Brisbane he was an elite kick with great hands and real speed as a junior. The Blues hope to settle him down on a wing or half-back and let him use his talent.

None of Josh Bootsma, Kane Lucas or Levi Casboult attracted much interest from rivals, but the fact they were shopped was a shot across their bows. Casboult and Lucas must spend the entire off-season working on their kicking — and Bootsma his decision-making — if that trio are to make their mark in 2014.

All in all, a very positive off-season gaining the outside run that Malthouse was so desperate to lure. Now they just need to ensure both of their ruckmen stay fit given the loss of Hampson, and put a bomb under Chris Yarran so he can step up and replace Betts' goal output.

DRAFT PICKS: 13, 39, 51, 69, 87

Taylor Adams is now a Pie. Source: News Limited

COLLINGWOOD

MEDICAL ROOM

The normal scrapes and clean-outs for Collingwood players but nothing to hold any of them back come pre-season. Lachie Keefe (shoulder) and Nathan Brown (knee) had minor procedures. The main boost will come from Alex Fasolo (navicular stress fracture) and Alan Toovey (knee reconstruction)

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Scott Pendlebury won his second E.W. Copeland Trophy after a totally dominant year.

LIST CHANGES

In: Jesse White (Sydney), Taylor Adams (Greater Western Sydney), Patrick Karnezis (Brisbane)

Out: Dale Thomas (Carlton), Heath Shaw (Greater Western Sydney), Alan Didak (delisted), Andrew Krakouer (delisted), Darren Jolly (delisted), Jordan Russell (delisted), Ben Richmond (delisted), Michael Hartley (delisted)

OFF-FIELD MOVES

The Pies have lured former and star and ex-West Coast assistant coach Scott Burns as their midfield coach. Robert Harvey has been elevated to senior assistant coach under Nathan Buckley. David Buttifant, renowned as one of the league's best fitness bosses, confirmed the league's worst-kept secret when he left for Carlton.

St Kilda fitness boss Bill Davoren has hooked up with former Dogs senior coach Rodney Eade, who he worked under at Whitten Oval. Eade, formerly the head of coaching and strategy, is now the club's head of football given Geoff Walsh's departure to North Melbourne.

Development coach Mitch Hahn left for Brisbane, and has been replaced by Fremantle development coach Steven Grace.

TRAVEL PLANS

The Pies won't travel anywhere, their high altitude plans derailed by the late pre-season start and the changeover in fitness bosses. Their first and second-year players might head off for a day or two.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

First to fourth-year players get back on November 4, then players older than that return on November 18.

JON RALPH SAYS: Another scintillating trade period given they lured future captain and midfield star Taylor Adams, as well as forward role player Jesse White. But let's not forget the Pies did give away Dale Thomas — their best player in the two 2010 Grand Finals — and Heath Shaw — one of the top five best small defenders in the game.

It provides the Pies with pick 6 and 10 to go to the draft with, quality picks given recruiter Derek Hine believes the draft rapidly falls away after the first dozen selections.

The real challenge over the summer is to rediscover the mad attack on the football that was once the club's trademark. If the Pies can do that, and find another small defender to fill the hole left by Shaw, they will be in great shape. Alan Toovey will return to play as the small defender and the emerging Marley Williams had a ripper year, but could they try someone like Fasolo as a running defender too?

The Pies have set themselves for the next decade through their canny trading, but now need to concentrate on the here and now — delivering in 2014.

DRAFT PICKS: 6, 10, 67

Mark Thompson's Bombers are hitting Colorado in December. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON

MEDICAL ROOM

End-of-season surgery for Dyson Heppell (foot), Michael Hurley (ankle), Joe Daniher (knee), Mark Baguley (knee), David Myers (shoulder) and Tom Bellchambers (hip).

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Brendon Goddard won his first Crichton Medal.

LIST CHANGES

In: Paul Chapman (Geelong), Shaun Edwards (GWS), Kurt Aylett (GWS)

Out: Stuart Crameri (Western Bulldogs), Scott Gumbleton (Fremantle)

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Mark Thompson was installed as senior coach to replace the suspended James Hird. Neil Craig joins as head of coaching development and strategy, and former Adelaide player Nathan Bassett as an assistant coach. The club waved goodbye to Windy Hill last week and shifted to a new training and administration facility at Melbourne Airport.

TRAVEL PLANS

Two-week high-altitude training camp in Boulder, Colorado in early December.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

0-4 year players — November 6.

5-plus players — November 18.

MICHAEL WARNER SAYS: The prospect of ASADA infraction notices still looms and Mark Thompson has some work to do rebuilding the confidence of a shattered club. Crameri's departure will hurt, but Chapman is a brilliant pick-up.

Draft picks: 26, 55, 66, 102

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FREMANTLE

MEDICAL ROOM

Post-season surgery for Garrick Ibbotson (Achilles), Clancee Pearce (ankle) and Alex Silvagni (ankle) — all are expected to start pre-season training from the opening day. Jonathan Griffin (knee) and Kepler Bradley (knee) are on extended recovery schedules and will be monitored for when they resume.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Doig Medal function will be held on November 16. Midfield gun Nat Fyfe should win it after he led Freo's Brownlow count with 18 votes, ahead of on-ball allies David Mundy with his 16 and Michael Barlow on 14.

LIST CHANGES

In: Colin Sylvia (Melbourne) and Scott Gumbleton (Essendon), while Matt Taberner was elevated from the rookie list.

Out: Viv Michie (Melbourne), Jayden Pitt (retired), Peter Faulks (delisted), Jesse Crichton (delisted), Alex Forster (delisted), Haiden Schloithe (delisted), Alex Howson (delisted).

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Senior assistant Peter Sumich was surprising overlooked for the senior coaching appointment at his old club West Coast. It left only one switch in the support coaching staff with WAFL club Claremont 2012 premiership coach Marc Webb joining the Dockers development team and Ashley Prescott leaving. Prescott wants to continue in the AFL and has investigated employment at West Coast as well as back in the east.

TRAVEL PLANS

The furthest coach Ross Lyon will let his players travel is the Peel Region only about 40km south of Fremantle for the annual AFL community clinics in February. Until then it will be another rigorous training at Fremantle Oval for the summer.

PRE-SEASON

As a Grand Finalist the Dockers have an extended annual leave period and return to training dates are first-to-fourth year players on November 18 and five years and longer veterans are back into it from December 2.

KIM HAGDORN SAYS: The addition of Sylvia will help around the stoppages and add significant scoring power, as well as tall timber back-up with Scott Gumbleton around the goalmouth. With the highly anticipated return of ruckman Jonathan Griffin and highly regarded winger Anthony Morabito, this bunch will again be a serious flag contender. The Dockers' home-and-away fixture draw will be significantly tougher next year in the important bid to finish in the top four again.

DRAFT PICKS: 17, 37, 58, 73, 91

The Cats waved goodbye to several veterans and are backing in their new breed, such as young forward Shane Kersten. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

GEELONG

MEDICAL ROOM

Post-season surgery for ruckman Mark Blicavs (wrist), Allen Christensen (hip) and Shane Kirsten (knee). Blicavs is the only one who may miss the start of pre-season while Daniel Menzel is travelling to Philadelphia for some intense rehabilitation on his knee with the surgeon who operated on golf star Tiger Woods.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Joel Selwood won his second Carji Greeves Medal.

LIST CHANGES

In: None

Out: Joel Corey (retired), Josh Hunt (GWS), Paul Chapman (Essendon), James Podsiadly (Adelaide) plus rookies Ryan Bathie and Cameron Eardley.

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Steve Hocking has moved from key role in the football department to general manager of commercial operations.

TRAVEL PLANS

Training camp at Coffs Harbour from December 12-20. Will use elite training centre at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort which has previously been used by Hawthorn, Essendon, the Wallabies and various NRL clubs.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

First to fourth-year players start their pre-season on November 18. Fifth-year and older players start on December 2.

SCOTT GULLAN says: A generation change with four premiership heroes gone but the Cats depth of talent means they will again be a contender. Dipped out in chase for Heath Shaw but ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who was a non-factor in his first season at Geelong, is virtually a new recruit if he can stand up — but it's a big if.

DRAFT PICKS: 16, 36, 41, 54, 64, 72, 84

The Gold Coast Suns will return to Arizona this off-season. Picture: Ben Jaensch Source: Supplied

GOLD COAST

MEDICAL ROOM

Luke Russell was the only player to have post-season surgery. He had both hips shaved. Zac Smith is on the comeback trail from ACL surgery while Nathan Bock is recovering from having the rod removed from his broken leg.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Gary Ablett for the third consecutive year.

LIST CHANGES

In: None

Out Jared Brennan (retired), Maverick Weller (delisted), Joel Wilkinson (delisted), Josh Hall (delisted), Jacob Gilbee (delisted)

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Development coach Ben Matthews has gone to Melbourne. Joel Corey has been interviewed about a coaching role.

TRAVEL PLANS

Arizona training camp in November. The young blokes do a week's training before the entire squad heads for a two week camp at Flagstaff, where they have stayed the past two seasons.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

First-to-fourth year players return November 6. The older players on November 10.

ANDREW HAMILTON SAYS: The Suns are perfectly positioned to take another step up the ladder in 2014. There were a lot of injuries in 2013 but the silver lining was the opportunity it provided others to shine. Rory Thompson emerged as a star, Tom Nicholls took his chance in the ruck late in the year and Aaron Hall was able to cement himself. Jack Martin arrives on the scene, Jaeger O'Meara is in his second year and if Charlie Dixon and Harley Bennell are fit, they will become stars. The return of Bock will be a massive bonus.

DRAFT PICKS 5, 20, 27, 61, 79

Shane Mumford has joined GWS. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: DailyTelegraph

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

MEDICAL ROOM

Callan Ward (hip), Andrew Phillips (hamstring) and Jon Patton (knee) all had operations before the end of the season. Patton is aiming for Round 1.

BEST-AND-FAIREST: Jeremy Cameron

LIST CHANGES

In: Shane Mumford (Swans), Jed Lamb (Swans), Heath Shaw (Collingwood), Josh Hunt (Geelong).

Out: Dom Tyson (Melbourne) Taylor Adams (Collingwood) Josh Bruce (St Kilda) Shaun Edwards (Essendon) Kurt Aylett (Essendon). Setanta O'hAilpin, Bret Thornton, Josh Growden and Gerald Ugle were all delisted.

OFF-FIELD MOVES:

Inaugural coach Kevin Sheedy steps aside for Leon Cameron. Former players Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan become been appointed assistant coaches, which Swans premiership player Aamon Buchanan is a development coach.

TRAVEL PLANS

Queensland training camp in December.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

Starts November 6

DRAFT PICKS: 1,2, 21, 22, 29, 48, 75, 76, 93, 111

NEIL CORDY SAYS: The Giants missed out on Buddy Franklin, but in football terms they will be better off fixing their major problems in the ruck and in defence with Shane Mumford and Heath Shaw.

The signing of another Swan Jed Lamb and the possibility of Geelong premiership player Josh Hunt adds more of the experience they desperately need.

Their youngsters will also benefit from a third pre-season under the belt and a fourth in the case of Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel and Curtley Hampton.

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge celebrates with the 2013 premiership cup. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: HeraldSun

HAWTHORN

MEDICAL ROOM

Josh Gibson (wrist surgery) went under the knife after the Grand Final while Brendan Whitecross had a knee reconstruction after another heartbreaking September injury. Ryan Schoenmakers and Matt Suckling continue their rehab from knee injuries.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Josh Gibson took home the Peter Crimmins Medal.

LIST CHANGES

In: Ben McEvoy (St Kilda)

Out: Lance Franklin (Sydney), Xavier Ellis (Fremantle), Shane Savage (St Kilda), Brent Guerra (retired), Max Bailey (retired), Michael Osborne (retired), Amos Frank (delisted), Andrew Boseley (delisted).

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Assistant coach Adam Simpson has been appointed senior coach of West Coast. Chris Fagan, former head of coaching and development, has been promoted to football operations manager and replaces James Fantasia who stood down in July because of ill health.

AFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks' 2013 premiership coach Damian Carroll has been appointed head coach of Hawthorn's development academy.

Adem Yze has taken on a full-time development and specialist coaching role after fulfilling the role on a part-time basis during the season.

Cameron Bruce has been appointed an assistant coach after a successful year as Hawthorn's development coach. Recently retired Brent Guerra has been as part-time development coach.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Players with one to four years' experience resume on November 18, while senior players are back on December 2.

TRAVEL PLANS

The Hawks will travel to South Africa in December for a training camp.

DARYL TIMMS SAYS: The retirement of premiership ruckman Max Bailey after just 43 games because of chronic knee problems forced the Hawks to again go big man hunting to find support for David Hale.

In what was seen as a major surprise, the Hawks signed St Kilda's Ben McEvoy to fill a crucial role.

Defender Ryan Shoenmakers, who missed the 2013 season after injuring a knee in Round 4, should be back early in the season along with another knee reco victim Matthew Suckling, who went down in the pre-season. Brendan Whitecross has also undergone another knee reconstruction after being hurt in the preliminary final and should be back at some stage during the year.

The loss of Lance Franklin will hurt but not cripple a club that still has the premiership window wide open and the view looks pretty good.

DRAFT PICKS: 24, 38, 56, 59, 74

Paul Roos announcement as new Melbourne coach. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: HeraldSun

MELBOURNE

MEDICAL ROOM

Chris Dawes will be off the track for 6-8 weeks after surgery to fix swelling in his knee. Tom McDonald and Jake Spencer will also have delayed starts to pre-season training after post-season shoulder surgery, while Jordie McKenzie had groin surgery.

JOIN US FROM MIDDAY IN THE CHAT AT THE BOTTOM TO DISCUSS HOW YOUR CLUB IS SHAPING UP

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Nathan Jones claimed back-to-back Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophies

LIST CHANGES

In: Dom Tyson (Greater Western Sydney), Bernie Vince (Adelaide), Viv Michie (Fremantle), Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs — pending a medical)

Out: Colin Sylvia (Fremantle), Aaron Davey (retired), David Rodan (retired), Joel MacDonald (retired), James Sellar (delisted), Josh Tynan (delisted), Troy Davis (delisted), Tom Gillies (delisted), Tom Couch (delisted).

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos finally agreed to coach the Demons. Caretaker coach Neil Craig has joined Essendon's coaching staff. George Stone, who worked with Hawthorn and then Sydney, has been reunited with Roos as midfield coach. Brett Allison has joined Melbourne from North Melbourne in a development role, while Ben Mathews, who played under Roos in the Swans 2005 premiership, has moved from a development role with the Gold Coast to the Demons.

Former Melbourne and Richmond player Brad Miller will also work in player development. Jade Rawlings is the only assistant coach from the 2013 season to survive the chop.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Players with one to four years' experience resume on November 6, while others are back on November 18.

TRAVEL PLANS

Nothing is planned at the moment

DARYL TIMMS SAYS: Landing the big fish Paul Roos as coach will hopefully provide the Demons with a clear game plan and direction. As the former and great coach Allan Jeans would say, players makes coaches and Roos still needs plenty to restore the Demons as a power. Recruiting four midfielders from other clubs will help, as will the return of former Brisbane Lion Mitch Clark, who is back running. A foot injury has restricted him to just eight games in his two seasons with the Demons. It will be a long haul for the Dees but hopefully under Roos they will at least be competitive on a regular basis.

DRAFT PICKS: 9, 40, 57, 94

Nick Dal Santo is part of the Kangas' campaign for 2014. Source: News Limited

NORTH MELBOURNE

MEDICAL ROOM

Post-season surgery for Nathan Grima (foot), Scott Thompson (knee), Aaron Mullet (foot), Taylor Garner (ankle), Kieran Harper (elbow/ankle), Liam Anthony (shoulder) and Sam Wright (shoulder). Most should be right to start pre-season on time, with Harper has had a recent setback with his ankle. Andrew Swallow (Achilles) and Majak Daw (knee) are on longer-term rehab programs.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Scott Thompson, Daniel Wells tied for Syd Barker Medal.

LIST CHANGES

In: Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda)

Out: Luke Delaney (St Kilda), Cameron Richardson (delisted), Ben Speight (delisted). (A few more delistings to come tomorrow).

OFF-FIELD MOVES

New assistant coaches Leigh Tudor and Gavin Brown are on board, while Cameron Ling will work with club leaders on a part-time basis. Geoff Walsh is back as director of football. Former bodyguard John Donehue has signed on as a full-time tackling coach. The departures are headed by assistant Brett Allison, who has joined Melbourne.

TRAVEL PLANS

The Kangaroos will head to Utah for a training camp, from November 15-December 5.

PER-SEASON TRAINING

First-to-third year players return November 6.

GLENN McFARLANE SAYS: It's been a superb off-season so far from the Kangaroos on and off the field. The addition of Nick Dal Santo will add some polish to North Melbourne's midfield. The list appears to be in the right age bracket with expectation high for next season. And Brad Scott has been able to add one of the best support teams in the competition around him. There will be no excuses in 2014.

Draft picks: 8 (father-son Luke McDonald), 30, 47, 65, 77

Jared Polec has landed at Alberton. Source: CourierMail

PORT ADELAIDE

MEDICAL ROOM

Post-season surgery for Hamish Hartlett (shoulder), Tom Logan (thumb) and Jack Hombsch (hip). Ruckman Jarrad Redden is on a longer-term rehabilitation program from season-ending hip and shoulder surgery in July.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Chad Wingard won the John Cahill Medal after a stunning second season.

LIST CHANGES

In: Matthew White (Richmond), Jared Polec (Brisbane)

Out: Brett Ebert (retired), Matt Thomas (delisted), Nathan Blee (delisted), Nick Salter (delisted), Daniel Stewart (delisted), Darren Pfeiffer (delisted), Danny Butcher (delisted), Justin Hoskin (delisted).

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Respected assistant coach Phil Walsh returns after a five-year stint at West Coast. Garry Hocking leaves his assistant coaching role to be the head coach of the Power's SANFL team. Tyson Edwards has been promoted from development coach to forwards coach. Brad Gotch has departed his opposition analyst role to coach South Adelaide in the SANFL. Shaun Rehn's contract as midfield coach was not renewed.

TRAVEL PLANS

Dubai training camp over nine days from November 24.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

First-to-third year players return November 18

JESPER FJELDSTAD SAYS: Port was the competition's great surprise with its improvement from 14th to fifth last season and coach Ken Hinkley has been quick to make more changes. Phil Walsh is a significant recruitment as midfield coach. On the back of the confidence infused by Hinkley and Alan Richardson, the club is a likely finalist again.

DRAFT PICKS: 21, 45, 52, 70

Daniel Jackson and Alex Rance spread the Richmond gospel in Brazil. Picture: Lincoln Creak Source: Supplied

RICHMOND

MEDICAL ROOM

End-of-season surgery for Reece Conca (hamstring).

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Daniel Jackson won his first Jack Dyer Medal

LIST CHANGES

In: Shaun Hampson (Carlton)

Out: Matty White (Port Adelaide)

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Assistant coach Justin Leppitsch has left to take on the senior job at Brisbane. Retiring Hawk Max Bailey and former Saint Andrew McQualter join as development coaches. Appointed footy's first female president, Peggy O'Neal, after the retirement of Gary March. First full pre-season on the relaid Punt Rd surface.

TRAVEL PLANS

No pre-season trip but nine players travelled to Rio de Janeiro this month for a cultural-exchange program.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

0-4 year players — November 6.

5-plus players — November 18.

MICHAEL WARNER SAYS: The Tigers made just one move at the trade table, landing Carlton ruckman Shaun Hampson for their second-round pick (now 32). Banking on the emergence of a young list to climb into the top four. Keeping Dustin Martin at the club was crucial.

DRAFT PICKS: 12, 50, 68, 86

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ST KILDA

MEDICAL ROOM

Nick Riewoldt is the highest profile player of the 13 Saints to have some form of off-season surgery. The skipper had work on his troublesome knee and will be on a modified program. So too will Tom Lee (shoulder), James Gwilt (knee), Jack Newnes (shoulder), Rhys Stanley (shoulder) and Spencer White (wrist).

Others such as Sean Dempster (knee), Sam Fisher (foot), Daniel Markworth (knee), Terry Milera (ankle), Adam Schneider (thumb), Tom Simpkin (shin) and Arryn Siposs (shoulder) should be right early in the preseason.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Jack Steven was a clear winner of the Trevor Barker Medal.

LIST CHANGES

In: Luke Delaney (North Melbourne), Shane Savage (Hawthorn), Billy Longer (Brisbane), Josh Bruce (Greater Western Sydney).

Out: Ben McEvoy (Hawthorn), Nick Dal Santo (North Melbourne), Justin Koschitzke (retired), Jason Blake (retired), Stephen Milne (retired), Jay Lever (delisted), Tom Ledger (delisted), Jordan Staley (delisted).

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Greg Hutchison (football operations manager) was a post-season casualty. Jaymie Graham (development coach) has joined West Coast, while Bill Davoren (high performance manager) has headed to Collingwood. No replacements have yet been named.

TRAVEL PLANS

The Saints will go to Boulder in the US from November 26 to December 10. Some players on reduced programs will not go. Lenny Hayes will also be missing as his wife is expecting their first child at around that time.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

First-to-fourth year players — November 6

Five-plus year players — November 18

GLENN McFARLANE: If the Saints' rebuild hadn't been officially validated, it is now. St Kilda has sacrificed the present for the future — and not before time. But it is a high-risk strategy, particularly the trading of McEvoy, which at least is tempered a little with the recruitment of Longer. It simply must get this national draft right. Talk of club infighting and pressure on coach Scott Watters have dominated the headlines. The Saints somehow now need to come together on what is a long, hard road ahead.

DRAFT PICKS: 3, 18, 19, 95

Lance Franklin in his new colours. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: DailyTelegraph

SYDNEY

MEDICAL ROOM

Adam Goodes (knee), Tom Mitchell (ankle), Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee), Alex Johnson (knee-LARS), Rhyce Shaw (knee-LARS) all went under the knife during last season.0

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Assistant coach Leigh Tudor left for North Melbourne and development coach George Stone did likewise to Melbourne.

The experienced pair are replaced by former Swan Marty Mattner, who joins as an assistant coach, and Josh Francou, who has signed on as football development manager.

LIST CHANGES

In: Lance Franklin (Hawthorn).

Out: Shane Mumford (GWS), Jed Lamb (GWS), Jesse White (Collingwood), Andrejs Everitt (Carlton) and Alex Brown (delisted). Jude Bolton, Mitch Morton and Mattner all retired. Tony Armstrong's future is up in the air.

TRAVEL PLANS

Coffs Harbour pre-season training camp is on in January.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

0-4 year players — November 18

5-year-plus players — December 2

DRAFT PICKS: 15, 32, 35, 44, 53, 71, 89, 107, 125.

NEIL CORDY SAYS: The Swans premiership window is wide open with the arrival Lance Franklin to a team which finished top four in a year they suffered a huge injury toll.

Franklin's arrival has come at a cost and it isn't just the former Hawk's salary. Shane Mumford, Jesse White and Jed Lamb have all moved on after being squeezed out by Buddy's arrival.

There will also be a significant reshuffle of the line-up. Kurt Tippett will have to help Mike Pyke in the ruck and Sam Reid is likely to play centre half-back.

New West Coast coach Adam Simpson and his wife Nicky and children Milla, 10, Allie, 9, Owen, 6, Elsa, 18 months at their home in Melbourne Picture: Carrafa Tim Source: The Sunday Times

WEST COAST

MEDICAL ROOM

Post-season surgery for Beau Waters (shoulder), Shannon Hurn (ankle) and Mark Le Cras (arm).

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Function on November 29. Midfielder Matt Priddis would be favoured to win his first club champion award. He polled more Brownlow Medal votes than any Eagle - with 13 - ahead of Chris Masten (8).

JOIN US FROM MIDDAY IN THE CHAT AT THE BOTTOM TO DISCUSS HOW YOUR CLUB IS SHAPING UP

LIST CHANGES

In: Xavier Ellis, Elliot Yeo. Rookies Jamie Bennell, Jeremy McGovern and Simon Tunbridge will be promoted to the senior list.

Out: Members of the 2006 premiership outfit Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr and Adam Selwood all head into retirement along with Mark Nicoski, Ashton Hams and Brad Dick. At least two more delistings will be necessary for inclusion of Ellis on his one-year deal and Yeo on a three-year contract.

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Probably the biggest turnover of coaching staff in Eagles history. John Worsfold stepped down as senior coach immediately after the home-and-away campaign when he had been widely expected to go around for another two years after 12 seasons at the helm. Worsfold was replaced by dual North Melbourne premiership player and 300-game star Adam Simpson.

West Coast also lost assistant coaches Scott Burns, who joined his good mate Nathan Buckley at Collingwood, and former Carlton defender David Teague as backline coach. Respected game analyst Phil Walsh also departed and headed back to Port Adelaide in a similar role. The Eagles added Simpson's former North teammate Brady Rawlings as an assistant coach.

TRAVEL PLANS

West Coast fitness and conditioning staff consider training in Perth's summer heat as sufficient rather than heading to any of the advanced facilities in the US or Dubai.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

First-to-third year players are back on November 6 and more experienced list members from a fortnight later.

KIM HAGDORN SAYS: It could be a tough initiation for Simpson as he takes over a proud club with great expectations and some ageing stars. Top ruckman Dean Cox and gun full-back Darren Glass are probably in their last seasons and there are ongoing injury doubts over key on-baller Nic Naitanui and defender Beau Waters.

This outfit needs an injection of midfield pace from the draft and a full injury-free season from former Collingwood star Sharrod Wellingham on the ball. The Eagles grossly underachieved last season when they had been widely touted as a serious premiership chance and will be expected to bounce back into the top eight in 2014. A favourable fixture draw after finishing 13th this year should aid prospects of at least pressing toward a top eight finish.

DRAFT PICKS: 11, 31, 43, 49, 62

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WESTERN BULLDOGS

MEDICAL ROOM:

Minimal surgeries required with Christian Howard (hip) the only one of note. Shaun Higgins (foot) and Tom Williams (shoulder), who both spent most of the season on the long-term injury list, are back training and will be ready for the start of pre-season. Clay Smith (knee) is not as advanced.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

Ryan Griffen won his second Charlie Sutton Medal.

LIST CHANGES

In: Stewart Crameri (Essendon), Sam Darley (GWS)

Out: Daniel Cross (Melbourne), Nick Lower, Lukas Markovic, Patrick Veszpremi.

OFF-FIELD MOVES

Highly regarded fitness coach Justin Cordy returns to the Whitten Oval after six years at Carlton. Development coach Chris Maple appointed coach of Bulldogs new stand alone VFL team.

TRAVEL PLANS

A group of 12 players are next month flying to Colorado for a 15-day altitude training camp. The group is made up of mainly key-position players, and they will partially pay their own way, as part of the player-driven initiative.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

The first-fourth year players are expected back at training on November 6 or 7. The fifth-year players and veterans are due to return around the 18th.

SCOTT GULLAN SAYS: The momentum from an excellent finish to the season continues with the signing of Crameri to help fix the Dogs forward line troubles. Coach Brendan McCartney is likely to get a contract extension over the summer now that there is a genuine belief the club is on the right track.

DRAFT PICKS: 4, 42, 60, 96

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