We're in Trott's head: Harris

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RYAN Harris believes Australia has muddled the mind of England's batting rock Jonathan Trott and has revealed the fast bowling plans the Aussies will use to undermine him this summer.

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South African-born Trott destroyed Australia in the 2010-11 Ashes Down Under, averaging 89, but was not a factor in the recent Ashes in England where he averaged 29 with no centuries.

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Harris, who returns from a hamstring injury for Queensland in today's Ryobi Cup one-day match against Tasmania in Sydney, said Australia's plans for Trott worked so well that he changed his batting method.

Australia's blueprint of bouncing Trott early and then teasing him with full, wider outswingers could hardly have worked better. It is a plan the Australians will again use to torment Trott this summer.

"For some reason he changed his game, he was coming out and taking a big step towards us,'' Harris says.

"His mindset had changed and he was coming quite hard at us, whereas last time in Australia he didn't come as hard at us.

"We thought if we went a bit shorter it would work, we had a leg gully to him most times.

Australia's Ryan Harris celebrates the wicket of England's Jonathan Trott. Source: AP

"We didn't actually get him there but there were so many times when he just missed the fielder by a metre or two.

"Then we would look to bowl a delivery swinging away a little bit wider which he chased because he likes to feel bat on ball early.''

Harris' career record against Trott is superb – having dismissed him five times in seven Tests – and the big-hearted Queensland fast bowler will be a key for the home side this Ashes summer.

The 34-year-old quick was ruled out for eight weeks after the winter's Ashes but he confirmed the suspicion that the hamstring injury was not as bad as that. The extended spell on the sidelines was more about Cricket Australia (CA) wanting to put him in cotton wool before the Ashes.

''It was more precautionary,'' Harris said. "Cricket Australia's thoughts were to take as long as you want to get it right, whether that was eight weeks or whether it was two weeks, I guess they were probably being more cautious.''

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England chasing Socceroos friendly

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THE Socceroos may have found a way to rebuild their shattered confidence - a friendly against England.

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The Daily Mirror reports England could play the Socceroos at Wembley next month provided the Three Lions have already qualified for the World Cup in Brazil.

The match would be the first between the two nations since the Australians stunned England 3-1 in an epic encounter at Upton Park in 2003.

The Socceroos are desperate to rekindle their winning form after successive 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France. FFA officials will hope reprising memories of their Upton Park triumph - in which Tony Popovich, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton scored for the visitors - will prove the boost the Australians need.

Football Federation Australia have previously discussed the idea of a regular Ashes-style friendly fixture with England's Football Association but a deal has yet to be struck.

"Roy Hodgson has lined up a November friendly with Australia," The Mirror reported on Monday. "The Football Association have already sounded out the Socceroos about a fixture - as long as England reach the World Cup finals."

Tony Popovic celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Harry Kewell. Source: AP

England have reportedly sounded out Australia, Argentina and Uruguay for the November friendly, however The Mirror reports the Socceroos are the front-runners to secure the glamour friendly.

The Socceroos will look to commence their rebuilding campaign against Canada on Wednesday morning under interim coach Aurelio Vidmar.

Australia will likely have just thee more games under a new manger before beginning their campaign in Brazil next year.

A Football Federation Australia spokesman said FFA was always exploring options on the international calendar ``but the preference is to play matches in Australia in November''.

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Waller becomes double trouble

Trainer Chris Waller has confirmed his quartet of stayers will run in the Caulfield Cup if all make the final field announced today by the Melbourne Racing Club. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

SYDNEY'S all-conquering trainer Chris Waller was the main beneficiary of owner Lloyd Williams's decision to desert the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.

Williams had seven stayers fully qualified for the $2.5 million race but has decided to start only Fawkner.

He informed Racing Victoria stewards yesterday that race topweights Green Moon and Sea Moon will not run in the Caulfield Cup, while stablemates Masked Marvel, Seville, Mourayan and Tanby are also being reserved for another day.

This means the Caulfield Cup weights will be raised 1.5kg and Manighar becomes the No.1 saddlecloth bearer with 58kg.

Waller, who already has race favourite Hawkspur ($4.40) and the well-fancied Royal Descent ($7.50) safely in the field, suddenly had his stable representation doubled with borderline entries Kelinni and Moriarty securing starts.

Waller confirmed his quartet of stayers will run in the Caulfield Cup if all make the final field announced today by the Melbourne Racing Club.

Moriarty, winner of the Brisbane Cup and Hill Stakes earlier this year, ran only fifth to Seville in The Metropolitan last start but Waller is adamant the stayer can be competitive in the Caulfield Cup.

"He ran a good race in The Metropolitan, he just wasn't suited by the slow tempo," Waller said.

Kellini, a fourth placegetter in the Melbourne Cup last spring, has been unplaced in three Sydney runs this spring but Waller has always ear-marked the Caulfield Cup as an important lead-up to the Melbourne Cup.

Waller said Hawkspur and Royal Descent continue to do everything right after their luckless unplaced runs behind Happy Trails in the Turnbull Stakes.

"They are both ready to go," he said.

Williams's decision to concentrate the bulk of his staying arsenal at the Melbourne Cup was good news for jockey Nash Rawiller.

Caufield Cup favourite Hawkspur won't be visiting The Heath until the big event. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

He is already wasting hard to ride Royal Descent in the anticipation the weights would be raised and she would carry 54kg - any less and the jockey would have struggled to make the weight.

Similarly, James McDonald should now have no trouble riding Dear Demi at 53kg with the raising of the Caulfield Cup weights.

Hugh Bowman had been on standby to ride one of Williams's stayers in the Caulfield Cup but the race won't be run without the jockey regarded as without peer in distances races with Adam Durrant booking him to ride Perth stayer Mr Moet.

Melbourne's premier trainer Peter Moody now has two Caulfield Cup runners with My Quest For Peace almost certain to secure a start alongside stablemate Manighar.

Corey Brown, Sydney's former champion jockey who is now riding in Singapore, has agreed to return to ride My Quest For Peace.

"I'm just waiting for the field to be announced so I can book my flight but it looks like we'll get into the field," Brown told Racenet.

"I spoke to Terry (Henderson – OTI racing) who said the horse is going better than the formguide reads and he ran fifth last year which shows he's capable at the level of a Caulfield Cup."

ATC Oaks winner Royal Descent (left) is one of Chris Waller's better chances. Picture: Mark Evans Source: DailyTelegraph

LIKELY CAULFIELD CUP FIELD
Saturday (2400m)
18 runners and four emergencies. Final acceptors 10am today.

Horse Trainer Jockey Weight Odds

1 MANIGHAR Peter Moody Luke Nolen, 58kg, $41

2 DANDINO Marco Botti Craig Williams, 56.5kg $7

3 ETHIOPIA Pat Carey Rhys McLeod, 56.5kg $31

4 WALDPARK Anthony Freedman Brenton Avdulla 56kg $41

5 GLENCADAM GOLD Gai Waterhouse Tommy Berry 55.5kg $41

6 MR MOET Adam Durrant Hugh Bowman 55.5kg $31

7 FAWKNER Robert Hickmott Nick Hall 55kg $13

8 JET AWAY David Hayes Damien Oliver 55kg $11

9 KELINNI Chris Waller Undecided 55kg $41

10 HAWKSPUR Chris Waller Jim Cassidy 54.5kg $4.40

11 MR O'CEIRIN Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 54.5kg (inc 0.5kg pen) $21

12 SILENT ACHIEVER Roger James Glen Boss, 54.53kg $9

13 ROYAL DESCENT Chris Waller Nash Rawiller, 54kg $7.50

14 QUINTESSENTIAL John Sargent Damian Browne 54kg $51

15 TUSCAN FIRE Dan O'Sullivan Luke Currie, 53.5kg $51

16 MORIARTY Chris Waller Undecided 55kg $31

17 MY QUEST FOR PEACE Peter Moody Corey Brown 55kg $51

18 DEAR DEMI Clarrie Conners James McDonald 53kg $13

Emergencies

19 JULIENAS Gai Waterhouse Kerrin McEvoy 54.5kg $31

20 FORGOTTEN VOICE Nicky Henderson Undecided 54.5kg $41

21 IBICENCO Peter Moody Undecided 54kg $81

22 KESAMPOUR Peter Moody Undecided 54kg $81
Odds: TAB

Kelinni looks likely to sneak into the Caulfield Cup field for the premier trainer. Picture: Mark Evans Source: DailyTelegraph

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Guineas win to Sheikh things up

Guelph is rated at $1.40 with TAB Fixed Odds, the shortest favourite for the fillies classic in more than 30 years. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

THE final call on whether super filly Guelph runs in the Cox Plate is likely to rest with owner, Sheikh Mohammed.

If Guelph wins the fourth Group 1 of her career in the $500,000 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield tomorrow, the Darley team will consider whether to extend her spring campaign to include the Cox Plate.

"If she wins the Guineas in really good style we will leave the decision up to Sheikh Mohammed," Darley's Henry Plumptre said.

"We will give him the parameters and let him make the decision."

Trainer Peter Snowden and jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who combined to win the Caulfield Guineas last Saturday with Long John, join forces again with Guelph.

With only eight opponents in the Thousand Guineas, bookies won't hear of Guelph being beaten as she is rated at $1.40 with TAB Fixed Odds, the shortest favourite for the fillies classic in more than 30 years.

Champion fillies Alinghi (2004) and Atlantic Jewel (2011) were $1.70 favourites when they scored easy wins in the race. The main Thousand Guineas news includes:

GUELPH has drawn barrier five in the nine-horse field.

SNOWDEN is attempting to become the first trainer to complete the Caulfield Guineas-Thousand Guineas double since Bart Cummings with Alfa and Dashing Eagle in 1996.

McEVOY can complete the Guineas double last achieved by Steven King on Helenus and Macedon Lady in 2002.

DAMIEN Oliver is chasing a record sixth Thousand Guineas on outsider Worldplay.

Although Guelph seems poised to Flight Stakes-Thousand Guineas double, a feat most recently achieved by Dashing Eagle in 1996, it still may not be enough to sway the Sheikh to send his filly into the nation's weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley on October 26.

The most damning statistic is that only one filly has won a Cox Plate - Surround in 1976 - but it is more than that, as Plumptre explained.

"The weight-for-age horses this year are above average," he said.

"You take Atlantic Jewel, Puissance De Lune, Super Cool, It's A Dundeel, Fiorente - they look a very classy group of horses.

"Plus Guelph had a tough autumn. She was ready for the Blue Diamond, had a brief let-up, and then ran all the way through the Sydney autumn in the Golden Slipper, Sires and Champagne.

"You can go to the well too often."

Guelph will be lining up for her fourth start this spring in the Thousand Guineas but trainer Peter Snowden is already on record saying after tomorrow's race he believes the filly has "done her job" this spring.

Plumptre said the expectation is that Guelph will remain in Snowden's care at least for the rest of this season.

"At the moment we are planning on training her right through to the end of next autumn," Plumptre said.

"There are no plans for her to go overseas until the end of her three-year-old career."

Guelph notches up another impressive win. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Sunday Telegraph

THOUSAND GUINEAS (1600m)
Wednesday 3.40pm (3YO fillies)
1 _ X211 Guelph (5) K McEvoy 55.5 $1.40
2 _ 1151 Gregers (2) C Schofield (a) 55.5 $10
3 _ X133 Bound For Earth (7) J B McDonald 55.5 $11
4 _ 4161 Se Sauver (4) Damian Lane 55.5 $15
5 _ 1X31 May's Dream (3) Nicholas Hall 55.5 $8.50
6 _ X348 Godiva Rock (9) D Dunn 55.5 $31
7 _ 1184 Miracle To Me (8) Chris Symons 55.5 $41
8 _ 2125 Wordplay (6) D Oliver 55.5 $15
9 _ 2X37 Gypsy Diamond (1) B Prebble 55.5 $41
Odds: TAB

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Sevens not in heaven on Coast

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PUZZLED rugby supremo Bill Pulver will discuss a possible switch to Brisbane or Sydney for Australia's premier sevens tournament in 2015 after a half-empty stadium watched Sunday's pulsating action on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast Sevens delivered on just about every level with an underdog band of young Aussies reaching Sunday night's final against the odds, perfect weather for rugby and drinking, upsets galore and spectacular tries at a machine gun rate.

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Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver asked the big question himself as costumed GI Janes, Buzz Lightyear, a zealous Fijian contingent, young Aussie footy lovers and an ample turnout of coast Kiwis roared from all corners of the stands at Robina's Skilled Park. It was just the gaps in between.

The dream result of an Australia-New Zealand final fired up the fans. The Kiwis responded too after their 40-19 victory with a series of bare-chested hakas to their beer-fuelled worshippers in the stands.

"The product is fantastic but we are not getting the people here," Pulver said as the two-day turnout of 25,320 fans came up more than 2000 short of the 2012 crowd.

"Our market research tells us that 88 per cent of the people who do turn up for rugby sevens really enjoy the experience.

"You can hear the noise and fun but something is not quite right because so many more people should be at this event."

Pulver stressed he wasn't having a shot at the Gold Coast Sevens, just talking out loud about finding a way to lure more Australians here in 2014 or contemplate taking the high-paced spectacle to a big-city market like Brisbane or Sydney in 2015.

"Queensland Events have been a wonderful partner for the Gold Coast Sevens. We'll sit down in the next month and talk about the future beyond 2014," Pulver said of the four-year deal for the Gold Coast which ends next season.

"All ideas will be in the melting pot ... what is the best location for a sevens tournament, is there a better time of year, does it work better with a precinct nearby as there is around Suncorp Stadium, how does the ARU have to go about pushing the sevens message."

Pulver is a devout sevens rugby evangelist who believes Australia must embrace the big commercial and participation opportunities of sevens as the rest of the world is.

"The sevens game is a shot of energy worldwide and there are wonderful opportunities for rugby in Australia to grow from it in the lead-up to the game being played at the 2016 Olympics," Pulver said.

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Lealiifano in doubt for Wallabies

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GOALKICKING ace Christian Lealiifano must still prove he has fully beaten a jarred ankle before joining the Wallabies on a Wednesday flight to New Zealand for the final chance of upsetting the All Blacks this season.

The compression injury which forced Lealiifano off at halftime in Rosario during the upbeat 52-17 turnaround against Argentina recently is to the same right ankle he broke in 2012.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has been consistent in not pushing players who are less than 100 per cent fit and the talented centre will have to train with the squad at Sydney's Victoria Barracks on Monday and Tuesday to be considered for Saturday's Test in Dunedin.

McKenzie is certain to start Quade Cooper at flyhalf against the All Blacks, after using him off the bench in the two earlier Bledisloe Cup Test losses this season.

If Lealiifano remains on the doubtful list, Matt Toomua may be considered for a start at inside centre, the position where he played the second half in Rosario.

Utility back Mike Harris has not played rugby for a month since University were knocked out of the Brisbane club finals.

It would be too tall an ask to rush him in at inside centre even though his goalkicking radar would be the best way to replace Lealiifano's unerring accuracy.

Harris is just happy to have earned a call-up to Australia's 32-man tour squad to prepare for Dunedin and the five-Test European tour next month.

"I'm excited to be picked because it has been a tough year personally, very stop-start with injuries that have ruined any chance of putting two or three games together,'' Harris said.

"The boys will have taken a lot of confidence from Rosario, not just the win but the style.

"The All Blacks are in top spot right now. You always want to beat the best and that's what we are always aiming for.''

Cory Jane has been included in the All Blacks' squad for Saturday's Test after spending the season on the sideline with a serious knee injury.

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SBW wants back-to-back NRL titles

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SONNY Bill Williams has revealed why he stayed in rugby league - a burning desire for the Sydney Roosters to go back-to-back in 2014.

In an expansive interview before leaving for rugby league's World Cup in England, Williams also claimed he would quit boxing and return to New Zealand rugby union after 2014 at Bondi.

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Williams revealed his three-year plan includes representing the All Blacks at next year's World Cup and playing rugby union at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

He also spoke of the decision which left Melbourne's Tohu Harris dumped from the Kiwi squad.

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THE FUTURE
Asked did he want to play in rugby union's 2015 World Cup and then the Olympics, Williams said: ''In a perfect world, if it all went to plan and fell into place, that's how I would like to do it.

''I have made my intentions clear that I want to go back to New Zealand rugby union and try and put my foot in the door for a franchise in New Zealand, hopefully the Chiefs. I understand by staying in league one more year that may not be an option.

''It is good to have made my intentions clear about what I want to do for the next three years. I have put it all out there. I'm just as over hearing about what I am going to do this year or that year.

''I'm 28 now and the next three years have been sorted. I'm not too sure how the body will feel after that.

''Even though the past couple of days have been pretty tough, I am happy to have my future sorted.''

THE MEETING
Williams held a secret meeting last Thursday with Chiefs coach Dave Rennie, assistant coach Wayne Smith and NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen.

It was assumed he was heading back to rugby union.

Asked what happened at the meeting, Williams said: ''It was making my intentions clear that I want to go back (in 2015).

''The deal hasn''t been done yet but it was just clearing up a few things and I guess being up-front and honest with them...how I have always been.''

THE ROOSTERS
Williams had an amazing first-year back in the NRL, pushing the Roosters to a premiership.

''The year at the Roosters couldn't have gone any better,'' he said. ''The passion and drive that I have to go hopefully back-to-back was there (when deciding on 2014).

''I just had to do whatever was right in my heart and gut.''

CRITICISM
Rightly or wrongly, Williams is among the most criticised athletes in Australia.

''I know people would take it the wrong way (staying in NRL) but I can't worry about that. I've got a lot of support as well,'' he said.

''There will always be that part (criticism) whatever I do, wherever I go.

''There is always going to be sour grapes in certain parts of the media. But I can't control that.

''All I can control is how I operate as a person and how I operate as a man.''

TOHU HARRIS
After initially saying he was unavailable for the World Cup, Williams backflipped and Harris was punted.

''Definitely it an unfortunate situation coming into the Kiwis with the Tohu situation. I am very remorseful,'' Williams said.

''But I didn't want to look back in ten years and have a regret. I just laid it all out there.

''I've got their (team-mates) backing. That was one of things that happened after it (Harris drama) came about. I said to the coach (Steve Kearney), I am willing to drop out because I felt that bad. He said I had the backing of the senior players. Now I have to go with the coach's decision.

''The way I can repay that is playing good footy and doing what I do, that's out on the field.''

BOXING
With a hectic three-years ahead, Williams has all but ended his boxing career.

''There'll be no more boxing for the next few years,'' he said. ''That's because there will be no time.

''I've got to concentrate on things I need to concentrate on. League next year is my sole focus, and this World Cup, moving forward with the brothers in this team.

''I know the pressue is firmly on myself, that's the way I like it, it seems to bring out the best in me.''

WORLD CUP
Williams revealed how he suddenly became available for the rugby league tournament.

''To be honest I hadn't made my mind up until 24 hours after I spoke to 'Mooks' (Kearney),'' he said. ''That was the hardest thing. When I spoke to him, I hadn't had much sleep after the (Roosters) celebrations, I didn't have time to think about it.

''The body was a bit sore and I didn't really know what I was going to do. There was a chance I was going to go back to rugby. At that time, if I went back to rugby, I didn't feel it was right for me to put my name forward for the World Cup.

''Twenty-four later I decided I was going to stay. As a league player, the pinnacle is playing your country, playing for New Zealand. I still haven't beaten Austtralia. I've got a draw, but not a victory. England as well. To play in a World Cup is going to be special.''

THE DESIRE
What drives Sonny Bill Williams?

''I guess just pride, pride is the biggest thing,'' Williams said. ''It is tough, especially when there are a few people that want you.

''You just try and do the right thing. Try and go with my heart all the time.

''What I have figured out in the last week is that you can't please everyone. Even though you want to, you can't please everyone.''

THE COACH
Kearney claims Williams will be treated like any other player in the squad.

''Everyone has to do their job - Sonny is no different,'' Kearney said.

''I've got no doubt he will be of assistance to us in some way. If he gets his job done, which I'm anticipating he will, he will be of assistance.

''There has been a lot said over the past week and circumstances could have been better handled.

''There will always be people who agree with the decision (to include Williams) and others who disagree. I have made the decision and we are going to put that behind us now.''

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JOC welcome in Aussie sevens side

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TAINTED Wallaby James O'Connor would be welcomed with open arms into Australia's surging sevens squad for their next tournament if he is seriously committed not a publicity stunt.

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Coach Michael O'Connor on Sunday night offered his namesake a way back into national colours, the fluro yellow sevens variety, after a gallant young Aussie team threatened a giant-killing Gold Coast Sevens triumph.

The Aussies led the world champion Kiwis 12-0 in the final despite being rattled by medicos ruling out aces Shannon Walker and Nick Malouf because of head knocks sustained in their semi-final thriller.

SCORES, RESULTS: All the Gold Coast Sevens fixtures

Five nations had scored a single try between them against New Zealand before skipper Ed Jenkins and veteran James Stannard stunned the Kiwis twice inside five minutes to open the final at Robina's Skilled Park.

Kiwi class and the undermanned Aussies running out of petrol after their pulsating 24-19 double extra-time victory over South Africa in the semi told as the defending HSBC Sevens World Series champs from NZ galloped home 40-19.

Missing Walker's pace and sparkle was pivotal too. He came of age as a bona vide sevens weapon this weekend. A quick tap and wraparound try ignited the 24-12 quarter-final win over Kenya, the Africans who vanquished Australia a year ago.

In the semi-final, a Walker fend and step produced a pure winger's try inside 40 seconds.

Flanker Sean McMahon and big moments man Jenkins, player-of-the-tournament, were also weekend standouts.

"One thing I'm proud of saying is that this team sure has some ticker," coach O'Connor said.

"We held our nerve to beat South Africa in the semi with some big plays and we took it to the Kiwis to open the final with two of our starters sidelined.

"The Aussies have been the youngest and least experienced on the world sevens circuit for the past three or four years and I hope this performance shows Australia what we are capable of in the future."

A tie-breaking Jesse Parahi try to kill off South Africa was the highlight of his big-hitting weekend at Skilled Park where inexplicably there were 2000 fewer fans over the two days than last year. The festive 25,320 who were there made the din of twice that number.

"James would have to be genuine about sevens and committed to the harder training but if he was I'd definitely like him on board. It can't be a publicity stunt," O'Connor said of the uncontracted Wallaby.

"We have a close-knit team culture which he would have to conform to."

A solid training block could have O'Connor primed for the Dubai Sevens (November 29-30).

Rookie Junior Laloifi, just 19, was a big learner. The winger ignored unmarked Jenkins outside him when the South Africans could have been finished earlier but became "Senior" Laloifi when regrouping to throw the winning pass to Parahi.

Parahi's five-pointer broke a pulsating 19-all deadlock in the Cup semi-final against South Africa with just over 70 seconds to play in the second five-minute extra time period.

Both sides were exhausted and depleted with the Australians losing both try-scoring ace Shannon Walker and bloodied forward Nick Malouf to head knocks.

It meant players like 19-year-old rookie Junior Laloifi and forward Paul Asquith, 20, having to step up in the clutch closing minutes for a wildly enthusiastic crowd at Robina's Skilled Park.

Winger Laloifi bungled a perfect chance to put the South Africans to the sword in the first period of extra time when he ignored unmarked skipper Ed Jenkins outside him. He took on two defenders himself and was crashed to the ground deep inside the attacking quarter.

The Australians commanded possession and showed greater authority in the collisions. With just over two minutes to play, the Aussies elected to take a drop-kick penalty goal attempt but Cam Clark miscued.

It was left to a rousing surge through multiple sets of hands to get the ball to Laloifi in the closing seconds. He redeemed himself admirably by throwing the final pass to the powerful Parahi who shed a tackle before plunging over.

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Dockers close in on Gumby

Scottt Gumbleton could be on his way to Fremantle. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

FREMANTLE is a step closer bringing home injury prone key forward Scott Gumbleton after medical tests.

Dockers management is expected to make further assessments of Gumbleton's fitness this week before any negotiations with Essendon on a potential trade deal.

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A decision on whether attempts to lure the gifted forward back to his home state will intensify by the end of this week ahead of the final trading deadline on Friday, October 25.

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Gumbleton, 25, could become a greater priority in Fremantle's determined search for a power forward with growing doubts that Geelong veteran and 2011 premiership sharpshooter James Podsiadly will join the Dockers.

Podsiadly, 32, has all but ruled out a shift interstate and his only hopes of continuing his AFL days could be at Carlton after also considering offers of a switch to Adelaide.

Gumbleton has endured a nightmare injury run since he was a star national draft pick at number two in 2006 and has managed just 35 games since and is now a victim of a crowded Essendon forward line make-up. He made seven appearances on the Bombers forward line this season and booted 12 goals, including an equal career-best four goals from 18 possessions against St Kilda on his return back in Round 4.

Fremantle is also in a race with West Coast to sign nippy Hawthorn winger Xavier Ellis.

Dockers and Eagles medical staff have conducted fitness and health checks on the Hawks 2008 premiership star over the past week.

Ellis, 25, has indicated to Hawks management that he wants to be traded this month in search of more regular senior team outings and is weighing up options at West Coast and Fremantle.

He appears more likely to head to West Coast if a satisfactory trade can be negotiated with Hawks officials.

He was among the best few players afield up to half-time in Hawthorn's stunning flag win over Geelong in '08 before he was struck down with leg troubles.

Daniel Kerr looks set to hang up the boots. Source: News Limited

His career stalled this season with just two appearances in the strong Hawks side as Ellis battled a nagging calf injury after a similar problem and knee troubles restricted his senior outings to just six appearances, including the losing Grand Final to Sydney.

Ellis would be a more than handy back-up with accomplished star on-baller Daniel Kerr about to confirm his retirement.

Kerr, 30, is contracted for next season on a highly lucrative deal that was redrawn last year to take the two-time Brownlow Medal runner-up to the end of 2014 but negotiated a payout with West Coast late last month.

Kerr originally told Eagles teammates he would retire before the shock decision from coach John Worsfold to retire.

Kerr's retirement confirmation stalled as West Coast officials decided on a new coach and the 220-game veteran waited for any outcome on an extension to his injury-savaged playing days.

He managed only 10 senior appearances this year and has not played since the Eagles Round 14 home loss to Essendon when Kerr collected 19 possessions and booted a goal.

His retirement announcement has been anticipated for well over a week now since Eagles management completed selections and offered the new coaching position to former North Melbourne ace Adam Simpson.

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We've talked to Hiddink: Gallop

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FOOTBALL Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop has confirmed that discussions have been held with Guus Hiddink to return as Socceroos coach.

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Gallop told Fox Sports News in France that "feelers" have been put out to gauge overseas interest, and that Australian candidates will be strongly considered. 

When asked whether preliminary talks had been held with Hiddink, Australia's coach at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Gallop said: "There's often conversations and it's fare to say some feelers have been put out.

"Nothing more than that at this stage." 

Hiddink was at Seoul's World Cup stadium on Saturday night to watch the friendly between Korea and Brazil. He did not confirm whether he was interested in a Socceroos return.

Gallop admitted that FFA wants to have a new coach appointed for Australia's home friendlies lined up for November.

Ange Postecoglou, Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic have all been mooted as the leading Australian candidates, and Gallop admitted that having a local coach made sense - but questioned whether now was the right time. 

"They're all great candidates, all with different situations where they're coaching at the moment," Gallop told Fox Sports News' European correspondent Daniel Garb. 

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"It makes sense to have an Australian coach; whether it does now is another question."

Gallop admitted that the health of the A-League, where the three local candidates are leading coaches, was a consideration as well. 

"That's obviously a consideration, but this is a big job, and something that Australian coaches would aspire to and we need to consider that," Gallop said. 

Aurelio Vidmar will take the reigns in a caretaker capacity for Australia's friendly with Canada in London on Wednesday (EDT). 

Beyond that, Gallop said that the focus is on someone who can guide Australia not just to a successful World Cup, but to the 2015 Asian Cup and then qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.   

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Indeed, Gallop said that's how he explained the decision to Osieck after the 6-0 shellacking in Paris.

"(I told him) It was time to finish up, that we were looking to the future, to be competitive in Brazil, the Asian Cup, and we want to be at 2018 in Russia. 

"We're looking into the future and that was an important part of this decision." 

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Gallop said the news is "raw" for the players, but they also know they need to take some responsibility for the successive 6-0 losses. 

"They always accept (they need to take responsibility).

"The Socceroos are a team renowned for their fighting spirit, for fighting above their weight and that's where we want them to be and that's where they want to be."   

Watch the interview in full at the top of the page

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