Suns zone in on Cameron

Clay Cameron will join the Gold Coast Suns next season via the club's Queensland zone selection. Picture: Jono Searle Source: The Courier-Mail

TWO years ago, Clay Cameron's AFL dream was on the ropes.

Struck down by the footballer's curse commonly known as osteitis pubis, Cameron went from being a carefree teenager destined for the AFL to spending the entire 2010 season on the couch.

"I only played one game that year and I think I was out for nine or 10 months," Cameron recalled.

"It was very frustrating and I had a lot of doubts.``I thought it was just a bit of soreness like you get after most games and I hadn't had a major injury before.

"It was definitely a bit of an eye-opener and I just had to do nothing and rest."

Luckily for Cameron, his desire to make it as a footballer never waivered.

"I knew I was coming back next year and I was just focusing on giving it my best crack then," he said.

In fact, ever since he gave away the likely prospect of a successful athletics career at 14, Cameron only wanted one thing.

"I was the national (discuss) champion a couple of years in a row, but it was just too repetitive and I didn't enjoy it that much," Cameron said.

"When it got to a high level my heart wasn't in it, so I gave up when I was 14 and decided to focus on footy."

Yesterday, the Suns rewarded Cameron for his passion and patience by announcing the versatile tall as their priority Queensland zone selection.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said the 18-year-old's versatility meant he got the nod ahead of Broadbeach midfielder Andrew Boston and Mornsingside's Jordon Bourke as the club's first zone selection in 2012.

"He is a big size - 192cm and mid-80kgs - and we think, for a player that is 18 years of age, he still has a lot of room for growth and development," Ashcroft said.

"He is really versatile and he can play forward, back and also in the midfield."

When asked his preferred position, Cameron said: "I just like beating my opponent and you can do that in defence or the forward line.

"It doesn't bother me where I play and I just prefer to be on field."

And he could get the chance to make his debut for the Suns as soon as next year's NAB Cup.

"We would like to think he is a chance to play NAB Cup and if he plays well there, who knows," Aschroft said.

Aschroft gave little away about Gold Coast's plans for the last two weeks of the trade period, but said the Suns had not ruled out targeting another senior player after signing experienced Hawthorn defender Tom Murphy late last week.

The former Brisbane Lions champion ruled out chasing power forward Kurt Tippett again, even if a deal can't be struck with Sydney.

"We have moved on," he said.
 

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Tigers, Blues get second billing

Richmond and Carlton will retain their traditional MCG opener on Easter Thursday next season. But two matches will be played the weekend before, both outside of Melbourne. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON and Richmond have hung on to their traditional Round 1 blockbuster, but will have to wait until the second week of an extended opening round.

As revealed by the Herald Sun in August, the AFL is splitting the start of the 2013 season over two weekends.
Adelaide and Essendon will launch the year at AAMI Stadium on Friday, March 22.

This will be followed by a Fremantle-West Coast derby at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

The Blues and Tigers will clash at the MCG on March 28 with ground staff having just 48 hours to prepare the ground for football if Victoria finishes on top of the Sheffield Shield table and hosts the final of the domestic competition.

The final is scheduled to finish two days before the Carlton-Richmond fixture.

Geelong and Hawthorn will complete the first week of home-and-away action when they meet at the MCG on Easter Monday, April 1.

The AFL is yet to release the schedule for the five other Round 1 matches.

Cricket has rights to the MCG from October 1 until March 31 every year.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is set to get first crack at departed superstar Brendon Goddard in Round 4 when it plays Essendon.

Goddard, the biggest fish to defect via free agency, joined the Bombers on a lucrative four-year deal this month.

The Dons and Saints are expected to play each other twice next year.

Carlton has requested an early home match against Collingwood to show off its coaching coup Mick Malthouse against the side he led to the 2010 premiership.

The powerhouses are expected to be handed a Friday night battle at the MCG, most likely in Round 2.

ROUND 1
Friday, March 22: Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium
Saturday, March 23: Fremantle v West Coast at Patersons Stadium
Thursday, March 28: Carlton v Richmond at the MCG
Monday, April 1: Geelong v Hawthorn at the MCG

KEY 2013 FIXTURE DATES
Round 1: Thursday 28 March 2013 - Monday 1 April 2013
ANZAC Day - Round 5: Thursday 25 April 2013
Queen's Birthday match: Monday 10 June 2013
Round 23: Friday 30 August - Sunday 1 September 2013
Week 1 of finals: Friday 6 September 2013
AFL Grand Final: Saturday 28 September 2013

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Players in for a tune-up

Carlton midfielder Marc Murphy has had post-season operations of his left shoulder and right knee. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SEVERAL players have gone under the knife for a post-season "cleanout" after another gruelling year on the big stage.

But not everyone will be ready for the start of pre-season. Find out how your club's injury list is tracking ahead of the 2013 campaign.

ADELAIDE
Jared Petrenko is the only concern for the beaten preliminary finalists.

Petrenko has had reconstructive shoulder surgery which the club expects has a five-month recovery process.

He's expected to miss much of pre-season, but the Crows are hopeful he'll be approaching full fitness by Round 1.

BRISBANE
The surgeon has been busy at the Gabba with Jed Adcock (hip), James Polkinghorne (shoulder), Matt Maguire (ankle) and Ash McGrath (wrist) all having had operations.

But the good news is that the Lions expect them, and all others, to be back on the track running for the start of their pre-season on November 5.

CARLTON
Surgery has condemned midfielder Marc Murphy, ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and knee victim Andrew McInnes to make late starts to pre-season preparations.

Murphy had operations on the left shoulder and right knee and Kreuzer needed more surgery on the left knee.

McInnes won't resume playing until May. The young defender had a knee reconstruction after injuring a knee in the last home-and-away round.

Marcus Davies (shoulder) and Levi Casboult (lacerated kidney) will be ready for the start of the summer fitness program.

COLLINGWOOD
Tall forward Jackson Paine is the only Magpie to have gone under the knife.

Paine, who played six games in his debut season, had major shoulder surgery after being injured late in the year.

He's expected to be sidelined for 10-12 weeks and will be a late starter when pre-season training starts.

Collingwood forward Jackson Paine has had major shoulder surgery after being injured late in the year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON
Several minor surgeries at Windy Hill, but none that should interrupt the Bombers' pre-season campaign.

Michael Hurley (wrist), Paddy Ryder (shoulder), Heath Hocking (shoulder) and Travis Colyer (thumb) will all be raring to go.

The Bombers are also hopeful that ankle surgeries to both Jake Carlisle and Tom Bellchambers will also be right so neither misses any time.

FREMANTLE
(Chose not to supply information)

GEELONG
The Cats headed to their break with only a couple of minor surgical appointments.

Captain Joel Selwood (finger) and midfielder James Kelly (hip) have already gone under the knife but won't miss any pre-season activities.

GOLD COAST
Jackson Allen (groin), Jaeger O'Meara (groin), Luke Russell (shoulder), Alex Sexton (hip) and Seb Tape (knee) had operations either before the end of the home-and-away season or shortly after the finish of the Suns' 2012 campaign.

Experienced key defender Nathan Bock (fractured right tibia) is expected to start light training before the Christmas break.

GWS
Ruckman Jon Patton (shoulder) and key forward Jeremy Cameron, placed third in the new club's first best and fairest count, head a list of seven young Giants sent for post-season operations.

All are expected to be ready to start a second pre-season program.

Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge has a damaged posterior cruciate ligament. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN
A few operations for the runners-up, headed by stabilisation surgery on the left knee of captain Luke Hodge, who has a damaged posterior cruciate ligament.

Vice-captain Jordan Lewis has had a minor operation on his shoulder, while Jarryd Roughead and Shaun Burgoyne have each had work on ankle ailments.

MELBOURNE
Clint Bartram's ongoing experimental knee surgery is still being monitored, while Jamie Bennell's knee reconstruction is progressing well and it is hoped he will be available early in 2013.

Max Gawn's knee is fully healed and he's right for a full pre-season, as is Aaron Davey (foot).

Cale Morton (shoulder) will be on a modified program until Christmas, while key forward Mitch Clark is progressing well with his foot injury.

Jack Fitzpatrick has had a post-season ankle "cleanout".

NORTH MELBOURNE
Good news at Arden St with only Leigh Adams on the table. He has had operations to both shoulders, but is likely to be the only Kangaroo on a modified pre-season program.

PORT ADELAIDE
John Butcher has had work done on his hips and Brent Renouf had a procedure on his knee (patella), but both should be running before Christmas.

Daniel Stewart (shoulder and hip) and Darren Pfeiffer (shoulder) also went under the knife and will be eased into training.

Tom Jonas had a tidy-up on his knee and is expected to be running by the end of October while Robbie Gray is continuing his rehabilitation from an ACL injury.

Richmond tagger Jake King has had work on foot, wrist and posterior cruciate ligament ailments. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND
Jake King has had work on foot, wrist and posterior cruciate ligament ailments. Had a slight set-back with his foot last week, but should join training in December.

Tyrone Vickery is already working out in the gym after having a "tighten-up" on both shoulders.

Brett Deledio has had a tidy-up on one knee, while Brad Helbig is expected to be running by December after a clean-up on his foot.

ST KILDA
Best-and-fairest winner Lenny Hayes is making good progress after surgery on a leaky heart valve and will start running in the next week.

Captain Nick Riewoldt is also on track after an end-of-season knee "clean-up".

Sam Fisher is progressing well after toe surgery while Sam Gilbert (shoulder), Adam Schneider (foot), Sean Dempster (adductor) and Ahmed Saad (sinus) have also had procedures, but all will be ready for the start of the pre-season.

SYDNEY
The only surgery required for the premier was on Irishman Tommy Walsh who had a shoulder reconstruction the week after the Grand Final.

Adam Goodes (knee) and Shane Mumford (hamstring) have both escaped the knife and are instead undergoing rehab.

WEST COAST
Brad Sheppard has had "clean-up" surgery on an ankle, but no other notable operations.

Long-term injuries to Mark LeCras (knee), Josh Kennedy (ankle), Mark Nicoski (hamstring) and Andrew Embley (shoulder) are said to be all recovering well.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Only forward-cum-ruckman Tom Campbell has had post-season surgery - a "cleanout" of an ankle that should have him fully fit in time to do a complete pre-season.

Surgeries before season's end to Mark Austin (wrist), Tom Williams (ankle), and Jack Redpath (arm) will not restrict them for the pre-season while Luke Dahlhaus (ankle) and Dale Morris (broken leg) will also be ready to hit the ground running.

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Dawes open for hefty pay rise

Collingwood forward Chris Dawes is set to earn more money if he joins Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Dawes is headed for a hefty pay rise as Melbourne remains in pole position to secure his services.

The Herald Sun understands the Collingwood key forward will almost double his pay at any new club in an enormous sweetener to being squeezed out by arriving West Coast Eagle Quentin Lynch.

It is believed Dawes was paid about $280,000 this year at the Magpies - not far above the league average.

But his market value has soared since he announced his wish to be traded, with Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs jostling for the 24-year-old's services and pushing up his price.

Industry sources yesterday confirmed Melbourne, Dawes' club of choice, is prepared to pay him in the region of $500,000 a season.

The Bulldogs refused to comment yesterday, but it is believed they have not given up all hope of striking a deal for Dawes and met with the Magpies yesterday.

The Dogs may have more picks to throw Collingwood's way, with room to move on finances after Brian Lake's departure.

But a move to the Dogs appears a long shot given players invaribly get to their preferred club.

Dawes still has two years to run on a contract signed at Collingwood after last year's Grand Final, but will move on a long-term upgraded deal without finacial contribution from the Pies.

On the surface, it seems bizarre he would be rewarded with a pay hike coming off a poor season, but big men in the right place at the right time can cash in.

It is also difficult to begrudge Dawes given he stayed at Collingwood for "unders" due to salary cap pressure and loyalty.

Last season he knocked back significantly bigger offers, potentially in the $500,000 range, to stay for less and vie for a premiership.

Despite the Pies talking to the Dogs yesterday, there was little movement on the Dawes' issue from Melbourne's end.

It may now depend on the compensation the Demons receive for losing free agent Brent Moloney, which will not be known until Friday.

The Dees have put pick No.20 on the table for Dawes, but may come in late with another pick down the order to get the deal done.
 

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Rotations to be capped at 80

The substitute will remain, but there will be a cap on the number of interchange rotations next season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

A CAP on interchange rotations looms large after a recommendation from the league's laws committee to introduce a 3-1 system with a limit of 80 rotations.

An announcement is expected today on what would be the second change to the AFL's interchange system in three years, with the combination of a substitute and cap widely tipped.

It would be a significant step for the AFL Commission not to rubber-stamp the Laws of the Game recommendation given the exhaustive research and consultation which went into the submission.

The league is expected to tighten the deliberate out-of-bounds and could introduce faster ball-ups at stoppages and a ban on ruckmen making contact before the ball leaves the umpire's hand.

An AFL executive seen to be desperate to introduce a 2-2 interchange system seemingly had a change of heart mid-season, despite a second season of escalating interchanges under the new 3-1 rule.

But the 3-1 system with a cap of 80 would allow the AFL to reduce rotations, while also giving players the same rest period per game.

Instead of players sprinting on and off the ground in frenetic rotations, they would have the same average rest time but broken up into bigger chunks.

Clubs canvassed on the potential move to a 3-1 system with a cap of 80 were yesterday eager to find out if they could also interchange players during quarter-time breaks.

A trial of capped interchanging several years ago included every player swap in the total interchanges, even those during breaks.

AFL clubs, players and sports scientists have railed against any changes, but at least a decision made today would allow clubs to structure their pre-seasons around any potential change.

The 80-interchange cap would favour one-paced endurance animals like Carlton's Brock McLean and Melbourne's Jack Trengove, but disadvantage burst players like Collingwood's Dane Swan.

The AFL is still toiling away on its tanking investigation after McLean's controversial claims, which has dragged on past the two-month mark.

But McLean has been spoken to only once by AFL investigators, with the only Carlton official spoken to is Melbourne's former recruiter Barry Prendergast, who now works as a forward scout for the Blues.

McLean simply reinforced his view that some of the decisions made by the coaches were fishy, but said he had no official proof the Demons were deliberately throwing matches.

It emerged yesterday that Laws of the Game committee member Luke Power was leaving the body to concentrate on his coaching career at Greater Western Sydney.

But the triple premiership star and former AFLPA president told the Herald Sun his decision to quit had nothing to with player unrest over the interchange rules.

"It's purely because I see it as a conflict with my role with the Giants," Power said yesterday.

"It was always going to be the case."

Interchange rotations averaged 117 a match in 2010, rose to 119 last year and hit 131 this season.
 

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Giant offer for right price

Last year's GWS first-round draft picks, including No.1 selection Jonathon Patton (far left). The Giants say they are prepared to part with four of their first five picks in this year's draft for the right price. Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney has lobbed a curve ball into the AFL's stalled trade period, declaring that four of its prized first-round draft picks are up for grabs.

The Giants have five of the top 13 picks and were widely expected to welcome a second wave of star teenage talent in next month's draft.

But the Herald Sun can reveal the Giants are now prepared to part with picks 2, 3, 12 and 13 in a bid to add some top-line senior players to their fledgling side.

However, the coveted No.1 choice, which has been reserved for sublime Dandenong utility Lachie Whitfield, is off-limits to rivals.

With almost $2 million extra in its salary cap, including the controversial cost of living allowance, the Giants are believed to eyeing off some of the biggest names in the game before next Friday's trade deadline.

The club has identified a key defender as a priority to help beef up its young backline.

The Giants also confirmed they have inquired about contracted Carlton ruckman Robbie Warnock.

GWS list manager Stephen Silvagni said he had already begun fruitful talks with other clubs about deals involving its top selections.

"Other than our first pick, we are certainly happy to discuss potential trades with those picks," Silvagni said.

"We would like to bring another key position player into the mix, but having said that, they are hard to find and clubs are reluctant to shift them.

"If something did come across the table that we did value, we would certainly entertain a trade."

Unlike the uncontracted player compensation selections, which have taken a year to activate, a straight trade with the Giants over the next nine days will result in immediate compensation at the national draft on November 22.

The move could give a Victorian club access to a top-three pick in the draft for the first time since Melbourne claimed Tom Scully and Jack Trengove with the No.1 and 2 choices in 2009.

After snaring 11 of the top 14 picks last year, the Giants surprise trade ploy could also help break the deadlock, or have a major influence, on other deals at a standstill around the country.

Adelaide is chasing an early pick or quality player for spearhead Kurt Tippett, who wants to go to Sydney.

Collingwood has demanded a higher selection than Melbourne's No. 20 pick in exchange for forward Chris Dawes.

With some bumper talent at the top end of this year's draft, including classy midfielder Jimmy Toumpas, and combative ruckman Brodie Grundy, Silvagni said the Giants would not let go of its golden early choices cheaply.

"What needs to be offered up needs to be equivalent to those potential players who are going to play that (high) number of games," he said.

"The value for those picks needs to be right."

GWS yesterday re-signed No.1 ruckman Jon Giles for three years, despite expressing an interest in Blues fringe big man Warnock, who recently penned a new deal to remain at Carlton for another three seasons.

"We certainly inquired about him (Warnock) but having said that, he has obviously committed to Carlton, and that's where it (interest) stopped," he said.
 

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Transforming Port's tarnished image

New Port Adelaide president David Koch is helping lure new sponsors to the embattled AFL club. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide is closing in on a national corporate sponsor for the first time in four years.

And South Australian businessman Bill Vis - whose VIP franchises hold "major sponsor" status at Port - is prepared to share space on the Power's corporate billboard as the AFL club strives to fill the cash register at Alberton.

Power chief executive Keith Thomas says change at Alberton - with a new board including high-profile president David Koch and a new coach in Ken Hinkley - is turning around Port's tarnished image.

Port has not had a multi-national company's logo on its jumper since 2009 when telecommunications company Vodafone turned away from AFL football to focus on motor racing.

Well before television presenter Koch accepted the presidency at Port, the Power had Melbourne-based sports marketing company Nexus MG opening doors on the eastern seaboard.

Now Koch's image and salesmanship is critical in finding multi-million dollar sponsorships that can restore Port's financial independence from the AFL which is bankrolling the Power by up to $5 million a season.

"Our recent announcements have helped," Thomas said.

"Now that we have the chance to present, we can show we are on a strong platform for 2013 and reaching into Adelaide Oval in 2014."

Questions on Vis's sponsorship - and whether it would continue at Port - deepened at the weekend.

Thomas yesterday said regardless of the Power's chase for a major corporate backer, VIP would be part of Port's sponsorship chart next season.

"If we secure that major national sponsor, Bill is prepared to continue his sponsorship," Thomas said.

"If not, he is quite happy to stay as the major sponsor with his logo on the jumper."

Port already has had one sponsor, Envestra, increase its sponsorship. The SA-based gas distributor has taken its logo off the Power's shorts to sponsor the new coaching panel at Alberton.

But not every backer has embraced change.

Businessman Gordon Pickard, who has been a white knight at Port since 2010 with financial outlays of around $750,000 a season, was vocal at a function on Saturday night. He is unsure if he wants to be part of SA football - at the Power, Crows, SANFL or Norwood - next year.

He is not totally pleased with the boardroom bloodletting at Alberton and is considering moving his football money to medical research.

Pickard's unease with SA football could hinge on a meeting with SANFL chief Leigh Whicker this week.

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Lions hunting Hawk Clinton

Hawthorn midfielder Clinton Young celebrates a goal in the Hawks' 94-point win against Essendon. Source: Getty Images

THE Brisbane Lions are still in the hunt for free agent Clinton Young but are in the midst of a five-way fight for the services of the Hawthorn premiership player.

The Lions, Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Essendon have expressed interest in the midfielder who may still opt to stay with the Hawks after testing the free agency market which closes at the end of this week.

Collingwood and Hawthorn are believed to be leading the race for Young, 26, who provides plenty of run and carry as well as a penetrating left boot.

The Lions secured midfielder Brent Moloney from Melbourne last week so boosting their on-ball stocks is not as high a priority as finding a key forward/ruckman type.

The Lions' brains trust will meet today to assess recruiting strategies for the next two weeks of the AFL trade period.

But like a vast majority of clubs, the Lions are eagerly waiting to see how the AFL allocates the compensation picks to teams who lost free agents before setting a game plan in stone.

The Gold Coast says it has "moved on" from Kurt Tippett and has no interest in the Queenslander if trade talks between Adelaide and Sydney break down.

The Crows are playing hardball in negotiations with the Swans and Tippett could be forced into the draft if a deal does not get done.

The Suns have pick No.2 in the pre-season draft and could swoop on the ex-Crows spearhead.

Both the Lions and the Gold Coast tabled offers to Tippett in the understanding he wanted to head home but Sydney won the bidding war for the 25-year-old who received a $4 million, four-year offer from the Swans.

However Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Tippett was no longer an option for the Suns.

"His decision has been made. We respect that and we move on with what we need to do," Ashcroft said.

"We have some priorities of our own that we need to achieve."

The Suns yesterday committed to Queenslander Clay Cameron as their Queensland zone selection in next month's national draft.

The 18-year-old was a standout for Mt Gravatt and the Suns reserves in the NEAFL this year with his athleticism, courage and competitive nature and was also a member of the AFL/AIS Academy and Queensland under-18 team.

A key defender who can also play forward, Cameron also recorded impressive results at the recent draft combine in the 20m sprint and running vertical leap tests.

A former track-and-field junior star who excelled in discus, shot put and high jump, Cameron stands at 191cm, tips the scales at 83kg and is regarded as the pick of the draft-age Queenslanders in 2012.

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Giants join race for Tippett

GWS has joined the race for disgruntled Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett, who wants a trade to the Sydney Swans. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE Giants have entered the race for Kurt Tippett after trade talks between the Adelaide Crows and Sydney Swans appear to have stalled.

Giants list manager Stephen Silvagni said they were prepared to use their wealth of first-round draft picks to entice the Crows power forward to Greater Western Sydney.

"The Crows certainly know we've got some interest in him," Silvagni told The Daily Telegraph.

As the trade period enters its second week, the Swans appear to be struggling to meet Adelaide's demands for Tippett.

That opens the door for the Giants, who clearly have more aces up their sleeve.

Sydney, the reigning premiers, have only picks 22 and 42 to offer the Crows, while the Giants have picks one, two and three as well as 12 and 13.

"Where it stands at the minute is the Crows are in discussions with the Swans," Silvagni said.

"They're trying to get the deal done.

"We've inquired about Kurt Tippett to Adelaide and if the Swans deal falls through we're around."

Importantly, the Giants not only have the picks but are prepared to trade them. The only pick the Giants aren't placing on the table is their No.1 selection.

Victorian midfielder Lachie Whitfield is the standout talent at next month's national draft on the Gold Coast and is a certainty to be heading to Western Sydney.

"Other than the No.1 pick, which we certainly want to hold, the other picks are up for trade if something worthwhile came across the table," Silvagni said.

"When you're giving up those sorts of picks you are obviously looking for a quality player. We'd be looking at a key position type.

"If you you are giving up a high pick, you want that sort of player to be at your club for seven or eight years."

In other news, Giants big man Jonathon Giles has rejected the advances of the Crows and signed on for another three years with GWS.

"The negotiations took a while, but I always wanted to stay at the Giants," Giles said
 

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Jurrah seeks fresh start at Power

Former Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah has told those close to him he wants to play football again next year after a positive meeting with Port Adelaide officials. Picture: Ray Titus Source: The Advertiser

THREE weeks ago, troubled forward Liam Jurrah had a meeting with the key men of the Port Adelaide Football Club to discuss his future.

He walked away knowing that he wanted back in the game. The meeting left Jurrah in soaring spirits and he has since told those close to him he wants nothing more than to be playing football again next year.

Jurrah, 24, quit Melbourne last month after becoming one of the most inspiring stories to come out of remote Central Australia - and the Power is considering taking him up on a rookie contract.

The powerbrokers at Alberton have been impressed with Jurrah from their initial conversations.

"From the club's meetings, we've found him (Jurrah) a terrific fella and one who's obviously really respected in his community, but we're taking our time because there's a lot to work through," chief executive Keith Thomas said.

Jurrah's biographer, Deakin University senior lecturer Bruce Hearn Mackinnon, has been in regular contact with Jurrah and says his desire to return to the game hasn't waned.

Hearn Mackinnon penned Liam Jurrah - From Yuendumu to the MCG, released last year, and has developed a mateship with the exciting player he believes still has within him much improvement.

"He left the meeting with Port Adelaide three weeks ago feeling really positive," Hearn Mackinnon said.

"I haven't spoken to him that much about football - it's been more about supporting him and making sure about his general welfare.

"But when I asked him if he was keen to return to play footy he said, 'Yes, that's what I want to do'."

The high-marking forward has kept a low profile pending his trial in Alice Springs in March next year for his alleged involvement in a violent clash at the Little Sisters Town Camp near Alice Springs in March.

Since then Jurrah has been troubled by the upcoming court date and he also quit his employment with the Melbourne Demons.

But after his bail conditions were altered to allow him to spend the summer in Adelaide, close to mother Corina Granites and his grandmother, Hearn McKinnon had noticed a change in Jurrah's mood, as much as he and the family are left to count down the days to the court date that will make his football future clearer.

"What he has now is family and support around him, the thing he was missing in Melbourne," Hearn McKinnon said.

"As much as I and a lot of people tried to help him out with that, it's not the same.

"Having that support means so much to him - and living in Adelaide is a perfect scenario for him. He sounds the happiest he's been when I talk to him (since he was charged).

Thomas said it had been imperative to have new coach Ken Hinkley involved as talks continue.

However, he said that the club had been impressed by the initial conversations.

It was still a complex issue with much to work through, but Thomas felt few clubs were better positioned to deal with Jurrah's circumstance than Port Adelaide.

"We've got a fantastic Indigenous program with people such as Paul Vandenberg and Byron Pickett and I think we're well equipped to deal with this," Thomas said.

Former Essendon and Port Adelaide champ Che Cockatoo-Collins has been among those who have urged Port Adelaide to support Jurrah.

One of the most difficult parts about Jurrah's fate is the timing of his court date, which falls just as the 2013 AFL season is set to start.

Port Adelaide will consider having Jurrah train with them over summer.

Clubs can enlist rookies in December's rookie draft, and also keep one rookie spot open until the period between the end of the pre-season competition and start of the home-and-away season.

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