Guy urges Suns to maintain rage

Ahead of the pack? Gold Coast players Matthew Warnock and Jared Brennan take part in a training drill. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

ALL Gold Coast players may want for Christmas is a break from a gruelling pre-season schedule, but coach Guy McKenna doesn't want his Suns taking things too easily.

McKenna believes his squad is "about two weeks" ahead of many of their AFL rivals going into the Christmas break after an intense pre-season aimed at improving his young team's ability to contest physically during matches.

That's why Suns captain Gary Ablett is going to inform his teammates not to be too merry over the next fortnight and threaten to relinquish their hard-earned advantage.

McKenna said the two-time premiership winner will address players before they break up at the end of the week to emphasise the importance of not taking things too easily away from the scrutiny of the club's coaches.

"Our scouts say a lot of the other clubs have been a bit cautious, possibly gentle even, leading into Christmas," McKenna said.

"Gary Ablett's going to talk the group at some stage and over that break it might be a mental break if you like but it's not going to be a physical one.

"If we are one or two weeks ahead of some of the other teams, let's stay ahead of them."

McKenna said he's feeling no extra pressure following the club's public statement that they want to win a premiership by the end of the 2015 campaign.

He says the statement by chairman John Witheriff is not out of line with his own ambitions and if the club isn't moving forward McKenna will be the one held accountable.

"I think we were 0-8 and I got re-signed," he said.

"I'm pretty much a logical person and understand the game well enough that if we're 0-8 come the next contract re-negotiation, I don't think I'd be here.

"The boys understand the job's on and they're certainly relishing the challenge."

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Little Libba fit and firing

Tom Liberatore is letting his legs do the talking during the Western Bulldogs' pre-season training. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WAYWARD Bulldog Liberatore is using the training track to win back his teammates' respect and trust, club veteran Daniel Giansiracusa says.

Liberatore was found drunk and carrying an ecstasy tablet in King St in August, and while he avoided criminal charges, he received a four-match club-imposed suspension, was temporarily banished from the club and was ordered to get a job.

Until that point, Liberatore had been one of the Bulldogs' shining lights in a disappointing season, averaging 20 disposals and finishing seventh in the club's best and fairest award, despite missing games as a result of the suspension.

Giansiracusa said the son of Bulldogs Brownlow Medal winner Tony Liberatore had returned to pre-season fit and firing, and was starting to repair the damage done that night.

"Obviously it was a bit of a wake-up call for him," Giansiracusa said.

"He went through some pretty tough times in that four-week period and then over the break, but he's back, he's training really well and he's fitted back into the group fantastically well.

"He's seems really committed to sort of getting the respect back of the group. He's a great player and he's going to come through it well."

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Onballers take Lion's share of heat

Lions champ Simon Black is no certainty to line up in the season opening clash after undergoing knee surgery. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE Lions coach Michael Voss says he is pleased his incumbent midfielders are feeling the heat on two fronts.

With injured veteran Simon Black no certainty to be available for round 1 of the AFL premiership season, Voss's onballers are rising to face the challenges of the sweltering pre-Christmas weather and competition for their positions.

Daniel Rich, Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden and Andrew Raines have been making the most of their final training sessions at Coorparoo ahead of a two-week Christmas break.

Despite the humidity, the players charged into one another during opposed drills, a pleasing sign for Voss who had been hoping his players would respond to the injection of former Demon Brent Moloney.

"That was the intended plan," Voss said.

"We've got a list that has to challenge for their spot.

"It puts a rocket under them and what you notice is they're really propelling each other."

Voss said third-year player Claye Beams was another midfielder who was heaping more pressure on the established ball winners with an intense pre-season.

Raines and Moloney are the most experienced onballers on the training track after Black had surgery last week on his knee.

Initial predictions were for Black to make a training comeback by the end of January and a cameo appearance during the NAB Cup. But Voss said the former skipper could be in a race against time and his ageing body to be ready by the round 1 game on March 31, away to Western Bulldogs.

"The surgery doesn't change his actual timeline. But obviously we would like more time for him to feel good about his pre-season," Voss said.

The coach is confident that dealing with Black's knee now will enable the team to see more of the three-time club champion next season.

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Goddard's leading role at Bomberland

Mover and shaker: Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has be chosen to join the eight-man leadership group at Windy Hill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

STAR Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has wasted no time stamping his authority on his new club and will today be elevated to the leadership group.

And in a pointer to the future, 20-year-old Dyson Heppell will also be named as one of the club's new leaders.

Goddard, Heppell and Jason Winderlich will join this year's leaders Jobe Watson, Heath Hocking, Brent Stanton, David Zaharakis and Michael Hurley in the eight-man group.

The only player to drop out of the 2012 rotation is the retired Mark McVeigh.

Goddard made the controversial switch from St Kilda to Essendon in October before heading to Colorado with a small band of fellow midfielders for a training camp last month.

Players took a leadership vote a fortnight ago and were told of the results late last week.

Heppell said he had no hesitation in nominating Goddard.

"I hold him in high regard as a leader, even though he's been here only a couple of months," Heppell said.

"He's stepped in as if he's been here for 10 years.

"Obviously he's a fantastic player and clearly a good leader as well, so he'll be great for the group."

Heppell's leadership elevation continues what has been a staggering first two years in the AFL system.

The 2010 No.8 draft pick stormed to the Rising Star award last year and had just as good a season in 2012, playing 20 games. Heppell vowed his new leadership tag would not change the way he played.

"Hirdy (coach James Hird) certainly mentioned that throughout last year, just to not add any extra pressure on myself," he said.

"I think I'll just take my footy the same way as I have been and just really enjoy it.

"(Being a leader) is about being able to have more say amongst the group, I guess, and not being afraid to voice my opinion.

"I'm pretty excited, it's great. It was a bit unexpected, but certainly a massive honour."

Heppell said that it was important for him to act as a conduit between the club's younger and older players.

"It was me only a couple of years ago, so I know what it's all about," he said.

"It's important for me to be able to assist them in any way I can because I know exactly what they're going through. That's something I'll be taking pretty seriously."

Heppell said it would be an honour to captain the club one day, if given the chance.

"It's something you dream about as a kid. It'd be unbelievable, but it's a long way down the track, I reckon, if that is ever going to happen," he said.

SQUADRON LEADERS
Jobe Watson (c)
Heath Hocking
Brent Stanton
David Zaharakis
Michael Hurley
Brendon Goddard
Dyson Heppell
Jason Winderlich
 

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Tredrea backs double act at Port

Travis Boak, here tackling Luke Ball, and Brad Ebert could make a good captaincy combination at Port Adelaide. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

CLUB great Warren Tredrea says Port Adelaide should consider breaking with tradition and appoint dual captains for the first time.

With veteran skipper Dom Cassisi set to be replaced by a younger leader as the Power starts a new era under first-time coach Ken Hinkley, Tredrea said that with no standout replacement, the club should consider introducing the dual leadership model that has been so successful in Sydney.

The Swans, notably, have successfully employed joint skippers since 2006, with Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh leading them to this year's premiership.

Tredrea suggested that midfielders Travis Boak, 24, and Brad Ebert, 22, would make a good captaincy combination.

"I just think for where Port is at, having dual captains would make a lot of sense," Tredrea said.

"The dual model has worked unbelievably well in Sydney for many years and it's certainly something Port should give a lot of thought to.

"There's a lot of pressure on captains in this town in particular so if Port can share the responsibility among two players I think it would be a good, positive step ..."

Hinkley who has put the captaincy vacancy sign up at Alberton is understood to be open to the idea of appointing joint skippers.

Cassisi is highly respected for the work he has done as captain in the past four years but he has failed to lead the club to higher than 10th.

Hinkley said he was not expecting to make a call on the Power captaincy until February or March, after he has seen how the players performed and led at training and in pre-season games. The playing group will also have a say on leadership.

Football operations manager Peter Rohde said that appointing more than one captain would come up for discussion but that it had its drawbacks.

"We haven't got into those discussions yet because at the moment Dom is our captain and we want to see how the pre-season pans out," he said.

"But the first thing that comes to mind when you're talking about dual captains is who wears the No.1 (guernsey)? The tradition at this club is that the captain always wears No.1, so that will also come into our thinking.''

Port has had four captains since entering the AFL in 1997 Gavin Wanganeen (1997-2000), Matthew Primus (2001-05), Tredrea (2006-08) and Cassisi (2009-12).
 

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Tony Charlton passes away

Sports broadcaster Tony Charlton launches Fox Footy 2012 in this reflective video on AFL broadcasting

Tony Charlton, Channel Seven's first football commentator, has passed away. Picture: Lucy Swinstead. Source: Herald Sun

BROADCASTER Tony Charlton has been remembered as one of the best in the business - a man listened to and loved by thousands, but also someone always ready to lend an ear.

Football legends paid tribute to Charlton, whose voice became synonymous with the game.

He died early yesterday after a battle with bowel cancer. He was 83.

Veteran coach Kevin Sheedy said Charlton, an AFL Hall of Fame inductee, was a fantastic contributor.

"He was a marvellous communicator with all the fans," Sheedy said. "He was a master of the English language in many ways. People loved listening to him."

Fellow broadcaster and Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett said Charlton was one of the most liked men in the business.

"He was a person who always gave advice and tried to help with positive feedback," Bartlett said.

2011 AFL Hall Of Fame inductees James Hird, Mark Ricciuto, Nathan Buckley, Michael Voss and Tony Charlton. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

"He was a generous performer and that's what made him such a well-liked person. He seemed to be a person who always had an ear, who listened and watched and always gave generously in feedback."

AFL legend Ron Barassi said he and Charlton had shared a mutual respect.

"We are missing a wonderful person today," he said.

"It was not just what he said but it was how he said it, with his distinctive and unusual voice ... not one that grated, but one you wanted to hear."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said Charlton's contribution on radio and the early years of football on TV had helped build the game's popularity.

"(He) mixed both superb oratory and commentary skills with an ability to break news and tell the stories of our game," Demetriou said.

"Even nearly 50 years after his legendary interview with a just sacked (Melbourne coach) Norm Smith ... it remains compelling viewing."

MCC president Paul Sheahan described Charlton as selfless.

"His concern was always for others," he said.

"MCC members will fondly remember Tony for his class and commanding presence behind the microphone ... as one of the finest function hosts in the country."

Former premier of Victoria Jeff Kennett said Charlton had "a wonderful sense of humour and had a voice that resonated with the community".

Tony Charlton sat down with Mike Sheahan to discuss his life in sport in one of the great Open Mike interviews of 2012. Re-live some of the highlights.

Other highlights from his career include:

* For 30 years, MC in each Capital City of the Caltex Sports Star of the Year series. Many of these occasions were televised.

* 1988-2008 (incl) MC of the Prime Minister's Olympic Dinner.

* Presenter in Melbourne for over 25 years, of the Dawn Service and Anzac Requiem each Anzac Day.

* 7 Network commentator for the VP Day 50th anniversary coverage and presenter at the Shrine of the VE Day 50th anniversary ceremony and the VP Ecumenical Service.

* 2005 – member of the inaugural Government of Victoria Spirit of Anzac Prize tour (the Western Front).

* 2008 – Chairman, Organising Committee of the World Latin American Dancesport Championship.

FoxSports will air Mike Sheahan's Open Mike interview with Tony Charlton from July this year at 9pm AEDT tonight (and 9.30pm AEDT on FoxSports 2).

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Harto finds himself over handlebars

Brad Hartman emerges from the thick scrub in one piece and sporting a smile after a heavy stack. Pictures: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Going in fast: Hartman loses control of his mountain bike and tumbles over the handlebars at the bottom of a steep descent. Source: Herald Sun

IT was all downhill for Geelong draftee Brad Hartman at the Cats' training camp at the aptly named Falls Creek yesterday.

Hartman came to grief when he lost control of his mountain bike and tumbled over the handlebars after he locked the brakes and skidded at the bottom of a steep descent.

Fortunately only his pride was damaged.

Hartman quickly emerged from the bushes sporting a wide grin and continued riding uninjured.

The 18-year-old, who is 188cm and represented South Australia three times in basketball, was taken by Geelong at pick No.77 in last month's national draft.

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Scorpions turn a shade of Blue

The Casey Scorpions will be hoping new coach Rohan Welsh can produce some winning moves next season. Picture: Peter Ward Source: Herald Sun

VFL club Casey Scorpions has appointed former Carlton forward Rohan Welsh as its coach.

Welsh, 42, agreed to a part-time role last night after meeting Casey officials and Melbourne senior coach Mark Neeld. Casey is Melbourne's VFL-aligned club.

The Scorpions interviewed Welsh about the position three years ago, but he was unable to commit to what was then a full-time job.

Welsh played in Dandenong's 1991 VFA premiership and went on to 42 senior games with the Blues.
 

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Talia, Petrenko ahead of schedule

Adelaide Crow and Rising Star Daniel Talia after breaking his forearm against the Sydney Swans in the second qualifying final this year. Picture: Simon Cross Source: Herald Sun

KEY Crows Daniel Talia and Jared Petrenko are on track to be fit for the start of next season.

AFL Rising Star winner Talia has almost fully recovered from the broken forearm he suffered in Adelaide's qualifying final defeat to Sydney, while tough-tackling forward Petrenko has resumed light skills work after having his right shoulder reconstructed.

"They are both tracking really well and we'd expect them to be right for Round 1," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"They're not doing any competitive stuff yet because we don't want to risk any setbacks but their running and general fitness is very good.

"Overall we are very pleased with how their recoveries are going and at this stage we'd expect them to get some pre-season games under their belts."

Petrenko who had previously had his left shoulder reconstructed had been expected to miss Adelaide's opening premiership season match against Essendon at AAMI Stadium on March 22.

But he is a month ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.

"It's a lot better than I first thought," Petrenko told the club's website.

"It's usually a six-month rehabilitation but I'm looking to get back in five, which would be late February or early March.

"I was anticipating I'd miss all the NAB Cup, come back through the Eagles (in the SANFL) and possibly miss the start of the AFL season proper. Now I'm hoping to sneak in a couple of NAB Cup games.

"It still seems a long way away when I think about it, but it's looking a lot brighter than two months ago."

Petrenko, 23, dislocated his right shoulder in the Crows' semi-final win against Fremantle and took painkillers to get through the preliminary final defeat to Hawthorn.

"The damage to my shoulder was just enough to require surgery," he said.

"It wasn't a full-blown mess, so it didn't take as much work to repair."

Key defender Talia is taking part in all training except contact drills.

He must protect his rebuilt arm from a heavy hit until the end of January after having a large plate and nine pins inserted in the arm.

"I'm doing all the running and skills work. I just can't receive any direct contact because if it hits the exact spot where the bone was broken I might re-injure it," Talia, 21, said.

Talia who was a revelation in defence last season has spent the off-season improving his running. He said he was already ahead of where he was at the end of last pre-season when he was coming off an achilles injury.

The only other players in the Crows' rehabilitation group are Bernie Vince (shoulder), Luke Thompson (ankle) and Matthew Jasch (groin).

All three had minor end-of-season surgery but are expected to join in full training when the players resume training after Christmas on January 7.
 

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Malthouse's bruise-free Blues

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse and Eddie Betts after the talented small forward was made a life member with the Blues last night. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Eddie Betts has welcomed a no-tackling pre-season training policy designed to help avoid a repeat of last season's savage injury run.

Betts, who last night was made a Blues life member, praised the club for persevering with him despite some off-field setbacks.

He said he wanted to repay the club, declaring that under coach Mick Malthouse the Blues were capable of winning two premierships before he retired.

While tackling was a non-negotiable in-season, Betts said Malthouse had directed players to avoid heavy contact until the pre-season games began in February.

Betts said the strategy had left the players in their best physical condition.

"It's been pretty solid, training-wise, but Mick's a lot about getting everyone fresh and getting us all through pre-season not injured, (so) we don't tackle," Betts told the Herald Sun.

"If you want to play, you have to tackle (in games), he's certainly going down that line.

"(But) it's not worth training it (tackling) because it's a teammate and you play footy - you know how to tackle.

"Until January-February when we get into practice matches - that's when it will come out.

"Mick just wants everyone fresh because last year we had Waitey (Jarrad Waite) with a back injury; Luke Mitchell shoulder; Levi Casboult knee. Walks (Andrew Walker) did his ankle for the first four rounds last year, so we really had no talls.

"But everyone is holding up all right, and all the bodies are really fit and there is no injuries for the first time in a long time, which is really good."

Betts, 26, enjoyed a career-best season in 2012, kicking 48 goals and finishing second in the club's best-and-fairest award behind Heath Scotland.

He rated last night's honour as one of the highlights of his 166-game career, but said all the focus was on delivering on the team's potential under Malthouse next year.

With some experts questioning clubs' attitudes toward indigenous recruitment, Betts said he would be eternally grateful for Carlton's support.

"I thank them a lot. They did stick with me through a lot of stuff, being arrested in the last three years going out for some Christmas drinks, you learn a lot from that," he said.

"I was late for a few trainings down the track and they really stuck by me.

"It's pretty hard (at times). I've been here through two wooden spoons.

"Now we've built into a really good side and just sitting back watching last year in the Grand Final, you think, 'That could be us in the next couple of years'."

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