Giant steps into the future

Giants chief executive David Matthews admits taking Jonathon Patton as their 2011 1st round draft pick was based on the theory that that key forwards are hard to find. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Herald Sun

THE GWS Giants are looking to shore up their future and not chase a quick fix, starting with the signatures of No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton and No.3 selection Dom Tyson.

The pairing of Patton with rising star Jeremy Cameron in the Giants forward line is seen as a combination potentially as strong as legendary Hawthorn duo Jason Dunstall and Dermott Brereton.

With rising star Cameron already signed until 2015, Patton is the big piece missing in the Giants' jigsaw puzzle.

"To be able to lock those players (Patton and Cameron) in - comfortable and working together and developing as the twin towers of the forward line - is just fundamental to the club's plans," Giants chief executive David Matthews said.

"The decision to take Patton with the No.1 pick was based on the fact that key forwards are hard to find.

"That's the reason the Swans pursued Kurt Tippett so hard."

Meanwhile, Tippett's old club, Adelaide, and Fremantle have been touted as future homes for Hawthorn champion Lance "Buddy" Franklin, who last Friday shocked the Hawks by knocking back a four-year deal - understood to be worth about $4 million - and telling officials he won't talk about a new contract until the end of the season.

Franklin said yesterday he doesn't want to leave the club where he has played 161 games and kicked 520 goals.

"There's going to be a lot of speculation, but I just want to play football," Franklin said.

"I have no intentions of leaving the footy club. Internally it won't be spoken about. We'll just worry about playing footy."

Matthews would not rule out a play for Franklin - but only after the Giants had Patton and Tyson locked in.

"Both players are both in the final year of their two-year deals," Matthews said.

"We are in talks with their management. They're No.1 and No.3 picks and really important to the club.

"We're not in a position to finalise things.

"At this stage of the season, we've just been concentrating on extending the contracts of our young players."

As well as securing Cameron for another two years, Greater Western Sydney last year locked away midfield dynamo Toby Greene, No.2 pick Stephen Coniglio, midfielders Adam Treloar, Devon Smith, Jacob Townsend, Tomas Bugg, Adam Kennedy, Tim Golds and Dylan Shiel, along with the defenders Adam Tomlinson and Matt Buntine.

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Watson, Rioli suffer corkies

Jobe Watson has suffered a corked thigh after initially sending a scare through the Essendon camp when he limped from an intra-club practice match at Melbourne Airport with what looked like a knee injury. Picture: Andy Drewitt Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON and Hawthorn have been dealt fresh injury blows less than a fortnight from the start of the NAB Cup.

But Bombers skipper Jobe Watson and Hawks livewire Cyril Rioli have escaped major damage, with both suffering corked thighs.

Watson sent a scare through the Essendon camp when he limped from an intra-club practice match at Melbourne Airport with what looked like a knee injury.

But coach James Hird was later relieved to learn his most important player had only sustained a knock above the joint and would be a short-term casualty.

Rioli's corked thigh, which was aggravated at training yesterday, has made him the latest casualty for the Richmond-indigenous All-Stars game in Alice Springs on Friday night.

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 There were also reports yesterday that injury-prone Carlton forward Jarrad Waite was nursing a calf strain.

All-Stars skipper Lance Franklin confirmed Rioli would join Shaun Burgoyne and Adam Goodes as spectators at Traeger Park.

"He's a little bit sore at the moment so he'll miss. He was pretty disappointed, with me being the captain he wanted to run out with me," Franklin said.

"It's a little bit disappointing 'Goodesy' is not playing and Shaun Burgoyne and Cyril, but the young boys we've got out there running around can play some football. Shaun is coming back from his knee. He's a little way away, but hopefully he'll be right for Round 1."

Trent Cotchin will lead Richmond out for the first time since being named captain last November in a squad missing Troy Chaplin (knee), Nathan Foley (Achilles) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring).

"They'll be a good mix of senior players, but also an opportunity for some young players who have come into the system over the last couple of years," Cotchin said.

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Rich pickings for Lions co-leader

Captaincy material? Midfielder Daniel Rich goes through his paces as the Brisbane Lions train at Coorparoo. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE chairman Angus Johnson has added weight to Daniel Rich's chances of being named Lions co-captain by declaring he wants a "long-term" player installed alongside Jonathan Brown.

Brown last week stepped down from the sole captaincy duties with Rich, Daniel Merrett, Jed Adcock and Tom Rockliff the leading contenders.

Reigning best-and-fairest winner Joel Patfull is highly rated by the club's coaching staff and could emerge as a bolter for the role.

Players made nominations last week and the football department will narrow the field before making a recommendation to the board.

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 The contenders will be judged by criteria including their ability to have an influence on game day, work ethic and the ability to represent the club's values and standards on and off the field.

Johnson said the club was spoilt for choice but favoured a long-term prospect.

"I don't have any real pre-conceived ideas but I would have thought that the co-captain we are going to appoint would be someone who obviously has got quite a few years left at the club," Johnson told The Courier-Mail.

"We are a club that has a history of long-term captains so the sort of person I am looking for is a long-term player. We've got guys who could play the role of joint captain who are on the mature side and there's obviously guys like Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff who are still young but they have a lot of experience and have played over 50 games each."

Senior coach Michael Voss was 21 when he was appointed Brisbane co-captain alongside Alastair Lynch in 1997. They served as a leadership duo for four years before Voss took sole control from 2001-2006.

Brown was co-captain in 2007 and 2008 and was sole captain for the next four years.

Voss will have a big say in who is appointed, as the new co-captain will essentially be serving an apprenticeship under Brown before the AFL superstar hangs up the boots in the coming years.
 

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Franklin warned of fallout

Lance Franklin's manager says the champion forward is "committed to Hawthorn and is going to do his very best for the club right up until October 31 while he's a Hawthorn player and more than likely beyond." Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin halted talks on a new contract despite being warned by his manager of its potential to hurt Hawthorn.

Liam Pickering said he was giving Franklin his "100 per cent support", but also said he had walked the superstar forward through the pitfalls.

"I went through all the pros and cons of it and I explained to him what happened last year with Travis Cloke and the effect it can have on a football club," Pickering said.

"I feel for the Hawthorn supporters. No one out there (is) trying to upset the supporters or the club.

"Buddy Franklin is committed and contracted to Hawthorn and is going to do his very best for Hawthorn right up until October 31 while he's a Hawthorn player and more than likely beyond."

Pickering, speaking on SEN Radio, stressed no rival clubs had approached him about poaching Franklin.

"The only club I've spoken to is Hawthorn," he said.

"I can assure you I have not spoken to Adelaide, I have not spoken (to) any of them, I haven't got an offer from another club.

"Hawthorn are right in the box seat here, let's not make any bones about that.

"I wouldn't be super concerned if I was a Hawthorn supporter. Gary Ablett was in a much different situation with Gold Coast coming in and Tom Scully and Callan Ward and the like."

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Tigers' pulling power

Richmond's power helped pull Choco Williams. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: HWT Image Library

PREMIERSHIP coach Mark Williams has revealed Richmond's star power was a major factor in him joining the club.

Williams was lured into a development role at Punt Rd after two seasons at Greater Western Sydney and admitted he was relishing working with a crowd-pulling club.

"I've been at clubs that haven't been able to draw a crowd for a long time now and it's going to bring back great memories of a full house at the MCG and winning big games, which is what it's all about.

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"The first time I was introduced to the players I said, 'You better understand how lucky you are to be at this club and the responsibility we all have now to make sure it's successful'."

He has been working closely with the Tigers youngsters, including Dustin Martin.

"Young players don't develop linear ... You have to be patient with them, if you can instill a great work ethic and make sure they understand the game plan, if they work hard they'll get there." 

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Buddy-minded season begins

Hawthorn may only receive a draft pick at the end of the first round as compensation, if Lance Franklin decides to leave as a restricted free agent.

Lance Franklin has put contract talks with Hawthorn on hold until the end of the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

LANCE Franklin says he wants to stay at Hawthorn, but recent history means his words will do little to allay Hawks fears of a dramatic departure.

Franklin, 26, will become a restricted free agent in October, making him available to offers from rival clubs. He chose to suspend contract talks with Hawthorn until season's end.

The superstar forward yesterday declared he had "no intentions of leaving".

"I obviously love Hawthorn. They've been an absolutely great footy club for myself and I'm coming up to my ninth season," Franklin said.

"It was my decision. It was something I wanted to do and I wanted to leave it until the end of the season.

"I know there's going to be a lot of speculation about what I'm going to be doing at the end of the season. I've got no intentions of leaving the football club, but it is what it is - I just want to play footy."

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 Gary Ablett, Tom Scully, Brendon Goddard and Kurt Tippett chose to delay contract talks in the past three years, citing the need to concentrate on their football and stressing their intent to stay. All left.

Only days after cancelling negotiations, Franklin fronted the media yesterday in his role as captain for the indigenous All-Stars side that plays Richmond on Friday, and he was unapologetic over his decision.

"It's going to be a distraction and obviously the footy club is shocked that I didn't sign either, but it's my decision," he said.

"I don't get entangled in anyone else's contracts or any boys from the the footy club. It's just something that's not talked about, internally it won't be spoken about.

"We'll just look forward to playing footy and hopefully winning a premiership."

Asked if he was open to leaving for another club, Franklin said: "No, not at this stage. I want to stay at Hawthorn, but I just want to leave it until the end of the season and go from there."

He rejected suggestions his decision would haunt Hawthorn throughout the season, much like it did for Collingwood during last year's Travis Cloke saga.

"Not at all. The football club we've got is very strong, we've got some really good leaders and our group is very tight," Franklin said.

"I have no real issues there. It's obviously going to be the media that is going to pump it up more than ever. It is what it is and I'll just wait until the end of the season and make my decision then."

A 2008 premiership player and two-time Coleman medallist, Franklin is arguably the game's biggest drawcard.

Industry speculation puts Hawthorn's offer about $1 million a year over four years.

It is understood Franklin, was last year not among the games biggest eight earners, who all received more than $1 million in total earnings.

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Franklin's  contract revelation led to a media frenzy across the weekend, with the line from Buddy's  management eerily similar to that of Tom Scully, Gary Ablett and Kurt Tippett before that trio walked out on their clubs.

SuperFooty explained how history revealed this could spell disastrous news for the Hawks, while club legend Dermott Brereton told the Herald Sun that Franklin had made the right decision.

It was also revealed that Franklin had not struck a secret pact with Magpie-turned-Eagle Sharrod Wellingham to relocate to Perth and again shack up with his former housemate.

But Adelaide jumped on the front foot,  yesterday declaring it could make an audacious end-of-season play for the champion goalkicker.

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Maxwell poised to lead Pies again

Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD is expected to announce this morning that Nick Maxwell will continue as captain for the fifth straight season.

Former Pies' premiership captain Tony Shaw had voiced his support for Scott Pendlebury's leadership claims, but the star onballer is tipped to remain vice-captain.

It will also be the fifth season Pendlebury, 25, has held the position.

Onballer Luke Ball is also set to play a key role in the leadership group this season.

Heath Shaw, Travis Cloke, Dale Thomas and Harry O'Brien rounded out the group last year.

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Judd holds off on new deal

There is a line of thought that Carlton champion Chris Judd may decide to retire at the peak of his powers to pursue other interests. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Judd stretches his back before training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON star Chris Judd has delayed contract talks until mid-season at the earliest as he contemplates his future.

Judd has told the Blues he is not prepared to discuss extending his six-year tenure at Visy Park until he plays a significant portion of the season.

The dual Brownlow medallist turns 30 in September - an age that sees many footballers leave the game - but his brilliant form means his future is in his hands.

The fact he will not consider a deal now leaves it open that Judd may not play a 13th season next year.

Carlton would sign a deal with him now but is content to wait most, if not all, of the season, hopeful that relinquishing the captaincy will invigorate him.

There is a line of thought that Judd may decide to retire at the peak of his powers to pursue other interests. Carlton president Stephen Kernahan yesterday told the Herald Sun he believed Judd could play on for many years.

But he said he was aware that Judd might leave earlier than many believe.

"Put this on the record: he is 29 and I reckon he's got years to go. Will he last as long as we hope he does? I have a feeling maybe not," Kernahan said.

"He's got some serious football left in him, and that's my personal opinion.

"But he might surprise us.

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 "I have heard the things where he might only have a couple of years left.

"You hear all the stories, but Judd will know himself.

"He has been around the coalface for all his career, and he obviously made the call along those lines to release the captaincy, and give someone else the chance.

"He has had to do a hell of a lot at our club in the last five years but, if it's typical Juddy, he won't change at all."

Judd retiring as early as this year would be a stunning turn of events, given his performance level at Carlton: three best-and-fairests, a second placing (2011) and last year's third placing.

But Judd has long said he is not obsessed with the game and he has business and other interests outside football.

If Judd was keen to maximise his value for the 2014 season, he would sign a deal this pre-season.

But if he decided to play on, he may choose one-year deals like many veterans, including North Melbourne's Brent Harvey and Essendon's Dustin Fletcher.

Judd has admitted he has had "brain fades" in recent years with a pair of notable tribunal appearances for his "pressure point" and "chicken wing" tackles.

But when he does leave the AFL, the dual Brownlow medallist will be considered one of the greats of the game.

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Van Berlo to stay at Crows' helm

Captain Nathan van Berlo leads out Sam Kerridge as the Adelaide Crows step up pre-season training at Max Basheer reserve. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

NATHAN van Berlo will be reappointed as Adelaide skipper within days.

The Crows are understood to have made the call on their leadership group for 2013, with van Berlo poised to be given the No.1 job for the third consecutive year.

This would see him equal the reign of previous captain Simon Goodwin.

Club legend Mark Ricciuto holds the record as the Crows' longest-serving captain, leading the club for seven years from 2001-07.

Two years after being ranked last among the AFL captains by GWS coach Kevin Sheedy, van Berlo's star continues to rise.

The 26-year-old is highly respected for his on and off-field leadership. He will eventually hand the captaincy baton to superstar teammate Patrick Dangerfield but the Crows see no reason to make a change yet.

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 "Nathan's done an excellent job as captain so I would expect that to continue,'' Adelaide list manager David Noble said.

Coach Brenton Sanderson is a fan of van Berlo's leadership, last year describing him as "the perfect skipper''.

"He is an animal in the gym, he wins all the runs, he trains his heart out and he is hard on his team-mates as well. He is an outstanding young captain,'' Sanderson said.

Dangerfield, promoted to the leadership group last year, could be elevated to a vice or deputy vice-captain's role as the club looks to him to be its next long-term captain.

Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane and Ben Rutten are expected to retain leadership positions.

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Roberts quits to sign on with Fox

Channel 7 broadcaster Sandy Roberts is moving to Fox Footy. Picture: Cifra Manuela Source: Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: SANDY Roberts has walked out on Channel 7 after 34 years as a broadcaster to sign on with Fox Footy.

In the latest development in TV's news wars, the Herald Sun understands the Seven stalwart has been poached to call games and host programs on the football-only station.

Roberts, the weekday sports news reader for Seven, will inform the station today he is leaving, the latest dramatic change to Seven's news after the departure of veteran meteorologist David Brown.

Weatherman Brown has been replaced by former Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney, amid simmering tensions over the personnel changes at the network.

Seven and Nine continue to fight a pitched battle over nightly news ratings, and Nine's commanding lead has forced Seven into recent changes.

Seven insiders said they believed Brown, 52, was unhappy about the decision to push him aside for Rooney, 30.

Roberts has not called games in recent seasons, but it is believed that after broadcasting to regional areas with radio callers Crocmedia he became confident he still had the fire in his belly.

He said in 2007 it was his decision not to call games for Seven given his weekday commitments with the network.

But the 62-year-old was constantly stopped in the street by fans asking about his absence, so his return clearly would be well received.

Fox Footy is known to believe the signing is a major coup given his reputation as a fan favourite in AFL circles. His son works at the network as a producer and Roberts will work across several shows.

The network will use him not only as a caller but also as host of some of the network's regular one-off specials.

Fox Footy has the rights to the All-Australian awards and AFL MVP award.

Roberts showcased his hosting skills at the 2009 Brownlow Medal when called in with only hours' notice after Bruce McAvaney was forced to withdraw.

Seven recently tried former Western Bulldogs ruckman Luke Darcy as a stand-in sports presenter when Roberts and weekend news reader Tim Watson were on leave.

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