Scouting report: Intra-club matches

Mick Malthouse has a word to Andrew Walker during the Blues' intra-club. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

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

YOU could be forgiven for not knowing, but the Sherrins have already been bounced at most AFL clubs.

The weather forecast is still in the 30s, cricket is still on television at night and the calendar still reads February, but intra-club practice matches are under way.

With the NAB Cup just four sleeps away, SuperFooty has gone behind the scenes to dig out all the gold from your club's low-key trial matches.

Get your SuperCoach notebook ready.

CARLTON

ABOUT 10 first-choice players were rested for the first hit out under new coach Mick Malthouse's watchful eye. But there was an air of familiarity, with both Blues sides clearly intent on hugging the boundary, as the Pies were under Mick's reign.

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Brock McLean was the midfield standout, racking up possessions with ease. He looks in fine touch, while Kane Lucas, who has promised that breakout year for so long now, showed glimpses.

Key defender Matthew Watson excelled, with his lethal boot and ability to read the play making him a standout. Jeff Garlett surprisingly pushed towards a halfback flank in a sign the goalkicking dazzler could be unleashed this year, as Mick did to Leon Davis in the pair's final year at the Pies.

Andrew Walker provided his usual flare, while blonde-haired Nick Graham won plenty of admirers. The bargain midfielder, nabbed at No. 54, won plenty of clearances.

Rhys O'Keeffe, the classy left-footer who kicks goals, impressed and is a highly regarded internally at Visy Park.

The Blues will play another scratch match on Friday.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Shaun Hampson is tackled by Brock McLean during a Carlton Blues AFL Intra-Club match at Visy Park on February 6, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

IT looks like Andrew Krakouer is back. The magical forward showed plenty of tricks at Victoria Park on Friday, kicking a big bag of goals and avoiding

Quinten Lynch has been all the rage this summer and he justified that with some big grabs and working nicely into the Pies' structure.

Clinton Young got on the paddock despite foot surgery, while fellow recruits Jordan Russell showed poise in defence and big Ben Hudson hasn't lost any of his rucking nous.

Luke Ball boundary umpired, while Dale Thomas sat out and remains Collingwood's biggest worry with his ankle concern.

Dane Swan moved OK, but don't expect the likes of him or Scott Pendlebury to really flick the switch until next month.

Swan's fitness is supreme.

ESSENDON

IT was more bad news for the Bombers, with skilled onballer Jake Melksham suffering a broken hand.

He'll miss Friday night's NAB Cup opener, along with captain Jobe Watson (knee) and star David Zaharakis (quad).

Zaharakis remains the biggest worry of that trio, while Brendon Goddard's pre-season continues to be outstanding.

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Nathan Lovett-Murray captained the Indigenous All-Stars on Friday night and did well, but Paddy Ryder was the star.

The ruckman towelled up Orren Stephenson in a dazzling display, while Leroy Jetta provided a highlight in win with a 60m bomb goal.

RICHMOND

NOT a great showing put in when Richmond played the All-Stars in Alice Springs, but Tiger fans, keep your memberships away from all microwaves.

It was closer to a Coburg side than Damien Hardwick's best 18 on the paddock, while there were still some positives to extract from the 50-point belting.

Matthew McDonough looks like a shrewd addition. The medium forward showed his smarts and accuracy with a nice goal, while No. 9 pick Nick Vlastuin showed his trademark ferocious attack which is likely to earn him an advanced debut.

Luke McGuane and Aaron Edwards started in the forward 50, and with all due respect, the Tigers will be a far scarier outfit when Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery take their places.

Todd Elton showed promising signs as a tall forward in tough conditions, while Dusty Martin lifted after the first break, albeit his execution surprisingly let him down.

AllStars v Richmond,Alice Springs,Dustin Martin caught holding the ball, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

STEPHEN Milne was all the talk after his four-goal effort, but you suspect the showings of boom recruit Tom Hickey and rising star Jack Newnes would have coach Scott Watters even more elated.

Hickey, who the Saints snaffled from the Gold Coast to aid their shallow ruck stocks, monstered his rivals in the hit-outs early before performing well against Justin Koschitzke.

He looks set to make a big impact this season, while Newnes' class was on show for all to see.

David Armitage was among the standout performance, winning plenty of touches and sneaking forward to kick goals, while Milne's offsiders Ahmed Saad (two goals) and Terry Milera (three goals) again looked lively.

Beau Maister (formerly Wilkes), who has trimmed down, marked well up forward in a big boost to the attacking potency. The man with a swankier name could be on his way to a beefed-up season.

Josh Saunders showed how brave he is and was the pick of the kids, while fellow draftee Nathan Wright has impressed this summer.

But the Saints' second pick, mercurial forward Spencer White, faces an uphill battle to make an impact in his first year as he battles to overcome a wrist injury.

St Kilda intraclub practice match at Seaford. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

ADELAIDE

THE Crows boast one of the healthiest lists in the league and staged an intra-club behind close doors on Friday. Jason Porplyzia and Lewis Johnston, playing on opposing sides, booted three goals each, while Brad Crouch justified the hype surrounding his debut.

The hard-at-it but explosive midfielder, who coach Brenton Sanderson loves, is ready for a Round 1 debut after a year dominating at SANFL level.

He played in the midfield and drifted to half-forward, while ball magnet and bargain draft pick Rory Atkins showed off his neat kicking.

Taylor Walker was held goalless despite his side striking 16 majors in a positive sign for Adelaide's load sharing.

The battle to be Tex's sidekick will drag into the NAB Cup with Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan still vying for the role vacated by Kurt Tippett.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Brad Crouch Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE

AARON Sandilands dominated the ruck and continues to impress after two seasons plagued by two injuries.

The big man is running pain free and, at 30, is set for a bumper year.

Jack Hannath, the man Freo pinched at the 11th hour from Melbourne's clutches, kicked two goals and provided a target up forward.

Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce are set to run riot on opposing wings this year, showing off their skill and dash at the Dockers' trial match.

Haydn Ballantyne spent more time in the midfield, while Fremantle's best three players – Matthew Pavlich, Nathan Fyfe and David Mundy – sat it out.

PORT ADELAIDE

THE Power played its SANFL equivalent – Port Magpies – and dominated in unsurprising fashion.

Jay Schulz snagged five majors in the first half before retiring, while raw draftee Mason Shaw played the second half and jagged two majors in front of the 4000-strong crowd.

Youngster Jake Neade booted two goals, including providing the highlight when he danced around several opponents before finding the sticks.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries unselfishly set up a few goals before unleashing in the midfield, while WAFL recruit Kane Mitchell blitzed in the midfield.

His tank looks impressive and the long-haired ball magnet could break through for senior action this season.

Mature-bodied clearance king Ollie Wines, Port's prized No. 7 draft pick, sizzled and is seemingly headed towards a Round 1 debut and MCG showdown against best mate Jack Viney.

For the record, the Power saluted by 129 points.

Jake Neade handballs to Kane Mitchell Picture: Simon Cross Source: HWT Image Library

SYDNEY

THE Swans played just a 40-minute trial match before holding a big skills session at Lakeside Oval on Friday, but it was again veteran Jarrad McVeigh who shone.

The premiership star has been a standout all pre-season for the Swans, who will host a 60-minute scratch match this Friday. Youngster Brandon Jack tried hard, while Harry Cunningham's midfield and forward work excited Sydney's coaching artillery.

Lewis Jetta is another Swan who returned from the flag victory in super touch and is looking to build on last year's breakout season.

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Watson: Dons' parents in good spirits

Tim Watson faces the media after the meeting between the Essendon Football Club and players' parents last night. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

ESSENDON champion Tim Watson says the players' parents are satisfied the football club has their sons' best interests at heart as they cope with the unfolding drugs scandal.

The father of club captain Jobe Watson said parents were in good spirits following a meeting between Essendon officials and parents at Windy Hill, despite a lot of questions remaining unanswered.

"What I'd like to say is a lot of parents had a lot of questions that they wanted answered. Some of these were answered by the club, some of these weren't answered by the club because they were not in a position to be able to answer those questions," Watson said to a waiting media pack following the hour-long meeting.

"But I think as a group of parents we've come away feeling that the club obviously has our son's interests at heart. That is the number one priority for James Hird and David Evans, who was present, Ian Robson, the CEO of the club, too.

"So we're very satisfied that our boys are in good hands and the club is doing all they possibly can under the circumstances."

Dank says coaches took drugs

Club Chairman David Evans said the club had a "fruitful discussion" with parents.

"It was a very positive meeting and we've commited to them that we'd come back to them with more information when we get it.

"We had a good, fruitful discussion," Mr Evans said.

But he remained tight-lipped about the contents of the meeting,

"As you're aware there's still an investigation that's now underway with ASADA and the AFL and we're cooperating with that and that's all I can really say at the moment."

Parents were reluctant to speak before the meeting, saying they have been told not to talk to the media.

 But Mandy and Bernie Crameri, parents of forward Stewart Crameri, threw their support behind the club.

"We're confident the proper procedures have been put in place," Mrs Crameri said.

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Dank says coaches took drugs

Steve Dank has told the ABC's 7.30 that Essendon coach James Hird was fully informed about the nature of the program the biochemist was paid to run at the club. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

The scientist at the centre of Essendon's controversial performance supplements program says it was within the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

The man at the centre of Essendon drug allegations has launched a $10 million defamation suit against various media outlets.

Stephen Dank speaks out on the ABC's 7.30 program last night. Picture: Channel ABC Source: Supplied

ESSENDON coaches took drugs that were banned for players, the former club sports scientist at the centre of the Bombers' drugs crisis claims.

Stephen Dank last night said coaches - whom he did not name - took substances not approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

"A couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code but, again, they were entitled to it and nothing illegal in those," Dank said.

In an explosive interview with ABC's 7.30, Dank also claimed head coach James Hird had full knowledge of the players' 2012 supplement regime, now at the centre of a doping authority probe.

Hird declined to respond to Dank's claims.

In other developments in the footy drugs scandal:

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said he had "serious concerns" about players mixing with bikies.

CLUBS will be alerted in the next two weeks that phone taps have picked up the names of some players in contact with criminals.

Essendon's former sports scientist Steve Dank has told the ABC's 7.30 that coaches at the club took supplements that are prohibited for players. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

BLOOD samples could be sent to Germany as part of the investigation of Essendon's drug controversy.

THE AFL maintained it could not notify a second club about an alleged rogue doper within its ranks.

Coaches are not bound by the restrictions WADA places on performance-enhancing drugs.

Dank stressed the substances administered to players were all "very, very legal and within the constraints of WADA".

Dank stressed last night "all levels" at the club were given regular details of the supplements program.

"There was a collective involvement - you know it wasn't just Steve Dank," he said.

Watson: Players' parents in good spirits

"There was certainly input from people outside myself. There was a very significant involvement from Dean (Robinson) as the high-performance manager, there was detailed discussion with James Hird, there was detailed discussion with the club doctor (Bruce Reid).

"They were sort of the main people involved in the knowledge of the program."

Wing and a prayer for Bombers

On the coaches' own drug regimes, Dank alleged: "There were some differences in what we offered the coaches. Let's face it, the coaches themselves are not subjected to any WADA code.

"Off the top of my head three, four or five taking vitamin supplements, protein supplements.

"A couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code but again they were entitled to it and nothing illegal in those."

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

The sports scientist declared his innocence throughout the interview, saying he was a biochemist and supplement programs were regularly used at most top AFL clubs.

He denied injecting players with a banned substance and said he was "very surprised" when the club called a conference announcing it was unaware of what the program involved.

Dank said the only supplements intravenously supplied were Vitamin D and Vitamin C. He denied peptides were injected but said up to four different peptide formulas could have been given to players.

 Sports scientist a broken man: lawyer

"We had a program, it was well documented, it was discussed at all levels throughout the club in terms of what the supplements were and the regime and dosages, and what time of the day or week you know," he said.

Dank runs two other rejuvenation clinics in Victoria and NSW that he said ran programs separate to his work with elite football teams.

A substance known as GHRP-6 or peptide 6 - listed on Mr Dank's clinic website - is a human growth hormone banned by the Australian Anti-Doping Authority of Australia.

Dank admitted selling the substance but denied it was used on elite athletes. He also rejected links with criminal gangs.

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AFL plea for calm in storm

Andrew Demetriou has called on fans to keep believing in the AFL despite the controversies over illicit and performance-enhancing drugs. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL says screaming headlines proclaiming the code's vulnerability to illicit drugs are old news, given its summit two weeks ago.

The league said yesterday it could not have made the dangers clubs face from illicit drugs any clearer.

Reports yesterday that at least seven clubs were "vulnerable" to illicit drugs were met with a lukewarm response by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

"We treat all of our clubs as being vulnerable when it comes to illicit drugs; hence why we had briefings at the end of last year with Victorian police, hence why we have written to the Victorian Government, and hence why we have had a drugs summit where every club was spoken to by experts, including the Federal Police and Victorian Police - before the Australian Crime Commission report," he said.

Demetriou called on fans to keep believing in the AFL despite the controversies over illicit and performance-enhancing drugs.

That might prove difficult with events such as yesterday's NAB Cup launch and announcement of a partnership with the Red Cross being hijacked by a focus on the Essendon allegations.

"I want to stress to all our supporters, whether it is the NAB Cup or premiership season, to come along and watch football, to have faith in the game," Demetriou said.

"This is not a widespread problem relating to performance-enhancing problems in the game. Have faith in the game and come along and watch your team play because the AFL has been at the forefront of (opposing) performance enhancing drugs."

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Pies to go straight up guts

Alan Didak will be part of Collingwood's new game plan as it prepares to be more direct. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD will unveil an overhauled game plan incorporating more rapid-fire ball movement in Friday night's NAB Cup opener.

The Pies have moved away from their trademark long passage around the boundary line, practising much shorter, more direct ball movement over summer.

A clear plan to kick the ball shorter and move the ball quickly emerged in its most distinct fashion in Friday's intraclub match and the previous Saturday's hour-long match simulation session.

Collingwood has used the boundary line more than any other team in the past two seasons and was ranked first and third for long kicks attempted in 2011 and 2012.

But coach Nathan Buckley has put his stamp on the side's game style in the lead-up to his second season in charge, swapping the sledgehammer hits up the ground with a swift, switchblade attack.

A revamped Collingwood, Carlton and West Coast have been routinely described as three of the most impressive teams in pre-season training by opposition club scouts.

With the Pies' refined coaching strategy, Fox Sports analyst David King expected them to improve on last year's preliminary final loss to Sydney.

"They're going beautifully and I think there is going to be a different change to Collingwood this year," King said on SEN.

"With Nathan Buckley playing probably more of his style, (there is) a bit more flair and real quick, short, sharp ball movement through the corridor."

Buckley's troops will open their NAB Cup account in shortened clashes against Western Bulldogs and Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The Pies' remodelled forward line has also shown encouraging signs, with spearhead Travis Cloke kicking five goals despite finishing Friday's scratch match early.

Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer also impressed after injury-ravaged 2012 seasons.

The club recruited five mature-age players - Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Jordan Russell (Carlton), Clinton Young (Hawthorn), Ben Hudson (Brisbane Lions) and Frankston goalkicking midfielder Kyle Martin - to add depth, while Luke Ball (knee) has joined in parts of the club's main training session.

"Collingwood have had a fantastic injection (of recruits), and big Lynch is going to make a huge difference down there," King said.

Knee victim Luke Ball has begun participating in parts of main training session as he continues to make welcome progress from a knee reconstruction.
 

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AFL boss warns on bikie links

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou speaking at a press conference after the release of an ACC report into drug and crime links to Australian sport last week. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Limited

THE AFL has revealed "serious concerns" about players associating with outlaw bikie gangs.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said last night all clubs had been warned of growing links between footballers and organised crime groups, namely bikies, who dealt in illicit and performance-enhancing drugs.

Phone taps have picked up the names of some players, given to the AFL by the Australian Crime Commission. Clubs will be alerted at meetings during the next fortnight.

"It is a serious concern and should be of serious concern for all those people involved in sport," Mr Demetriou said about the bikie infiltration.

"We were briefed by the ACC about the threats of organised crime infiltrating Australian sport, and they use 'vulnerable players', they called them, through this link of illicit drugs or performance-enhancing drugs or gambling because they are all linked.

"When we had the drugs summit, the federal police and the Victorian police told every CEO exactly the same thing.

They said organised crime figures are cohorting with your players, you need to be aware."

At the drugs summit, high-ranking Victorian policeman and former Richmond premiership player Emmett Dunne gave an example of how organised crime figures attempted to trap officers in compromising positions at strip clubs.

He said one strip club offered free entry and free alcohol if an officer "flashed his badge", to potentially catch him acting improperly and then use it against him.

One club CEO told the Herald Sun last night: "The inference is, that's what they could do to players."

Mr Demetriou said senior officials at every club would be briefed over the ACC report and drug code changes.

The Herald Sun has also learned:

A RETIRED AFL legend has links to a drug-dealing Melbourne bikie.

A FOOTY glamour boy was found using cocaine in a toilet at a club supporters' day.

A PROMINENT player was caught snorting cocaine during a promotional barbecue.

Victoria Police sources said yesterday they were also aware of frequent contact between bikies and footballers.

Much of the contact was through popular inner-suburban nightclubs frequented by both parties, and strip clubs.

One detective said it was possible that in many cases footballers were not aware of who they were talking to.

mark.robinson@news.com.au

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Law experts say Hird accountable

Essendon chief executive Ian Robson, chairman David Evans and coach James Hird address the media when the story first broke last week. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

CORPORATE governance experts say Essendon chief executive Ian Robson and coach James Hird are in the gun, but club chairman David Evans may yet survive the fallout of the Bombers' drug investigation.

One authority said a case could be made for Robson and Hird to be sacked as they were responsible for the operational side, regardless of whether Essendon players were found to have taken performance-enhancing drugs.

While Evans and his board have control of the club, if Evans had no knowledge of the issues that have brought the Bombers to their knees, he could survive.

"The CEO would definitely be the person who the buck stops with," RMIT University professor Brendan O'Connell, a corporate governance expert, said.

"The board of directors of any company is supposed to oversee the CEO in terms of performance, so, in their (the directors) case, they're probably not fully accountable for this at this stage.

"Obviously, if something had come to light that they were aware of and then they chose not to do anything about it, it would be a different story.

"Clearly, what we're seeing in Essendon's case, they've - at the very least - pushed the envelope on what's acceptable from a normal ethical perspective and that's happened under his watch, so I think the CEO has a lot to say to this."

O'Connell said coach Hird should also be accountable, as well as the club's then football manager, Paul Hamilton, who resigned at the end of last year.

Watson: Players' parents in good spirits

"If it's proven they were (banned) substances, these senior people will have little choice but to resign their positions and take the accountability that goes with that," O'Connell said.

"If it's shown that they're not illegal substances, but they're certainly ones that are very questionable, then it becomes a really interesting exercise for the club and its directors.

Dank says coaches took drugs

"I think there needs to be some form of sanctions imposed by the club on these people.

"With the players, they (the club) are very quick to fine or suspend players if they misbehave or are in breach of their contract.

"I would suspect there's probably potential breach of contract by the coach and the CEO, too, because I'm sure their contract of employment would include that they won't bring the club into disrepute and I think everyone would see that already they have. The level of disrepute is really up in the air."

Law professor Ian Ramsay, from the University of Melbourne, said boards should have systems in place to ensure laws were followed.

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

"If the board delegated, as would normally be expected, huge amounts of responsibility to a CEO and the board's done that to a competent CEO and the board's not on notice that anything's gone wrong, but something does go wrong, then in those circumstances the board wouldn't be liable because they've done all that could be expected," Ramsay said.

"Then it falls on the CEO. One issue always is whether boards are put on notice by something, whether there's been any mention in the press before this all erupted for example, of whether there were problems.

"We're talking about a duty owed by company directors to exercise reasonable care and diligence."

Sports scientist Stephen Dank left the club last year, but fitness expert Dean Robinson remains on staff under suspension pending the investigation.

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said he had faith in Evans.

"Essendon will have to resolve this themselves and I have confidence that their president will do so," Kennett said.

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Saint and sinner a fine line

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

Two recruits, one agenda: Brendon Goddard (centre) faces the music yesterday with Pie Clinton Young as AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou launches the NAB Cup at AFL House. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Herald Sun

AMID the seriousness, Brendon Goddard had a chance to laugh yesterday.

The star recruit became the first Essendon player to front the media - albeit a NAB Cup promotion - since news of the performance-enhancing drug scandal at his club broke a week ago.

Goddard had made the move from St Kilda during the off-season in search of greener pastures.

But just what has the 27-year-old walked in to?

"I'd say I've got a bit of experience in dealing with these kinds of things," Goddard joked, referring to the colourful history he had to deal with at the Saints.

But then the seriousness returned.

How are his new teammates feeling given the allegations levelled at them?

"Understandably they've been a bit anxious," Goddard said.

"It's probably hard for me to get my head around it because obviously I wasn't there last year and not directly involved or affected."

Watson: Players' parents in good spirits

Has the reputation of the club and its players been tarnished?

"I don't think tarnished. It's all allegations at this point, so nothing's been proven," Goddard said.

And what do you say to fans questioning whether or not to keep the faith?

Dank says coaches took drugs

"At this point in time it's all allegations and at no point can you jump to conclusions," he said.

"So as players, as supporters, it's important just to stick by the club because the boys are doing everything they can to prepare for another season of footy and obviously that starts on Friday night."

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Wing and a prayer for Bombers

The scientist at the centre of Essendon's controversial performance supplements program says it was within the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

Steve Dank has told the ABC's 7.30 that Essendon coach James Hird was fully informed about the nature of the program the biochemist was paid to run at the club. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

Former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank in 2005 with NRL club Manly. Source: The Daily Telegraph

SAMPLES from a "tank" of frozen blood could be flown to a Cologne laboratory as part of the doping authority investigation into Essendon's use of supplements last season.

As former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank proclaimed his innocence last night, it emerged a world-first test for peptides could be used to analyse blood from Bombers players.

About 1000 frozen drug samples have been taken from athletes across Australia who are under suspicion for doping, have been previously target-tested or have achieved success, including Grand Final wins.

It is expected the blood of some Essendon players taken last year would be in the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's repository, dubbed the "Tank" by insiders.

If that blood tested positive for performance-enhancing peptides, it would be sufficient proof that Essendon players had been injected with illegal substances, whether knowingly or otherwise.

Essendon officials last night briefed the parents of players, as the club braced for the full-scale Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL probe.

Dank says coaches took drugs

It is expected the majority of players or even the entire list would soon be interviewed, as will the coaches.

The advanced testing would prove crucial in the ASADA probe, as peptides can not be detected in regulation tests and Dank is adamant he did nothing wrong.

Watson: Players' parents in good spirits

Re-testing blood could provide concrete proof, as would Australian Crime Commission evidence uncovered in its year-long investigation.

The Crime Commission has confirmed using wire taps, coercive interviews and surveillance to amass evidence for its report.

Former ASADA chief executive Richard Ings told the Herald Sun yesterday it was common for new testing procedures to be used in ASADA investigations.

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

"If new intelligence comes up then you can thaw out the samples and target-test it," Ings said.

"In the case of peptide hormones there was no test for it, but now there is a German lab and ASADA can take Player X's sample and send it to Germany and have it tested for peptide hormones.

"It gives you a second bite of the cherry.

"If there is only one lab in the world which has a certain test, it is common to put it on a plane and get it tested."

Ings did not want to comment on the Essendon probe, but noted examples of players being given a 75 per cent discount on two-year bans if they could prove they had not knowingly ingested banned substances.

"They have to show they have no knowledge of what is going on, (and be) able to demonstrate exactly who gave it to them, and prove that the person gave it to him," Ings said.

"It is rare, but there are case studies and examples of it happening."

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Players feel the strain

Tough gig: Ross Lyon warned his players they could not afford to "relax" over the Christmas break and instead prescribed a period of "active rest". Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL Players' Association is unhappy with excessive training demands on players during their annual break, warning it could lead to "behavioural issues".

The Herald Sun can reveal a "substantial" increase in compulsory training programs and fitness reporting have landed some clubs in hot water and put players' mental welfare at risk.

The AFLPA has confirmed it has reported a small number of clubs to the league after complaints from players about off-season fitness requirements.

It is understood Fremantle, headed by demanding coach Ross Lyon, is treading a fine line with its demands.

But the year-round regimens are not an excuse for players to explore performance enhancing drugs, the association says.

Lyon warned his players they could not afford to "relax" over the Christmas break and instead prescribed a period of "active rest".

AFLPA operations manager Ian Prendergast said some clubs were going "over the top".

"We've had increasing concerns recently that players aren't enjoying genuine annual leave," Prendergast said.

"The level of monitoring and extent to which they are expected to work during their annual leave has increased substantially.

"We've referred a couple of matters through to the AFL based on feedback we've received from players."

Players are prescribed a minimum eight weeks' annual leave.

At Fremantle's best and fairest night, Lyon said his players would be watched closely during the off-season.

"The players have been sent away with strong programs, they're monitored daily and all that information comes back to head office, so Big Brother's watching," Lyon said.

Prendergast said clubs should trust players to maintain acceptable fitness levels.

"We need to give these players some down time, otherwise I think there can be some serious ramifications," Prendergast said.

"If we don't allow them to rest and have their own individual experience away from the footy clubs, away from the scrutiny that's involved, potentially it's going to contribute to some of the behavioural issues that we see from time to time."

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