Lindsay's got away with one: Bucks

North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas faces a nervous wait with the match review panel after flooring Collingwood's Ben Reid with a big bump.

Lindsay Thomas's bump has sparked a war of words between the coaches. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Brad Scott and Nathan Buckley have clashed over an incident involving North Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas and Collingwood's Ben Reid.

A DEFIANT Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says Lindsay Thomas "got away with one" after the Kangaroos forward was cleared for his off-the-ball bump on Magpie Ben Reid.

"I think under the letter of the law there's obviously some grey area there," Buckley told Triple M.

"I think Lindsay's got away with one, that's it, it's great for North and we move on."

Buckley stood by his comments after the match which fuelled a war of words with rival coach Brad Scott.

"My interest is obviously the welfare of my players, Ben Reid was concussed and had to leave the game as a result of the incident.

"It was an incidental head clash but it was caused by the actions of the opposition player, the tribunal in their wisdom have deemed to clear it.

"I thought it (off-the-ball hit) was average."

Reid was substituted out of the match with concussion while Thomas played on.

"I don't mind that contact, I think that that contact is part of our game but it's been legislated out of it to the point players don't expect that sort of contact anymore.

"Lindsay Thomas changed direction, came back in and caused the contact, causing one of our players to leave the field."

A scathing war of words erupted between opposition coaches Brad Scott and Nathan Buckley last night as the postscript to the North Melbourne and Collingwood clash at Etihad Stadium which turned sour.

Scott told his Magpies counterpart to keep his opinions to himself after Buckley called Lindsay Thomas's off the ball hit on Ben Reid an "average'' act that would see the AFL "hold him to account for his actions''.

Magpies defender Reid did not return to the field having been left concussed and bleeding from the mouth after the third quarter incident.

VIDEO: See Lindsay Thomas's bump which has sparked so much controversy in the player above

As the ball was trickling out of play, Roos forward Thomas changed direction and clashed heads with an unsuspecting Reid who lay motionless on the ground for a couple of minutes.

A grossly undermanned Collingwood outclassed North Melbourne by 16 points, but the Thomas/Reid incident was the major talking point afterwards.

"I thought it was pretty average,'' Buckley said.

"I have full faith that the systems the AFL has in place will hold him to account for his actions.

"It was off the ball, unprovoked and we'll see how it happens.

"I don't want to pre-empt anything, but clearly if it's behind play and it it's high you're in a bit of strife.''

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Clash of heads between Ben Reid and Lindsay Thomas saw Reid off with a bloody mouth and players in a scuffle after Scott Pendlebury tested Lindsay Thomas's Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Scott was left seething by Buckley's remarks.

"Nathan Buckley should just worry about his own team,'' Scott said.

"Commentary like that doesn't help. I don't know what incident Nathan Buckley saw but a head clash is a head clash, it does happen in football, we play a contact sport.

"Bucks should just keep his opinions to himself when it comes to decisions and things that will be taken care of by the powers that be.

"It doesn't help when a senior coach comes in and starts influencing things and casting dispersions (sic) on our players.

"If Bucks wants to call me he can.''

Brad Scott tells Buckley to "keep opinions to himself".

Scott said it wasn't for him to say what he thought of the incident himself.

"But certainly from where I sat it didn't look malicious, it didn't look like he tried to hurt Ben Reid,'' he said.

"But as I said, it's not for me to say and it's certainly not for him to say.''

If you don't mind, umpire: the most controversial calls of Round 1

Reid's absence was further accentuated by the fact Ben Johnson had to be substituted at half time with a corked thigh.

Asked how he felt seeing Thomas continue while his side went down to two players on the bench Buckley simply said: "He stayed down and tried to fake that as well.

"It is what it is, it was not a great act and I'm sure he'll be feeling pretty sorry for it right now.

"Reidy will play next week."

Live HQ: North Melbourne v Collingwood

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Selwood inspires Cats revival

Geelong have continued their recent dominance over Hawthorn with a thrilling seven-point victory at the MCG.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood bursts out of trouble to set up a late goal for the Cats. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

CAPTAIN is a moniker that befits a warrior like Joel Selwood.

He oozes leadership, a fine trait that was never more evident than when the contest hung in the balance at the MCG.

Geelong's tardy first half required someone to show the way back against Hawthorn in the second half.

Selwood immediately and instinctively stepped forward in the critical third quarter which the Cats started with a 20 points deficit.

The midfielder simply willed himself to win the ball at a fiercely congested contest in the centre of the ground that set free Mitch Duncan to goal on the run.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Selwood built on that perfect start after the resumption by floating across a pack of players, with typical disregard for his own welfare, to mark and slot another goal.

And he hit a leading Tom Hawkins on the chest with a bullet pass a couple of minutes later for the big Cat to roost one from 50m to trail by only one point.

It was deflating for the Hawks to watch all their first half toil disintegrate in 10 minutes of sterling Selwood leadership that dragged along senior colleagues like Paul Chapman.

Just the same, it took Geelong until 15 minutes into the third quarter to grab the lead for the first time in what was another cracking contest between these rivals.

Geelong forward Allen Christensen kicked a critical last-quarter goal to set up the Cats victory over the Hawks. Picture:Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

But you sensed the game was up for the dogged Hawks even when Shane Savage and Jarryd Roughead pulled back a couple of goals to snap the Cats' six-straight run late in the third term.

In the end, Geelong had too much run left and controlled the flow in the same manner as Hawthorn did in the first half.

When most players were sucking in deep breaths, Cats Travis Varcoe, Steven Motlop and Allen Christensen found acres of space to run and carry with devastating effect.

Goals by Christensen, James Podsiadly and Duncan pushed the Cats lead out to 21 points with only 10 minutes left.

And, while the brave Hawks kept coming with answers from Luke Breust and Savage, they were always going to run out of time as much as legs.

Tom Hawkins celebrates after kicking a goal during the 3rd quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Geelong's defence, so shaky in the first half, regained control, with Tom Lonergan containing Lance Franklin to just two goals.

And he had wonderful support from Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie and Jared Rivers, particularly when the dangeous high balls floated within Buddy's reach.

Hawthorn should've gone into the long break with a bigger buffer than 20 points, particularly with 11 more inside 50 entries.

The Hawks dominated the first half, especially the centre clearances, with Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell right on top, and looked far more potent going forward.

Geelong's defenders were under immense pressure, illustrated by rare fumbles from the likes of Corey Enright and Mackie who have withstood the fierce heat of grand final battles.

When the Cats went forward, it was a scattergun approach.

They had been inside 50 11 times before Billy Smedts posted the first goal from a snapshot right against the boundary line.

Geelong increased the intensity in the second quarter, but the fumbles continued and a lack of system up forward presented key targets Hawkins and Podsiadly with few opportunities to operate one-out with opponents Josh Gibson and Ryan Schoenmakers.

At least the goals started to flow, especially with Podsiadly from a toepoke on the goalline and Hawkins two-steps snapshot from a mark close to the behind post.

And when the dangerous Varcoe crumbed a spilled ball at the top of the goal square for another with only seconds left on the clock, it set up an intriguing second half.

It may have taken the Cats 25 minutes to post their first goal and another half hour to find their touch, but the breathtaking manner they wrested the game away from the Hawks after half-time hammered out another warning of who was boss in these contests.

Sam Mitchell leads the hawks of the MCG after their 7 point loss to Geelong at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

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Neeld to battle mental Demons

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

Nathan Jones after the match Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

Melbourne great Garry Lyon with the players last season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE will address accusations its players are mentally fragile after Sunday's loss to Port Adelaide was branded the team's worst in a decade.

Furious supporters and club greats blasted the players, with David Schwarz and Garry Lyon calling the performance "spineless" and "demoralising".

Lyon, who helped reshape the club's football department and appoint Mark Neeld in 2011, said he could not be confident the team would produce a more spirited effort against Essendon on Saturday.

"You see guys going back with the flight (of the ball) and flinching and ducking their head and electing to punch rather than take possession," Lyon said on Triple M.

 "Sometimes you can rationalise it, but never in a first game when your whole season is alive.

"Structurally, I queried some of the decisions in terms of the way they set up, particularly forward of the ball.

"I can cop floggings but I need to know what happens in the week following and I'm not confident in the next week.

"Behind closed doors that's the big responsibility for Mark Neeld and Neil Craig and Dave Misson down there. To see how fragile in the mind these guys are from past years."

President Don McLardy yesterday called for calm among club stakeholders but admitted the players' lack of mental fortitude against the Power was cause for concern.

"We just didn't seem to be mentally readily for the challenge," McLardy told the Herald Sun.

"I don't know whether they thought it was still the NAB Cup.

"We've got some work to do on that mental toughness and just being able to stand up under pressure.

"You can't drop your guard one inch in this comp and unfortunately we do."

The Dees' lack of defensive application was the biggest issue.

Schwarz labelled it the team's worst performance since 2003 and said key players had gone backwards.

"Mark Jamar and Chipper (James) Frawley are so far away from their All-Australian sides of two years ago," Schwarz said on SEN.

"Those two players have gone backwards at 100 miles an hour."

McLardy backed the club's coaching staff, but said the response had to be swift.

"You have got to keep calm in a crisis," McLardy said. "It's not a massive crisis as it's game one, but there was some worrying signs there which we need to address very quickly."

McLardy said Neeld was initially "upset".

"He went through a whole range of emotions but by the time I spoke to him this afternoon he was plotting how we are going to go against Essendon," he said.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Melbourne great David Schwarz was given the honour of handing the match ball to the umpires on Sunday. By Sunday night, he was fuming after an insipid Demons performance.

Schwarz on...

Colin Sylvia: He hasn't got mongrel in him. He's just too nice. I don't know if footy means enough to Colin Sylvia at the moment.

Jack Watts: Bitterly disappointing.

James Sellar: Horribly out of confidence. He is a long way away from it.

Lynden Dunn: (100th game is) one he will want to forget. He would be bitterly disappointed. Ordinary.

James Frawley: His decision making...he is not the same player he was.

Mark Jamar: His timing and workrate is just non-existent. (He) couldn't even go up in the ruck.

BY THE NUMBERS courtesy of Champion Data

Demons
Conceded 62 inside 50s - equal most in the competition.
Once inside 50 they allowed Port to score 61.3% of the time - the second highest conceded of the round.
Conceded 18 marks inside 50 - the most
Conceded 232 uncontested possessions - second most conceded.

The way they were able to slice through from defence was Melbourne's biggest concern.

Defensive half chains below and each teams ability to get it inside 50 and score.

Port went from defensive HALF no 50 chain 44.8% of the time – the highest percentage of the round. Scored 24.1% - the most.

Club    I50    Score
Port Adelaide    44.8%    24.1%
Carlton    42.5%    21.3%
Essendon    39.3%    14.8%
St Kilda    33.3%    12.5%
Collingwood    32.9%    15.1%
Fremantle    32.2%    16.9%
Richmond    31.9%    15.9%
Sydney Swans    29.9%    6.5%
Brisbane Lions    29.1%    17.7%
Gold Coast Suns    28.7%    14.9%
North Melbourne    27.8%    11.1%
GWS Giants    27.0%    6.8%
Western Bulldogs    26.4%    11.1%
Melbourne    25.4%    4.2%
West Coast Eagles    23.5%    12.3%
Adelaide Crows    20.5%    11.5%

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Scott: Way too soon for flag talk

Geelong have continued their recent dominance over Hawthorn with a thrilling seven-point victory at the MCG.

Geelong forward Tom Hawkins in full flight against Hawthorn. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG coach Chris Scott last night praised individual performances but said his team had a long way to go before demonstrating it could seriously challenge for this year's premiership.

In defeating Hawthorn by seven points at the MCG yesterday, the Cats stretched to 10 their winning streak against the Hawks since the 2008 Grand Final.

Scott said his side played "reasonably poorly" in a first half in which the Hawks were allowed to get away to a 30-point lead.

"But when the heat was on in the third quarter and we needed some individuals to step up, (they did)," he said.

Selwood inspires Cats revival

"I don't think we should discount Joel Selwood, who kind of reminded me of Gary Ablett the other night when the game was on the line, and Jimmy Bartel as well.

"I think I've said this a little bit over the last two years, I was most pleased with (Billie) Smedts, (Steven) Motlop, (Jordan) Murdoch, (Mark) Blicavs.

"They looked like they belonged and they relished that type of game.

"When something needed to happen, our experienced players stood up as we expected them to, but the young guys aren't afraid to impose themselves on the game as well."

Scott said the team's second-half performance better reflected what the coaching staff had been trying to achieve throughout the pre-season.

But Scott said it was premature to suggest his team, now highly different from the one that won three premierships in five seasons from 2007, would challenge for this year's flag.

"On that form (we could), but we're a long way off, aren't we?" he said.

"It's 25 weeks until we get the opportunity, hopefully, to perform on the biggest stage ... I guarantee things will change over the course of the next 25 weeks.

"We would like to think that we've put a lot of work in to prepare for the future, but it would be arrogant of us to suggest that we've nailed it because the jury is out.

"We've lost a lot of real high-quality players.

"We've brought in some young players that we hope will be really good AFL footballers, but they haven't proved that yet."

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Scott was reluctant to buy too much into talk of a "psychological hold" over Alastair Clarkson's men.

"I'm not going to argue with you. If you think there's a psychological edge there, I don't see it. My focus is on the Geelong players and ... when the heat's on I trust our guys," he said.

"I hope our fans enjoy this for everything it's worth, because it's not going to last forever."

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Hawks left cursing empty tank

Geelong have continued their recent dominance over Hawthorn with a thrilling seven-point victory at the MCG.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson rues the Hawks' lack of run in the second half. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson conceded the Hawks ran out of gas as Geelong stretched their winning sequence to a perfect 10 at the MCG yesterday.

He said the Hawks' control of vital statistics in the first half of the game did not reflect his side's modest 20 point lead at half-time.

Dubbed the Kennett Curse after former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett questioned the Cats' mental drive in the lead-up to the opening round in 2009 against Geelong, Clarkson said he would prefer to look forward rather than back.

"You like to win games of footy and you don't focus on what's happened beforehand and it's all here and now," Clarkson said.

"We were pleased with a lot of elements of our game today, coming up against a good side.

"Early in the season these games can be just the luck of the draw in terms of who wins them. We were unfortunate day and we just need  to keep at it.

"There's no point moping around."

The Hawks have only a six day break before playing West Coast in Perth and are unlikely to recall captain Luke Hodge who resumed with Box Hill Hawks in the VFL on the weekend.

He said Hodge can be recalled for the Eagles, but could also remain in the VFL for another three weeks.

Brian Lake, who withdrew from yesterday's side, must pass a fitness test.Asked about any injuries, Clarkson responded: "Just a bruised ego."

The Cats, which vowed to never lose to Hawthorn again after their shock loss in the 2008 Grand Final, came from 30 points down late in the second quarter to kick six unanswered goals.

Clarkson said Geelong was a very good opponent and had been a great side.

"We haven't got there this time but we'll keep pegging away and we will get there eventually," he said after the seven point loss.

He said that while the Cats kicked inaccurately early in the game, their two goals late in the second quarter perhaps gave them a better score board return for their first half performance.

"We could have gone into half time a little bit further in front, I thought given the way we were playing," Clarkson said.

"As we know with the Cats it's hard to keep them down for four quarters."

Clarkson said youngster Brad Hill was the best example of the Hawks running out of gas as he was probably best on ground in the first half but was nearly "cooked" half-way through the second quarter.

"It sort of symbolised our lack of run, particularly in the third quarter," he said."We challenged them at three quarter time to work hard and dig deep and it didn't help us get the points."

Hawk Jordan Lewis said the players got a bit tired as the game went on, but fought back in the last quarter and had plenty of chances.He said it might surprise a few people, but the Hawk players don't see the losses to Geelong as a streak.

"We always know when we are coming up against Geelong that it is going to be a hard fought contest to the end and it was again. We had our opportunities but didn't make the most of them."

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'Eddie knows the reasons why'

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final loss to Geelong. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse says he has no plans to reconcile with Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

McGuire has said he hopes to one day repair his relationship with Malthouse, which soured following the Collingwood coaching handover to Nathan Buckley at the end of 2011.

But Malthouse last night made he it clear he did not share the sentiment.

"I have many things to do, but I don't think that is going to happen," Malthouse said on Fox Footy's On the Couch last night.

"And Eddie knows exactly the reasons why.

"I don't need to go there...there's a million things that happen on this planet and that are going to happen in football.

"I'm just focusing on this year."

A massive crowd is expected at the MCG on Sunday when Malthouse coaches against his former side for the first time.

Malthouse denied the blockbuster would be all about was him and his fractured relationship with the Magpies.

"This cannot be about one person and it won't be about one person," he said.

"This is about the football club, Carlton, playing Collingwood.

"If we went back to VFL days, it's tribal.

"But it's a national competition now.

"The significance - it's my old club, yes.

"But so is West Coast, the Western Bulldogs, as is Richmond and St Kilda."

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Shot haunts Harry O

Collingwood star Harry O'Brien. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD star Harry O'Brien has revealed he questioned the value of life after witnessing the death of a man in Rio de Janeiro.

O'Brien, 26, speaking at a youth conference, told how the incident on Christmas Day, 2011, sparked a period of depression that affected him throughout 2012, including on the field.

O'Brien recalled how he went to the aid of a man who crashed his car into a light pole, and found the driver with blood streaming from a bullet wound in his neck.

"I locked eyes with him and it was possibly the most intimate moment I've ever had in my life as I watched the life being drained from this human being who had been shot," O'Brien said.

"I felt extremely helpless. I couldn't do anything but look into this man's eyes as he was trying to communicate with me."

O'Brien, who was staying with family in Rio, could not open the door of the mangled car.

"As I looked into the car I saw a young man, possibly in his late 20s just like myself, and he had a gaping hole in his jugular," he said.

"He'd been shot ... I was shaken up by it but I tried to keep my composure. I knew I had to get him out of the car.

"As I looked into the car I noticed he had a pistol on his lap. I was trying to open the door of the car but it just wouldn't budge. I felt extremely helpless."

O'Brien, born in Rio to a Brazilian mother and African father, moved to Australia when he was two.

He is heavily involved in social issues and was a speaker at a Model United Nations conference in Melbourne last month, where he addressed university students from around the globe.

He said he didn't experience the enormity of the incident in Rio de Janiero until two weeks later, after he returned home to Australia.

"I sunk into a depression," O'Brien said.

"I had terrible anxiety and post-traumatic stress and, as a result, my football, which is my current occupation, went downhill.

"My performance went downhill, my involvements out in the community.

"I had less of energy and I felt terrible. I had lost all faith in the world and I was contemplating whether or not I should be alive."

O'Brien said he had found peace of mind since addressing the tragedies in his life, which include more than the incident in Brazil.

He encouraged his audience to learn lessons from their own experiences.

O'Brien told SEN radio yesterday he had learned a lot about himself from confronting what he referred to as "those dark times".

"It was a real grind last year," he said. "But I got through it and I'm so much happier, the fittest I've ever been and I'm loving my football again."

O'Brien, a regular in the backline, shone on the wing during Collingwood's 16-point win against North Melbourne on Sunday.

"Pretty much right at the start of pre-season I spoke to all of the coaches and I asked if I could just get the opportunity (on a wing)," he said.

"I told them that I was preparing myself to have the best pre-season and get myself to a fitness level where it would be a huge asset to the team to be able to have the capability to play on the wing and add that string to my bow.

"I learnt the role over the summer. I got myself to the required fitness level and I'm just grateful to be getting that opportunity."

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What you missed on TV last night

Coach Mark Neeld searches for answers during Round 1 clash against Port Adelaide. Source: Herald Sun

DID you miss last night's AFL television shows? Rewind and catch up here on all of hot topics and big issues discussed.

AFL 360

* The boys were quick to discuss former Hawk president Jeff Kennett calling on Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the year's end. Robbo said the Hawks need to respond withing 24 hours to put it to bed. READ JEFF'S FULL COMMENTS HERE.

* Melbourne's dismal Round 1 display was a big talking point and Robbo did not hold back. The Herald Sun chief football scribe stressed he liked Demons coach Mark Neeld, but said he would have to go if the Demons are still playing like that in a month. "Something would have to give," Robbo said.

* The panel heaped praise on Suns superstar Gary Ablett following his epic performance against St Kilda. His former coach Mark 'Bomber' Thompson said Ablett was "getting better and better with age." He went on further to declare he would finish his career regarded as one of the best 10 players of all time.

Suns skipper Gary Ablett. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

ON THE COUCH

* Paul Roos said he believed Hawthorn have a 'significant' problem with their ball use and going inside 50.

* The state of the Melbourne Football Club was a hot topic with Roos declaring there was something "seriously wrong" with the Demons.

* Gerard Healy said new football operations manager Mark Evans should appeal the MRP's decision to clear Lindsay Thomas for his off-the-ball bump that floored Magpie Ben Reid. "Everyone is confused now," Healy said.

* Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was the guest and said he had no plans to reconcile with Eddie McGuire. SEE MALTHOUSE'S FULL COMMENTS HERE.

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

FOOTY CLASSIFIED

* Garry Lyon said he could not defend anything said about Melbourne after their Round 1 performance.

* Cats coach Chris Scott said he did not believe in the 'Kennett Curse' and said it would be "arrogant in the extreme" to suggest they have a mental hold of Hawthorn.

* Scott would not be drawn when asked about the stoush between Magpies coach Nathan Buckley and his brother, North Melbourne coach Brad. "My policy is you should be really careful about talking about other teams," he said. Although that answer may have gave away what he really thought on the matter.

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

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Ablett, Goodes and Cotch make cut

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett celebrates the Suns victory over St Kilda. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WELCOME to another year of Team of the Round, where the champions were joined by the unknowns.

Yes, Gary Ablett, Jobe Watson and Scott Pendlebury were there, but so were Brett Goodes, Nick Lower and Sam Dwyer.

Will Minson was an unlikely face in the ruck and maybe he can finally string it all together.

Brendan McCartney has copped plenty in his short tenure yet may still have the last laugh.

And who bobs up at full back? The grandfather of course in Dustin Fletcher

Scroll down to see Jon Anderson's Team of the Round. Live chat from 1pm below:

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

BACKS

Brett Goodes: How many others have been missed over the journey?

Dustin Fletcher: When will this journey end?

Nick Lower: A second chance can mean so much.

HALF-BACKS

Sam Mitchell: Did everything in his power to lift the Hawks

Harry Taylor: Remains one of the best ever drafting selections.

Jarrod Harbrow: Provided the dash he is known for

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CENTRES

Trent Cotchin: Leadership will only enhance his game

Jobe Watson: Continues to bring his own ball to games

Bryce Gibbs: A sublime and prolific display

HALF-FORWARDS

Joel Selwood: When it  had to be done, guess who rallied

Travis Cloke: looked to be a player enjoying his footy

Kieren Jack: Easy to see why they made him captain

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

FORWARDS

Lindsay Thomas: When he turns it on what a sight he is

Jay  Schulz: Just needs to find consistency

Ben Howlett: Making the transition from good to very good

RUCKS

Will Minson: One of this maligned player's finest games

Scott Pendlebury: Just cruises around at his own pace

Gary Ablett: What more can you say?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brett Goodes of the Bulldogs handpasses the ball during the round one AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

INTERCHANGE

Andrew Swallow: His teammates should follow his lead

Hamish Hartlett: Are we going to see a breakout season?

Michael Barlow: Yet another midfield ball magnet.

SUBSTITUTE

Sam Dwyer: Another just happy to grab his chance

COACH

Brendan McCartney: Deserves this after engineering a massive win

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Time for Clarkson to go: Kennett

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has called for coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end following 10th straight loss to Geelong

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett last night called for premiership coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end.

After watching his side lose to Geelong for the 10th consecutive time at the MCG today to continue the 'Kennett Curse',  the man himself said it was time for a change.

Asked if he thought Clarkson should be moved on at end of the season, Kennett said: "Yes."

"I think we need to introduce a freshness at the club that doesn't exist at the moment because so many of the personnel have been there for a number of years," Kennett told 3AW last night.

"They have been listening to the same voice for too long."

HAVE YOUR SAY - IS IT TIME FOR CLARKO TO GO?

Clarkson, who has a 57 per cent winning percentage in his eight years at the helm, has another year remaining on his contract.

But Kennett said the club had "underachieved" since winning the 2008 premiership.

"I always believe six to eight years is long enough any coach should stay at any club," he said

"He has brought great service to the club, but he has been in charge of one of the best groups of young men going around in footy now for a number of years now, certainly since 2008.

"There was an excuse in 2009 for our performance because of injury.

"But in 2010, 2011, 2012 we underperformed...someone has to accept responsibility for that."

Kennett said the club should look at appointing an untried assistant coach rather than try to lure a big name.

"I'd be looking for a second-tier coach who has proved himself and hungry for success and trying to prove himself," he said.

"I don't believe you look around for another senior coach - you elevate an assistant coach who has something to prove.

"Alastair has now been there for a long time, the players understand him very well...you have to freshen up the group.

"And we have a very good list still."

Kennett said near enough was not good enough at Hawthorn.

"What are we doing right? We're not winning flags," he said.
 

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