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ADELAIDE
The Crows may well have an unchanged 22 for Sunday night's clash with StKilda
at Football Park. But at least one alteration is likely if Kane Johnson
recovers quickly enough from an adductor strain that forced him to miss last
Saturday night's game against Hawthorn. He is rated a 50-50 chance of being
available. Shane Ellen, Troy Bond and Trent Ormond-Allen will be tested at
training tonight with a view to resuming with their SANFL clubs on Saturday.
Western Australian draftee Tyson Stenglein shone for the Magpies in their big
win against Norwood last Thursday night and he remains close to making his AFL
debut. Matt Connell was also prominent for West Adelaide last Saturday.
BRISBANE
The fastest team in the AFL, Port Adelaide, may force some changes in
Brisbane's line-up when selectors sit down to name a side for Saturday night's
Gabba clash. Coach Leigh Matthews experienced the Port pace first hand as a
spectator at its match against Fremantle last weekend, on his way home from the
West Coast game in Perth. If the coach opts to go for more pace, big men Dion
Scott and Trent Bartlett may come under pressure to hold their places. Speedster
Luke Power, after a best on ground display for the Lions cubs last weekend,
could stake a claim for his first AFL game since the Ansett Cup. Clark Keating
is also set to resume after off season shoulder reconstructions, possibly as a
back-up ruckman for Matthew Clarke. Michael Voss is set to start, probably at
half-back, after his brilliant comeback off the bench against the Eagles. As for
co-captain Alastair Lynch, he'll return from a virus either with the seniors or
the local cubs side.
CARLTON
Carlton has been swamped with calls about this week's game against the
Western Bulldogs. Despite it being played at Optus Oval it is a Dogs' home match
and Carlton members are being reminded that their membership will allow them
access to level two of the social club only. Fans will have to buy tickets to
see the game, and the club is suggesting that supporters pre-book their seats to
ensure they don't miss out. Tickets and seats are available from Ticketek at
Optus Oval or by phone on 132849.
Training: Today and Friday, 4pm at Optus Oval.
COLLINGWOOD
With Victoria Park's surface deemed playable by the AFL yesterday, the few
remaining seats for the Collingwood-West Coast clash are likely to be snapped up
fast. Apart from the seats allocated to West Coast members, only Collingwood
season ticket-holders and those with AFL Collingwood club support memberships
are eligible to buy tickets for the second-last game at the historic ground. The
club suggests that supporters wanting a seat should book as soon as they can.
Standing positions in the outer are available, too, for the cost of a dollar,
when entrance tickets are purchased. No cash outlets will be operating on the
day and the club will accept pre-sold tickets only, for seated and standing
areas. Details and tickets are available from the club.
Training: Today, 4pm at Marcellin College; Friday, midday, venue to be
announced.
ESSENDON
The Bombers' social calendar is free this week, but the club is taking the
welfare of its players seriously. The club has introduced a program this year
tailored to the needs of the players. Throughout the year several workshops will
be conducted on a variety of topics including dealing with the media, coping
with stress and financial advice. The program, that Essendon's recruiting and
welfare manager, Adrian Dodoro says has ``taken player welfare to the next
level", was worked on for 12 months and was developed in conjunction with all
listed players. Perhaps the club should add an extra subject to its 17-module
program - ``how to cope with being on top of the ladder after two rounds and how
to stay there".
Training: Today and Friday, 3.30pm at Windy Hill.
FREMANTLE
A more aerodynamic Dale Kickett took the ground for Fremantle against Port
Adelaide at Football Park on Sunday. Kickett has had his head shaved bald. Not
only will it cut down his wind resistance, but it's for a good cause too.
Kickett had the cut to raise money for the Cancer Foundation's Me No Hair
promotion.
GEELONG
Next Wednesday the Cats will launch their Melbournebased supporters club, the
Metro Cats. Barry Stoneham will be the mas-ter of ceremonies for the night, to
be held at a Brighton restaurant. The Cats' great earlyseason form and
initiatives like the one above have lifted membership figures above 19,000. The
club expects the figure to rise to 20,000 by next Saturday's game - a club
record.
Training: Today, 10.30am and Friday 3.30pm at Shell Stadium.
HAWTHORN
The Hawks venture to Perth this weekend for the first of their six interstate
games. They will take on Fremantle at Subiaco on Saturday night. Hawthorn fans
in Melbourne can watch the game in the company of friends when the club screens
the game at the Linda Crescent social club. The social club will be open from
6pm for dinner and drinks before the match starts at 8.40pm. Players not
travelling to Perth in the main squad will also be at the function.
Training: Tomorrow, 4.30pm at Glenferrie Oval.
KANGAROOS
James McCartney will play his 100th game this week when the Kangaroos take on
Richmond at the MCG on Friday night. The strong defender was solid against
Essendon last week. McCartney joined the Roos in 1997 after 37 matches with the
Crows. Before that he started his career with Collingwood in 1990. The Kangaroos
will be looking to improve on their last performance against Richmond. In round
12 last year the Tigers beat them by 35 points.
Training: Today, 4pm at Arden Street Oval.
MELBOURNE
Big man Jeff White should make his return to the side when the Demons take on
Geelong this Saturday at Shell Stadium. White has resumed full training and
will have a fitness test later this week to confirm his availability. Steven
Febey will be available this week after recovering from a fractured cheekbone,
Russell Robertson is doubtful after being concussed on Sunday, while Jeff
Farmer, also injured on Sunday, should be available. Shane Woewodin will play
his 50th game with Melbourne this week. It's also 50 games in a row for the
22yearold.
Training: Tomorrow, 3pm at Junction Oval.
PORT ADELAIDE
Port has ``locked up" two more of its best young players, with
ruckmanforward Brendon Lade and midfielderdefender Nick Stevens signing new
contracts that will keep them with the Power for at least two more seasons after
this one. Port reported no injuries from Sunday's game against Fremantle and
will be reluctant to change a winning lineup for Saturday night's battle with
Brisbane at the Gabba. But team balance might dictate that defender Jared
Poulton returns for a taller player - Brett Chalmers or Barnaby French.
RICHMOND
Scott Turner fractured a cheek-bone in a collision in the first quarter
against Sydney last Satur-day. The fullback had a minor operation on Monday.
Brendon Gale has been ruled out of Friday's clash with the Kangaroos. Richmond's
win on the weekend helped boost membership over the 26,000 mark and the club
hopes to beat last year's figure of 27,000 by the end of the week.
Training: Tomorrow, 11am at Punt Road.
ST KILDA
The Saints' Jason Heatley copped a knock to the head in a contest with
Melbourne's Marcus Seecamp on Sunday. The wound required seven stitches. Despite
the injury, he returned later in the game and kicked a goal. He will play for
the side against Adelaide at Football Park this Sunday. Also hopeful to play is
Nathan Burke, who was a late withdrawal from the team on Sunday after suffering
hamstring soreness.
Training: Tomorrow, 2pm at Moorabbin.
SYDNEY
There was good news for injured Swan Ryan O'Connor yesterday. The halfforward
was looking at a season on the sidelines when he received a knee injury in the
early stages of Sydney's game against Richmond on Saturday. O'Connor had an
arthroscope yesterday and the examination revealed that he would not require the
dreaded knee reconstruction. If all goes well he will return to the side within
10 weeks. Meanwhile, Michael O'Loughlin and Tony Lockett are unlikely to return
for Saturday's game against Essendon at the MCG.
WEST COAST
The Eagles travel to Melbourne this weekend to take on Collingwood at
Victoria Park and will return to Perth to find Subiaco taken over by the younger
gener-ation. The Eagles will host a sausage sizzle at the ground next Tuesday.
Training: Tomorrow, 2.30pm at Subiaco (closed session), Saturday, 8.45am at
Subiaco.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs are leading the pack when it comes to the accessibility of its
players and coaching staff. This Friday the club hosts the first of its coach's
lunches at the Grand Hyatt featuring Terry Wallace and Alex Jesaulenko. Expect
to be part of a candid and entertaining discussion that will focus on the
Bulldogs' weekend match against Carlton as well as the ups and downs of Jezza's
football career.
Training: Today and Friday, 3pm at Whitten Oval.
THE AFL INJURIES LIST
ADELAIDE
Sean Rehn (knee) season
Ben Marsh (knee) season
Peter Vardy (knee) 2-3 weeks
Clint Kirey (hamstring) 2 weeks
Simon Goodwin (groin) 1 week
Peter Caven (hamstring) 1 week
Shane Ellen (hamstring) test
Troy Bond (hamstring) test
Trent Ormond-Allen (appendectomy) test
Kane Johnson (adductor strain) test
BRISBANE
Des Headland (thigh) test
Justin Leppitsch (hamstring) test
Alastair Lynch (virus) available
Dion Scott (virus) available
CARLTON
Craig Black (left ankle) 2 weeks
Fraser Brown (right hamstring) test
Adam Chatfield (wrist) 3-4 weeks
Trent Hoppner (right shoulder) indefinite
Damian Lock (bruised kidneys) 3-4 weeks
Ben Nelson (left knee) test
Brad Pearce (left hamstring) 1 week
Mark Porter (right knee) 4 weeks
Stephen Silvagni (right hamstring) test
Ben Thompson (glandular fever) 6 weeks
Adrian Whitehead (right foot) indefinite
COLLINGWOOD
Lee Walker (groin) test
Mal Michael (back) 3 weeks
Nathan Buckley (jaw) 4-6 weeks
Rick Olarenshaw (back) test
ESSENDON
James Hird (right foot) 12-16 weeks
Mark Johnson (left collarbone) 8 weeks
Joe Misiti (left hand) 4 weeks
Michael Prior (right knee) test
Peter Somerville (right knee) 4 weeks
Simon Eastaugh (hip) test
Matthew Banks (left quadriceps) 1 week
Daniel McAlister (right shin) 3 weeks
Gary Moorcroft (suspended) 1 match
Dean Solomon (suspended) 1 match
FREMANTLE
Stephen O'Reilly (hamstring) test
Shaun McManus (thigh) test
Anthony Jones (foot) 5 weeks
Paul Maher (knee) indefinite
Luke Toia (knee) 1-2 weeks
Steven Koop (knee) indefinite
Jess Sinclair (suspended 1 match
Peter Mann (suspended) 2 matches
GEELONG
Leigh Colbert (knee) season
Marc Woolnough (knee) season
Joel McKay (back) 8 weeks
Leigh Brockman (knee) 3 weeks
Hamish Simpson (nose) available
Jason Snell (hip) test
Derek Hall (calf) test
Paul Lynch (back) test
HAWTHORN
Jade Rawlings (ankle) 2-3 weeks
KANGAROOS
Glenn Archer (ankle) available
Matthew Capuano (right knee) 4-6 weeks
Wayne Carey (groin) test
Brett Chandler (right leg) 9 weeks
David King (left knee) 4-6 weeks
Kent Kingsley (groin) 1 week
Dion Miles (right knee) 9 weeks
Mark Roberts (left knee) 3-4 weeks
John Spaull (shoulder) 3 weeks
MELBOURNE
Jeff Farmer (shoulder) available
Russell Robertson (concussion) test
Brett Grgic (hamstring) 2 weeks
Jeff White (left knee) test
Steven Febey (cheekbone) available
Garry Lyon (back) 4 weeks
Mark Bradly (knee) 5 weeks
PORT ADELAIDE
Shayne Breuer (quadriceps) 1-2 weeks
Stephen Daniels (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Paul Evans (groin) 2-3 weeks
Bowen Lockwood (back) 2-3 weeks
Adam Morgan (hamstring) 1 week
Darryl Poole (knee) test
Danny Morton (knee) test
RICHMOND
Brendon sGale (hamstring) 1 week
Ben Harrison (knee) 4-6 weeks
Mark Merenda (back) 4-6 weeks
Clay Sampson (groin) available
Scott Turner (cheekbone) 3-4 weeks
Paul Greenham (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
ST KILDA
James Begley (shoulder) 4 weeks
Jason Cripps (hamstring) 11 weeks
Nathan Burke (hamstring) test
SYDNEY
Ryan Fitzgerald (shoulder) indefinite
Dale Lewis (left wrist) 6-10 weeks
Tony Lockett (achilles tendon) 1-2 weeks
Simon Feast (medial ligament strain) test
Michael O'Loughlin (quadriceps) 1 week
Brad Seymour (quadriceps) 1-2 weeks
Ryan O'Connor (knee) 10-12 weeks
Robbie AhMat (hamstring) 4 weeks
WEST COAST
Joel Duckworth (quadriceps) 1 week
Todd Holmes (foot) 1-2 weeks
Chris Lewis (ankle) 5 weeks
Nicholas Stone (groin) 5 weeks
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Steven Kolyniuk (back) 12-14 weeks
Matthew Croft (hamstring) 1 week
Mark Alvey (quadricep) test
Mark West (shoulder) 2-3 weeks
Steven Kretiuk (calf) 2-3 weeks
Robert Stevenson (hamstring) test
Daniel Wulf (foot) 8-10 weeks
Carlton stalwart Stephen Silvagni was chaired off the MCG on Monday after
his 250th match, but will have to shake off a hamstring injury to play next
Sunday.
AFL LADDER
W L D % Pt
Essendon 2 - - 141.8 8
Port Adel 2 - - 122.5 8
Geelong 2 - - 110.0 8
West Coast 2 - - 108.2 8
Brisbane 1 1 - 154.1 4
Hawthorn 1 1 - 109.2 4
Richmond 1 1 - 97.5 4
W Bulldogs 1 1 - 96.6 4
Carlton 1 1 - 94.8 4
Adelaide 1 1 - 93.9 4
Melbourne 1 1 - 86.6 4
St Kilda 1 1 - 81.8 4
Fremantle - 2 - 92.1 -
Kangaroos - 2 - 85.5 -
Sydney - 2 - 81.6 -
Collingwood - 2 - 76.3 -
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