2012 countdown: Top 10 recruits

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Mitch Morton and Adam Goodes celebrate a goal. Morton featured in the Top 10 recruits. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

IVAN Maric was unlucky not to be All-Australian in his first season at Tigerland, but did Mitch Morton's Grand Final cameo boost him into the top 10 recruits of the season?

As we count down the rest of the week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series last week with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 recruits of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. MITCH CLARK (Melbourne)

The big fella didn't come cheaply – and the Dees moved heaven and earth to convince him to join – but Mark Neeld's fascination with the former Lion was quickly justified. Clark was a rare shining light for the Dees this season, up until his nasty foot injury. The spearhead jagged 29.18 from just 11 matches and repeatedly gave it his all in big floggings. Remember the Round 2 debacle against the Eagles? The Dees kicked nine goals for the day in a 108-point belting – and five came from Clark's boot. He straightened the Dees up and with Chris Dawes alongside next year and Jesse Hogan in 2014, Clark should continue to produce gold for the red and blue.

9. MITCH MORTON (Sydney)

"What? Mitch who?" you say. Yep, Morton, didn't make his Swans debut until Round 21. Yep, he had just 42 disposals for the season. Yep, he bagged five goals in 2012. But the livewire sneaks in because without him the Hawks could well be premiers. In the titanic struggle that was the Grand Final, the Tiger discard booted two crunch goals in the second term to spark his side. He justified John Longmire's decision then and there to gamble on him and now he'll forever be remembered as a premiership player. For sheer importance to the season, it's hard to leave this bloke out, as strange as that might just seem.

The 2012 AFL Grand Final at the MCG in Melbourne. Hawthorn vs. Sydney. Mitch Morton and Adam Goodes celebrate a goal Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

8. JEREMY CAMERON (Greater Western Sydney)

Cameron crept into the system as one of the faceless 17-year-old GWS signings, sparing him draft day anxieties, and you suspect he could've rivalled Jon Patton for No. 1 status if not for that. He burst onto the scene with five goals against the Dogs in Round 5, while his contested marking and clutch kicking against Richmond in the wet showed maturity well beyond his years. Cameron had 12 score assists to complement his 29 goals and clunked a staggering 26 contested marks. Goal-wise, he had a better debut season than Franklin, Pavlich, Brown, Nick Riewoldt and Cloke. Wayne Carey warmed to him quickly, declaring Cameron could wind up the AFL's best player. Cameron provided 20 per cent of GWS goals before being booked in for surgery and the Giants believe he and Patton can tear opposition defences to shreds as a one-two punch for the next decade. A shrewd find from the remote town of Dartmoor, western Victoria.

Jeremy Cameron celebrates a goal against the Tigers on Saturday. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: Herald Sun

7. JOSH HILL (West Coast)

The Eagles snapped up Hill on the cheap – traded for just pick No. 49 – and it turned out to be a shrewd acquisition. With Mark LeCras, Mark Nicoski and Josh Kennedy missing most of the season, Hill's liveliness and goal power became an instant asset. The goalsneak turned his career around – only 18 months ago Chris Grant said he shouldn't wear the Dogs jumper again after a spiritless effort manning the mark – to produce his best-ever season. Hill bagged the most goals and behinds of his career, while turned his tackle numbers up to 69 from 22, showing his ability to apply pressure. Now the challenge is there to remain in the best 22 in 2013.

6. STEVE MORRIS (Richmond)

The mature-age defender added a layer of resilience to Richmond's leaky defence this year. Morris boasts raw pace and a knack for closing key opposition players out of matches – just ask Cyril Rioli. The dashing defender blanketed the Hawks star as the Tigers steamrolled the minor premier in Round 9, even burning free up forward and kicking a memorable goal. Morris also has the scalp of Steven Milne, who he shut down on the Friday night stage, with his closing speed, tackling and pressure acts quickly transforming him into one of the coaches' favourites. Morris's ability to spark teammates with his selfless style has become a highlight of the Tigers this year. You'd now back the son of Richmond premiership great Kevin Morris to advance and become a 100-game strong defender at Punt Rd.

AFL Round 6 - West Coast Eagles vs North Melbourne Kangaroos, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Eagle Josh Hill celebrates a goal in the final term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

5. SAM GIBSON (North Melbourne)

When North Melbourne was equal 15th on the ladder after Round 10 and fresh from a 115-point hiding at the hands of Hawthorn, coach Brad Scott decided to give Gibson a chance. It would prove to be a decision which helped the Roos spin their season around. In Gibson's first 11 games, just two were losses. Significantly, he was held to just 14 touches in both those defeats, highlighting how important he is to North's success. Gibson hit a five-week purple patch as the Roos' hot streak peaked, racking up 24, 36, 26, 26 and 28 possessions to officially transform into a key part of Scott's engine room. Gibson, 26, averaged 28 touches for Box Hill last year and his leadership, work-rate and gut running have already impressed at Arden St. Not bad for a very late rookie pick who is already on the 2013 senior list.

Mature age recruit Sam Gibson is making his presence felt as the Kangaroos enjoy a late-season form rivival. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

4. TOBY GREENE (Greater Western Sydney)

The Rising Star would have been a mighty tussle if Greene had remained eligible. After Round 11 Greene's lowest disposal count was 29, while he gathered 38 touches and booted two goals against Melbourne to show his dazzling potential. As a midfielder he's lightly-framed but incredibly gifted both on the inside and outside. His white-hot form prompted Kevin Sheedy to suggest he might be the best ball magnet he has coached in the past three decades. Greene wins his own ball and knows how to damage the opposition, while his average of 28 touches a game ranks him in the AFL's top 10 and above names including Cotchin, Dangerfield, Sidebottom, Mitchell and Judd. Not bad for a teenager who 18 months ago couldn't cement a place at Oakleigh Chargers. When the 2011 draft is revisited in years to come, expect Greene to rocket in from No. 11 – where he was chosen.

GWS midfielder Toby Greene is ineligible for the Rising Star award despite his outstanding debut season. Source: Getty Images

3. JON GILES (Greater Western Sydney)

The Power reject was a revelation for GWS this season. At 201cm and 99kg Giles was ready-made and showed his worth immediately, picking up 88 SuperCoach points from 12 touches and 26 hit-outs in the season-opener. Giles, 24, was integral in the Giants' maiden win, kicking three late goals to sink Gold Coast, while he obliterated Port Adelaide with 23 touches, two goals and 26 hitouts in their second victory this year. A glance at his numbers shows when Giles plays the Giants can bank on two tackles, 22 hitouts, a goal and 14 disposals a game. Those figures stack up with all of the game's elite ruckmen. After some conjecture, he's signed on and ready for a bigger 2013.

2. DAYNE ZORKO (Brisbane Lions)

The quick, gutsy midfielder finally got his AFL chance after winning an incredible four-straight best-and-fairest awards at Broadbeach and captaining Queensland's under-21 side. Zorko became an instant AFL revelation for his cult-figure name and natural ball-winning ability after debuting in Round 7 against Collingwood. In just his fifth game he racked up 24 touches, laid seven tackles and booted three goals to be his side's best player in the loss to Hawthorn. His star continued to shine from there, torching the Dogs with 29 classy touches as he and Tom Rockliff set up a memorable win on the road. Zorko, 23, cracked the 30-touch milestone against Sydney and stood up when it counted against Port Adelaide, booting two late goals from 23 touches as the Lions came from the clouds to win. He finished with 163 SuperCoach points and has cracked the ton nine times, highlighting his deadly efficiency. The Suns had the chance to zone-list him and didn't. Big mistake.

SPORT. BCM. 1/7/12. Dayne Zorko of the Lions during the AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons at the Gabba. Pic Darren England. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

1. IVAN MARIC (Richmond)

It was the big man's mullet that grabbed our attention in the NAB Cup when the Tigers unveiled their star recruit. Not long after, it was his football that did all the talking. The former Crow dragged the Tigers home several times during their early win bonanza, with Damien Hardwick clapping his hands red at Maric's ruck dominance and work around the ground. It was no wonder new Crows coach Brenton Sanderson tried to keep Maric, who fell out with Neil Craig, with the lion-hearted 26-year-old racking up 652 hit-outs. He'll play his 100th game in Round 2 and based on 2012 Tigers fans have a lot to get excited about looking towards his next 100.

Fans reach for Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric's mullet as he leaves the field. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: AdelaideNow

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

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Meet the new, improved Karmichael

Gold Coast Suns player Karmichael Hunt is the slimmest he's been in three AFL pre-seasons. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SPECIAL K has become Shrinking K.

Gold Coast Suns midfielder and code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is the lightest he has ever been in his well-travelled professional football career, with the 26-year-old tipping the scales at 87kg this week.

When he played rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia he was 93kg.During his stint in French rugby Biarritz in 2009/2010, he nudged the 100kg mark.

But the trademark treetrunk legs are now gone, with Hunt halfway through his third AFL pre-season training program.

A leaner Hunt no longer looks like a rugby league player built to withstand multiple front-on high-speed collisions.

He appears every bit like an AFL on-baller who is required to cover vast distances over four quarters.

Gold Coast strength and conditioning coach Chris Gaviglio said Hunt's significant body shape transformation was a result of his single-minded determination.

"Karmichael needed to make those changes to survive and succeed in the AFL," Gaviglio said.

"He is a highly-driven athlete and he has been prepared to do what it takes to meet the demands of the sport. That is what has underpinned his success across all three codes.

"He is an inherently gifted athlete and he has really bought into our strength and conditioning program as well as working closely with our dietician Benita Lalor.

"You could tell he was cooked by the end of his first season but he would have run out last season if not for a shoulder injury. His legs were willing and able to go the full distance."

After an understandably indifferent first season in 2011, Hunt had a break-out year in 2012 with a shift from defence to the midfield.

The high point was his match-winning goal after the siren against Richmond in Cairns to hand the Suns their first victory of the season, but his on-ball work throughout the year also caught the eye.

He also produced a number of bone-rattling bumps on opponents to become a genuine enforcer.Gaviglio said Hunt would still pack a punch in 2013 despite shedding the weight.

"He is stronger than ever. He is bench pressing 145kg, which is more than what he was doing at the Broncos," he said.

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Hunt's leaner appearance was inevitable.

"Karmichael has been training well and is in great shape at the moment but you can't not lose weight given the amount of running he has had to do," the triple premiership player said

"Especially in his new role in the midfield, he has covered a lot of kilometres.

"He has had a season in the VFL and two seasons in the AFL so it was only a matter of time before his body shape became more suited to the demands of our game."

The Suns had their last pre-Christmas training session yesterday  and will resume on January 7.

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Bone shaved from Cat's hips

James Kelly battled a hip injury during the 2012 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG midfielder James Kelly has revealed he had bone shaved from his thighs during post-season surgery after a pain-stricken 2012 season.

Kelly yesterday declared himself on track to play in Geelong's NAB Cup campaign after a successful recovery from an arthroscope on both hips.

The operation involved having bone shaved off both femurs.

The 28-year-old has been on a modified program this pre-season and will return to full training early in the new year, confident his hip troubles are behind him.

"I will be training more heavily over the coming days and it's all going pretty good," Kelly said.

"I'll be back to full training on January 1.

"It's clearing up really well."

Despite having a strong season, in which he was Geelong's leading tackler and still picked up 470 touches, Kelly revealed he had a weekly struggle with hip pain.

But he is confident of a pain-free season next year in a major boost to Geelong's top-four ambitions.

"The hips were more painful during the year than they are now. I'm relying on the physios a lot and they're helping out but I've still been able to do a fair bit of training recently," he said.

"I've been going through the rehabilitation program well and everything is going as planned.

"I'll be 100 per cent ready to go come next season."

Pic gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos last week said Kelly and Jimmy Bartel (foot) were making strong progress in their recoveries from post-season operations.

"They've been conditioned, they're doing their weights, they're just being nursed back into the football side," Amos said.

"I would be surprised if they didn't play (NAB Cup). The plan is for them to be ready for Round 1, so you'd imagine they'd play (NAB Cup) at some stage.

"They've been doing their running inside and their conditioning inside and now they're starting to do the work outside, so I think after Christmas we expect to see them a bit more.

"They'll be integrated back in after Christmas. I'm not totally sure when they'll be totally unrestricted, but they're well and truly on track and they should be right amongst it by the time we get back after Christmas.

"We've been patient with them. You want to progress those guys as quickly as you can without pushing them too much."

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Footy - simply irresistible

Catch me if you can: Sydney's Nick Malceski runs up the field after kicking the winning goal in the Grand Final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FOOTBALL writer Warwick Green charts a vintage year in the AFL will be remembered mostly as a year of consolidation for the league.

YEAR TO REMEMBER
GOLD Coast skipper Gary Ablett reinforced his status as the league's premier footballer, while Essendon skipper Jobe Watson had his own ripping season recognised on Brownlow night.

Others to have memorable years included Swan Ryan O'Keefe, who had a career highlight when handed a Norm Smith as well as a premiership medal, and veteran Saint Jason Blake, who finally cracked it for a Brownlow vote in his 210th AFL game.

But 2012 will be remembered as the year two footballers came of age.

Richmond star Trent Cotchin, long-touted as the next gun midfielder, arrived at that destination. The silky game-breaker won the AFL coaches award, was equal-second in the Brownlow and was Tigers club champion.

Down at Geelong, Tom Hawkins looked like his performance in the 2011 Grand Final was the catalyst for taking his game to another level. This season he has emerged as one of the best power forwards in the AFL, taking games by the scruff of the neck and performing under pressure.

He finished with more marks inside 50 than any other player and was second to Travis Cloke in contested marks. He won the Cats best-and-fairest and at 24 may look back on 2012 as the year he joined the elite bracket.

Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin had a difficult year on and off the field. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

YEAR TO FORGET
THE season was a shocker for players such as Luke Ball, Mark LeCras, Gary Rohan and Robbie Gray, who all missed a great chunk of games because of injury.

Then there were those whose form tapered. Brent Moloney went from winning Melbourne's best-and-fairest and polling 19 Brownlow votes last year to struggling to get a senior game and being traded to Brisbane.

Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin stalled in his development, was panned for his off-field behaviour, and had a club-imposed suspension for missing training.

But the standout in this category would have to be Carlton star Chris Judd. His output and influence was not at the stellar standards of previous seasons, and he played in just seven wins, the fewest of any season in his 11-year AFL career.

Judd was also heavily criticised and suspended for a month after his controversial "chicken-wing" tackle on North Melbourne's Leigh Adams in Round 16.

Since the Grand Final, he has had the AFL pull the plug on his third-party sponsorship deal with Visy, and has stepped away from the Blues captaincy.

GOOD WORK
IT was largely a year of consolidation for the AFL after a hectic 2011 in which the league introduced Gold Coast, negotiated a new broadcast rights deal, renewed its contract with major sponsor Toyota and finalised the collective bargaining agreement with the players.

No doubt 2012 will be remembered as the year Greater Western Sydney joined the competition. That process was handled relatively smoothly and successfully.

The Giants were at pains to state they should not be judged by the scoreboard alone, which is just as well, although the team did manage two wins and impressed with a hard-at-it brand of football.

Giants players train at team's new home ground of Skoda Stadium in Sydney. Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: Herald Sun

The quest for off-field success and credibility looms as a tougher task, though.

In October, the AFL Commission did well to resist pressure to further alter the interchange bench rules. The laws of the game committee recommended capping rotations at 80, but the AFL took a cautious approach, opting to have a look at an interchange cap in the NAB Cup only.

It suggests the AFL is consulting more with coaches and players, who were largely opposed to the cap.

One decision the AFL undeniably got right was its choice of acts for the Grand Final entertainment.

Admittedly, the league was coming from a low base after Meatloaf's diabolical performance last year, but the decision to engage proven Australian acts Paul Kelly (pre-match) and Temper Trap (halftime) made sense.

The concept of sending the musicians and players back on to the MCG turf after the match for a free "Premiership Party" looked an innovation with merit and worth repeating.

NOT SO GOOD
THE drawn-out investigation into Melbourne Football Club began in July after former Demon Brock McLean reignited the issue on Fox Footy's On The Couch. McLean suggested "you would have to be blind Freddy" not to realise that winning was a low priority for the Demons back in 2009.

For the best part of a decade the AFL had steadfastly maintained that tanking did not exist, despite a wide-held belief that clubs near the foot of the ladder each August engaged in a race to the wooden spoon.

Nevertheless at the start of the year the league decided to scrap the contentious priority pick system that many considered the main incentive to under-achieve.

Having weathered years of carping, it seemed extraordinary that in the very season it changed the system the AFL would choose to poke at an old wound by asking its integrity department to examine how Melbourne performed three years ago.

Five months later and there is still no resolution.

The suspicion is the AFL may have painted itself into a corner. Can it definitively prove Melbourne instructed players or coaches not to win? And if so, is it time to broaden the investigation?

You suspect the only way the AFL can extract itself is to say it thoroughly scrutinised the Demons and found no damning evidence. Then hope that football can put the word "tanking" behind it and never speak its name again.

Tom Hawkins celebrates with his teammates after kicking the winning goal after the siren to continue Hawthorn's run of outs against the Cats. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE MOMENT
AS always, a season of elite Australian football produces numerous spectacular goals and marks.

Consider these goals: Collingwood snatching a one-point win on Anzac Day after a late Jarryd Blair toe-poke; Tom Hawkins extending Geelong's winning streak against Hawthorn with a composed 55m effort on the siren; Brock McLean's long-range ping to give Carlton a late-season win against Richmond; and, Chris Yarran's running goal in the opening round against Richmond.

Then there was the added drama of league convert Karmichael Hunt marking a brilliant Brandon Matera pass with three seconds to play and coolly slotting home the post-siren shot to secure Gold Coast's first win of the season, against the Tigers.

When it came to exciting marks, Jeremy Howe's brilliant hanger against Sydney was the finest of about half a dozen the Demon pulled in this year.

For individual brilliance, it's also hard to go past Lance Franklin's 13.4 performance against North Melbourne in Launceston.

But the most significant moments of the season are usually found in the most significant match, the Grand Final, and two stand out from Sydney's triumph over Hawthorn.

The moment that set the tone for the day was a courageous act by Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery in the first term.

Hannebery found himself under a floating kick and, as he explained after the match, "I heard the call: 'You've got to go Hanners' and I went".

He hung on to the mark despite simultaneously being crunched by Hawk ruckman David Hale, who is 22kg heavier and 20cm taller.

The defining image of the premiership decider, however, came in the final minute.

Defender Nick Malceski had already snapped a ripper from the boundary in the opening quarter.

With 45 seconds remaining in the match and four points the difference Malceski was on the end of a short handball from Hannebery, and instinctively hooked a high left-foot snap from 30m.

It sailed through, prompting TV commentator Dennis Cometti to immediately declare: "Sydney are premiers!"

The sight of the bearded defender wheeling away at full pace and leaping into the arms of Ted Richards, where he was swamped by teammates, will endure for years to come.

PROJECT 2013
UNQUESTIONABLY, the AFL's highest priority will be to further consolidate its expanded competition.

The league has invested $220 million in its two new clubs to underwrite them for six years. The objective will be to emerge from that period with 18 profitable football clubs.

Equally, those clubs need to field teams that are at the very least competitive.

This year, there were 15 games in which the result was by 95 points or more, and six of those games did not involve the Giants or Suns. If that trend was to continue, there would be worries that the league had spread itself too thin.

Sisters Prue and Phoebe McCormack, of Bellerive, take their Kangaroos mascot to North Melbourne's first AFL game in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones Source: The Mercury

The AFL will also closely watch what happens with North Melbourne in Tasmania - the Roos tried unsuccessfully for a seven-games-a-year deal in Hobart before settling on two home games - and the first overseas game for premiership points, when St Kilda hosts Sydney in New Zealand on Anzac Day.

But that's all big-picture, long-term stuff.

In the coming months, some pressing issues need resolving.

Clubs, players and administrators will be represented at a forum next month to discuss the illicit drugs policy. Some industry insiders believe the system needs to be tweaked to improve players' off-field behaviour.

The AFL is to be praised for being prepared to open up the conversation rather than close its ears to the possibility of an improved approach.

Also, expect there to be concerns raised during the season about whether the match review panel and the video score review system need fine tuning.

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Nowhere to hide for GWS players

Spare a thought for Greater Western Sydney players before you dig into your slice of Christmas pudding this year. You might be able to rest up on the couch afterwards, but not the Giants who each have a detailed training schedule they must adhere to irrespective of where they happen to be in Australia. Source: Herald Sun

THE GWS Giants have taken Big Brother to a new level. Gone are the days when a Christmas break meant a real holiday for elite footballers.

Gone are the days when players could slacken off from training on holidays and get away with it. There is no hiding it any more.

Giants players will be wearing state-of-the-art GPS watches at all times when they train during their two-week Christmas break with every detail of their training recorded into a program that can be seen by coaches and teammates.

Heart rate, speed, distance, terrain and weather are measured by the Garmin GPS watches that are now all but standard in the AFL.

"This year I was travelling around the world. I was in Delhi and I was watching what our players were doing in training," GWS head of performance John Quinn said.

"I could send them an email saying, 'How come you haven't done this?' It's keeping them honest.

"I guess what we've been able to do with the Giants is make that world a bit smaller. Even when the players go away, to keep track of them and keep them motivated to keep working.

"We have a system where everybody is held accountable."

So before you tuck into your Christmas Day feast, spare a thought for the Giants with no way of getting out of training on their holiday.

They each have a detailed personal exercise routine and they are expected to follow it.

Long distance running, sprints, weights and football skills. Memberships at Fitness First gyms across the country have been organised for them. There are no excuses.

Just because most of the players are still teenagers doesn't mean they are allowed to act like it.

The coaching staff see them as professional footballers and professionalism is demanded.

Equally important as the accountability is being able to monitor the players' training loads.

The Giants' sports science team will speak to every player two or three times over the next two weeks to give them feedback on how they are meeting their targets, saying they had to tell players to stop training too hard during their end-of-season breaks.

"We have to tell them, 'Don't get carried away', because they do," Quinn said.

"They're professional athletes, but at the end of the day they are also people and they've got to have balance in their life.

"We've pushed them as hard as we could possibly push them and now we get two weeks where the intensity comes off and then we build it up again when they get back.

"We're only about 90 days away from our first game so it's not that far to go and we've got to get them ready for it.

"They've certainly all lifted to a new level and I think they're more settled in Sydney. So yes, I am excited about what we're doing and I can see that we're only going to be going forward."

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Hurting Roos to relish spotlight

North Melbourne players after the 96-point elimination final loss to West Coast. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has urged his troops to step into the AFL spotlight with confidence next year, despite the lingering hurt of a savage finals loss.

The young Roos arrived as a future force last season, but were smashed by West Coast in a first-round finals thrashing at Patersons Stadium.

Scott said the 96-point elimination final loss was a "devastating" finish after powering into the finals by winning nine out of 10 games late in the year.

Showing they could play pulsating corridor football, the Roos were rewarded by the AFL with three primetime Friday night games next year -- their most since 2006.

While it comes with a nightmarishly tough draw, Scott said his team should relish the chance to shine on the big stage in 2013.

"If you want to be the best you have got to beat the best and I think if we are really competing well into September we certainly will have earned our spot," Scott told the Herald Sun.

"We won't shy away from that, and, the game is bigger than just the football side of things.

"As a club, I think it's great for us. Our fans are going to see us on at least three Friday nights and there is a chance we play Collingwood in the last round of the year (floating fixture) on a Friday night, too.

"If we get good exposure and it exposes our players to the best teams in the competition, that's got to be a good thing."

Once regarded as a dour, one-paced side, a young crop of outside runners led by linebreaking defender Shaun Atley added a slick edge to the Roos last season.

The club also bolstered its centre line with the addition two former first round draft picks, Port Adelaide's Ben Jacobs (No.16, 2010) and ex-Demon Jordan Gysberts (No.11, 2009).

The new recruits have helped the Roos move on from their first-round finals failure last season, as West Coast buried them under a 43-point quarter-time lead in sweltering heat.

Scott said his squad had the mental resilience to rebound from the finals lashing.

"It was a devastating result, particularly after going some ways to showing that we can compete against the good sides," he said.

"What gives me great heart is that we've had some of those horrible losses over the last three years, but we've responded to each one of them.

"We'll learn the lessons out of it and delve really deeply into why and then go about working really hard on fixing it."
 

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Catch 22: Footy Christmas

Tony Shaw meets a Santa seemingly dressed by Collingwood fans. Source: Herald Sun

IT'S THE ONE time of year when even the AFL and the footy clubs are happy to put the feet up and let cricket take the spotlight.

It's the time of year when football slips out of the media and is replaced by a Test cricketer sitting on Santa's knee asking for Boxing Day Test win. Or a touring English cricketer celebrating the festive season by donning a fancy dress outfit. Or a veteran Aussie batsman cuddling his daughter as he hands her a present from under the Christmas tree.

But fear not, for all you footy tragics who get withdrawal symptoms at this time of year, we've delved into the vault and collated 22 photographs with a Christmas-football theme.

Have yourselves a very footy Christmas.

Click HERE to see the gallery.

If you have any names you think should be there, post a suggestion to twitter.com/wgreenheraldsun

 

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2012 countdown: Top 10 rivalries

Geelong players mob Tom Hawkins after the power forward steered the Cats to victory against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

GEELONG and Hawthorn played out two classics but was the feud between former Collingwood allies Eddie McGuire and Mick Malthouse the biggest rivalry of the season?

Over the next 10 days we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series last week with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 rivalries of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Mullet Wars: Maric v Walker
What started as a bit of fun between ex-teammates quickly turned into one of the most talked about do's in the game. The Mullet Wars, featuring Tiger Ivan Maric and Crow Taylor Walker dominated the headlines, the former claiming line honours with his more rugged, wild man mullet. Big Ivan also fired a shot across Walker's bow during the season, claiming the Crow forward had spent a bit of time "grooming" his look. Maric said his mullet was a long-term proposition. "It hasn't crossed my mind to cut it off…my plan is long term," he told SEN in May.

9. Tom Scully v Melbourne
Melbourne fans did little to hide their disappointment when Demon defector Tom Scully suited up for the first time against his old side as a GWS Giant. Scully was welcomed back onto the hallowed MCG turf with fans holding up money bags and "$cully" and "Juda$" emblazoned banners for the Round 13 clash. But the No.1 draft pick handled himself with aplomb, helping himself to 19 disposals including five tackles in the Giants 78-point loss.

8. Alastair Clarkson v MCG coaches box wall
Frustration got the better of Clarkson when he slammed an open hand through a wall in an MCG coaches box after Hawthorn leaked a late goal to nemesis Collingwood in Round 17. Clarkson was responding to an error which Magpie Chris Tarrant seized upon to cut the margin to 16 points at the first break. The premiership coach put his hand through the wall, leaving a chunk of plaster missing and a gaping hole in his wake. Channel 7 cameras captured Clarkson's wild moment of madness but Mick Malthouse defended the action, saying only those in the caper understood the frustration some player errors caused. Clarkson agreed to fork out the cost of repairs.

FoxSports Source: Fox Sports

FoxSports Source: Fox Sports

7. Clarkson v junior football umpire
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson copped a reality check in July when he was banned for four weeks after verbally abusing a junior football umpire. The ban stemmed from an incident in which it was alleged Clarkson, who was acting as the runner for his son's U9 team, told a 19-year-old umpire's adviser to "F--- off" when the official told him to stop coaching players on the ground. Clarkson accepted full responsibility and said he had been left humiliated and disappointed by his actions at the South Metro Junior Football League game. "I got myself involved in a situation, with my profile and experience from the game, that I should have known better," he said at the time. "I should have pulled myself out of that situation or handled myself better in that situation." Clarkson will miss the first four games of his son's 2013 SMJFL season.

6. Mick Malthouse v Brett Ratten
Brett Ratten was confident of keeping his job. Mick Malthouse was happy being a media commentator. That was until Carlton did the unthinkable and lost to Gold Coast. The Suns pounced on the Blues, kicking the first six goals of the match, to set up a memorable 12-point victory at Metricon Stadium in Round 22. The shock loss sparked Blues chiefs into a round-table at the Malthouse residence. Days later, Ratten oozed class during his Visy Park swansong, thanking the club for the opportunities it had given him as a player and coach. Two weeks later and Malthouse was endorsed as Blues coach at an at-times fiery press conference. Malthouse remained adamant his first met with the Blues hierarchy after the loss to the Suns, despite speculation the takeover had been on the cards for some time. "There are going to be those naysayers saying that (the first meeting) happened before (last Monday)," he told the media scrum. "I have no doubt there are doubts about that."

5. Hawthorn v Sydney
Hawthorn drew first blood. But Sydney landed the knock out blow as the Swans went on to secure a fourth flag. Ryan O'Keefe starred in both games (Round 22 and Grand Final) with a combined total of 58 disposals, 27 tackles and five goals. Lance Franklin (seven goals in two games) and ball magnet Josh Kennedy (61 possessions, three goals) also made the most of their opportunities. Hawthorn leads the head-to-head ledger 6-4 over the past 10 matches.
4. The Weapon v Essendon player's hamstrings
The Weapon was the talk of Windy Hill during 2012 when the bulk of Essendon's list was cut down by soft-tissue injuries. The Bombers struggled to field their best side for much of the season, with Michael Hurley, Nathan Lovett-Murray and David Zaharakis among the worst affected by hamstring and quadriceps strains. The Bombers had more than 25 soft-tissue injuries for the season, Hurley tweaking his hamstring on three separate occasions.  Despite the apparent crisis, Essendon stuck by its man - the Weapon – writing off the injuries to heavy pre-season workload aimed at preparing the young Bombers for a tilt at the flag.

3. Travis Cloke v Collingwood
It was one of the longest contract negotiations in AFL history. But Collingwood got its man when power forward Travis Cloke inked a new four-year deal worth an estimated $4m. The negotiations coincided with Cloke's dramatic form slump and caused coach Nathan Buckley to accuse the forward of damaging his and the club's "brand". Cloke was sought after by as many as six clubs including Fremantle, Adelaide and Carlton.

2. Hawthorn v Geelong
As far as rivalries go, it doesn't get any bigger than Hawthorn and Geelong. The Hawks have lost nine on-the-trot to the Cats since their shock win in the 2008 Grand Final. Big Cat Tom Hawkins was the difference in 2012. The power forward slotted six against the Hawks in Round 19, including one after the siren for a thrilling two-point victory. Tomahawk was again prominent in Round 2, kicking three goals as the Cats went on to record another two-point win despite trailing the Hawks going into the final change. James Podsiadly stood tall with five goals, while skipper Joel Selwood almost knocked himself out crashing into Hawk Brendan Whitecross' legs late in the game. Kennett's Curse, hoodoo, call it what you like… watch out when these two renew pleasantries in Round 1, 2013.

1. Malthouse v McGuire
Hard to see Mick Malthouse getting a Christmas card from Eddie McGuire after a series of 2012 tongue-lashings between the former Collingwood allies. Malthouse re-ignited the feud after the Magpies Round 3 loss, claiming the players weren't responding to Nathan Buckley's style. McGuire hit back, urging Malthouse to "move on" and "give Bucks a go". The pair also butted heads during the Travis Cloke saga and Brett Ratten's departure from Carlton.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Patton hits power button on track

GWS Giants' 2011 No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton is revelling in his first full pre-season. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

GWS Giants' No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton is thriving in his first full pre-season after revealing how far knee surgery disrupted his first season in the AFL.

In an open reflection of his first year at the Giants, Patton revealed he wasn't fit enough at any point in 2012, carrying pain and swelling in his knee. He was also unhappy being away from teammates while training on his own.

He did not start training with teammates until March, when they had been training as a full squad for five months already.

He also admits to wincing every time he landed on the injured knee during their round 19 win over Port Adelaide - his seventh and last game of the season.

"You do really question yourself a few times in the rehab group," Patton said.

"It's just so taxing. Early mornings every day. You're not with the group, you're watching them train. You're sort of thinking, 'When are you going to play? When are you going to train?' All that adds up. But it makes you mentally stronger."

Now, having completed every task assigned to him by the GWS strength and conditioning staff during the eight weeks since they returned from their end of season holidays, Patton says he feels the fittest of his career.

"You don't really understand it until you're doing it," he said.

"Now that I've done all of this pre-season I can tell so much of a difference."

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Goldstein No.1 and aiming higher

Singular style: North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein wants to stamp his authority on the job. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein says he is ready to stamp his authority on the Kangaroos' No.1 ruck role after Hamish McIntosh's departure.

While Goldstein has carried the Kangaroos' ruck division in McIntosh's injury-enforced absence in the past two years, the 24-year-old said he needed to step up and "make the most" of his new seniority.

McIntosh joined Geelong via this year's trade period after seven years at North.

"It was sad to see 'H' go, we were all very good mates with him," Goldstein said.

"But I think we have got to move on now and try and stamp our own authority on the game and our own footprint at the club.

"Probably in the last two years with his (McIntosh's) horrible injury run that he's had, I did have to step up and take that role. I enjoy it. I think every player wants to be the No.1 in their position.

"It's definitely a role that I take on. Coming into my seventh year now, I do really need to step up and make the most of it."

With McIntosh restricted to just seven games for 2012, Goldstein attended the most ruck contests in the competition and was ranked third for total hit-outs.

While eager to progress he also wants to see other ruck prospects develop.

"I think we've got a pretty good group of ruckmen now with Daniel Currie being brought on board, Majak (Daw) and Ben Mabon really starting to lift up," Goldstein said.

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