We handle Swanny: Buckley

Collingwood's Dane Swan and Dale Thomas. Are their antics hurting Collingwood? Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has defended star midfielder Dane Swan in the wake of Paul Roos declaring the Magpies would be "getting sick" of his antics.

"I think we handle Swanny pretty well, he enjoys the environment," Buckley told Nova 100.

Swan's rocky relationship with Collingwood was strained further recently when he gave a paid television interview without the club's permission.

"I thought that he and his management made a poor decision not to notify the footy club. And, it's pretty clear it was not with the club's best interests in mind and Swanny was fined accordingly," Buckley said.

"In the end Dane Swan is training really well at the footy club.  We have progressed on what we saw from his preseason last year."

"Most of the boys are in that situation. We are really looking forward to hitting the season with a full head of steam, Swanny and every player at the footy club  is looking forward to our footy doing the talking rather than responding to headlines.

"Wherever (Swan) was last year he is in better shape this year... and that's all you can ever ask for in a player."

Last night, Roos suggested Swan and Magpie Dale Thomas' contract negotiations threatened to derail Collingwood's premiership campaign.

While Thomas, who is known to be Swan's closest friend at the Magpies, then came out yesterday to declare he'll "never say never" about signing at another club, adding he has got to get "money in the pocket."

Roos said it was a growing issue for Collingwood and could hurt them in the way the Travis Cloke contract issue disrupted the club last year.

"I think Collingwood are extremely well placed to win a premiership this year," Roos said on Fox Footy's On the Couch last night.

"But if you have players that don't want to conform to your team ethos...I would suggest there would be some players at the Collingwood Football Club that would be getting sick of Dane Swan."

Roos, who was pivotal in establishing in Sydney's famous culture, said Swan was the main aggravator at Collingwood.

But he also targeted Thomas, who he said should know better.

"They know they are playing for a big football club- everything they do and say is going to be analysed," Roos said.

"We saw it last year with Cloke.

"I was concerned with Thomas the comments he made."

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It is no secret Thomas is very close to Carlton coach Mick Malthouse.

He has also has strong ties to Carlton chief executive and former Magpie Greg Swann, whose family he lived with a short time in his early days with the club.

Cats fans to tell Selwood what to call at coin toss

Roos said all these comments added up when trying to win a premiership.

"You have to understand what you're saying - you're playing for the biggest football team in Australia," he said.

"You know, even if they're tongue and cheek, someone is going to take them and put them in some sort of context.

"You have to be careful," he said.

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Petterd, Goodes promoted

Amazing transition: Brett Goodes was the Western Bulldogs' player welfare manager this time last year, playing with VFL affiliate Williamstown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Brett Goodes shows promise in an early NAB Cup match. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: THE Cinderella story of Brett Goodes has taken another step with the brother of Adam upgraded to the Dogs' senior list.

Seven rookies were upgraded to senior lists today, including two Magpies, a Lion and a Blue.

UPGRADED ROOKIES:

Brett Goodes (Western Bulldogs)
Ricky Petterd (Richmond)
Orren Stephenson (Richmond)
Jack Frost (Collingwood)
Ben Hudson (Collingwood)
Ed Curnow (Carlton)
Justin Clarke (Lions)

SuperCoaches awaiting the potential upgrade of Port Adelaide's Kane Mitchell or Geelong's Mark Blicavs need not fear - they are still in the running to be replacements for teammates on the long-term injury list, so they can be elevated at any time.

The 29-year-old Goodes was the Bulldogs' player welfare manager this time last year, playing with VFL affiliate Williamstown.

His promotion was confirmed this morning.

The Lions have also moved early, upgrading 19-year-old defender Justin Clarke to their senior list, while Richmond has confirmed its two vacant senior list spots will be taken by former Demon Ricky Petterd and delisted Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson.

Petterd was delisted by the Dees after playing 54 games from 2007-12 as a forward, but he has been playing across half-back for the Tigers during the NAB Cup.

Stephenson was one of the stories of the 2011 national draft when he was plucked by the Cats at age 29. He played eight matches last season before being axed, then given another lifeline as a back-up for Tigers big man Ivan Maric.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said Goodes' addition to the senior list would be warmly received by his teammates.

"They'll all be thrilled if and when he gets his opportunity to play," Fantasia said.

"He's certainly done it the hard way in terms of career path. I think this a dream come true for him. I'm sure there would have been a time when he thought the AFL dream might have passed him by."

Fantasia said Goodes was no guarantee to play in Round 1 against the Lions on Saturday week.

"I wouldn't want to pre-empt that completely," he said. "But what it does do is it shows that the coaches have got a lot of confidence in what Brett's doing and what he has to offer."

Geelong talls Blicavs and Josh Walker, both in contention to play Hawthorn in Round 1, are likely to be promoted off the rookie list as long-term injury replacements for Dawson Simpson (back), Lincoln McCarthy (foot) and Josh Cowan (achilles).

At Port, mature-aged recruit Mitchell is in the box seat to win a short-term senior spot in place of the injured Nick Salter, but last year's revelation Darren Pfeiffer is also in the mix.

Veteran Ben Hudson will win his way on to a fourth senior list.

Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh confirmed the club would upgrade two players today.

"We've got some set thoughts on it, but we haven't told any of the players yet," Walsh said.

The Pies opted for key defender Jack Frost as their second elevated rookie, ahead of 26-year-old VFL star Sam Dwyer.

BELOW: The rookie situation at your club

SANFL football - Woodville-West Torrens Eagles vs West Adelaide match at Unleash Solar Oval. Rory Laird marks. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE
Rookies: Ben Dowdell, Kyle Hartigan, Tim Klaosen, Rory Laird (above), Timothy McIntyre, Dylan Orval, Jack Osborn

Adelaide has a fit and full list of 40 and won't elevate a rookie on Tuesday.

"At this stage, barring a serious injury we won't be elevating any of our current rookies until the mid-season rookie upgrade (Round 11). (Our rookies) have all had good pre-seasons and have shown positive signs, with running defender Rory Laird the standout. Kyle Hartigan, a key defender recruited from Werribee, has also impressed." - Crows List manager David Noble.

BRISBANE LIONS
Rookies: Callum Bartlett, Jordon Bourke, Justin Clarke, Nick Hayes, Sam Michael, Richard Newell, Stephen Wrigley

Brisbane has one spot available on its senior list and had upgraded young defender Clarke.

"The decision was based largely on his form in the pre-season, where he has demonstrated that he has developed well enough to be considered for senior selection at some stage in 2013. From a list point of view he also provides us with some depth in an area where we are potentially exposed due to injury." - national talent manager Rob Kerr

CARLTON

Rookies: Tom Bell, Jaryd Cachia, Andrew Collins, Ed Curnow, Frazer Dale, Rhys O'Keefe.

The Blues had two vacancies on their list, but they have now been filled.

"We have Ed Curnow as an upgraded rookie and Tom Bell has been elevated for Andrew McInnes, who has a long-term injury." - Blues football administration manager Shane O'Sullivan.

COLLINGWOOD
Rookies: Sam Dwyer, Jack Frost, Michael Hartley, Ben Hudson, Kyle Martin, Caolan Mooney, Adam Oxley, Ben Richmond, Peter Yagmoor

Collingwood has 38 players on its senior list and can elevate two players.

"All of our rookies are in the frame ... we will avail ourselves of that opportunity to nominate two players, we've got the space to do that and we've been given the all-clear by the AFL to do that from a salary cap point of view." - Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh.

ESSENDON
Rookies: Lauchlan Dalgleish, Cory Dell'Olio, Hal Hunter, Ariel Steinberg.

Essendon has a fit list of 40 players so won't be elevating a rookie today.

"Thankfully we don't have a long-term injured player at this point in time." - Bombers football operations manager Danny Corcoran.

FREMANTLE
Rookies: Alex Howson, Sam Menegola, Craig Moller, Haiden Schloithe, Matt Taberner.

The Dockers have a full list of 40 and no room to promote a rookie.

Geelong vs Adelaide at Skilled Stadium, Geelong. Mark Blicavs over Sam Jacobs Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG
Rookies: Ryan Bathie, Mark Blicavs (above), George Burbury, Cameron Eardley, Jackson Sheringham, Josh Walker

The Cats have 40 on their list, but have put midfielder Josh Cowan, forward Lincoln McCarthy and ruckman Dawson Simpson on their long-term injury list, meaning they can accommodate three rookie upgrades before Round 1.

"It's nice to have that option of having a few rookies who are in form and giving the coach some options. We've got guys putting their hands up to play." - Cats list manager Stephen Wells.

HAWTHORN
Rookies: Andrew Boseley, Jonathon Ceglar, Amos Frank, Will Langford, Derick Wanganeen

The club has a full list of 40 and won't be nominating a rookie today.

"The club has placed Brendan Whitecross onto the long-term injury list and with Matt Suckling and Alex Woodward rehabilitating from long-term knee injuries we haven't made any decisions about upgrading a rookie player, which we can do at any stage throughout the season." - Hawks recruiting and list manager Graham Wright.

GOLD COAST
Rookies: Andrew Boston, Josh Hall, Leigh Osborne

With 42 players on its list, and also with a need to trim that to 40 next year, Gold Coast is not in a position to elevate any rookies.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Rookies: Joseph Redfern, Zachary Williams

With only two rookies on its books and a full playing list, GWS has no wiggle room.
 

St Kilda v Melbourne. MCG. Beau Wilkes battles for the ball with James Magner Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE
Rookies: Mitch Clisby, Tom Couch, James Magner (above), Nathan Stark

"We haven't got a nominated rookie spot, so players are only elevated in the case of long-term injuries. We have Max Gawn on the long-term injury list but he's due to come off in the next few weeks. James Magner and Tom Couch, who have both played AFL, are both on our rookie list." - Demons football manager Josh Mahoney.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Rookies: Tim McGenniss, Cameron Richardson, Ben Speight, Eric Wallace, Max Warren

North Melbourne does not have an available spot to upgrade a rookie.

PORT ADELAIDE
Rookies: Danny Butcher, Justin Hoskin, Kane Mitchell, Darren Pfeiffer

Port Adelaide has a full list of 40, but has Nick Salter on the long-term injury list and so can elevate a replacement.

"Tomorrow's irrelevant for us ... we can name a replacement for Salter whenever we want. It won't be happening (today)." - Power football manager Peter Rohde.

RICHMOND
Rookies: Ricky Petterd, Sam Lonergan, Steven Verrier, Cadeyn Williams, Orren Stepheneson, Ben Darrou

Richmond said it still hadn't decided last night which rookies to upgrade, but this morning gave the nod to ex-Demon Petterd and former Cat Stephenson. Former Bomber Sam Lonergan made a late bid for promotion with some excellent clearance work in the wet against the Bulldogs last Saturday, but he was beaten by Petterd's versatility and the Tigers' thin ruck stocks.

- No comment provided by club.

Richmond player Ricky Petterd could be investigated over alleged "vile abuse". Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA
Rookies: Tom Curren, Jackson Ferguson, Darren Minchington, Cameron Shenton, Jordan Staley

No upgrade space available with a full list to choose from.
 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Dane Rampe of the Sydney Swans runs with the ball during the round two AFL NAB Cup match between the St Kilda Saints and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on March 3, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY
Rookies: Shane Biggs, Brandon Jack, Jake Lloyd, Sam Naismith, Dane Rampe (above), Xavier Richards, Daniel Robinson

The Swans have Alex Johnson and Gary Rohan on their long-term injury list. Rampe, a Sydney-raised defender who has trained previously with the Western Bulldogs, is likely to get promoted as a fill-in for Johnson, while midfielders Jack - the younger brother of Kieren - and Lloyd are expected to battle for the other spot.

- No comment provided by club.

WEST COAST
Rookies: Jamie Bennell, Jeremy McGovern, Callum Sinclair, Simon Tunbridge

Mark Nicoski (hamstring) has been put on the long-term injury list, creating space for a rookie promotion. Ruckman Callum Sinclair could be called upon to help cover injured big man Nic Naitanui.

"The coaching staff don't usually promote anyone unless they think they will be in the (squad of) 25." - Eagles spokesman.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Rookies: Mark Austin, Brett Goodes, Alex Greenwood, Lin Jong, Jack Redpath

The club has 39 players on its senior list and will upgrade Brett Goodes today.

"It's a great result for him. He's worked really hard over the pre-season and I think it's starting to play dividends. I think even his pre-season form has been enough to suggest he'll be a worthy rookie nomination." - Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia.

COMPILED BY: Warwick Green, Jon Ralph, Jay Clark, Sam Edmund, Eliza Sewell, Matt Windley

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Cats toss up a Twitter first

TWEET, tweet . . . Joel Selwood invites Cats supporters to vote via Twitter for the game coin toss. Picture: Leanne Churchill Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG fans will be able to potentially influence the outcome of games in a world-first Twitter initiative.

Cats captain Joel Selwood will let fans decide through Twitter whether he chooses heads or tails at the traditional coin toss before the club's 11 away games this season.

Before he runs out on to the ground, Selwood will be informed by the Cats social media team the result of the poll where the fans will vote for heads or tails via #YourCall on the club's Twitter handle @GeelongCats.

Should there be a significant wind advantage to one end of the ground, the toss of the coin takes on greater significance which places more importance on the fans getting it right.

Selwood, who has more than 40,000 followers on Twitter, welcomed the idea of getting the fans more involved.

"I'm a little more heads than tails (with the coin toss) but I'm really open to it," he said. "It gets us to interact with the fans a little bit more and gets them to have a bit of a say.

"I think it's huge and I think you'll see more of it (social media) in coming years. It's not too often you see, especially a player, sort of show you what you are doing before a game or even having an impact on what can happen in the game.

"We hope Geelong fans get involved, all football fans get involved in it, and we'll see how it goes.

"It would certainly be nice to kick with the wind in Round 1 against the Hawks."

The idea stemmed from a recent fact-finding trip to the US by Geelong's Digital Media Manager Tom Peeters. He met with the New York Giants who'd tried to get it introduced for last year's NFL season but the club's football department rejected the idea.

Last year, the Cats became the first professional sports team in Australia to display their Twitter handle on their on-field apparel via the players pre-game warm-up tops.

They also have a 'Tweet the Coach' segment on Cats TV where fans can tweet their questions into senior coach Chris Scott each week.

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Why are WAGS in the rooms?

Jimmy Bartel and his girlfriend Nadia Coppolino in the rooms after the 2011 Grand Final. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FOOTY commentator Brian Taylor has questioned why players' wives and girlfriends are in the rooms after "every bloody game".

Taylor, a long-time critic of players running out with their children for milestone games, says the players' inner sanctum is not as sacrosanct as it was.

Taylor, former Richmond and Collingwood great who now calls footy on Channel 7 and 3AW, said: "It wasn't that long ago when girls were not welcome in the changerooms.

"Then it got to the stage when they came in just after the premiership to help you celebrate.

"Now they're there after every bloody game. I'm thinking: 'Why? What's going on here? I'm not sure that's a good thing for footy'."

Taylor also echoed calls from the wider football community for a more humane system on the notoriously ruthless Brownlow Medal red carpet.

Players, wives and girlfriends were furious when last year's event was seemingly hijacked by bitchy critics armed with venom, and little knowledge of the game, or its stars.

Taylor said yesterday: "A lot of the girls would despise having to walk on that particular red carpet.

"I think that's something that needs to be looked at over the next few years."

He suggested a side entrance option to the event for media-shy WAGs.

Taylor said: "The girls have to be let it be known, and the players have to let it be known they would prefer not to have the effort and focus on what they're dressed in, and what they look like.''

Brian and wife Tania, married for 25 years, predate the WAG phenomenon.

He laughed: "I know nothing about WAG culture. It seems to be an interesting lifestyle."

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NAB Cup SuperCoach stars

Shane Crawford reveals his SuperCoach 2013 line-up including some big smokies

Daniel Rich capped a huge pre-season by winning the Michael Tuck Medal for best on ground in the NAB Cup final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

SEE the SuperCoach scores of every player for every NAB Cup match.

As a resource for picking your SuperCoach side, you can't go past pre-season form.

How many times have you heard a player halfway through the season credit his good form to his best pre-season ever? Or another player put his bad form down to not getting a good run at it before Round 1.

That tells you that despite all the coach's games, these games do count for something.

They can also throw up some funny numbers - the No.1 scorer for the NAB Cup was Kangaroos defender Nathan Grima with an outlandish average of 163 points. But that was scored in one match - which was played in a monsoon at Craigieburn and was called off halfway through the final quarter.

But if you take a broader view and look at players who appeared at least three times, Brisbane Lions midfielder Daniel Rich is the standout.

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He scored 246 in the opening NAB Cup double-header and followed up with 132 in round three of the NAB Cup and 97 in the final - claiming the Michael Tuck Medal.

Lions teammate Patrick Karnezis was the surprise packet of the pre-season, averaging 97 SuperCoach points over four matches, while other players in the breakout window include Saint Jack Steven (average 105) and Demon Jack Watts (106.5).

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY NAB CUP SUPERCOACH SCORE

TOP 10 NAB CUP AVERAGES
(min 3 games)

118.8 Daniel Rich (BL) $485,800 mid
117.0 Andrew Swallow (NM) $585,100 mid
116.8 Bachar Houli (Rich) $444,800 def
116.0 Gary Ablett (GC) $740,500 mid
112.0 Josh Kennedy (Syd) $643,000 mid
111.8 Brendon Goddard (Ess) $541,500 def/mid
109.7 Dane Swan (Coll) $675,300 mid
108.5 Jarrad McVeigh (Syd) $526,000 mid
107.5 Joel Selwood (Geel) $629,500 mid
106.5 Jack Watts (Melb) $460,100 def/fwd

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BARGAIN BIN

97.0 Michael Hibberd (Ess) $395,100 def
96.8 Patrick Karnezis (BL) $262,200 fwd
82.3 Daniel Currie (NM) $109,500 ruck
80.0 Brett Goodes (WB) $128,200 mid/def
79.5 Ricky Petterd (Rich) $240,800 fwd
76.6 Brent Moloney (BL) $362,400 mid
76.6 Jordan Russell (Coll) $266,000 def
72.6 Jaeger O'Meara (GC) $115,900 mid
71.0 Dean Kent (Melb) $109,500 mid
70.0 Lewis Stevenson (PA) $115,900 def
69.8 Dean Terlich (Melb) $109,500 def
68.5 Mark Blicavs (Geel) $115,900 mid/ruck

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ALARM BELLS

66.8 Travis Cloke (Coll) $436,400 fwd
64 Dustin Martin (Rich) $473,500 fwd/mid
64 Trent Cotchin (Rich) $622,100 mid
59.7 Taylor Walker (Adel) $536,000 fwd
57.3 Sam Fisher (StK) $444,100 def
57.3 Tom Scully (GWS) $424,700 mid
52.8 Shaun Atley (NM) $380,400 def
52.2 Greg Broughton (GC) $441,900 def
34.3 Tom Lee (StK) $115,900 fwd

Source: Champion Data

Got a SuperCoach question? Send it to supercoachtips@heraldsun.com.au and watch The SuperCoach Show on Fox Footy for answers from the experts. The SuperCoach Show screens on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week at 7pm and every Thursday at 6pm during the season.

EVERY NAB CUP SUPERCOACH SCORE

Note: Scores for week 1 of the NAB Cup include both round-robin matches, with scores scaled to reflect the shortened matches - this is factored into the overall average. The final column includes scores for the full-scale Fremantle v Adelaide practice match three weeks ago.

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Sando asks Crows to respect Dons

Sanderson is hopeful his Crows won't sledge the Bombers.

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson has asked his charges to respect Essendon amid the supplements scandal. Picture: Tait Schmaal. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson wants a red-hot battle for the ball rather than a war of words to explode with the drug-tainted Essendon at AAMI Stadium on Friday night for the AFL season opener.

Sanderson has put gamesmanship off his agenda saying: "I'd be disappointed if our players tried to unsettle Essendon with any cheap shots."

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He also urged his club's fan base - and all AFL supporters - to not taunt the Bombers with labels of "cheats" until all the investigations into Essendon's fitness program from last season are complete.

As the Bombers fear entering a vitriolic cauldron with barbs on each side of the fence at West Lakes for the AFL premiership season-opener, Sanderson declared: "That's not what footy is about.

Let's make sure, from the crowd's point of view, we respect our opposition

"The teams I'd like to coach are the ones that just play the ball hard and not take any cheap shots.

"I'm sure our boys will play the game with the respect it deserves."

To the fans, Sanderson appealed: "Sometimes you just have to bite your tongues.

"Let's make sure, from the crowd's point of view, we respect our opposition.

"I'd be disappointed if not only our fans but the rest of the AFL supporters (ignored) that there is an investigation going on and let it take its course."

Adelaide's players also have to take into account the "cheat" tag could come back at them from the Bombers. The Crows had their own turmoil in the off-season from the Kurt Tippett contract scandal.

It cost the Crows a $300,000 fine, no compensation for losing Tippett, draft picks and bans on key personnel, chief executive Steven Trigg and football chief Phil Harper.

"Both clubs have had their issues, but we will focus on what we can control," he said.

"We did that all through the summer making sure (the Tippett penalties) never affected the football department."

Adelaide last night picked its preliminary squad with teenager Brad Crouch as the only new Crow to debut.

The two holes left in the side - by key forward Kurt Tippett's defection to Sydney and defender Michael Doughty's retirement - will be filled by the inexperienced Luke Brown and Josh Jenkins.

Sanderson declared two injury concerns, but only revealed the details on one - small forward Ian Callinan (knee).

Sanderson yesterday was coy on Crouch's much-anticipated debut after the Victorian was forced by AFL rules to spend all of last season in the SANFL where he forged the reputation as a tough midfielder.

"Whether he plays this week, next week or round 10, I'm sure it is going to happen this year," said Sanderson, who at times last year felt Crouch was ready for the AFL.

"He is going to be long-term player for us ... but you can't give your No. 1 draft pick a game every week; he is different to no one else.

"If he is in good form he will play."

Today Sanderson will be at AFL House to join AFL coaches in the hot debate on where the Laws of the Game committee is taking the cap on interchange rotations next season.

Sanderson, who took rotations to record levels last season, confirmed he had considered an on-field protest in the NAB Cup.

He wanted to apply a "super flood" by putting all his players in the Carlton forward half in the last term of the last Cup game a fortnight ago.

"Very seriously," he said of how much he thought through the protest tactic.

"In the end I thought it would be a little bit arrogant of me to do it."

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Suns, Giants gain draft bonus

The Giants dominated the draft last year. Picture: Matt Roberts. Source: Getty Images

THE two expansion clubs are again poised to enter this year's draft with extra early selections after activating first-round compensation picks.

Greater Western Sydney triggered its mid-round one selection, which will be taken directly before the eighth-placed team's first pick.

That pick was originally cast Geelong's way as part of its compensation for losing Gary Ablett. But the Cats sent it back to the Suns in a juggle of draft choices, before Gold Coast forwarded it the Giants' way at the trade table in 2011.

Seven rookies were today upgraded - find out who

The Suns activated their end-of-first-round compensation selection, which will take place after the premier's first choice.

That pick was originally sent to Adelaide when Gold Coast poached Nathan Bock. It then made its way to Richmond as part of the Richard Tambling deal, before the Tigers returned it to the Suns in 2011.

Four compensation picks were held over.

The Suns hold another two, one of which must be used next season , the Giants hold one more while West Coast has a round-three compensation pick which will be activated in 2014.

The two activated this year can be palmed off to other clubs during October's trade period.

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Freo's Clarke limps off training track

HURTING: Fremantle is sweating on the fitness of Zac Clarke (left) for Saturday's derby. Source: Getty Images

ON STANDBY: Rookie Jack Hannath could be called up for a derby debut. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE recruit Jack Hannath is in line to make his AFL debut in Saturday's derby against West Coast after back-up ruckman Zac Clarke injured his leg at training.

Clarke limped off the training track on Tuesday, but skipper Matthew Pavlich said he was unsure of the exact nature of the injury or how serious it was.

If Clarke is ruled out, it's likely either Hannath or Kepler Bradley will earn selection against the Eagles.

With No.1 ruckman Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) already ruled out of the match, Jon Griffin will take the lead role against Eagles champion Dean Cox.

Clarke was set to play a larger role in attack this year in order to provide support for Pavlich, meaning his replacement could come down to who is the better forward out of Hannath and Bradley.

Hannath was training with the Melbourne Demons over summer when told he had been snared by Fremantle with pick No.8 in the pre-season draft.

The 21-year-old has developed significantly over the past two years while playing with Central Districts, and his 201cm, 102kg frame could sway selection in his favour.

Bradley booted just six goals in 12 games last year, and his waywardness in front of goal remains a concern.

Pavlich said it didn't matter who replaced Clarke - as long as they did their bit for the team.

"Whoever it is, we don't care about the name or the person," Pavlich said.

"If we get them to compete and play to our standards, the rest will take care of itself.

"It's certainly not ideal. We thought Zac competed really well against the Bulldogs (during the pre-season).

"But what we know is we have some great back-up.

"Kepler played most of the pre-season games. Jack Hannath has been around the mark and is one of the players we drafted for this exact reason.

"He's a big body and runs well."

West Coast also have a decision to make in the ruck department after Nic Naitanui failed in his bid to be fit for the season opener.

If the Eagles decide Cox needs back-up in the ruck, either Scott Lycett or Callum Sinclair will be called into the side.

West Coast will also be without midfielder Daniel Kerr (knee), forward Mark Nicoski (hamstring), wingman Matt Rosa (quad) and former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham (ankle).
 

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Hodge expects Buddy big pay cut

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge, pictured here alongside the other 17 AFL skippers, expects a pay cut as the Hawks move to keep Lance Franklin. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN captain Luke Hodge expects a pay cut as the AFL club tries to keep Lance Franklin.

While Franklin's decision to defer contract talks until post-season is the big-ticket item, Hodge and former skipper Sam Mitchell are among other premiership stars the Hawks must re-sign.

Hodge, 28, who played just 10 games last year because of injury, said he and 30-year-old Mitchell were at the stage of their careers where ``we don't have quite as much pull as Franky does''.

"As you get older it's proven in the past that you're going to have to go lower so that the younger blokes coming through can get paid probably a little bit more than what they deserve,'' Hodge said.

But the Hawks won't break the bank on Franklin either.

"The club have thrown Buddy the best offer we can give with the blokes that we've got on our list,'' he said.

"It's up for Bud to take his time this year, have a good think about it and see where his future wants to be.''

Hodge was in no hurry to re-sign and said his deal didn't need to be a priority as there was no doubt he'd stay a Hawk.

He was confident he could recapture career-best form this season despite coming off knee surgery and last year's illness and injury troubles.

"If your expectations drop then you probably shouldn't be playing,'' Hodge said.

He said the knee was fully healed but doubt remained over whether he'll face Geelong on Easter Monday.

The Hawks are out to break a nine-match losing streak against the Cats since their 2008 grand final win.

While Hodge would love to be out there, he has learnt the hard way that rushing back is not smart.

"I made the mistake last year of coming back probably a little bit early with my calf and hurt that just before round one,'' he said.

"We deliberately haven't set a date that I'm going to be back.

"We'll just take it as it comes.''

The Hawks also hope Cyril Rioli (ankle) and recruit Brian Lake (calf) can face the Cats.

Lake's return would be particularly useful.

The club recruited him to combat power forwards such as Geelong's Tom Hawkins, who kicked six goals including the winner after the siren in their most recent meeting.

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Riewoldt relies on blood jabs

2013 preview: Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson says the Saints need to find the next group of stars to take the baton from Nick Riewoldt and Co.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt catches his breath. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA captain Nick Riewoldt continues to be injected with his own blood to help prolong his career.

Riewoldt will rely on a German medical technique to nurse a degenerative left knee injury through the AFL season.

"Yeah, it's something I've got to manage and I think ultimately it will be the thing that probably forces me to retire. But certainly I've got a few years left yet,'' he said today.

"It has been ongoing for a while now. I managed it pretty well last year. I was able to put in a pretty solid year until I got injured (missed the last three rounds) with a totally unrelated injury.''

Riewoldt has the Orthokine therapy at the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre. The treatment remove proteins from the blood that inhibit inflammation and are injected to the affected joint.

"They take your blood and - am I allowed to say inject? - and I've had some pretty good success from that,'' Riewoldt said.

"If I start to get sore and swollen, it's something I can go to. So, we have that up our sleeve.

"It's a concentrated burst. You have six weeks go of it and that lasts for six months.

"They spin the blood and take out the concentrated anti-inflammatory part of your blood and then inject it back.''

American basketballer Kobe Bryant and baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez are among other sportsmen to use the technique.

Riewoldt said the treatment allows him to continue to train during the season and play a match at full capacity.

On the long-term prognosis for the knee, the Saints skipper said: "If I want to go and run marathons, it's probably going to be an issue. But if I want to walk 18 holes at golf, I should be fine.''

The skipper also shed light on the Saints selection dilemma bolstering their short-handed backline.

Sean Dempster (hamstring) looks set to miss Round 1 with former Docker Dylan Roberton the likely replacement.

Rhys Stanley would also be considered in a more defensive role but he too is sidelined with a knee injury.

Riewoldt said he was happy with the club's attacking options with Beau Maister, Terry Milera, Ahmed Saad and Trent Dennis-Lane enjoying solid pre-season campaigns.

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