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2004 DRAFT - page 3

Fiora trades dismay for new ambition
(Fiora) . . . "It was a bit mental, I suppose, I didn't cope with it very well and it affected my footy. I know you have to play all areas in footy, but I suppose I just wanted to get a bit settled." Another thing Fiora found at Richmond was an unwritten hierarchy amongst the players that did not allow the younger players to challenge more senior players, even though he said the coaching staff encouraged them to do so. "There was always encouragement for the young guys to voice up if they had something to say, but I think it was more a lot of the young guys at Richmond were aware of where their place was at, they felt like they hadn't been there long enough to have their say, that they didn't have the authority to say things - so they wouldn't," he said . . . Fiora is unlikely to have such problems at St Kilda, where coach Grant Thomas expects all players to take responsibility for the performance of teammates. Not that the former Port Adelaide Magpies player will be expecting to waltz straight into a line-up that many see as being on the verge of a Brisbane-like dynasty at the top of the AFL ladder. "It is going to be a big challenge just to get into the team because they are such a good team and I think they are pretty settled from last year, so it will be a tough one to crack," Fiora said. "But that's why I have come over as well; it's a good challenge and hopefully it works out. It's a whole new start and to try to get a bit of respect off the coaches and the players first of all. Yeah, it feels like I have been drafted all over again."
The Article - TheAge - 21Oct04

Saints retain Blake, Knobel?
St Kilda has bought itself an extra fortnight to convince Trent Knobel and Jason Blake to stay, but those players' bargaining position has been weakened by the appearance of another ruckman on the market. The 16 AFL clubs submitted their initial pre-draft player lists today, with a further two weeks until the final pre-draft list had to be lodged. The Saints list today retained Knobel and Blake, who are both out of contract and reportedly dissatisfied with the terms of proposed new contracts and prepared to put themselves into the draft. St Kilda was facing difficulty finding room under the salary cap to retain the pair after signing big-money deals with some of its banner players. Their retention on today's lodged list meant St Kilda now had two weeks to convince one or the other to stay. If not, the very thin St Kilda ruck stocks could be bolstered by the drafting of Mark Porter, who was cut by the Kangaroos today.
The Article - Chris Lines/AAP - HeraldSun - 29Oct04

Fortune again favours Fiora
. . . Saints coach Grant Thomas has made it clear he wants his latest recruit to start winning more of his own footy and Fiora knows he has to change his ways to survive at Moorabbin. "I suppose I've just got to go in and get the footy myself a bit more and prove that I can do it. St Kilda think I can do it and I know I can do it," Fiora said. "I think I've always had to improve in that area. I'll just spend my whole pre-season doing drills and getting guys to help me." Fiora also knows he needs to add beef to his 186cm, 80kg frame. "Physically, I'm not that mature - that's got to come along pretty quickly or else it will be all over soon," he said. "I've just got to eat more and make sure I eat more. I think that's all it is, getting more stuff into my guts. It will be good for me to have a change. A whole new culture change."
The Article - Mark Stevens - HeraldSun - 15Oct04
Gutsy Fiora article - Saintsational

Saints in ruckus as Blake eyes exit
Jason Blake may take his career to Hawthorn or Richmond if, as seems likely, he leaves St Kilda and joins teammate and fellow ruckman Trent Knobel in the national or pre-season draft. The Tigers and Hawks both declared their interest in the 23-year-old yesterday as it became apparent to a number of clubs that after five years and 59 games, Blake was more likely than not to depart Moorabbin. "I think Jason has to make a final decision, but we've spoken with him," said Hawthorn football manager John Hook. "With his age and versatility, we've got interest in him." Richmond director of football Greg Miller said Blake was being considered by the Tigers, who, being set on a ruckman in the pre-season draft, are also paying attention to Knobel and one-time Tiger and former Collingwood ruckman Steve McKee. "Jason is one, certainly," Miller said. "We understand that he hasn't signed and might be looking for a change. I think he could definitely help us."
The Article - Stephen Rielly - TheAge - 29Oct04
Saints ruckman walks out - Footy Goss - 280ct04
Mark Porter? - Saintsational Forum
Knobel may walk - Stephen Rielly - TheAge - 28Oct04
Ignorance in Hamil discussions - Saintsational
Hamill Contract

Knobel may walk
St Kilda's bullish prospects in 2005 are in danger of being undermined, with ruckman Trent Knobel quitting the club and his centre-square offsider, Jason Blake, considering his future. Knobel told the Saints late last week that he considered their offer a poor reflection upon his contribution this year, in which he played 24 games, and he severed his ties with the club. His agent, Dan Richardson of ESP, said last night that Knobel would nominate for the pre-season draft unless he was delisted by the Saints tomorrow, a move that would allow him to nominate for the earlier national draft. "Trent feels that he can find a better opportunity elsewhere," Richardson said. "He knows where he is at. He's a realist but it became apparent to him that his view and St Kilda's weren't shared." Knobel played 41 games for the Saints in his three seasons at Moorabbin, after leaving the Brisbane Lions at the end of the 2001 season, and his exit threatens to leave the club vulnerable in the ruck, where it is recognised to be at best adequate.
The Article - Stephen Rielly - TheAge - 28Oct04
Knobel quits!! - Saintsational
Knobel Gone? - Saintsational broke the story - 250ct04
Ignorance in Hamil discussions - Saintsational
Hamill Contract
Blake eyes exit - Saintsational
Plea to Blake - Saintsational

Try getting a forward in the Draft!
The trading period is probably the most important part of the draft process, because the national draft doesn't really work for most clubs. If St Kilda had not traded for Gehrig and Hamill they would be nowhere near the force they are, despite all the early picks they got by a succession of lowly finishes on the ladder. And don't forget that St Kilda was in a grand final in 1997. What worries me is that among the 670 or so registered players there is very little good key forward material available to clubs. Only Jonathon Brown and Nick Riewoldt are really good forwards who have come through the national draft. Many teams in the competition need good key position forwards, but are unable to trade for them, because that type of player is unavailable. It seems that the recruiters across the board are to blame, because there must be a lot of likely types that are overlooked. It seems that the selection process is flawed, either because of scientific assessment or a predisposition towards picking midfielders and defenders. Unlike key forwards the other types are a dime a dozen . . . The AFL competition is like a weight for age horse race. All the clubs are carrying the same weight. When the best young players go to a weak club, the strong clubs continue to dominate just like a good weight for age performer on the track. That is why Brisbane have won three premierships in a row and why Port have dominated home and away football in recent years. Of all the other clubs, St Kilda have been the smartest because apart from their good fortune in the draft they have traded for a group of established players, especially key forwards like Gehrig and Hamill.
The Article - George Grljusich - FootyGos - 17Sept04
AFL Talent Scouts are not infallible - George Grljusich - FootyGos - 10Sept04

Thomas takes parting shot at Black
Thomas lost patience with the indecisive midfielder, whom he said had passed up an opportunity to be part of a successful team. "I'll be honest, my patience wasn't wearing thin, it had worn out," Thomas said yesterday on 3AW. You can only persevere with that situation for a period of time and he doesn't need to profess to me the importance of family because I've got a large one and I know the importance of it. At the end of the day, when that continues to get in the way of what we're trying to do, you've got to make a decision and Blacky was continually at odds with his situation. And whether or not (his partner) Sam wanted to go back, or Heath wanted to go back, in my mind, is questionable. He's walked away from an opportunity of being a successful player at the club" . . . "We didn't get anywhere near the benefits out of Heath Black that we invested in him that we expected," Thomas said. "He played well in his third year for probably half or two thirds of the season. He still finished 12th in our best and fairest, so it wasn't the year we expect from a guy that's on the contract that he was on. But nevertheless when he gets the ball he can do very good things with it."
The Article - Jackie Epstein - HeraldSun - 10Oct04
GT on 3AW - saintsational
Accusation re: Ron Joseph - saintsational
The Simmonds deal - Jon Pierik and Digby Beacham - Sunday Times - 10Oct04

Callaghan hangs up the boots
St Kilda veteran Craig Callaghan has announced his retirement after 124 matches with Fremantle and the Saints from 1995-2002. The nuggetty onballer/forward was unable to play a match in the past two seasons due to two knee reconstructions. Despite his setbacks, Callaghan reflected on his move from Western Australia with plenty of satisfaction. "I have really enjoyed my time at St Kilda Football Club even though I underwent two knee constructions during this time," Callaghan said. "The club has been a great support to me and particularly Grant Thomas. I would like to thank the players, coaching and support staff and supporters for making my time at St Kilda an enjoyable one." St Kilda coach Grant Thomas lauded Callaghan as a fine club person. "Callas has been an inspiration to not only the playing group but also the coaching staff," Thomas said. "His determination and desire to give himself the best chance has been well recognised by all and as a result has earned the highest respect from his team mates."
The Article - Matt Burgan/Sportal - afl.com.au - 18Oct04
Dirty Harry favourably remembered by fans - Saintsational
Callus heading West - Saintsational

Entire AFL team to answer charges
A far north Queensland AFL team and its coach will face disciplinary hearings over allegations of a pre-meditated attack on another team. Last month's violent pre-grand final brawl between the North Cairns and Port Douglas teams drew national criticism. An independent report by former crown prosecutor Jim Henry has recommended charges against all 22 North Cairns players. Coach Jack Love has already been banned for three years for his involvement. The report advises he also be investigated over allegations he counselled his team to make a pre-meditated attack on Port Douglas. No charges will be laid against the North Cairns Club. ALF Cairns president Russel Beer says it will also be determined if North Cairns should be stripped of its premiership.
Article and Audio - ABC - 20Oct04