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• Trade Articles for this post-season period PAGE 3 l PAGE 2 l PAGE 1
• Draft Articles from this post-season period 2006 NAB AFL Draft

Ross Lyon in late charge for Saints job
John Longmire's Swans colleague Ross Lyon is a shock late entry into the field for the St Kilda coaching job. Lyon flew into Melbourne last night for an interview today with the sub-committee that will recommend the replacement for Grant Thomas. The former Fitzroy and Brisbane player has spent the past three seasons in Sydney as an assistant to Paul Roos, a former Fitzroy teammate. Before joining the Swans, Lyon had four years at Carlton as an assistant and reserves coach after working at Richmond as an assistant to Robert Walls.
The Article Mike Sheahan/HeraldSun/06Oct06
Second Swan bids for Saints post Mike Sheahan/TheAustralian/06Oct06

Mike Sheahan's Top 50
. . . Riewoldt probably works harder and finds more of the footy, but he doesn't finish like Pavlich, and that's critically important these days . . . Max Hudghton was stiff. Like Jude Bolton, he always seems to just miss . . . There are others who served notice they are going to be in contention for a long time. St Kilda's Brendon Goddard, who is justifying his selection at No.1 in the 2002 national draft. (St Klda players named) 7 - Nick Riewoldt, 36 - Jason Gram, 38 - Nick Dal Santo, 49 - Sam Fisher
The Article Mike Sheahan/HeraldSun/07Oct06

Guernsey No. 1 Jason Gram Image Source: saints.com.au Sam Fisher, Nick Riewoldt & Jason Gram at the Trevor Barker Awards on Tuesday From the fringes to No.1 It's little wonder Jason Gram has to pinch himself to believe it's all true. A player who began the season fighting for his career after managing a total of just nine games in four years across two clubs ends the season as runner-up in St Kilda's best and fairest and with the honour of wearing one of the club's most famous numbers from next season. After his stunning 2006 season, Gram has been given the honour of wearing the Saints' number one jumper next season following the recent retirement of 252 game veteran Justin Peckett. "The number one jumper is always a treasured jumper at any club but especially here at St Kilda after 'Pecko' wore it for so long and, of course, before him, Trevor Barker," Gram told Sportal on Thursday. The Article Paul Gough - Sportal saints.com.au - 05Oct06 Jason Gram's number up Nick Riewoldt was offered the honour of switching to the No.1 guernsey, but knocked it back. The St Kilda star politely said "thanks, but no thanks", ending the possibility of a formal presentation at Tuesday night's club best-and-fairest award. This year's captain Luke Ball was the next to be offered the guernsey, but also declined. Riewoldt has worn No.12 and Ball No.14 throughout their careers and, like many players, have a sentimental attachment to their original numbers. Enter Jason Gram, who finished runner-up in the best-and-fairest. The Article Mark Stevens HeraldSun - 06Oct06 For the Love of the Jumper - Number One A chronicle of Saints players who have worn the No. 1 jumper during their career Allan Grant - saints.com.au Ross Smith inducted as AFL Life Member Image Source: saints.com.au St Kilda Football Club Brownlow medallist and premiership player Ross Smith early this year was inducted as an AFL Life Member. At last night's 2006 Best and Fairest, Smith accepted his prestigious award in front of over 1,500 supporters at Vodafone Arena. Smith played 234 games for the Saints and it wasn't until the preliminary final of 1966 that his career kicked into a higher gear. He stared in the Saints' win and was part of the flag side a week later. Smith captained the Victorian side at the 1972 carnival and led the Saints for three years from 1970 to 1972. He then went to WA as coach of Subiaco for three years and coached the club to a flag. Smith later returned to the Saints as an assistant coach, and coached St Kilda for a year in 1977. The Article St Kilda Football Club saints.com.au/05Oct06 St Kilda 'Team of the Century' This site St Kilda Football Club History This site

Saints race in four
The race for the St Kilda coaching position is now down to just four candidates with Sydney assistant coach Ross Lyon emerging as a late contender . . . Longmire remains the slight favourite for the job but it is the emergence of Lyon as a serious contender which has been a big surprise . . . But while Longmire remains the favourite for the job and Lyon has emerged as a serious contender, it is the low-profile Bond who has reportedly left a huge impression on the Saints coaching sub-committee, which also includes former coach Ken Sheldon as well as president Rod Butterss, chief executive Archie Fraser and the Saints' 1967 Brownlow Medallist Ross Smith.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/06Oct06
Saints' race down to four (As above) Sportal/06Oct06

Saints have Horse by a nose
John Longmire remains St Kilda's coach of choice after a remarkable 36 hours at Moorabbin. The Saints officially interviewed the Swans assistant yesterday, along with Bulldogs assistant Chris Bond and Collingwood's Guy McKenna. The club will sit down with Saints assistant Matthew Rendell on Saturday. Mark Harvey, the former Essendon premiership tough man and current Fremantle assistant coach, yesterday declined an interview. Longmire was tight-lipped yesterday, but he is understood to be the favourite for the job despite St Kilda chiefs describing the candidates' interviews as almost inseparable.
The Article Mark Robinson/TownsvilleBulletin/06Oct06

Laidley withdraws from Saints race
Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley yesterday officially ruled himself out as a contender for the vacant St Kilda coaching job. Laidley, who has been linked with a potential switch to Moorabbin, said he had not been approached about the position and had no knowledge of the reports.
Laidley withdraws from Saints race AAP/TheAustralian/07Oct06

The Draft results are in
2006 NAB AFL Draft Camp results - Top 10 fitness results
The Article AFL/saints.com.au/06Oct06

Clubs at starting gate as horse-trading begins in earnest
Trade week begins on Monday, and Greg Denham examines how each club stands going into the bargaining.
. . . ST KILDA - The Saints are looking to boost their ruck department and have spoken to Clark Keating and made inquiries to Peter Everitt and Michael Gardiner. It's unlikely they will be big players next week.
The Article Greg Denham/TheAustralian/07Oct06

Draft kids dynamite
It's the national draft that recruiters have been talking about since well before Marc Murphy's name was read out at No. 1 last year. And after three days of prodding, measuring, testing and interviews at the draft camp, little has changed the view of this year's crop of budding AFL stars. It's a gem. The popular view of this year's group is that it's the best since the famous 2001 draft that produced Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Brownlow medallist Chris Judd. "If we wavered towards thinking it wasn't the best (since 2001), I think we'll walk away from this thinking it's pretty close to the best," Melbourne recruiting manager Craig Cameron said. This year's class boasts standout talent at the top, a string of quality talls and the depth to ensure there will be prizes well beyond the first round.
The Article Rebecca Williams/HeraldSun/07Oct06

Your club's draft picks . . . St Kilda 9, 27, 43, 59
The Article HeraldSun/07Oct06

Sydney, Everitt agree to terms
Veteran ruckman Peter Everitt is almost certain to join Sydney next week after informal negotiations between coach Paul Roos and Hawthorn officials at the AFL draft camp brought the clubs closer to a deal. The Hawks had initially made a list of demands for Everitt that included the Swans relinquishing their first-round draft pick or swapping draft picks and players, none of which the Swans were willing to meet. However, while no agreement was reached on Thursday, Roos said the clubs had come closer in negotiations after the latest meeting. "We've probably found a bit more common ground, but we've agreed to sit down and discuss it further on Monday [at the AFL trade day]," he said.
The Article Richard Hinds/SydneyMorningHerald/07Oct06

Danny Frawley in talks with Saints
Danny Frawley's return to football is likely to be with his former club St Kilda - and not Hawthorn - if he decides to step back into the fold. Frawley is understood to have spoken to the Saints about a position in the football department, possibly as part of the new coaching panel. It had been reported that Frawley was being chased by the Hawks to work with senior coach Alastair Clarkson in a coach-mentoring role. The Hawks did speak with the former Richmond coach, but only about a role in assisting the club's young defensive group.
The Article Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/06Oct06

Saints' interest in Keating
Brisbane's triple-premiership ruckman Clark Keating is understood to have met St Kilda yesterday in a bid to resurrect his career. The 30-year-old is out of contract with the Lions, who have told him he will not be offered a contract for next year . . . the club has been actively seeking a new ruckman and has already sounded out Hawthorn's out-of-contract Peter Everitt . . . The Saints are also expected to hold discussions with former Eagle Michael Gardiner's manager Ron Joseph, who also acts for Keating, who played only a minor part in Brisbane's 2006 season because of injuries.
The Article Greg Denham/TheAustralian/05Oct06

Magic Bond
Have Chris Bond and Alastair Clarkson more in common than stature, a love of footy and an aggressive nature that largely remains hidden? Yes, if whispers surrounding Bond's presentation to the St Kilda sub-committee are right. Similar to Clarkson when he went for the Hawthorn senior coaching job against footy's red carpet in Rodney Eade and Terry Wallace, Bond is seen as the man without pizzazz. Loyal, footy-smart, prepared. But profile? It's not Bond's go, nor was it Clarkson's, but the Hawks opened the door and Clarkson is well on his way to building a competitive list.
The Article Mark Robinson/HeraldSun/06Oct06

$80m for AFL and V8 rights
Teltra has committed more than $80 million over the next five to six years for the exclusive rights to show Australian Rules football and V8 motor racing on the internet and mobile phone . . . The AFL deal gives Telstra BigPond customers access to full match replays available 12 hours after the game, in-game and extended match highlights packages, video downloads for portable devices such as iPods, and trivia, tipping and interactive competitions.
The Article Mike Sheahan/TheAustralian/07Oct06

Worldwide Replays withing 12 hours of match
AFL fans in Australia and overseas will soon get even closer to the game, through cutting-edge broadband and Next G mobile content, under a new $60 million five-year agreement between the AFL and BigPond. The deal, announced by AFL Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Demetriou, and BigPond Group Managing Director, Mr Justin Milne, will see BigPond deliver to fans:
• full match replays available 12 hours from the final siren, instead of the previous 24 hours;
• in-quarter and post-quarter highlights packages;
• extended match highlights packages;
• video downloads that can be transferred to portable devices; and
• special features such as Fantasy Football, trivia, tipping, a ladder predictor and content from the clubs.
New rights deal for Bigpond Sportal/06Oct06

Take your opportunities on coaches' roundabout
The little bits we hear and read are sad. Grant Thomas cannot let go of St Kilda or its players. He wanted to make a speech at the best and fairest. The club wisely denied him. Then it is written that he sent all the players text messages to say that he would not be attending . . . The AFL coaching world could soon be thrown into a loop. St Kilda continues to search for a replacement for Thomas. President Rod Butterss said yesterday that the club would soon talk to Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley. That will be a critical interview . . . By the end of next year as many as seven coaches may be out of work or at different clubs. The contracts of Neale Daniher, Mark Williams, Mark Thompson, Malthouse, Chris Connolly and Kevin Sheedy - as well as that of Laidley - expire. Which could prompt some musical chairs. Daniher back to Essendon, Connolly back to Melbourne and perhaps Laidley, if St Kilda does not pick him up this time around, to return to Collingwood where he has always been highly regarded . . . If you want to be a career coach it can be grim work. You must grab your opportunities as they present for nothing is guaranteed.
The Article Patrick Smith/TheAustralian/06Oct06

Saints interested in Jason Johnson
Essendon premiership pair Jason Johnson and Dean Solomon are destined for new clubs in 2007. Their standoff with the Bombers reached critical levels yesterday when negotiations floundered again, just three days before the start of trade week . . . The club remains steadfast on one-year deals only. St Kilda and Melbourne have zeroed in on All-Australian Johnson, while Fremantle is trying to entice Solomon to Perth. Some senior Saints players were made aware of the club's interest in Johnson at Tuesday's best-and-fairest count and gave it the thumbs-up.
Solomon and Johnson consider trade offers Mark Robinson/HeraldSun/06Oct06
Lions face tough year By Andrew Hamilton and Paul Malone/TheAusralian/07Oct06
Hart keen to go on Sportal/06Oct06
Didak not drunk, says Eddie AdelaideAdvertiser/07Oct06
Party Pies on notice Michael Horan/HeraldSun/07Oct06
Bret Thornton tug of war Jim Wilson/HeraldSun/07Oct06
Guerra signed for one year Stephen Rielly/TheAge RealFooty/07Oct06

Ross Lyon in talks for Saints job
. . . St Kilda assistant Matt Rendell, a former teammate of Lyon's from Fitzroy days, also will be interviewed today. Sources last night confirmed that Lyon, who is highly regarded for his work with the Sydney midfield and is a close friend of senior coach Paul Roos, would have his first in-depth interview . . . Lyon, a former Fitzroy player noted for his hardness, became part of the Sydney panel at the end of 2003, Roos' first full season as senior coach, having previously served as an assistant at Carlton and Richmond. Lyon has been an assistant coach under four premiership coaches - Walls (at Richmond), Denis Pagan (Carlton), David Parkin (Carlton) and Roos (Sydney) - having first played under both Walls and Parkin at Fitzroy. In 2000 and 2001, he served on the Blues' coaching panel with Eagles coach John Worsfold.
The Article Jake Niall/TheAge RealFooty/06Oct06

Blakey joins Swans coaching panel
Sydney has added John Blakey to its assistant coaching panel, but the AFL club is adamant it remains unaware of John Longmire's future. Brisbane announced Blakey would leave the club after working under Leigh Matthews for four years to take up a similar position with Swans coach Paul Roos. Blakey is the second assistant to leave the Lions in the last few weeks, following Daryn Cresswell's decision to return to Melbourne. Blakey's move is particularly interesting because Longmire is one of the frontrunners for the senior coaching job at St Kilda. He had a formal interview with the Saints on Wednesday and it would be his first senior role if he is the successful applicant.
The Article AAP/TheAge/05Oct06
Blakey quits Lions Sportal/05Oct06

Saints interested in Jason Johnson
Essendon premiership pair Jason Johnson and Dean Solomon are destined for new clubs in 2007. Their standoff with the Bombers reached critical levels yesterday when negotiations floundered again, just three days before the start of trade week . . . The club remains steadfast on one-year deals only. St Kilda and Melbourne have zeroed in on All-Australian Johnson, while Fremantle is trying to entice Solomon to Perth. Some senior Saints players were made aware of the club's interest in Johnson at Tuesday's best-and-fairest count and gave it the thumbs-up.
Solomon and Johnson consider trade offersThe Article Mark Robinson/HeraldSun/06Oct06

Tarrant trade puts Spida move on hold
Sydney's bid to recruit Hawthorn ruckman Peter Everitt is likely to be put on hold until the official trading period next week as they monitor the availability of Collingwood forward Chris Tarrant. Having gained the blessing of their leadership group, Swans officials have held informal discussions to determine what the Hawks will demand in exchange for the 32-year-old ruckman. However, with Tarrant signalling his willingness to leave Collingwood to go to one of a handful of clubs including Sydney, the Swans do not want to make any trade moves that could compromise their ability to recruit the talented Magpies forward.
The Article Richard Hinds/SydneyMorningHerald/06Oct06

Swans delay Spida swoop, watch Magpie
Sydney's bid to recruit Hawthorn ruckman Peter Everitt is likely to be put on hold until the official trading period next week as it monitors the availability of Collingwood forward Chris Tarrant. Having gained the blessing of the leadership group, Swans coach Paul Roos talked further to Hawthorn officials at the AFL draft camp in Canberra yesterday and 32-year-old Everitt still seems Sydney-bound. But with Tarrant signalling his willingness to leave Collingwood to go to one of a handful of clubs, including Sydney, the Swans are unlikely to make any early trade moves that could compromise their ability to recruit the talented Magpie forward. It is believed Tarrant's first wish is to be traded to West Coast, which is eager to bolster its attack in the hope of creating a premiership-winning dynasty. But with a year of his contract still to run, he also has indicated he would be willing to play for the Swans and some Victorian-based clubs, including Geelong.
The Article Richard Hinds & Jake Niall/TheAge RealFooty/06Oct06
Dockers, West Coast in race for Tarrant Greg Denham/TheAusralian/06Oct06
Hart puts feeler out for move to Lions The Age/TheWestAusralian/05Oct06

Lions defender Mal Michael retires
Triple premiership-winning Brisbane Lions defender Mal Michael has announced his retirement from AFL football. Michael, 29, on Thursday informed Brisbane Lions officials he would not be adding to his 201-game career. "I'm just ready for the next phase of my life," said Michael, who has been pondering his future for some time.
The Article AAP/TheAge/05Oct06
Mal Michael retires Paul Gough/Sportal/saints.com.au/05Oct06
Matthews tight-lipped on Notting McDonald Jason Phelan/Sportal/saints.com.au/05Oct06
Michael ends year-long pain Chip Le Grand/TheAustralian/06Oct06
Lions feel loss of defensive rock ABCSport/06Oct06

Voss retires
Inspirational Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss has announced his retirement from AFL football at a media conference in Brisbane on Friday. Voss told his team-mates at a lunchtime meeting ahead of the Friday night's club championship dinner, which will now serve as an opportunity for the Lions to farewell the 1996 Brownlow medallist, who captained the club to three consecutive premierships between 2001 and 2003. Voss cited ongoing injury concerns, particularly a chronic knee injury, as the key reason behind his decision, however he will remain on the club's senior list next year because of salary cap reasons.
Brett Thornton eyes Hawks Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/06Oct06
The Article Andrew Browne/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/06Oct06

DRAFT CAMP - 'The interview'
. . . Dishing out the questions were the coach, director of football, football manager and recruiting manager. The player interviewed is certain to be drafted and has been touted as a top 20 selection. Although the names of all concerned have not been revealed, it is a fascinating insight into what an AFL prospect is put through by an AFL club. The following is an edited transcript of an interview, which lasted for around 30 minutes that took place on Thursday afternoon. We thank the participants for allowing us access into the session. The Interview . . .
The Article Matt Burgan/saints.com.au/06Oct06
Sellar in the background (Key Glenelg forward James Sellar) Matt Burgan/saints.com.au/06Oct06
Another Krakouer stands out at draft camp ABCSport/06Oct06

Rix looking forward to new season
In his first year at the Saints, Michael Rix enjoyed a great 2006 season and has proved himself as a promising ruckman. After St Kilda bowed out of this year's finals race against Melbourne in the Elimination Final, Rix enjoyed a brief holiday in Thailand. Staying in Koh Samui with a group of players, Rix said the week in Thailand was highly enjoyable. 'The holiday to Thailand was brilliant. We did lots of shopping, relaxed by the pool and beach, and ate a lot of seafood dinners.' More travelling is potentially on the agenda for Rix, who is aiming to visit a friend overseas before training resumes in November. 'I am going to try and visit a friend in America, who is my best mate from school' Rix said.
The Article Vanessa Gigliotti/saints.com.au/05Oct06

Saints' interest in Keating
Brisbane's triple-premiership ruckman Clark Keating is understood to have met St Kilda yesterday in a bid to resurrect his career. The 30-year-old is out of contract with the Lions, who have told him he will not be offered a contract for next year . . . the club has been actively seeking a new ruckman and has already sounded out Hawthorn's out-of-contract Peter Everitt . . . The Saints are also expected to hold discussions with former Eagle Michael Gardiner's manager Ron Joseph, who also acts for Keating, who played only a minor part in Brisbane's 2006 season because of injuries.
The Article Greg Denham/TheAustralian/05Oct06
Crows see past quick fix Zac Milbank, Scott Gullan/WestAustralian/05Oct06
Bid to put Rama on rookie list Stephen Rielly/TheAge RealFooty/05Oct06
Ben Hart may head to Brisbane Ashley Porter/TheAge RealFooty/05Oct06
Notting, McDonald to join Lions exodus Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/05Oct06
Waters to stay out west Zac Milbank/HeraldSun/05Oct06
Cats eyeing midfielders Sportal/05Oct06
Tough choices for Carlton Recruitning Manager Sportal/05Oct06

Goofy ruled out as Saints search for their Superman
. . . The club is finding it almost impossible to provide the media with enough information to sate it yet keep private matters that, for the moment anyway, really are the business of the club and the prospective coach alone. It has employed former club coach Ken Sheldon to do the bulk of the work in assessing likely candidates and arranging preliminary interviews. On Monday he met Fremantle's assistant Mark Harvey. Former champion rover Ross Smith, who coached the club for one year in 1977, is on the selection sub-committee to ensure likely candidates are expert in sport science developments. Archie Fraser, the club chief executive, has a background in sporting excellence as a soccer player. As well, former Carlton premiership coach Robert Walls is there to advise. With this strenuous review panel, Goofy is not going to get the job at Moorabbin. What information president Rod Butterss and others at the club have been willing to share does allow us to draw a fairly accurate profile of the next St Kilda coach.
The Article Patick Smith/TheAustralian/04Oct06

Players Association unveils health program for ex-AFL players
The AFL Players Association has launched a scheme to assist former players with medical costs for treatment of injuries incurred during their careers. The association will fund private health insurance discounts for former players and pay the excess on hospital visits. The scheme will be open to about 7,000 ex-footballers. Four-time premiership coach and former player David Parkin has endorsed the new scheme, saying many players of his era were battling old injuries.
The Article ABCSport/04Oct06
AFLPA's $2m scheme to help past players Michael Gleeson/TheAge RealFooty/05Oct06

Didak arrested
Collingwood star Alan Didak has been arrested outside a Hawthorn nightclub, following an argument with a taxi driver. The incident happened about 1am on Friday morning with the Magpies releasing a statement saying that Didak was only arguing with the driver because he 'insisted on being paid $25.00 for what was a $10.00 trip'.
The Article Sportal/06Oct06
Didak held in custody after night out Jane Holroyd/TheAge RealFooty/06Oct06
Drunk Didak in trouble with the law ABCSport/06Oct06
Didak expected to attend awards night ABCSport/06Oct06
Didak was not drunk: McGuire AAP/TheAge/06Oct06

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