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THE ST KILDA 2007 LIST Expected numbers - but not official Source: saintsational.com 1 Jason GRAM 2 Aaron HAMILL 3 Xavier CLARKE 4 Andrew THOMPSON 5 Fergus WATTS 6 Leigh FISHER 7 Lenny HAYES 8 Max HUDGHTON 9 Fraser GEHRIG 10 Steven BAKER 11 Leigh MONTAGNA 12 Nick RIEWOLDT 13 Brett VOSS 14 Luke BALL 15 Michael GARDINER 16 Raphael CLARKE 17 Aaron FIORA 18 Brendon GODDARD 19 Sam GILBERT 20 David ARMITAGE 21 Matthew FERGUSON 22 Shane BIRSS 23 Justin KOSCHITZKE 24 Barry BROOKS 25 Sam FISHER 26 Nick DAL SANTO 27 Jason BLAKE 28 Matthew CLARKE 29 Michael RIX 30 Brad HOWARD 31 Matt MAGUIRE 32 Andrew McQUALTER 33 James GWILT 34 Phillip RAYMOND 35 Robert HARVEY 36 Jarryd ALLEN 37 Justin SWEENEY 38 Clinton JONES (Rookie) 39 Luke Van RHEENEN (Rookie) 40 Robert EDDY (Rookie) 41 James WALL (Rookie) 42 Jarryn GEARY (Rookie) 43 Jayden ATTARD (Rookie) 44 Stephen MILNE 2007 AFL club lists AFL/saints.com.au/13Dec06 All club's full 2007 list Herald Sun John Beveridge SPORT 927 RADIO

Kicking on where dad left off
St Kilda recruit Brad Howard spent most of his teenage years in Toowoomba, but has retained an affinity for the Saints. His father Peter came from St Kilda's allocated country zone of Ballarat and played one game with the club's under-19s. Howard, 19 on December 21, and fellow draftees David Armitage and Jarryd Allen had their first taste of training at Moorabbin yesterday. For Howard, two years into a commerce degree, a first priority will be to put some bulk on his 181cm and 72kg frame. Coached by former Saint Gary Odgers at Redlands, where he played seven senior games this season, Howard was taken at No. 27 in the national draft because recruiting manager John Beveridge felt he wouldn't last until St Kilda's next pick at 59.
The Article Michael Stevens/HeraldSun/05Dec06
Image source: HeraldSun, Picture: Michael Klein

City Rules in AFL
The recruitment of Toowoomba's Brad Howard to the AFL means Australian Rules on the Darling Downs is no longer the unknown commodity it once was. While the Darling Downs has long been seen as a rugby league region, the emergence of a number of quality youngsters proved Australian Rules was alive and well in the area. Howard, the region's first draftee, is an example to the other youngsters of what can be achieved.
The Article Cameron Leslie/Toowoomba Chronicle/saints.com.au/04Dec06

Michael Voss in, Cometti on board
With Channels 7 and 10 increasingly likely to telecast all eight games each weekend in 2007, the networks are pencilling in their commentary teams. Channel 10 general manager of sport David White yesterday said his network was going ahead with business in the belief that Foxtel would not be involved . . . The channel's biggest recruit for its commentary team is likely to be retired Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss, who will fill the experts' commentary chair vacated by Stephen Silvagni. Voss, who has not yet signed a contract, heads a quality field for the role that includes Wayne Campbell, Alastair Lynch and Jarrod Molloy. And Seven's Melbourne chief executive Ian Johnson yesterday confirmed that Dennis Cometti would join Bruce McAvaney to call Friday night games for the network.
The Article Jon Anderson/HeraldSun/09Dec06

Saints aim for 40,000 members
The Saints are aiming for 40,000 members in 2007 and 20,000 prior to Christmas. With the current membership tally standing at 12,500 the Club's membership target is right on track. We are asking all of our supporters to believe in our future and ourselves, and to get on board the Saints as we enter an exciting year in the Club's history. St Kilda is leading the way in innovations, with the Club's Membership campaign being a strong focus leading into season '07. For the first time ever, the Club has sent out Membership packs in specially designed tins (pictured) to thank all members for your continued support of the Saints over the years. "We believe we have the most loyal Membership base in Australia and the reality is that members are the life-blood of the Club" said General Manager of Membership, Ben Hall . . . Your pre-Xmas Player Calendar begins in the month of March to coincide with the beginning of the AFL season, and will go through until February '08.
The Article saints.com.au/06Dec06

Young Guns to watch in '07
LEIGH FISHER - After missing exactly two years from round nine, 2004 to round eight, 2006 because of constant injuries, the 22-year-old defender showed Saints' fans what they have been missing out once he finally returned to action. In 15 games last year he managed to average 17 touches per game, impressing everyone with his class and composure after so long out of the game. Provided he stays fit he shapes as a major part of new coach Ross Lyon's plans in 2007.
All Clubs Paul Gough/afl.com.au/27Nov06

Media analysts say Nine's run may be over
Seven to step up in 2007
The Nine Network may have won the 2006 ratings year but some industry watchers believe Nine's run may be over. Media analyst Steve Allen says Seven's impressive 2007 line-up will topple Nine next year. "The AFL will get Seven across the line in our view," Mr Allen said. "It is going to be a hard-fought battle, but to us Seven has the upper hand going into the year, no question." Nine, which had fought a close battle with arch-rival Seven Network for most of 2006, won with its share of total viewers for the all important 6pm to midnight slot (excluding Easter and Commonwealth Games) on 28.5 per cent. Seven ended the year with 28.1 per cent, Network Ten on 22.5 per cent, ABC TV on 15.5 per cent and SBS on 5.4 per cent.
The Article BorderMail/04Dec06
Footy tops ratings Anne Calverley/WestAustralian/04Dec06
Ratings round-up Glenn Dyer/crikey.com.au/04Dec06

Two up for grand final coin decision
The full picture of next season's AFL broadcast schedule is finally beginning to take shape, with Channels Seven and Ten set to decide the host of the 2007 grand final as early as today. A series of communications in Sydney this week have set up the tossing of a coin - to take place early today or on Monday - with a Channel Seven executive throwing up the coin and a Channel Ten executive calling heads or tails. In another broadcasting development, Channel Seven has virtually secured the services of Channel Nine's Friday night football caller Dennis Cometti, who will now certainly call the marquee game each week for the Seven Network alongside host Bruce McAvaney.
The Article Caroline Wilson and Geoff McClure/TheAgeRealFooty/08Dec06
Seven to call TV rights bluff Daryl Timms/HeraldSun/08Dec06
Foxtel won't play ball Richard Hinds/SMH/08Dec06

Big game Saints
They say football is a zoo -- and St Kilda is good at dealing with all sorts of wild animals. The Saints have now posed with a menagerie for an exclusive 2007 club calendar, thanks to the RSPCA in Burwood. The calendar is available for free when fans sign for their 2007 memberships (before Christmas). The club is aiming to sign 20,000 members before Christmas and is on target to eclipse last year's record of 32,500. St Kilda may appoint a new captain. One whisper from within the club is that Lenny Hayes is favourite to be named skipper, although the classy defender will not buy into speculation. "No one has spoken to me about it," he said. "At this stage, with a whole new coaching staff, they are just trying to work out everyone's name. But if the opportunity arose, I'd jump at it." Hayes started running on Friday after surgery to repair ligaments torn in round nine last season. "I was like a kid in a lolly shop today," he said after his first gentle stretch out. "It felt great."
The Article Rosanne Michie/HeraldSun/03Dec06

Saints to visit Mornington Peninsula
Footy fans on the Mornington Peninsula will have the opportunity to meet the St Kilda Football Club during their 2007 Telstra AFL Community Camp. The AFL today announced the locations for the 2007 Telstra AFL Community Camps. The Saints will be in and around the Peninsula from Tuesday February 6 to Thursday February 8 and will conduct training sessions, visit schools, nursing homes and hospitals, conduct NAB AFL Auskick clinics and community football forums for local coaches and administrators. AFL General Manager, Game Development, David Matthews, said the camps now traditionally kick off the AFL season.
The Article saints.com.au/01Dec06
Let's go camping Ashley Browne/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/01Dec06

Clarke in sights of two clubs
Delisted Crows ruckman Matthew Clarke says two AFL clubs have approached him about continuing his AFL career for a 15th season next year. But the 248-game veteran, who mutually agreed to cut ties with Adelaide at the end of last season and subsequently retired, says he is still undecided whether to nominate for the AFL pre-season draft. He has until 1.30pm next Friday to lodge his nomination form. "I've had phone calls from a couple of clubs, which is quite amazing, and I've got to make a decision in the not-too-distant future, given that time is running a little bit short," Clarke said. "It's a big call because I didn't think clubs would be chasing a 33-year-old ruckman." Clarke, who has been training at his SANFL club Glenelg for two weeks, said his body felt "good" after being "looked after" by Adelaide for the past three years . . . St Kilda, which wants to replace Carlton-bound Cain Ackland, is leading the chase for Clarke. New Saints coach Ross Lyon is a big fan of Clarke, having played with him at Brisbane. Clarke won the club's best and fairest in 1997.
The Article Andrew Capel/AdelaideAdvertiser/01Dec06

Cousins' arrest followed argument
Ben Cousins' arrest for drunken behaviour in the early hours of Sunday followed a verbal altercation with Victorian police who were trying to move him on at 4.30am. It is understood that the 28-year-old was arrested because of his heated reaction to police. Police sources were quoted yesterday describing Cousins as "absolutely legless", but the officers involved used their discretion to not apply a more serious drunk and disorderly charge . . . Former Eagle Michael Gardiner backed his friend yesterday but denied he was with Cousins when the champion midfielder was arrested. "He is a good friend of mine - that is correct. Ben can look after himself," Gardiner said.
The Article David Reed, Mark Duffield and Ray Wilson/TheAgeRealFooty/04Dec06
Cousins incident bad for AFL: Demetriou AAP/TheAge/06Dec06

Not a Michael Gardiner issue
. . . Former teammate Michael Gardiner yesterday confirmed he met Cousins on the night - but says he was tucked up in bed when the gun midfielder spun out of control. The controversial ruckman, who signed with St Kilda in October, yesterday moved to distance himself from the incident. "I wasn't out there with him. I was at home in bed. I've got my own issues to worry about over here," Gardiner told the Herald Sun. "Of course I caught up with him. We've been good mates for 10 years and he came over for a wedding. I don't know where he is, I don't know where he's gone. He can look after himself."
The Article Sam Edmund/HeraldSun/05Dec06

Collingwood interested in Clarke?
. . . The Magpies had been linked with Bryan, ex-Brisbane ruckman Clark Keating and delisted Essendon youngster Tristan Cartledge. But Clarke, now believed to be weighing up whether to nominate for the pre-season draft, would be an intriguing prospect for both the Pies and St Kilda, which has the advantage of holding a pick before Collingwood on December 12. Despite his age, Clarke is still rated one of the league's premier tap ruckmen.
Collingwood shy over pre-season draft AAP/TheAge/01Dec06

Gardiner not with Cousins
. . . Club director Nick Russian said Cousins had "popped in early" for a drink with mates. "He did come in but then he went off to the casino. He was well in control when he was with us," Mr Russian said. Cousins has many friends in Melbourne, including former teammate Michael Gardiner, who signed with St Kilda in October. Gardiner's flatmate, Mark Edgley, denied reports that the ruckman had been with Cousins, saying Gardiner was too dedicated to his training to go out. Mr Edgley said Cousins had since told him he was upset at what happened and that he had been unfairly treated.
Cousins' night ends in jail Sam Edmund and Anthony Dowsley/HeraldSun/04Dec06
Eagle's wings clipped . . . Dan Oakes and Jake Niall/TheAge/04Dec06
Docker duo cleared by club Sportal/04Dec06

Big game Saints
They say football is a zoo -- and St Kilda is good at dealing with all sorts of wild animals. The Saints have now posed with a menagerie for an exclusive 2007 club calendar, thanks to the RSPCA in Burwood. The calendar is available for free when fans sign for their 2007 memberships (before Christmas). The club is aiming to sign 20,000 members before Christmas and is on target to eclipse last year's record of 32,500. St Kilda may appoint a new captain. One whisper from within the club is that Lenny Hayes is favourite to be named skipper, although the classy defender will not buy into speculation. "No one has spoken to me about it," he said. "At this stage, with a whole new coaching staff, they are just trying to work out everyone's name. But if the opportunity arose, I'd jump at it." Hayes started running on Friday after surgery to repair ligaments torn in round nine last season. "I was like a kid in a lolly shop today," he said after his first gentle stretch out. "It felt great."
The Article Rosanne Michie/HeraldSun/03Dec06

GPS helping with footballer's injuries
Ground-breaking Australian research using miniaturised global positioning system (GPS) technology is helping to find ways of cutting injury rates among elite footballers. GPS devices strapped to players' backs have shown they move faster than their predecessors did decades ago, researchers say. And the size of the players had also increased in the same period, Professor Kevin Norton of sports educational institution Sports Knowledge Australia (SKA) said. This made player injuries all the more severe, particularly after collisions, leading to worsening health problems in later life, he said.
The Article AAP/TheAge/04Dec06
Former St Kilda Board Member faces dishonesty charges Business/TheAge/04Dec06
McGuane co-hosts Sport 927 breakfast program thoroughbrednews.co.nz/29Nov06
Mifsud: Pups come West David Chapman/WarrnamboolStandard/05Dec06

Teens to tour S Africa if Ireland scrapped
The Australian Institute of Sport-AFL Academy will tour South Africa next year should the annual youth series against Ireland be scrapped with the senior version. The country's best under-17 players would travel for two weeks at Easter under the emergency plans, which will kick in should Ireland's Gaelic Athletic Association choose to sever ties with the AFL after a meeting this weekend. The AFL has devised the contingency plan to satisfy the AIS, which has helped fund the academy program for its 10 years, on the proviso that it includes an element of international competition.
The Article Emma Quayle/TheAgeRealFooty/08Dec06

Rookie revamp rejected
The AFL and its senior coaches have fallen out over the league's refusal to amend the rules relating to the rookie draft next Monday, which John Worsfold and Terry Wallace say will end the careers of at least two footballers. The AFL Coaches Association has failed in its last-minute bid to make footballers who are over 23 and have previously been on AFL rookie lists or senior lists available for next Monday's rookie draft. Worsfold and Wallace learned on Monday night that, despite the endorsement of AFL Players' Association chief executive Brendon Gale, their respective bids to draft Brad Smith and James Podsiadly had failed.
The Article Caroline Wilson/TheAgeRealFooty/07Dec06

AFL makes Gold Coast pledge
The AFL will pump $30 million over the next five years into laying a strong foundation for the development of the game on the Gold Coast. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, Kangaroos chairman Graham Duff, senior coach Dean Laidley and half-a-dozen high profile players spent Wednesday meeting corporate and media representatives on the Gold Coast to detail their respective commitments to the region. While the Kangaroos have committed to play 10 premiership matches over the next three years on the tourist strip, Demetriou make it abundantly clear that the AFL was determined to grow the game at all levels for the long term.
The Article Ron McDonald/AFL/saints.com.au/06Dec06
$30m for Gold Coast development Chris Bassani/HeraldSun/07Dec06

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