Swans' bid for Spida now a web of intrigue as rivals join hunt
. . . There was immediate speculation that Everitt's former club St Kilda had offered their second-round pick (No.27) to regain his services, although the Swans left the talks sceptical about whether the Hawks were trying to improve the deal by using the spectre of a second bidder. But Hawks recruiting manager Chris Pelchen was adamant there was a firm offer on the table. "I can categorically say we have had an offer of a second-round pick from another club, but we have promised that club to respect their confidentiality," he said . . . Swans coach Paul Roos, clearly frustrated by yesterday's stalled negotiations, said it was now likely the out-of-contract Everitt would take his chances in the pre-season draft . . . Meanwhile, with Swans assistants John Longmire and Ross Lyon still in contention for the vacant St Kilda coaching position, Sydney will lose at least one assistant coach next season with Peter Jonas to move to the Adelaide Crows. A South Australian, Jonas is leaving the Swans after four years partly for personal reasons . . . With former Brisbane assistant John Blakey joining the club last week, the Swans already have a replacement for Jonas. They should know within a week if they will need to replace Longmire or Lyon.
The Article Richard Hinds/SydneyMorningHerald/10Oct06
Swans not giving up on recruiting Spida ABCSport/09Oct06
Pies won't let Tarrant go cheaply ABCSport/10Oct06
Blues at risk of losing more young talent
Less than a week after full-back Bret Thornton walked out on Carlton, the prospect of losing a second young talent has emerged. Jordan Russell, Carlton's 19-year-old first-round pick in the 2004 national draft, is understood to be keen to return to his home state of South Australia, and while he has not formally severed ties with the Blues as Thornton did last week, he is keen to pursue interest from Port Adelaide. Russell played 10 games this season for a two-year total of 11 . . . St Kilda will not give up its second-round pick for Peter Everitt but confirmed interest in Bomber Jason Johnson, while indicating Stephen Milne was up for trade . . . Bulldog Shane Birss may be traded, with St Kilda believed to be interested.
The Article Stephen Rielly and Jake Niall/TheAge RealFooty/10Oct06
Cats identify trade bait Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/10Oct06
No yap from new Bulldog as the mouth heads south
Oddly for an event involving Jason Akermanis, it was done quietly and without fuss. The Bulldogs will hope it is a sign of things to come. Just minutes before the AFL trade period got under way the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions ventured forth to jointly announce an in-principle deal had been struck to deliver the triple premiership player to the Whitten Oval. The trade, the finer details of which are still to be finalised, will not involve an exchange of players and will include one Bulldogs' draft pick - a guarantee from the Dogs that at a minimum they will give up their second-round draft selection.
The Article Michael Gleeson and Stephen Rielly/TheAge RealFooty/10Oct06
Aka Deal: $800,000 (2 yr) for second round draft pick
. . . The details of the deal have yet to be finalised, but it is believed the 2001 Brownlow medallist will spend the next two years at the Bulldogs on a deal worth close to $800,000. In return Brisbane will get a second-round draft pick, possibly pick 29, and will not be required to contribute to Akermanis's salary.
Hasty end at Lions Andrew Hamilton/TheCourierMail/10Oct06
Bulldogs to gag Akermanis outbursts AAP/SydneyMorningHerald/10Oct06
Trading - Day 1. SEN's Matt Thompson through a live report at the end of trading today said that there has been a hiccup on the Sydney - Everitt deal as there is another club that has made a much better offer. Apparently Hawthorn would not say who the other club is but it was speculated that the club may have been St Kilda. This report was followed by an unconfirmed report on SEN that suggested St Kilda offered Hawthorn pick number 27 for 'Spider'. Many Saints supporters phoned in bagging the St Kilda Football Club for offering a second round pick. It was then reported on SEN that Ken Sheldon from the St Kilda Football club then contacted them and informed them that they have not offered pick number 27 for Peter Everitt and that the Saints are very interested in Jason Johnson. An AAP/TheAge report in the early evening suggests there may be more to the Everitt story which will probably unfold in the next few days, and if not, 'Spider' may end up in the draft. A thread on saintsational.com relating to the apparent inconsistancies is worth reading. Other news is that Carlton has apparently informed Hawthorn that Brett Thornton is a required player and they didn't want to trade. It was announced at the beginning of trading that the Aka deal is done but there had been no confirmation of the deal details, later Rodney Eade said that the deal was Aka for a draft "pick" or "pick's". He would not disclose any more details but said that the deal was all but done. Ed.
First-day honours to Aker
Everyone talks of landing a big fish when only minnows are available and nothing moves until the Friday trade deadline looms. This year however, things began very differently. Before one club had officially met another to start trade talks in earnest, Brisbane football manager Graeme Allan walked up to the TV cameras and announced the first deal had been done. Akermanis to the Western Bulldogs for a second-round pick. As easy as that . . . At age 29, he has had a relatively injury-free career, convincing the Bulldogs to offer him a three-year contract. The only question surrounding Akermanis's trade value was how well he would fit into the culture of another club. Eade and Akermanis predicted there would be few teething problems, with Akermanis promising a reduced public profile from his contentious, lead role in Brisbane.
The Article Chip Le Grand/TheAustralian/10Oct06
Question for Saints supporters
Would you rather a tilt at the flag in the next two years, or ten years in the finals . . . my answer is: Ten years in the finals . . . the more you play in the finals the more chance you have of winning . . . if you gamble and top up, and you miss out, then it's back to the bottom to rebuild . . . there are no guarantees of flags, all you can do is keep drafting the best talant and hopefully everything falls into place . . . injuries etc . . . GT said to me in the pre-season of 04, if you keep topping up at the bottom, the top will take care of itself . . . he is right . . . IMO - Ken Sheldon is making deals with the devil, to make a name for himself, he is NOT going to be coach, but wants to be the man to deliver, so he is makin gthe most of his role....if he fails, oh well...if he succeeds he is a legend....he wants to be a legend me thinks, and doesn't care about the consequences in order to do so . . . he stuffed up in the 90's doing the same . . . If he trades the first 3 picks in this draft, he will effectively begin the end for st.kilda . . . dramatic, maybe, but IMO true . . . remember we hav not had a top ten pick since 03 (the only club not to)
The Post and Thread 'st.mart' saintsational.com
DAY 1 'A summary of the days rumours'
• The Saints are chasing Nick Stevens and Jason Johnson very hard.The obvious link is that Matty Ferguson would be involved in the JJ deal and maybe some draft picks would change hands. There's talk that pick #9 is what is being offered for Nick Stevens. There's talk that the Saints have announced pick #9 as off limits
• Somebody has offered Hawthorn a better deal than Sydney . . . pbly us (if true). Was reported that we offered them pick 27 on its own . . . denied. Was reported that we'vew offered them Rix and a pick (that i don't remember)
• Beau McDonald or Michael Gradiner have been linked to us for a late pick
• Andrew McDougal linked to us but more strongly to the bulldogs
• No talk of us getting Croad, Whitnal, Fevola or Black; first time for a long time
The Post & Thread - 'skeptic' saintsational.com
Pick 27 for Spida - 'saintsRrising' et al/saintsational.com
What number will we give nick stevens? 'philip' et al/saintsational.com
Which player would you be prepared to see traded? 'Riewoldting' et al/saintsational.com
Dees cool on Johnson
Melbourne recruiting and list general manager Craig Cameron says the club won't be enticing dual Essendon best-and-fairest winner Jason Johnson to the Demons during this year's trade period. Speculation had mounted that Johnson could join the Demons via this week's exchange period, but Cameron said Melbourne was not looking to recruit the ball-winner on the opening day of the trade week at Telstra Dome on Monday.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/09Oct06
Blues refuse to budge
Carlton and Hawthorn are headed for a stand-off over Bret Thornton with the Blues' refusing to listen to any offers from the Hawks for their key defender. Thornton, the Blues' best defender in recent seasons, has already informed the club that he wants out and that he wants a move to Hawthorn. However as AFL trade week got underway on Monday, the Blues were adamant that the 22-year-old wasn't going anywhere.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/09Oct06
Spida and Tarrant figure heavily in trade talks ABCSport/09Oct06
Everitt could gamble on AFL draft
. . . Hawthorn has demanded an early second-round pick - or a combination of players and picks of equivalent value - in exchange for Everitt, with the Swans, his preferred suitor, so far offering only their third-round selection. St Kilda offered a second-round selection for his services, which Hawks player personnel manager Chris Pelchen said the club was seriously considering. "It's certainly more attractive than what Sydney have put to us," he said. But Everitt would need to agree to the move, which seems unlikely, with his manager Ricky Nixon criticising the Hawks' stance. "Hawthorn just have to remember that it's a two-way deal, a trade, and Peter has to agree," Nixon said. "I've been in the business for 15 years and the moves Hawthorn are making at the moment do not rub with me. They are big and bold statements they're making on the first day of trading, there's a long way to go before Friday." Sydney has refused to match the Saints' offer, with coach Paul Roos saying the draft now seemed a better route. "Given (Hawthorn) don't seem too keen to deal with us we'll deal with Spida's management and it looks like we'll go through the draft," Roos said. "All we can say is Spida wants to come to Sydney, he's happy to go through the pre-season draft, at least that's what he's telling us."
The Article AAP/TheAge/09Oct06
Hawks trade tampering? - 'Otiman' et al/saintsational.com
Swans and Hawks in battle over Everitt
Sydney coach Paul Roos says the Swans will have to look at acquiring Hawthorn ruckman Peter Everitt through the pre-season draft, after negotiations with the Hawks hit a standstill on Monday. The Hawks say they've received an offer of an early second round draft pick for Everitt from another club, who they've refused to identify. The Swans say they're unwilling to match or better that offer, causing negotiations between them and the Hawks to break down.
The Article AAP/TheAge/09Oct06
Swans not giving up on recruiting Spida ABCSport/09Oct06
Spida stalemate Sportal/09Oct06
Pies look for right deal
Collingwood chief executive Greg Swann insists star forward Chris Tarrant will only be leaving the Magpies if a rival club can come up with a deal worthy of securing an All-Australian player. While Swann said the Magpies will consider trading the high-profile Tarrant, he says equally the club would have no concerns with keeping a player who is still under contract if no club can come up with a suitable deal by Friday.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/09Oct06
Dockers eye off Tarrant AAP/TheAge RealFooty/09Oct06
The Age - retraction: Former Richmond captain Wayne Campbell is one of several candidates for the position of development coach with the Western Bulldogs but is the only candidate to date to have spoken to senior coach Rodney Eade, not the only candidate, as reported in yesterday's Age. The error was made in production.
Polak of interest (to Richmond +)
Richmond has signalled its interest in Fremantle key position player Graham Polak on the opening day of the AFL's trade week but the Tigers will not be giving up an early round draft pick to secure the versatile 22-year-old. Polak, who can play both as a key defender and a key forward, has played 73 games since debuting in 2002 but struggled to break into the much-improved Dockers' line-up this year when he managed just 11 games and only one after round 13 when the club's winning streak began. Fremantle player list manager Steven Icke said several clubs had inquired about Polak's availability on Monday.
The Article Paul Gough/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/09Oct06
Aker already traded
The AFL's official trading period started with a bang on Monday with disgruntled Lion Jason Akermanis granted his wish to be traded to the Western Bulldogs. With trade week set to start at 10:30 on Brisbane football manager Graeme Allan and Bulldogs' recruiting manager Scott Clayton approached AFL officials at 10:14 to notify them of the trade.
The Article Jason Phelan/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/09Oct06
Aka gets his move ABCSport/09Oct06
Trade week opens with Akermanis deal AAP/TheAustralian/09Oct06
Dockers confirm interest in Tarrant AAP/TheAge/09Oct06
Hawks confident on Thornton Matt Burgan/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/09Oct06
Clubs chase ruckmen
Premiership ruckman Clark Keating's dreams of extending his AFL career continue to flicker with Hawthorn, St Kilda and Essendon all in the market for proven ruckmen. Keating has been linked with St Kilda, where former coach Grant Thomas's disregard for the importance of quality ruckmen was seen as one of the factors behind the Saints decision to sack him. But with Hawk Peter Everitt's decision not to accept a one-year deal to remain at Glenferrie Oval, Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson is also considering the need for a back-up to young gun Robert Campbell. Everitt appears destined for Sydney . . . For young sides like Essendon and the Hawks, or a talent-laden Saints outfit that has repeatedly failed to take its seasons the next step to a grand final, Keating possesses one key quality - abundant big-game experience.
The Article Andrew Hamilton/CourierMail/09Oct06
Tarrant interested only in Perth clubs
. . . Tarrant, Jason Akermanis, Peter Everitt, Graham Polak and Jason Johnson will be the biggest names seeking new football homes this week, with the AFL exchange period opening this morning . . . Polak, the No. 4 pick in the 2001 "super draft" will seek to leave Fremantle after a disappointing season, and may be headed to Richmond. Sydney is prepared to let Everitt slip through trade week, confident it is the only club prepared to meet the big Hawk's terms should he enter the pre-season draft . . . Polak met Dockers coach Chris Connolly on Saturday and is understood to have since told the club he wants to be traded . . . Akermanis's passage to Whitten Oval may involve the Bulldogs sending Sam Power to Collingwood, which would pass a draft pick to the Lions. Johnson has attracted interest from St Kilda and Melbourne after rejecting a one-year contract from Essendon.
The Article Damian Barrett/HeraldSun/09Oct06
Tarrant interested only in Perth clubs
. . . Tarrant, Jason Akermanis, Peter Everitt, Graham Polak and Jason Johnson will be the biggest names seeking new football homes this week, with the AFL exchange period opening this morning . . . Polak, the No. 4 pick in the 2001 "super draft" will seek to leave Fremantle after a disappointing season, and may be headed to Richmond. Sydney is prepared to let Everitt slip through trade week, confident it is the only club prepared to meet the big Hawk's terms should he enter the pre-season draft . . . Polak met Dockers coach Chris Connolly on Saturday and is understood to have since told the club he wants to be traded . . . Akermanis's passage to Whitten Oval may involve the Bulldogs sending Sam Power to Collingwood, which would pass a draft pick to the Lions. Johnson has attracted interest from St Kilda and Melbourne after rejecting a one-year contract from Essendon.
The Article Damian Barrett/HeraldSun/09Oct06
Bulldogs in chase for big Eagle
The Western Bulldogs' search for anyone over 190cm to play in the forward line has homed in on forgotten Eagle Andrew McDougall. Trade hopeful: Forgotten Eagle Andrew McDougall could find himself with the Western Bulldogs next season. Desperate for size to help Brad Johnson in the goalsquare, the Dogs have made a play for the 197cm McDougall, who has told West Coast he wants to be traded to the Whitten Oval . . . The Bulldogs have also spoken to former Richmond defender Ashley Prescott, who has coached Claremont in the WAFL for three years, about returning to Melbourne to take up a player development role at Whitten Oval.
The Article Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/09Oct06
Everitt and Akermanis head trading frenzy
Peter Everitt, Jason Akermanis and Chris Tarrant lead the list of star players who are expected this week to don new guernseys. Hawthorn ruckman Everitt is seemingly headed to Sydney in a bid to snare a premiership in the final years of his career, while Akermanis wants to join the Western Bulldogs . . . While the deals for Everitt, Akermanis, Tarrant and Thornton will be the biggest focus of the next few days, numerous other names have been floated as potential trade options. Essendon premiership players Jason Johnson and Dean Solomon are both unhappy with contract offers from the Bombers and a switch of clubs is a strong possibility. Several other Brisbane players could join Akermanis in leaving the Lions because of salary cap problems. Leading the list is full-forward Daniel Bradshaw, who will attract strong interest should he decide his future is elsewhere. Robert Copeland, Tim Notting, Ashley McGrath and Beau McDonald are other Lions said to be considering moves.
The Article AAP/SydneyMorningHerald/09Oct06
Adelaide and Port Adelaide Draft Targets Chris McDermott and Jesper Fjeldstad/AdelaideAdvertiser/09Oct06
Revival of a bad boy
The Sydney Swans are confident they can revive the career of bad boy Peter Everitt in the same way Tony Lockett and Barry Hall have been huge successes for the club. Everitt has fallen out with two AFL clubs, sued one and has a lengthy list of "prior offences" on and off the field. If the Swans get their way in AFL trade week starting tomorrow, the 32-year-old Hawthorn ruckman will finish his colourful career in Sydney. Some critics see the pursuit of Everitt as breaking the club's "no dickheads policy", but coach Paul Roos has done his own background checks and is confident Spida will be a great buy.
The Article Tim Morrissey/SundayTelegraph/08Oct06
Swans confident of taming Spida Tim Morrissey/FoxSports/08Oct06
AFL appoints a trade mediator
. . . The AFL and players association have appointed a trade mediator, Jack Rush QC, whom they hope will facilitate negotiations that threaten to delay key trades. Association operations manager Matt Finnis said yesterday the association hoped players' wishes would be respected in the often-heated five-day trade period. "A player is required to consent to a trade," he said. "We are always concerned that players are treated fairly by clubs, and when a player expresses a desire to get to a new club, that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure a fair and equitable trade. We would hope the emotion of any particular trade is put at the door, and that a trade can be looked at objectively . . . with a view to achieving a reasonable result for all parties."
Aker faces hard-ball tactics Matt Finnis/FoxSports/08Oct06
Steady as she goes for Swans - re Everitt Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/09Oct06
Tarrant package deal for Dockers Greg Denham/TheAustralian/09Oct06
Goals required, so Cats make Bradshaw bid Stephen Rielly/TheAge RealFooty/08Oct06
Managers, clubs, players ready for business
Jilted clubs, crestfallen players, fax machine delays endlessly scrutinised - welcome to the AFL's annual week of pain. Sixteen clubs will embark upon five days of furious horse-trading at Telstra Dome tomorrow, as one key player says, "trying to sell their houses for $100,000 more than they are worth". In the centre of the action will be the player managers, thrust to the forefront after a year of quietly working behind the scenes for the benefit of their clients.
The Article Sunday Herald Sun/FoxSports/08Oct06
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
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
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
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
Bret Thornton tug of war Jim Wilson/HeraldSun/07Oct06
West warns Aka: Lift your game
Western Bulldogs veteran Scott West has issued a blunt warning to Jason Akermanis to keep his mouth shut if he wants to be drafted by the club. Akermanis had a falling-out with the Brisbane Lions over several media comments this year and has asked to be traded to the Bulldogs. But West, who finished second in this year's Brownlow medal count, has not been impressed by the midfielder's comments in recent weeks and says that sort of behaviour will not be tolerated by the club. "If he wants to make a fresh start with us, we're certainly excited about that opportunity," he said.
The Article ABCSport/01Oct06
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
Everitt's web of intrigue to unravel
The playing future of Peter Everitt could be known as early as today after Sydney's senior football department officials last night met to consider a range of possible trades proposed by Hawthorn in exchange for the 32-year-old ruckman. The two clubs yesterday opened negotiations over Everitt at the AFL draft camp in Canberra and the parties are expected to meet again today in a bid to reach in-principle agreement on one of the biggest deals of next week's trade period . . . Another option for Everitt next season is St Kilda, which is seeking to rebuild its ruck division following the departure of senior coach Grant Thomas.
The Article Chip Le Grand/TheAustralian/05Oct06
TAC Cup: Chargers primed for Draft
The AFL draft door has been left ajar for three of Saturday's best players in Oakleigh's come-from-behind TAC Cup grand final win at the MCG. Chargers trio Nathan Batsanis, Dean Kelly and ruckman Todd Goldstein have been invited to a state screening next Saturday. All three, who starred in the 27-point win against Calder Cannons, were overlooked for the AFL's national draft camp to be held at the AIS in Canberra. Of those tested in state screenings last year, 10 went on to be drafted, including Melbourne tagger Clint Bartram, taken at No. 53, who played all 22 home-and-away games for the Demons. The AFL will test another 120 draft hopefuls around Australia in state screenings.
The Article David Hastie/HeraldSun/02Oct06
TAC Cup: Chargers triumph David Hastie/HeraldSun/01Oct06
Skipper's haul leads Oakleigh to first flag Emma Quayle/TheAge RealFooty/01Oct06
Judd first part of plan; Eagles Reruiting
West Coast recruiting manager Trevor Woodhouse has revealed that the Eagles set a definitive plan to rebuild the club's list from the 2001 AFL Draft, which has since proved to be the catalyst in the club claiming its third AFL premiership. Woodhouse, who has been instrumental in putting much of West Coast's list together since taking on the main gig in 2001, said the club had a genuine aim back in the now famous 'Chris Judd draft' to rebuild the list from that point. And on the superstar - Woodhouse selected Judd with his first pick as the head recruiter - he laughed when he said it "it wasn't too hard" to select him.
The Article Matt Burgan/Sportal/AFL/saints.com.au/02Oct06
Biglands blow; Adelaide Recruiting
Michelangelo Rucci/AdealideAdvertiser/02Oct06
Talls the key for Adelaide
Tall, key-position players will be Adelaide's priority in the NAB AFL Draft on November 25 . . . "If you look at our list at the moment - Trent Hentschel and Rhett Biglands with the knee injuries and the loss of a Fergus Watts, who we had earmarked as a key-position forward for us - we need to, as a priority, look at that type of player," (said Neil Craig) . . . "What I won't allow to happen in our football club is people not being able to prepare to perform. You've got to be able to do the work."
The Article Sportal/30Sep06
Jason Akermanis asked to stifle bark
It's understood Akermanis's comments on The Footy Show on Thursday night, when he again taunted the Brisbane Lions, infuriated the Bulldogs. The outspoken Brownlow medallist could not be contacted last night amid claims the Dogs had gone lukewarm on luring him to Whitten Oval. Bulldogs champion Scott West told ABC radio yesterday that he was taken aback by the Akermanis comments on Thursday night.
The Article Jim Wilson/HeraldSun/02Oct06
Bulldogs see red over Akermanis outburst Michael Gleeson/TheAge RealFooty/02Oct06
West warns Aka: Lift your game ABCSport/01Oct06
A tall order, but Crows are covered
Adelaide coach Neil Craig will seek out errant West Coast ruckman Michael Gardiner and displaced Hawthorn ruckman Peter Everitt. But he concedes it is "unlikely" either will be at West Lakes next season. First, trading for either Gardiner or Everitt will challenge his football department to strike a deal when it has limited bait to offer at trade week starting on Monday week. Second, seeking out a mature recruit contradicts Craig's long-stated policy to develop youth at West Lakes.
The Article Michelangelo Russi/Adealide Advertiser/29Sep06
Bradshaw awaits upgrade
The Lions' ability to retain important utility Daniel Bradshaw will hinge on two meetings next week that will also determine the playing futures of skipper Michael Voss and premiership defender Mal Michael. Bradshaw is in demand and the Lions will not be able to keep him unless they can offer him more money. Voss has met Carlton and St Kilda about assistant coaching roles and will announce his decision next Friday on whether he will play on or take up an offer. Michael had hoped to have the discussion that would finalise his future yesterday, but with Lions coach Leigh Matthews in Melbourne for the grand final it will now take place early next week.
The Article Andrew Hamilton/CourierMail/29Sep06
Saints trade without coach
St Kilda may not have a coach during the critical October trade period, with the club determined to find the right candidate rather than rush its decision . . . Sydney assistant John Longmire is one of the leading candidates to replace Grant Thomas and he would not have been able to meet with the sub-committee until after the Grand Final. Assistant coaches, including Collingwood's Guy McKenna, St Kilda's Matt Rendell, Brisbane Lions' John Blakey and the Bulldogs' Chris Bond, are expected to be in the first batch of interviews.
The Article Jon Ralpah & Jon Pierik/HeraldSun/24Sep06
Adelaide consider Gardener or Everett
Adelaide will examine all avenues to replace injured lead ruckman Rhett Biglands, including a play for West Coast wild child Michael Gardiner or Hawthorn's Peter Everitt. Gardiner is suddenly on the Crows' radar after a second devastating blow to their 2007 premiership chances, while Everitt is available after severing ties with the Hawks. It was yesterday learnt Biglands would miss all of next season with a knee injury, joining key forward Trent Hentschel on the long-term injury list. A specialist confirmed Biglands, 29, had snapped the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee when he fell over team-mate Nathan van Berlo in the second quarter of Saturday's preliminary final loss to West Coast at AAMI Stadium.
The Article Andrew Capel/AdelaideAdvertiser/28Sep06
Deal may see Johnson exit Dons' hangar
Two-time Essendon best-and-fairest winner Jason Johnson could walk away from Windy Hill if his dispute with the Bombers is not resolved. Melbourne yesterday emerged as his potential new club after the Demons indicated their willingness to discuss the future of the 28-year-old midfielder . . . Meanwhile, Carlton is confident of retaining its required players, including Brad Fisher and Bret Thornton, who are both out of contract . . . Richmond confirmed its interest in Fremantle key-position player Graham Polak, but football director Greg Miller said the Tigers would not start to lobby for a trade until he had spoken to Polak, which he said was likely to happen within a week . . . Adelaide will start 2007 with a completely new ruck division than the one it finished with in 2006.
The Article Greg Denham/TheAustralian/28Sep06
Thornton may leave Blues for Hawthorn
Carlton full-back Bret Thornton might have played his last game for the Blues, with the 22-year-old understood to have privately indicated that he is prepared to move to Hawthorn. Thornton flew out of Melbourne on Tuesday, destined for Thailand with a group of Carlton teammates, but did so after leaving behind a power of attorney with his manager, Anthony McConville, and an impression with several people close to him that a switch is more likely than not . . . The AFL Commission voted on Monday to reject Carlton's request for the reinstatement of the 2002 priority pick that was taken from the club as part of its penalty for systematic salary cap breaches during the 1990s. The commission also learnt of the conclusions former St Kilda chief executive Jim Watts reached after his league-sanctioned investigation of Carlton's operations.
The Article Stephen Rielly/TheAge RealFooty/28Sep06
Moody to go west
Brisbane looks set to lose another young gun back to Western Australia with Matthew Moody's management team telling the Lions they only want a one-year deal that would free him up for a return to Fremantle in 2008. And the club's hope that triple premiership defender Mal Michael would play on next season also appears futile. Michael is to meet coach Leigh Matthews today, but unless a massive compromise is reached that would allow him to reduce his training regime, he is likely to make the decision to end his career immediately.
The Article Andrew Hamilton/CorierMail/28Sep06
Mal Michael set to quit Andrew Hamilton and Jim Wilson/FoxFooty/28Sep06
GO BACK TO PREVIOUS PAGE
|
|
Access to all Archives through Drop-down Menu below
John Beveridge - St Kilda Recruiting Manager - Archive image