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Crawf's feel good stories of 2013

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 31 Agustus 2013 | 20.47

Inspiration ... Majak Daw made a huge impact in just six games. Source: Mark Dadswell / Getty Images

Hands up if you are sick of negative AFL stories. Well, there have been plenty of reasons to watch the footy and forget the controversies. Here are Crawf's 10 feel-good stories of 2013.

MARK BLICAVS
THIS former steeplechaser has gone from chasing gold medals to potentially getting an AFL premiership medal in four weeks' time.
It wasn't long ago he was aiming to qualify for the London Olympics.
Blicavs' transformation into an AFL player in a team with a strong chance of winning the flag is a classic story of persistence, hard work and having the courage to chase new dreams. It is also a massive tick to the Geelong coaching/development program.

SAM ROWE
SAM Rowe has achieved so much over the past 12 months that it is a shame he hasn't got the recognition he should have.
The most important thing was overcoming testicular cancer. But he wasn't just content with that. He was able to get himself fit enough to compete at AFL level and proved he has a real future in the game.
Coming off a year in which he was fighting for his life, he played 10 games for Carlton, won a new one-year contract and provided a real example of what can achieved if you want it.

THE IRISH
WE thought the Irish connection might have been starting to wane, but the performances of Pearce Hanley and Zach Tuohy have shown otherwise.
Hanley was third in the Lions' best-and-fairest last year, but has taken his game to a new level this season. He is just about the club's most important player and has been rewarded with a five-year deal.
He and Carlton's Tuohy, who was shown massive improvement this season, are among the best Irish kicks to play our great game.
Reckon this year's International Rules tour to Ireland might double as a recruiting expedition.

RICHMOND TIGERS
IT'S been 12 years, but Richmond supporters will finally taste some finals action next weekend and they deserve to.
Tigers fans - I used to be one of them - have stuck with the club through more than 30 years without a premiership and with limited finals appearances since that 1980 flag.
It's a credit to them, and a credit to the club that they stuck with Damien Hardwick through a tough early period of his coaching.

JARRYD ROUGHEAD
"ROUGHY" used to Robin to "Buddy" Franklin's Batman. This year the roles have been reversed.
At the start of last season there was a big question mark on Jarryd Roughead's career as he was aiming to come back from a serious achilles tendon injury.
He came back strongly last year, and has been outstanding this season. There has been no better forward, but he has performed just as well when thrown in the middle.

PORT POWER
TAKE a bow, Port Adelaide. What you have collectively achieved on and off the field has been amazing.
David Koch has taken care of the off-field and made the club vibrant and relevant again.
Some people laughed when he was announced as chairman; no one's laughing now.
Ken Hinkley has taken care of the on-field. The man who had missed out a number of senior coaching jobs took on the role supposedly no one wanted - and he is almost coach of the year. And Chad Wingard might haunt GWS forever. How did they pass over him with their first five picks in the 2011 draft?

TOM LIBERATORE
TOM Liberatore's career was in the balance this time last year after an off-field misdemeanor brought about a premature end to his 2012 season. But the Bulldog has redeemed himself. Libba has done this with hard work, dedication and a fierce attack on the ball, which has turned him into one of the best clearance kings in the AFL.
Footy can be a forgiving sport, so long as you learn from your mistakes.

JEREMY CAMERON
JEREMY Cameron is not just going to be a superstar; he already is.
I'm not sure there is anyone I have enjoyed watching more this season than the Greater Western Sydney forward.
What he has done in a team that has won only one game - and been non-competitive for much of the year - has been incredible.
Just imagine what he can do when he gets a bit of help.

FREMANTLE DOCKERS
FORGET about where they might play the first final, Fremantle is a serious flag contender.
It wasn't all that long ago the Dockers were considered somewhat of a joke. That has all changed, and Ross Lyon has played a big role in making it happen.
In the past three weeks we have seen that they can score heavily, which will concern more than a few clubs in the finals.

MAJAK DAW
WE didn't get to see a lot of Majak Daw this season, but what we did see, we really enjoyed.
Daw's story as the first Sudanese-born man to play AFL football is truly inspirational and hopefully it will pave a path for more African-Australians to start playing football.
In the first 20 minutes of Daw's first game he took a spectacular mark, kicked a goal and was concussed.
In the end, he played only six games, but Daw made a big impression whenever he was out there, particularly in his six-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs in Round 7. Troubles with his knee ended his season early, but hopefully we will see him back better than ever next year.


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Manly give Storm reality check

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WHAT is it about the Manly Sea Eagles and September?

6

Tries

2

David Williams 2' Sisa Waqa 39'
Brett Stewart 9' Justin O'Neill 67'
David Williams 25'
David Williams 28'
Brett Stewart 64'
Daly Cherry-Evans 74'

1

Conversions

0

Jamie Lyon 10'

1

Penalties

0

Jamie Lyon 13'

Up until Saturday night, the Northern Beaches outfit had failed to claim a top four scalp this year. The Sydney Roosters, South Sydney and even Melbourne had managed to hold their nerve this season against the Sea Eagles. 

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It led to some critics questioning this mighty club's capabilities and just what impact, if any, they would have on this year's finals series. 

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Not anymore. 

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In scenes reminiscent of their 40-0 nil 2008 grand final win over arch-rivals Melbourne, the Sea Eagles produced their greatest first half performance this season to blow the Storm off the park and shatter Craig Bellamy's side's belief in their own title hopes.

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On a night to remember in front of 17,179 fans at fortress Brookvale Oval, Manly winger David Williams bagged a hat-trick of tries while fullback Brett Stewart notched up a double.

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With Craig Bellamy questioning his player's resolve at halftme, Melbourne showed some early intentions to stop the bleeding just after the break.  

But it didn't last long as Manly maintained their domination, which was even more prevalent in their defence, with some ferocious hits bustling Melbourne into error.

Try as they may, Melbourne simply didn't have the answers.

The Sea Eagles began the match without their inspirational forward Anthony Watmough, who was left on the sideline with a knee injury.  

And just two minutes into the battle, Manly suffered a further and potentially huge blow when former NSW Origin back rower Jamie Buhrer left the field, with a suspected rib injury, following an innocuous tackle. With Buhrer sent to hospital for scans, Manly were left to play out almost the entire match with 16 players.

The injury setback, however, did little to subdue the home side who just two tackles later opened the scoring through winger David Williams. 

Enjoying a glut of early possession and field position, the Sea Eagles extended their lead to 10-0 nil after nine minutes when Bret Stewart crossed for his seventh try of the year. 

Stewart benefited from a lovely interchange of passing with brother Glenn Stewart providing the final ball for the Sea Eagles fullback to dive over close to the posts.

Melbourne were shellshocked. 

Unable to sustain the maroon and white onslaught, frustration led to ill-discipline by the Storm and a penalty conversion from Jamie Lyon extended his side's advantage to 12-0 nil.

It wasn't only in attack that Manly dominated their rivals, but also in defence. 

They held their line in-tact inside the opening 20 minutes, tackling in threes and fours while their desperation was never more evident when Brett Stewart produced a classic try-saving tackle on winger Justin O'Neill, who looked certain to score. 

Sensing Melbourne's poor discipline could boil over during the first half, referee Jared Maxwell warned veteran Storm five-eighth Brett Finch to cease his constant badgering of the officials.

Manly weren't bothered by ref's calls, they were too busy entertaining. 

Williams' second try was better than his first as he displayed phenomenal skill from an attacking kick to catch the football and in one motion he contorted his body, while keeping his feet inside the touchline to score.

At 16-0 nil, Manly were carving Melbourne's left side defence to pieces and by the 28th minute, Williams had bagged a hat-trick. 

Scoring his third try off an almost identical cross-field kick play as his previous try, Williams sent a packed Brookvale Oval wild when his 17th try of the season pushed the Sea Eagles lead out to a remarkable 20-0 nil lead.

The visitors required some magic and typically it was the big three of Smith, Cronk and Slater that inspired the only Storm try of the first half. Classic interplay from Smith and Cronk allowed Slater enough space to produce a brilliant left foot kick for his winger Sisa Waqa,, who also showed some class to scoop the football up and score in one motion.

But the standing ovation from the home fans at halftime told the story with Manly leading 20-4.


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Tigers beat Bombers, eye off finals

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RICHMOND is in; Essendon is out; and footy's first "dead rubber" has mercifully been consigned to history.

The Tigers did what they had to, with one eye fixed on the club's first final in 12 years. The Bombers held on for as long as they could before the residual damage of their season from hell wore them down.

2.4 (16) Q1 4.1 (25)
3.6 (24) Q2 5.7 (37)
5.8 (38) Q3 11.9 (75)
9.11 (65) Q4 15.14 (104)

Michael Hurley

2

Aaron Edwards

4

Leroy Jetta

2

Tyrone Vickery

4

Jake Melksham

2

Daniel Jackson

2

Lauchlan Dalgleish

1

Jake King

2

Ben Howlett

1

Shaun Grigg

1

Nathan Lovett-Murray

1

Dustin Martin

1

Shane Tuck

1

There was blood spilled last night (Daniel Jackson and Jake King will attest to that), but in so many ways it might as well have been claret.

It wasn't quite bruise-free footy, but it is fair to say that it was not played with the intensity that the Tigers will face next week nor what the Bombers had managed for much of the year.

For both sides, given what lies ahead for the Tigers and what lies behind for the Bombers, that was understandable and almost accepted by the 60,979 fans at the game.

And in an emotional conclusion to the game the Essendon players showed a solidarity in the middle of the MCG last night before getting around to their supporters in a farewell to the most harrowing season in the club's history.

They were still on the field when the Tigers were about to start their theme song.

For Richmond, there were some real positives for Damien Hardwick to consider out of last night's 39-point victory, particularly in attack.

With Jack Riewoldt out injured, but likely to return next week, one of only four Tiger players last night to have actually played in final - Aaron Edwards - has hit form at the right time.

Edwards kicked four goals, had a hand in a few others, took a career-high 12 marks and booked a certain spot to play his fifth final next weekend.

He was one of the Tigers' best players on a night, combining well with Ty Vickery, who nailed four second half-goals.

Brandon Ellis was best afield with 35 disposals, while Trent Cotchin, Daniel Jackson and Dustin Martin were strong contributors.

Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham worked hard, Jobe Watson never stopped trying, and Nathan Lovett-Murray - who like David Hille was playing his final game - threw everything into the contest.

Edwards kicked two opening term goals as the Tigers surged to an early 22.

It took Essendon 19 minutes to score a goal - youngster Jackson Merrett missed one of the worst sitters of the season – with Lovett-Murray nailing a much-needed goal.

Then some ingenuity from Watson brought about a second goal with only seconds left in the first term. With the ball in dispute at half-forward, the skipper tapped it onto Ben Howlett, and his long snap from 40m bent back and made the difference only nine points at the first change.

Only two goals came in second quarter.

Daniel Jackson's goal from the boundary line was courtesy of two important team acts. Matthew White's lightning speed set up Jackson's goal with his two bounces as did Dylan Grimes' bump on Melksham.

It was Melksham who scored the Bombers' sole goal for the term as he slotted through a fine goal from 45m out to make the difference less than two goals.

Richmond's introduction of the sub at half time had a mixed response.

It brought Shane Tuck into the game in what is his final season. But for every fairytale, there's a potential nightmare and that came in the hamstring injury suffered by White that threatens to end his season.

Two goals to Vickery in the first six minutes of the second half and another late in the term took much of the sting out of the contest. When Edwards kicked his third goal, the difference had pushed out to 38 points.

Then came one of the few moments of aggro in a match largely devoid of it. Melksham took a strong mark in attack that proved uncomfortable for Jackson who was coming in to try and spoil. When the Bomber goaled, he then had a clash with the Tiger midfielder, which drew some blood.

When Tuck kicked the last of six goals in the third term, it brought about a massive roar. That was surpassed in the final term when King nailed the last of the game and raised his arms in triumph that personified Richmond's delight at making the finals again.


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Crows belt depleted Eagles

Eagle Josh Kennedy tussles with Crow Daniel Talia. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

AT least it's over. West Coast's disastrous 2013 season ended in fitting fashion at Patersons Stadium last night, with the injury-depleted Eagles humbled on the night they had hoped to find something to send off some stalwarts with one last victory.

Instead, the 86-point loss to Adelaide provided a shambolic way for premiership players Andrew Embley and Adam Selwood to exit the game.

0.3 (3) Q1 4.4 (28)
3.7 (25) Q2 8.7 (55)
4.8 (32) Q3 15.10 (100)
5.13 (43) Q4 19.15 (129)

Simon Tunbridge

2

Patrick Dangerfield

3

Bradd Dalziell

1

Mitchell Grigg

3

Ashley Smith

1

Andy Otten

3

Sharrod Wellingham

1

Brad Crouch

2

Rory Sloane

2

Scott Thompson

2

Nathan van Berlo

1

Ian Callinan

1

Brodie Smith

1

Richard Tambling

1

Rated among the premiership favourites before the season, the Eagles have finished 13th after limping to the end of the campaign with a third-consecutive flogging by more than 10 goals.

Veterans Dean Cox and Matt Priddis were among too few who could hold their heads high as West Coast's one-time Subiaco fortress lay in ruins.

Josh Kennedy needed a big bag to overhaul Coleman Medal leader Jarryd Roughead, but it never looked likely as he endured another dirty night.

A first All-Australian guernsey appeared his a month ago, but may yet be in jeopardy after going goalless for a third consecutive game.

While the fans are already thinking about next year, in many respects it was a night about the past for the Eagles, with Embley and Selwood making emotional farewell appearances.

Despite the match being a near sellout, a big portion of West Coast members failed to show to pay tribute to the retiring players.

The crowd of 29,416 was the smallest turnout at an Eagles home since their 2010 wooden spoon season.

The number of people there at the end of the match was even less as, true to form, West Coast fans headed for the exits well before the final siren sounded.

While positives were hard to find for West Coast out on the ground, a look at the players watching on from the stands might have given some cause for optimism for a revival next year.

The club will hope Nic Naitanui, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras, Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn, Beau Waters, Daniel Kerr, Will Schofield are fit and firing for Round 1 next season.

Eagle Andrew Embley looks on after the final siren. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

Adelaide's realistic and West Coast's far-fetched hopes of a spot in the final eight were both dashed in the hour before the bounce when Carlton's thrilling one-point triumph over Port Adelaide earned the Blues the last place in the finals.

The Crows must have been dispirited but it didn't show as they established their ascendancy by kicking four goals to none in the opening term.

Embley began forward but saw little of the ball early as the Eagles sabotaged their cause with a series of shoddy turnovers.

West Coast's first goal finally arrived 10 minutes into the second quarter, with some intelligent thinking from ruckman Dean Cox instrumental as he set up a simple finish for defender Ashley Smith.

Embley had the chance to give the crowd the moment they had come for after marking 30m out, but opted elected to snap around the corner rather than kick a drop punt and his limp effort fell short.

Simon Tunbridge's first goal in his second game was something but the Crows extended their margin to five goals at half-time.

Having begun as the substitute, Selwood entered the game in the third quarter to warm applause. In a half-time

interview he said he wouldn't mind getting forward and kicking a goal in his last game.

Instead, he went straight to defence and tried to fight against the tide.

There was a glimpse of the future as well as Tunbridge had his moments. None were better than his second goal mid-way through the third term, which showed off desperation, strength and finesse in equal measure.

Tunbridge was fighting against the tide as the visitors, aided by a strong breeze whipped up at half-time, continued to punish the Eagles.

Adelaide had 21 inside 50s to three as they piled on seven goals to one in the third quarter.

Patrick Dangerfield exploded with three goals for the quarter as the scoreboard became ugly for West Cost yet again.

There was no respite in the final term, as a relentless Crows outfit powered home.


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Knights win comes at a cost

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 30 Agustus 2013 | 20.47

Kurt Gidley of the Knights is injured. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

THE sight of Newcastle talisman Kurt Gidley being stretchered off could not break the spirit of Newcastle as they ran out 26-18 NRL winners over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

3

Tries

5

Corey Parker 10' Joseph Leilua 40'
Andrew McCullough 14' Kurt Gidley 48'
Corey Oates 72' Darius Boyd 60'
Joseph Leilua 67'
Darius Boyd 78'

2

Conversions

3

Scott Prince 12' Kurt Gidley 40'
Scott Prince 16' Tyrone Roberts 49'
Tyrone Roberts 69'

1

Penalties

0

Scott Prince 19'

However, the same could not be said for Brisbane after they finally had the finals door slammed shut in their face in their second-straight loss.

Brisbane arrived at their home ground on Friday night just one point outside the top eight but at 13th spot on a congested NRL ladder, knowing they could not let their guard slip again following last round's 28-12 loss at Penrith.

They appeared on track to keep their faint finals hopes alive when they led 14-6 at halftime in front of a 27,601-strong crowd.

And Broncos fans would still have been rejoicing when main threat Gidley was taken off in the 48th minute with a suspected left ankle injury, even after crossing to cut the second half deficit to 14-12.

But from there it was one way traffic as Newcastle piled on three of the next four tries - including a double to fullback Darius Boyd - to finally extinguish any hope Brisbane could make the top eight.

It ensured six-time premiers Brisbane will miss the finals for the second time in four seasons.

Needing to win their final two games to stay in the top eight hunt, the Broncos came out swinging against the No.7-ranked Knights and quickly turned pressure into points.

Broncos lock Corey Parker opened up the scoring in the 10th minute before hooker Andrew McCullough made Newcastle pay for a turnover by ex-Bronco Dane Gagai by crossing just four minutes later.

And a 23rd minute penalty kick by Scott Prince made it 14-0 to the hosts.

Newcastle would have been forgiven for thinking it was not their night when flying winger Akuila Uate pounced on a Jack Reed error and raced 80m, only to knock-on as he tried to ground the ball in the 24th minute.

But they finally got on the board when the Knights chanced their arm, spun it left and two-try centre Joey Leilua finally opened his account on the stroke of halftime.

Knights coach Wayne Bennett also had cause for concern after David Fa'alogo was placed on report for a shoulder charge on McCullough in the 56th minute.


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Bunnies spoil Benji's 200th

George Burgess of the Rabbitohs is tackled. Source: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

SOUTH Sydney have set up a final round blockbuster to decide the NRL minor premiership after overcoming an almighty scare to down Wests Tigers 32-18 on Friday night.

3

Tries

5

Tim Simona 7' Adam Reynolds 29'
James Tedesco 9' Dylan Farrell 40'
Ben Murdoch-Masila 14' Sam Burgess 47'
Nathan Merritt 71'
Luke Burgess 76'

3

Conversions

5

Benji Marshall 8' Adam Reynolds 30'
Benji Marshall 10' Adam Reynolds 40'
Benji Marshall 15' Adam Reynolds 48'
Adam Reynolds 72'
Adam Reynolds 77'

0

Penalties

1

Adam Reynolds 68'

The Rabbitohs will host arch-rivals Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium next Friday with the winner to finish the regular season in top spot - an epic entree ahead of a tantalising finals series.

It was a scenario which seemed a long way off when the Bunnies trailed 18-0 after just 14 minutes - the Tigers running in three tries while Englishman Sam Burgess spent ten minutes off the field for what seemed a harsh sin-binning.

He repaid his teammates with a powerful second-half try to lock things up at 18-all early in the second half - brother Luke completing a memorable night for the family with his first NRL try in the dying stages.

What shaped as a night of celebration as the four Burgess brothers took the field together for the first time - matching a feat not accomplished in 103 years - threatened to turn into a nightmare during the unexpected early onslaught.

Sam Burgess - in his first game back from a two-game suspension for his infamous squirrel grip on Melbourne's Will Chambers - was binned in just the fourth minute after laying down too long on James Tedesco after a long break.

By the time he ran back on after serving his time, Ben Murdoch-Masila was scoring the Tigers' third try in seven minutes.

A loss could have left the Bunnies struggling to hold onto second spot - but two tries before the break, including a late Dylan Farrell four-pointer after Lote Tuqiri had an airswing at cleaning up an Adam Reynolds kick, invited the visitors back into the contest.

While they were made to work for it - as evidenced by the fact Reynolds had to kick a 41 metres penalty goal to give them their first lead in the 66th minute - a Souths win always seemed likely from there.

And so it proved to be as Nathan Merritt and Luke Burgess crossed late, the latter's try sending mother Julie - sitting in owner Russell Crowe's private box - into hysterics.

It set up another special moment for the four brothers as Sam joined the other three on the field for the final minutes - one special set featuring five Burgess hit-ups.


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Buddy report mars victory

Lance Franklin was reported in the Hawks' win over the Swans. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

IT WAS another imperious late show, but it was a late hit that defined Hawthorn's fighting win over Sydney.

The most resilient of victories for the minor premier was soured by what could be the season-defining report of Lance Franklin.

All times are listed in EST


Franklin is in real danger of missing the Hawks' first final - and possibly its second - after he was reported for rough conduct for a late and high bump on Nick Malceski 60 seconds into the second term at ANZ Stadium.

Franklin's shoulder made contact to Malceski's head after the defender had kicked the ball down the wing. 

Malceski played on after a quick medical inspection, which will work in Franklin's favour with the match review panel.

But Hawthorn's match-winner had a choice and chose to bump.

It will overshadow the latest in a string of battle-hardened late-season wins that has the minor premier perfectly placed to make amends for last year.

Hawthorn twice trailed by 24 points and by 22 in the third quarter before surging to kick six goals to three in the last 30 minutes to salute 17.10 (112) to 16.4 (100).

The Hawks and Swans will meat again in a qualifying final next week and you wouldn't blame John Longmire for wondering how he can possibly engineer a win against the mob he dismantled 12 months earlier.

Consider the body blows.

Sydney had six more inside 50s, laid 13 more tackles, dominated the hit-outs and centre clearances and yet the Hawks still found a way as they have done so many times this year.

But a Swans side missing 10 premiership players was able to open enough cracks in this brown and gold outfit to raise the eyebrows of rival coaches.

Sydney's manic tackling and forward pressure dragged the Hawks' famed kicking efficiency from defence to the floor.

In scenes reminiscent of last year's Grand Final last quarter, Hawthorn's possession kicking game melted under the heat, but the Swans couldn't quite maintain the rage.

Brian Lake and Josh Gibson were made to defend, with the big bodies of Jesse White, Myke Pyke and Shane Mumford all wreaking havoc inside 50m. Mumford and Pyke weren't rested on the bench, they were sent forward and for large periods exposed Hawthorn's defensive lack of size.

Mumford was sensational.

Sam Mitchell was targetted by Ryan O'Keefe had despite finishing with 26 possessions, he had eight at half-time and little influence on the contest.

Isaac Smith's game-breaking run was cut out by Ben McGlynn and Brad Hill wasn't able to use his talents.

There's questions, but Hawthorn keep answering them. Franklin, booed all night, was quiet. No matter; Jarryd Roughead kicked 4.3 and will almost certainly claim the Coleman Medal.

But Sydney took it up to them withouth a chunk of stars and also lost leading goalkicker Kurt Tippett to hamstring soreness an hour before the first bounce.

Debutant Shane Biggs' was the sixth debutant and fourth rookie elevation in a Swans squad riddled with injury.

If you can't win the premiership in Round 23, you can almost certainly lose it. Sydney, who has faultered in late-season losses to Collingwood, Geelong and now the Hawks, have also lost the core of its flag-winning personnel in what has been a luckless campaign.

You would never put a line through them, of course, but the pen is poised.

The game started it cagey fashion, with both teams flooding back to create a grinding contest that saw only one goal kicked in the first 12 minutes.

But just when it looked like both sides would stick to shadow boxing with their top-four positions assured, the contest exploded to life.

The Swans, under fire for a chronic lack of tackling that saw them ranked 16th in the league over the past month, brought the sort of heat that has become their trademark.

Retiring warrior Jude Bolton, Gary Rohan and Brandon Jack were stationed inside Sydney's forward line and the trio chased and harrassed in a constant frenzy.

The result was a tackle count that read 18-4 in Sydney's favour after half a quarter.

Hawthorn, famed for its incision-like disposal coming out of defence this year, were reduced to a raggad mess for the majority of the first half.

Sydney's first five goals came as a direct result of Hawthorn turnovers.

When Rohan wasn't chasing anything in brown and gold he was delivering offensively.

The kid from Cobden kicked two goals in two minutes half way through the second term, one on the run and one from a set-shot that opened up a 17-point lead for the Swans.

There was nothing flashy about the Hawks. Just a dilligent, disciplined effort that will make them so very hard to beat next month. 


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Schatz shades Gill for Pilecki Medal

Schatz could win a Wallabies call-up for next week's clash with the Springboks. Source: News Limited

ALL 15 previous winners of the Pilecki Medal have played for the Wallabies which is the greatest signpost to where Friday night's humble 2013 winner Jake Schatz is heading.

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Throughout 2013, coach Ewen McKenzie praised Schatz as the epitome of the unsung, high workrate bedrock of the Reds.

His teammates clearly thought the same because it was the 3-2-1 votes of his peers which propelled No.8 Schatz to Queensland rugby's top individual gong.

Schatz (269 votes) played all of the Reds' 17 Super Rugby games in 2013, enough of a difference to shade gun flanker Liam Gill (262), who had one less to poll in.

Prop James Slipper (227), last year's medal recipient finished third, while two-time winner Will Genia (125) was fifth, as top back, after missing the first four games.

Rodney Blake (2006), Julian Huxley (2003) and Matt Pini (1994) are the only previous winners of the Pilecki Medal to do so when uncapped.

The trio went on to play Test rugby which is clearly the ambition driving Schatz, who is just 23 but with 50 Reds appearances already to his name.  

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"Any award voted on by your peers is the one you cherish the most," Reds coach Richard Graham said.

"Jake is a very proud Queenslander. The team's values within him, his understanding of No.8, his work ethic, his improving ability to read the game and his outstanding aerial skills have made him a consistent achiever for the past two seasons."

Australian Under-20s captain Curtis Browning was named Rookie of the Year while Gill trumped regular favourites Genia and Quade Cooper for the People's Choice award.

That the Reds are more than just a footy team was reinforced to Schatz in 2011 when he played against the Crusaders beside teammates wearing black armbands to honour his late mother Alison after her death from cancer.

"It was a very emotional time in my life. I can't thank the boys enough for their support going into that game and after it because, no matter what, there are guys at the Reds who'll help you through anything," Schatz said.


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Folau only 'halfway' to full potential

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 29 Agustus 2013 | 20.47

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ISRAEL Folau is still a rookie in rugby and is only "halfway" to realising his vast potential in the game, according to Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.

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Cheika's view on the untapped talent of Folau in rugby came as he also pledged to find room for the 24-year-old, new signing Kurtley Beale and Wallaby playmaker Bernard Foley all in the same backline.

With Beale having played for the Wallabies at both fullback and five-eighth – the positions of Folau and Foley at the Waratahs – there is a headache looming for Cheika next season when it comes to selecting a team.

"I will see how the training goes first, but there is definitely room for all three to be in there, if they're all playing well enough," Cheika said. "I will find a way to make sure the guys are getting the chance to put what they're good at on the field."

Cheika's rapport with Folau was a key factor in rugby keeping the dual international in the code, but after months of behind-the-scenes confidence, the coach still welcomed the official re-signing on Thursday.

Folau's brilliance was amply demonstrated in his first season but Cheika's excitement centres around how much of his talent is yet to be uncovered in rugby.

"He's only halfway there," Cheika said.

"One year of rugby, he's just learning the ropes but he's made a really good fist of it. As he becomes more confident with the game, there's a stack of improvements still to go. Put it this way, I don't think this year, bar once or twice, we exploited any of his aerial game in attack.

"The first half of the season he was just discovering where to be and how to get in position. So we will work out how to get him as many touches in the game, so he can do what he does best."

It is believed the idea of trialling Folau in the centres has been kicked around at Waratahs HQ, as a way of increasing involvement.

But when asked of the possibility, Cheika said: "I would be keen for him to just keep doing what he's doing at the moment. He's doing it well. But I will see how the pre-season pans out, and how we best look together. Maybe our shape and the way we play will be different to the things maybe these guys play together when they're with Australia.

"There will be competition and there'll also be a really good bit of x-factor for when we play. We have good options now around Foley, Beale, Israel, Horne, Ashley-Cooper, Jonno Lance is in the equation now. There'll be good competition in the backs."


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2013 NRL survey results

2013 NRL fans survey. Source: News Limited

YOU, the people, have spoken and let us know your thoughts on the state of rugby league in Australia.

More than 10,000 people took part and gave us an insight into what is important and what's not, who you love, who you hate and what you want to see changed about the game.

Read on for all the results.

1.Has David Smith done a good job as head of the NRL?
Yes - 43.1 per cent
No - 56.9 per cent

2. What is the most pressing issue confronting the Australian Rugby League Commission?

Mid-season poaching - 11.2 per cent
The ASADA saga - 26.7 per cent
Origin diluting mid-season comp - 19.9 per cent
Poor crowds - 19.6 per cent
Salary Cap - 15.5 per cent
Betting     - 7 per cent

3. Who is the best coach in the NRL?

Neil Henry - 0.6 per cent
John Cartwright - 0.5 per cent
Wayne Bennett - 11.4 per cent
Geoff Toovey - 4.4 per cent
Trent Robinson - 13.1 per cent
Michael Maguire - 19.3 per cent
Mick Potter - 0.7 per cent
Ivan Cleary - 1.9 per cent
Ricky Stuart - 0.8 per cent
Steve Price - 0.4 per cent
Des Hasler - 7.8 per cent
Shane Flanagan - 2.3 per cent
David Furner - 0.4 per cent
Craig Bellamy - 35.6 per cent
Matt Elliott - 0.2 per cent
Anthony Griffin - 0.6 per cent

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4. Who is the most entertaining back in the NRL?
Greg Inglis - 40.8 per cent
Billy Slater - 11.4 per cent
Ben Barba - 7.1 per cent
Justin Hodges - 1.9 per cent
Johnathan Thurston - 7.1 per cent
Daly Cherry-Evans - 2.7 per cent
Todd Carney - 3.1 per cent
Michael Jennings - 2.1 per cent
Brett Morris - 1.2 per cent
Manu Vatuvei - 1.2 per cent
Shaun Johnson - 4.3 per cent
John Sutton - 0.4 per cent
Cooper Cronk - 1.7 per cent
Albert Kelly - 1.5 per cent
James Maloney - 2.2 per cent
Jamal Idris - 0.3 per cent
Jarryd Hayne - 3.1 per cent
Josh Dugan - 3.1 per cent
Blake Ferguson - 2.1 per cent
Brett Stewart - 2.7 per cent

5. Who is the toughest forward in the NRL?
Sam Burgess - 15.2 per cent
Paul Gallen - 23.5 per cent
Cameron Smith - 9.8 per cent
Sonny Bill Williams - 5.7 per cent
Issac Luke - 3.7 per cent
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves - 9.2 per cent
Robbie Farah - 3.4 per cent
Glenn Stewart - 1.5 per cent
Boyd Cordner - 1.3 per cent
Nate Myles - 5.6 per cent
Matt Scott - 3.4 per cent
Shaun Fensom - 2.7 per cent
James Tamou - 0.2 per cent
Trent Merrin - 1.1 per cent
Anthony Watmough - 4.4 per cent
Sam Thaiday - 2.5 per cent
Greg Bird - 3.4 per cent
Chris McQueen - 0.4 per cent
Aiden Tolman - 1.3 per cent
Nigel Plum - 1.8 per cent

6. Should the NRL scrap the salary cap?
Yes, it's affecting my clubs chance of success - 23.9 per cent
No, it's the only way to keep the competition fair - 76.1 per cent

7. Should the NRL introduce a transfer window, ending the practice of coaches and players signing for rival clubs mid-season?
Yes - 85.3 per cent
No - 14.7 per cent

8. Do you think the code`s image has been tainted as a result of the ASADA investigation?

Yes - 66.9 per cent
No - 33.1 per cent

9. Which player do you most love to hate?
Nate Myles - 5.7 per cent
Greg Bird – 6 per cent
Jamie Soward – 10 per cent
Sam Thaiday - 5.4 per cent
Sonny Bill Williams – 6 per cent
Billy Slater - 13.9 per cent
Paul Gallen - 14.9 per cent
Steve Matai - 12.4 per cent
Darius Boyd - 6.3 per cent
Josh Dugan - 2.3 per cent
Blake Ferguson – 2 per cent
Benji Marshall - 3.6 per cent
James Graham - 1.8 per cent
Willie Mason - 2.2 per cent
Cameron Smith - 7.5 per cent

10.  Should Origin be played on…:
Stand-alone weekend - 60.8 per cent
Monday night - 3.1 per cent
Wednesday night - 36.1 per cent

11. How long will Queensland's Origin reign last?
One more year     - 23.6 per cent
Two more years - 27.7 per cent
Three more years - 7 per cent
Four years or more - 7.1 per cent
It's over - 34.6 per cent

12. Has the standard of refereeing gone up or down since Daniel Anderson took charge?
Up - 18
Down - 37.7
The same - 44.3

13. What`s worse, cricket`s DRS or rugby league`s video refs?
DRS - 35.8 per cent
Video - 19.9 per cent
They're as bad as each other - 44.3 per cent

14. Would you support scrapping the video referee?
Yes - 27.6 per cent
No - 72.4 per cent

15. Do you agree with the NRL's decision to scrap the shoulder charge?
Agree - 23.4 per cent
Disagree - 77.6 per cent

16. What do you think of the NRL's decision to introduce a fixed schedule for the first 20 rounds?
Great, it allows me to plan my year around when my team is playing - 63.3 per cent
Ridiculous, there was nothing wrong with the old system - 36.7 per cent

17. What do you think of the decision to substantially increase grand final ticket prices?
Terrible. Its priced too many people out of attending the marquee game of the season. - 77.6 per cent
Justifiable. They should be able to charge a premium price for a premium product. - 22.4 per cent

18. Who will win this year's grand final?
Rabbitohs - 25.9 per cent
Roosters - 29.9 per cent
Storm – 26 per cent
Sea Eagles - 8.2 per cent
Bulldogs - 3.6 per cent
Raiders - 0.4 per cent
Warriors - 0.4 per cent
Sharks - 2.1 per cent
Knights - 0.8 per cent
Cowboys - 0.9 per cent
Titans - 0.3 per cent
Broncos - 1.5 per cent

19. Who will win this year`s Dally M player of the Year?
Cooper Cronk - 24.3 per cent
John Sutton - 5.8 per cent
Billy Slater – 2 per cent
Daly Cherry-Evans - 7.8 per cent
Greg Inglis - 20.9 per cent
Jarrod Mullen - 3.1 per cent
Johnathan Thurston – 6 per cent
Robbie Farah - 1.2 per cent
Todd Carney - 12.5 per cent
Corey Parker - 2.5 per cent
Cameron Smith - 7.5 per cent
Another player - 6.3 per cent

20. Who has been the best value recruit of 2013?

Sonny Bill Williams - 33.9 per cent
Josh Dugan - 11.4 per cent
James Maloney - 26.7 per cent
Sika Manu - 1.1 per cent
Ben Te'o – 5 per cent
Tom Symonds - 0.8 per cent
James Segeyaro – 5 per cent
Michael Jennings - 3.7 per cent
Justin Horo - 12.6 per cent

21. Who has been the worst value recruit in 2013?
Dave Taylor -23 per cent
Scott Prince – 6 per cent
Braith Anasta – 32 per cent
Scott Moore – 5 per cent
Tony Williams – 32 per cent
Other - 2.1 per cent

22. Do you feel the off-field behaviour of NRL players has been better in 2013 than recent seasons?
Yes - 49.8
No - 15.2
The same - 34.9

23. What is the most unreasonable cost associated with a day at the footy?
Food prices - 48.8 per cent
Drink prices - 16.4 per cent
Parking prices - 4.3 per cent
Ticket prices - 19.5 per cent
Club merchandise -11 per cent

24. How should drawn matches be decided?
Golden point -12.4 per cent
Golden try - 34.3 per cent
Reduce the number of players - 5.6 per cent
A draw is an honourable result - 47.7 per cent

25. If your best friend was getting married on grand final day and your team was playing what would you do?
Brush my friend and go to the game - 37.6 per cent
Go to the wedding and miss the game - 62.4 per cent

26. Do you sneak a look at the footy scores when on a date with your partner?
Yes, I have to - 81.1 per cent
No, the footy can wait - 18.9 per cent

27. Which rugby union player would you like to see in the NRL?
Quade Cooper     - 15.7 per cent
Will Genia - 9.4 per cent
Israel Folau – 51 per cent
David Pocock - 4.5 per cent
James OConnor - 9.8 per cent
Kurtley Beale - 9.7 per cent

28. If you play SuperCoach why did you choose it over the opposition?

Friends invited me - 11.1 per cent
Better scoring system – 8 per cent
Better design - 5.5 per cent
No particular reason - 14.9 per cent
Don't play - 59.5 per cent
Advertising – 1 per cent

29. On average how much time a week do you spend on fantasy football?

Less than 1 hour - 73.4 per cent
1-4 hours- 18.4 per cent
5-8 hours - 4.4 per cent
More than 8 hours - 3.9 per cent

30. Do you use a second screen while watching NRL matches?

Home computer - 11.6 per cent
Mobile phone - 21.5 per cent
Tablet - 17.5 per cent
Don't use second screen - 49.4 per cent

31. Is the lengthy Origin period hurting the NRL product?
Yes - 58.2 per cent
No - 41.8 per cent

32. Are there too many clubs in Sydney?

Yes - 39.1 per cent
No - 60.9 per cent

33. Where should the next NRL expansion team be located?
Perth - 38.8 per cent
New Zealand - 6 per cent
Brisbane – 10 per cent
Central Queensland – 8.5 per cent
Ipswich - 3.9 per cent
Logan - 1.4 per cent
Port Moresby – 4 per cent
Central Coast - 27.3 per cent

34. Which is the best run club in the NRL?
Roosters - 15.1 per cent
Dragons - 2.6 per cent
Storm -17.3 per cent
Rabbitohs - 18.5 per cent
Sea Eagles – 5 per cent
Sharks – 1 per cent
Broncos - 17.3 per cent
Warriors - 1.2 per cent
Tigers - 0.5 per cent
Panthers - 1.4 per cent
Bulldogs - 15.9 per cent
Raiders - 0.8 per cent
Titans - 0.3 per cent
Eels - 0.7 per cent
Cowboys - 0.6 per cent
Knights - 1.7 per cent

35. Which is the worst run club in the NRL?

Roosters - 1.7 per cent
Dragons - 2.2 per cent
Storm - 1.7 per cent
Rabbitohs - 1.7 per cent
Sharks - 12.6 per cent
Broncos - 0.5 per cent
Warriors - 0.4 per cent
Tigers - 33.6 per cent
Panthers - 1.2 per cent
Bulldogs - 0.9 per cent
Raiders - 3.5 per cent
Titans - 1.6 per cent
Eels - 35.9 per cent
Cowboys - 0.4 per cent
Knights - 0.6 per cent
Sea Eagles - 1.7 per cent

36. Who is winning the publicity war?
AFL - 35.1 per cent
NRL - 30.3 per cent
A-League - 31.3 per cent
Rugby union - 3.3 per cent

37. Should Sydney clubs abandon suburban grounds for the city`s two major stadiums?
Yes - 17.3 per cent
No - 82.7 per cent

38. Have you forgiven Sonny Bill Williams?
Yes - 59.8 per cent
No - 40.2 per cent

39. Is it time to scrap City v Country?
Yes - 46.1 per cent
No - 53.9 per cent

40. Which of the following will be a bigger NRL star in five years?
Anthony Milford - 13.6
Luke Brooks – 6 per cent
Luke Keary - 6.1 per cent
David Klemmer – 3 per cent
Matt Moylan - 2.3 per cent
Boyd Cordner - 10.9 per cent
George Burgess - 7.5 per cent
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - 13.1 per cent
Adam Reynolds - 29.1 per cent
Corey Oates - 1.7 per cent
Another player - 6.6 per cent


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Roos no to Lions, Dees a long shot

Paul Roos has passed on Brisbane. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

PAUL Roos' chances of coaching grow slimmer by the day with the former Sydney premiership coach ruling himself out of the running for Brisbane's top job.

Lions chairman Angus Johnson revealed the 2005 Sydney Swans premiership coach ruled himself out of a move to Queensland last week.

"He contacted me midway through last week and informed me that, due to family reasons, he would be unable to relocate to Brisbane and was therefore ruled out as a candidate," Johnson said. "I have a good relationship with Paul and our discussions were always honest and open."

Melbourne's five-man coaching selection panel - David Parkin, Peter Jackson, Josh Mahoney, Todd Viney and Greg Healy - is closing in on making a recommendation to the board.

Other candidates include Rodney Eade, Mark Williams, interim coach Neil Craig and Dean Laidley.

Eade, Collingwood's football and coaching strategist, is seen to have performed impressively during his first formal interview.

Demons directors, including new president Glen Bartlett, were updated on the panel's progress at a board meeting on Monday.

The club is determined to make a call on the senior coach in the coming weeks.

Melbourne is also chasing a new football operations boss, a role filled by Mahoney since Jackson embarked on a rebuild of the club's football department in May.

Mahoney is in the mix to take the job permanently ahead of a field of outside applicants.

Sydney-based Roos said this month a return to coaching "would require a major change in mindset".

"Clearly through the process, you start thinking about coaching again, but if the question is put to me, 'will you coach Melbourne?' or 'will you coach Brisbane?', the answer is no at this particular time," Roos said.

"You wonder about things like, 'what would it look like? Would you move interstate?', those sorts of things.

"But I'm nowhere near 100 per cent certain I want to coach again, and I think you absolutely have to be 100 per cent to do it."

Highly regarded football administrator Geoff Walsh has spoken to the Demons about the football operations position, chatting with Jackson recently.

Walsh, who left Collingwood late last month, has also been contacted by Essendon and North Melbourne.

It is understood Walsh is unlikely to make a decision on whether he will step back into the AFL until he returns from a visit to the US where his son, Jake, is embarking on a college punting career.


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Hooper pips Izzy as Tahs' best

Hooper had already picked up the Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year Award. Source: News Limited

ISRAEL Folau has celebrated his decision to stay in rugby by winning two categories at the NSW Waratahs awards night and finishing second to Michael Hooper in the most prestigious section.

Wallaby back Folau - who around 12 hours earlier announced he had re-signed with the Waratahs and Australian Rugby Union for two more years - won Best Back and Members' Choice Player of the Year.

The awards followed his recent gong for Super Rugby Rookie of the Year, but he finished a distant second to flying openside flanker Hooper in the Matthew Burke Cup for Waratahs Players' Player of the Year.

Wallabies forward Hooper, who was recently named Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year, polled 298 votes to finish almost 100 points clear of fellow first-year Waratah Folau (200).

Centre Adam Ashley-Cooper (171) was third, followed by five-eighth Bernard Foley (167) and prop Benn Robinson (150).

Robinson, who was recently dumped from the Wallabies squad won the Best Forward award.

Hooper equalled Folau's haul of two awards by winning the Waratah Medal for on and off-excellence.

Towering lock Will Skelton, one of 17 players to debut for the Waratahs this year, won the Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Award.


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All the charges against Essendon

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 27 Agustus 2013 | 20.47

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ESSENDON, James Hird, Mark Thompson and Danny Corcoran tonight pleaded guilty to bringing the game into disrepute - breaching AFL Rule 1.6.

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ESSENDON FOOTBALL CLUB 

The AFL Commission and the Essendon FC acknowledge that the conduct in its totality relied upon by the AFL and EFC to constitute a breach of Rule 1.6 is as follows, namely, that Essendon FC:

ESTABLISHED a program relating to the administration of supplements to its players in preparation for, and during, the 2012 AFL premiership season ("the pProgram").

ENGAGED in practices that exposed players to potential risks to their health and safety as well as the potential risk of using substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code.

DISREGARDED standard practices involving the human resources department when employing Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank at EFC.

FAILED to conduct routine, systematic pre-employment checks in respect of Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank.

FAILED to ensure that persons with the necessary integrity, reputation and training were engaged by EFC to implement the Program.

FAILED to ensure that those implementing the program were adequately supervised.

FAILED to devise or implement adequate systems or processes to ensure that some substances provided to and used by players were safe and were compliant with the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code.

FAILED to have proper regard to player health and safety, including failing to ensure that some substances had no potentially negative effects on players.

FAILED to identify and record the source from which some substances used by players were obtained.

FAILED to adequately monitor and record the use of some substances.

FAILED to audit or monitor some substances held on the premises of EFC.

FAILED to implement a system for recording and storing some substances held on the premises of EFC.

FAILED to meaningfully inform players of some substances the subject of the program and obtain their informed consent to the administration of some of the substances.

FAILED to take appropriate and adequate action when it became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory and potentially risky practices were occurring in relation to the administration of supplements, and

PERMITTED a culture at EFC of frequent, uninformed and unregulated use of the injection of supplements.

The AFL Commission further determines, and the Essendon FC further acknowledges, that by reason of the above matters:

EFC failed to ensure it adequately protected the health, welfare and safety of the players.

THERE was a risk that Essendon players could have been administered substances prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code and any such risk is an unacceptable risk, and

EFC is unable now to determine whether players were administered some substances prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code.

As a result, it has been determined the Essendon FC nfbreached Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules (March 2011).

ESSENDON PENALTY

Essendon FC:

WILL pay to the AFL a fine in the sum of $2,000,000, such amount to be paid by in instalments as follows:

$400,000 on 31 December 2013.

$800,000 on 31 December 2014.

$800,000 on 31 December 2015 and

WILL forfeit its place in the 2013 AFL finals series and will not play in the 2013 AFL finals series, being deemed to have finished the 2013 Premiership Season in ninth position.

IS PROHIBITED from exercising, at the 2013 national draft, its Round 1 and Round 2 selections, as those selections are identified immediately prior to the exchange period as specified under Rule 9.1 and any rights conveyed under Rule 8.1; and

IS PROHIBITED from exercising, at the 2014 national draft, its Round 1 and Round 2 selections, as those selections are identified immediately prior to the exchange period as specified under Rule 9.1 and any rights conveyed under Rule 8.1.

EFC will, in 2014, be granted a selection at the end of Round 1 of the national draft prior to any compensation selections otherwise awarded under the Rules.

For the avoidance of doubt, the EFC has the ability to trade in for draft selections at any level of draft pick in the 2013 and 2014 national drafts.

EFC acknowledges that:

EFC regrets the impact and the potential consequences of this matter for the EFC players and the AFL competition in general.

EFC supports the AFL Rules and recognises the need for the integrity of those Rules and the integrity of the AFL competition to be preserved by the AFL Commission.

The AFL acknowledges that neither EFC nor any of the individuals charged set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered prohibited or potentially harmful substances.

JAMES HIRD

The AFL and James Hird agree that in 2011-12 EFC implemented, while Hird was Senior Coach of the club, the Program, which was inadequately vetted and controlled.

It is agreed by the AFL and James Hird that:

Essendon accepts AFL sanctions.

HE CONTRIBUTED to the Essendon FC's failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the health, welfare and safety of players in relation to the program.

WHEN he became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory practices were occurring, the action he took was not sufficient to stop those practices.

HE DID not take sufficient steps to avoid there being a risk that players may have been administered substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code, and any such risk is an unacceptable risk.

AS SENIOR coach, he shares responsibility for the inadequate governance within EFC's football department.

AND in consequence, Hird accepts that the Essendon FC breached Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules.

HIRD PENALTY

By reason of the matters referred to above:

THE AFL will impose a 12 month suspension from the AFL effective from 25 August 2013.

JAMES Hird will not work with any AFL Club in any capacity during this period; and

JAMES Hird accepts this suspension.

THE AFL and James Hird consider that the best interests of the game and its supporters are served by a resolution of this matter now given James Hird's willingness to resolve the matter.

The AFL acknowledges that:

NO BREACHES of the AFL Anti-Doping Code have been established to date.

JAMES Hird did not set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered WADA prohibited or harmful substances.

JAMES Hird's willingness to resolve the matter as described above is appropriate action by him in the circumstances.

MARK THOMPSON

The AFL and Thompson agree that in 2011-12 the Essendon FC implemented, while Thompson was senior assistant coach of the club, the program, which was experimental, inappropriate and inadequately vetted and controlled.

It is agreed by the AFL and Thompson that:

HE CONTRIBUTED to EFC's failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the health, welfare and safety of players in relation to the program;

WHEN he became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory practices were occurring, the action he took was not sufficient to stop those practices.

HE DID not take sufficient steps to avoid there being a risk that players could have been administered substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code and any such risk is an unacceptable risk.

AS senior assistant coach, he shares responsibility for the inadequate governance and oversight within EFC's football department in relation to the program,

and in consequence, Thompson accepts that Essendon FC breached Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules.

THOMPSON PENALTY

THE AFL will impose a $30,000 fine.

THE AFL and Thompson consider that the best interests of the game and its supporters are served by a resolution of this matter now given Thompson's willingness to accept responsibility as described above.

THE AFL acknowledges that:

NO BREACHES of the AFL Anti-doping Code have been established to date.

TO THE best of the AFL's knowledge and belief, Thompson and the Essendon FC did not set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered WADA prohibited or harmful substances; and

MARK Thompson's willingness to resolve the matter as described above is appropriate action by him in the circumstances.

DANNY CORCORAN

The AFL and Danny Corcoran agree that in 2011-12 the Essendon FC implemented, while Corcoran was manager of people and development of the club, the program, which was experimental, inappropriate and inadequately vetted and controlled.

It is agreed by the AFL and Corcoran that:

HE CONTRIBUTED to EFC's failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the health, welfare and safety of players in relation to the program.

WHEN he became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory practices were occurring, the action he took was not sufficient to stop those practices.

HE DID not take sufficient steps to avoid there being a risk that players could have been administered substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code and any such risk is an unacceptable risk.

AS MANAGER of people and development, he shares responsibility for the inadequate governance within EFC's football department in relation to the program,

and in consequence, Danny Corcoran accepts that he contributed to EFC breaching Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules.

COCORAN PENALTY

THE AFL will impose a six-month suspension from the AFL, effective 1 October 2013, two months of which is suspended for a period of two years.

DANNY Corcoran is not permitted to work with any AFL club in any capacity during any period of suspension referred to in the preceding paragraph; and

DANNY Corcoran accepts this suspension.

THE AFL and Danny Corcoran consider that the best interests of the game and its supporters are served by a resolution of this matter now given Corcoran's willingness to resolve the matter as described above.

THE AFL acknowledges that:

NO BREACHES of the AFL Anti-Doping Code have been established based on the information held by the AFL.

TO THE best of the AFL's knowledge and belief, neither Danny Corcoran nor the Essendon FC set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered WADA prohibited or harmful substances; and

DANNY Corcoran's willingness to resolve the matter as described above is appropriate action by him in the circumstances.

BRUCE REID

Bruce Reid is contesting the charges against him. His case has been adjourned until 10am Thursday.


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Stars rested from England ODI squad

England's Ian Bell, Alastair Cook, Graeme Swann and Matt Prior. Source: IAN KINGTON / AFP

ENGLAND have rested most of their Ashes-winning Test side, including captain Alastair Cook, from a squad announced Tuesday for their upcoming one-day internationals against Ireland and Australia.

As well as Cook, England have left out Stuart Broad, Ian Bell, James Anderson and Graeme Swann from their party for the lone one-day international against Ireland and the five-match one-day series with Australia that follows.

However, star batsman Kevin Pietersen has been included in the squad for the Australia series, with fellow Ashes-winning batsmen Joe Root and Jonathan Trott also set to face England's arch-rivals in the one-day format after they too were excused the trip to Dublin.

Former Ireland international Eoin Morgan will captain the side in the absence of Cook and Broad, with the squad including five uncapped players in pacemen Chris Jordan and Jamie Overton as well as Morgan's fellow ex-Ireland star Boyd Rankin.

Meanwhile batsmen Michael Carberry, a key figure with the successful Hampshire county one-day side, and Yorkshire's Gary Ballance will also look to win their first ODI caps.

With Australia's 18-man squad containing just seven players who took part in the Ashes, it is clear both countries are looking ahead to the return Ashes series in Australia starting in November.

England begin their tour with a three-day match against Western Australia starting on October 31, meaning leading players will have little time for a break after a packed home schedule followed back-to-back tours of India and New Zealand.

"Following a very intense period of cricket this summer we have decided to rest a number of senior players which will allow them to recover from a heavy workload over the last three months and to prepare for the tour of Australia which begins in eight weeks," said England national selector Geoff Miller in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued Tuesday.

"This creates an excellent opportunity for players who have impressed in county cricket and for England Lions recently to test themselves at international level as we continue to build a squad ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup which is less than 18 months away," former England off-spinner Miller added.

"There are a number of very experienced one day players in the squad alongside players who are new to international cricket and we are expecting a very tough challenge both from a strong Ireland side and then from Australia in what will no doubt be a very competitive NatWest series."

Cook, Anderson, Bell, Broad and Swann were all involved -- Pietersen was injured in the early part of the English season -- as England won a home Test series against New Zealand, reached the final of the Champions Trophy and retained the Ashes with a 3-0 win over Australia in a five-match series concluded with a dramatic draw at The Oval on Sunday.

This latest squad announcement means Cook -- who does not play Twenty20 international cricket -- has been rested from a squad for the first time since he took over the Test captaincy a year ago.

England and Australia will next meet in a separate two-match Twenty20 series, where the hosts will be captained by Broad and Australia by George Bailey rather than Test skipper Michael Clarke, in fixtures at Southampton and Durham on Thursday and Saturday respectively.

England ODI squad vs Ireland:

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, capt), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Danny Briggs (Hampshire), Jos Buttler (Somerset, wkt), Michael Carberry (Hampshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), James Taylor (Nottinghamshire), James Tredwell (Kent), Luke Wright (Sussex)

England ODI squad to play Australia:

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, capt), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Jos Buttler (Somerset, wkt), Michael Carberry (Hampshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Kevin Pietersen (Surrey), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), James Tredwell (Kent), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire), Luke Wright (Sussex)

Fixtures:

Sept 03: Ireland v England, Malahide Cricket Club (0930GMT)

England-Australia ODI series

Sept 06: 1st ODI, Headingley (0915GMT)

Sept 08: 2nd ODI, Old Trafford (0915GMT)

Sept 11: 3rd ODI, Edgbaston (1300GMT)

Sept 14: 4th ODI, Cardiff (0915GMT)

Sept 16: 5th ODI, Southampton (1300GMT)


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Players rally behind Bombers

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FEW current AFL players and officials voiced their opinions on Essendon's sanctions, but one that did was telling.

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Angus Monfries will play finals this year, while the rest of his former Bombers' teammates are forced to sit on the sidelines.

Monfries was traded to Port Adelaide at the end of last season after playing 150 games in eight years at Windy Hill.

All the 26-year-old could say, via Twitter, last night was: "Feeling for all my ex-team mates''.

Current Essendon player Nathan Lovett-Murray let his feelings be known, tweeting a photo that had "BOMBERS TIL I DIE'' emblazoned over a club jersey.

Otherwise, it was only former Essendon players who were prepared to voice their opinions, including James Hird's former teammates Andrew Welsh (@andrew12welsh) and Dean Solomon (@SollySolomon).

"Massive, massive whack from @AFL. Best part of this bad situation Hirdy can still coach the @Essendon_FC in next years Grand Final......BANG,'' Welsh wrote.

"James Hird is one of the greatest individuals I have ever met. A man of elite character & integrity. This will never change! #Hird,'' Solomon wrote.

Essendon past player Robert Shaw -- a Bombers life member -- told the Herald Sun he was confident the club would rebound from the sanctions.

"Essendon's great name, its history, its people, is not defined by the crisis and failures of 2012,'' Shaw said.

"Essendon will rise again.''

Almost to a person, the Twitterverse was remarkably still from anyone with an affiliation to the league.

The clear exception was injured Adelaide forward Taylor Walker, who was pointed in his assessment of the sanctions.

"Would love to have seen if EFC wasn't a Victorian club what the penalty would have been,'' @texwalker13 wrote.

One of the club's leading coteries The Same Olds (@TheSameOlds) immediately tried to rally the red and black during the first week of the finals.

"@Essendon_FC week 1 of the finals - Current EFC players and EFC legends in charity match, BBQ, family day etc #fillwindyhill #makeithappen,'' it wrote.

While many tweets were scathing of the club and the AFL, some Essendon supporters rallied around to offer their support.

"@EFC_Membership can there please be an option with the renewals to donate a little extra cash to help pay the fine? #happytohelp,'' @Matthew_Berry wrote.

Others, including former Carlton star Brendan Fevola, took a more light-hearted approach during a serious evening.

"Home and Away a real tear jerker tonight #wedding #RIProcko #greatshow,'' @Brendanfevola25 wrote.
Michael Sievers was less subtle.

"So basically Essendon lost a coach, $2million, stuffed up their draft, and missed out on finals. Sounds like Melbourne every f-----g year!'' @MSievers34 wrote.

And Matt Nicholls took it a step further.

"Irony: The year Richmond finishes in the eight, the ninth team qualifies for final,'' @MattNicholls29 wrote.


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Bookies pay out on Bombers' bets

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THE AFL's decision to boot Essendon out of the finals will not short-change punters.

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Major online betting agencies Sportsbet, Betstar, Sportingbet Australia and Centrebet declared they would pay out as winning bets Essendon making the top eight as well as not making the top eight.

Refunds will be provided for bets placed on the Bombers in various futures markets, including making the Grand Final and winning the premiership.

Multi bets taking in affected Essendon selections will not automatically lose as a result of the announcement, but final dividends will be subject to change with legs involving a refunded Bombers' bet to be voided.

Carlton, Brisbane Lions, North Melbourne, Adelaide and West Coast are back in the hunt to make the finals after their September dreams appeared dashed.

Betstar released a market on the race for eighth, installing the Blues as a $1.70 favourite.

Mick Malthouse's men will play finals if they defeat Port Adelaide on Saturday, but can still make it if they lose.

The Kangaroos are on the next line of betting on $3.75, while the Crows are at $6.

Several agencies will honour bets on Essendon to win the wooden spoon and bets on whoever finishes last out of Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne.

Centrebet's Michael Felgate said punters won't be left disadvantaged by any flow-on effects of the league's decision to strip the Bombers of their points.

"The punters who backed Essendon in good faith are innocent bystanders caught up in the scandal and don't deserve to be punished, so they will not lose one cent,'' Felgate said.

"Centrebet will also pay-out on the team that takes Essendon's place in the finals. All bets on the team that would have finished ninth to make the top eight and miss the top eight will be paid in full.''

Sportsbet's Haydn Lane said, to be eligible for refunds, bets with his company must have been placed before 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 13 -- the date the initial charges were laid against Essendon officials.

"Sportsbet has paid all bets for Essendon to either make or miss the finals as winning bets and has refunded a host of other Essendon futures bets,'' Lane said.

TAB is also expected to announce its decision on bet refunds.

"We will review the AFL decision and all the ramifications of Essendon being demoted to finish in ninth position has on a wide range of AFL betting markets before announcing... what refunds or payouts we will be making in the best interests of our customers,'' a TAB spokesperson said.


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'Sharks don't fear top sides'

Written By Unknown on Senin, 26 Agustus 2013 | 20.47

Gallen fires in the Sharks win. Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 24 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

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Panthers v Broncos at Centrebet Stadium

Just when you thought Penrith's season was over they find form. Eighth position on the ladder is certainly highly contested with a number of teams vying for that spot. James Segeyaro has been the Panthers' buy of the season and showed just why that is on Friday night. He was outstanding every time he touched the ball. Brisbane had everything to play for but without Justin Hodges they struggled to create any team structure which had them looking like scoring points. The Broncos relied on a lot of individual brilliance from Sam Thaiday and Ben Hunt but Penrith showed why this season will be treated like a success for the club. Segeyaro, the emergence of Matt Moylan and others are signs for the future as Penrith continue to build. The news Peter Wallace will leave Brisbane at the end of the year and return to Penrith would have excited Panthers fans and perhaps some of the players knowing he will return in a matter of months. 

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Rabbitohs v Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium

Semi-finals football came early with this game. It was a match where both sides had to play tough and work hard for their points. South Sydney have answered some critics over the last two weeks, showing they can play a tough style of football. Adam Reynolds was extremely solid. He has such a strong running game, keeps his composure and forced repeat sets which built pressure for the Rabbitohs. Greg Inglis returned from a knee injury and while he is not 100 per cent, having him in the team gives the players around him a lot of confidence. The Roosters may be favourites but the Rabbitohs are certainly knocking on the door.  Canterbury-Bankstown tried extremely hard but I question their belief. They were a little lucky in the tries that they did score and failed to threaten the Rabbitohs often. Souths fans will be very proud of Friday's effort especially without two of their stars in Sam Burgess and Jeff Lima. 

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Dragons v Wests Tigers at SCG

The Wests Tigers made a fair statement. I have to admit I thought it would be a close match and even anticipated a Dragons win. It shows when you have a halfback who can steer the side around, run and challenge the line how much better your football side becomes. I don't want to put too much pressure on Luke Brooks. He showed some good signs in his debut but we don't need to label him as the saviour of Concord or put the pressure of being the next Andrew Johns on his young shoulders. He was a shining light and I'm sure it helped Brooks having Benji Marshall in the side and he played well in the centres. I think the second tier salary cap needs to be reviewed. These young kids should be allowed to earn their apprenticeship when injuries occur or when they are a player of the future. Mick Potter will be pleased with the performance. Over the last few weeks he made some comments that he wanted to change their style of football and we saw the start of that with Benji Marshall out of the halves.

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Titans v Warriors at Skilled Park

This was an outstanding game of football and unfortunately for the Titans, it is the same old story, injury has cruelled them all year. Mark Minichiello became the first Titans player to reach 150 games but took a massive head knock early in the match and we never saw him again while Ashley Harrison injured his wrist. The Titans were courageous and played well in their last home game but they ran out of puff. The Warriors were handed a lot of penalties with the Titans trying to slow the ruck down and were able to find some class and score. Shaun Johnson had some wonderful touches of the ball but I would have liked to have seen him spend more time with the ball. Konrad Hurrell was back to his damaging best with Kevin Locke all class at the back. The Warriors now join the Titans on 24 points to stay in the hunt for eighth place. It was an exciting game with a try disallowed at fulltime. I think we need to look at the video referees review system. I have an issue with the officials saying 'no try' and asking the video box to find evidence to over-rule it. I am not convinced that Kevin Gordon placed the ball on the dead ball line and even if he did, I believe the Titans should have been awarded a penalty for the Warriors player sliding in with his legs. I don't think the referees even witnessed the contact from the legs. The Titans were hard done by on Saturday.   

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Cowboys v Knights at 1300SMILES Stadium

Only a few weeks ago the Cowboys were unhappy and playing extremely poor under Neil Henry. Unfortunately player power has a big role to play in football these days and since the news broke that Henry will not be at the club next season, the players are happy and it is showing in their form. The Cowboys are now playing to the potential we expected of the Cowboys as they wait to play under a new coach. They were too fast and out-enthused Newcastle. Unfortunately they have lost Ray Thompson for the rest of the season to a broken jaw. It has come at the worst time as the Cowboys have struggled in that position and looked to have finally got the combination between the one, six, seven and nine firing on all cylinders. The good thing is they have an easier run toward the finals and can make it into the six. Newcastle's season has come to a halt and they may be without Kade Snowden for some weeks as a result of the shoulder charge. I hope the judiciary doesn't go too hard on him as there was no malice in the hit. I thought he was hard done by in being sent off when we have seen many similar incidents this season where there was no send off. 

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Raiders v Sea Eagles at Canberra Stadium

It has been a big week for Canberra with Andrew Dunemann taking over as interim head coach. The Raiders showed some nice resolve and fight but didn't take their opportunities when they were presented. I thought the Raiders were a lot closer to winning the football game than they would have a few weeks ago but they were never able to get to within that six point margin to make Manly nervous. Anthony Milford was brilliant in the halves. He was classy, creative and extremely tough but poor execution from the Raiders eased pressure and the class of Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans shone through. Manly were given four opportunities to score in the first half and took all four of them. The Sea Eagles were missing a number of players but in the end their ability to win was courageous. 

Storm v Eels at AAMI Park

Melbourne led 10-4 five minutes shy of half time. I was thinking Parramatta are putting up a great fight, but 60 minutes into the game the flood gates opened. The top four sides are all showing their class, their execution, ability to score points and defensive nous. Billy Slater was outstanding. He created a lot of havoc for Parramatta in the last 20 minutes and it will be interesting to see when the pressure will start to mount on Ricky Stuart. The Eels are horrible. They lack fight and leak an enormous amount of points. The time has almost come for Stuart to be put under pressure and for people to look at how much he has helped the Eels this year. This year the Eels have gone backwards from when he took over the club and next season we need to see some change.

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Sharks v Roosters at Remondis Stadium

Gorden Tallis says: What an upset from the Sharks and what an important win. Cronulla needed to fire a short across other teams' bows because it's a four-team race at the moment and sides like Cronulla and the Bulldogs have been snapping at their heels. You need to be ready for a war when you play the Sharks and the Rooster went to Shark Park in hot form and didn't quite dig in. Earlier in the week, Paul Gallen, said 'we will beat them,' and as a player, to say that to the media; for one you have to mean it, and two, you don't want to show your cards. Cronulla don't fear the top sides and that's a great mentality to have.


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Troisi exploring English options

James Troisi could find himself playing in England again. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

SOCCEROOS James Troisi is in England after his Italian club Atalanta allowed the attacking midfielder to explore his options before the FIFA transfer window closes next week.

It's understood Troisi is negotiating with an English Premier League club after Italian media linked the Socceroo with English Championship club Blackburn Rovers.

Troisi was on the books of Newcastle United before landing a contract with Turkish clubs Genclerbirligi and Kayserispor. Juventus and Atalanta signed the attacker on a co-ownership deal last year.

It's believed Juventus and Atalanta are prepared to allow Troisi a loan deal if he is snapped up by an English Premier League club.

Troisi was told by Socceroos officials to be prepared for a call up for the friendly clash against Brazil on September 7 in Brasilia.


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AFL-Dons talks to resume Tuesday

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ESSENDON leaders remained defiant as the AFL Commission hearing into footy's doping saga failed to reach a resolution after marathon talks.

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Bombers chairman Paul Little and chief executive Ray Gunston were still trying to hammer out a deal for the embattled club late last night.

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But senior assistant coach Mark Thompson said officials in the commission's sights were "nowhere near" accepting many aspects of the damning disrepute charges laid by the AFL last week.

Embattled coach James Hird was believed to be considering running with the legal action he started last Thursday, when he lodged a writ against the AFL in the Supreme Court.

Thompson said he believed he had been charged as a drug cheat and "I am not - so that's what I am fighting on, my reputation and integrity, and I want to clear my name".

The Bombers will resume talks at 11am about penalties that could see them stripped of premiership points and fined.

Thompson described the sanctions being negotiated as "possibly more severe than anything in the history of the game".

Thompson told AFL 360 on Fox Footy it would be "disastrous" if Hird were suspended for 12 months.

"The rap sheet that got put into the media last week, it is nowhere near that at the moment. We are trying to scrub as many (charge particulars) off at the moment to be reasonable and be charged for what we believe is fair in our eyes ... we have all been quite reasonable.

"The fines and punishment the club are going to receive, it is quite severe, it is probably more severe than anything in history. No one has ever had their points taken off them.

"Draft picks as well, and then you look at it and say, actually we haven't been charged, no players have been charged.

"We have broken no rules or codes, and no players have used prohibited substances, so for us to accept what has been offered is being very generous and kind."

Little, Hird, Thompson, Corcoran and Reid all fronted up before 2pm yesterday with an army of lawyers - including human rights lawyer Julian Burnside, acting for Hird, and QC Jack Rush - in tow.

Hird's wife, Tania, was also present.

Key players including Thompson, Reid and Corcoran began leaving at 7 o'clock last night.

The Bombers had been locked in intense negotiations with the league since Thursday, when a meeting of club presidents and the AFL Commission left Essendon isolated in its fight against the league. The presidents declared unanimous support for the AFL on Thursday and agreed the commission was the right forum to hear charges.

Earlier that day, Hird lodged a writ in the Supreme Court aimed at blocking the AFL Commission from hearing his charge and forcing the league to hand over more specifics about the charges and potential witnesses.

An emotional phone call from an unidentified mother of a Bombers player to a Melbourne radio station early on Thursday morning is believed to have turned the tide of public opinion against Essendon and Hird.

The more conciliatory mood from the Essendon camp came as a stark contrast to comments from Little and Hird last Wednesday, when they fronted the media after the release of a damning 34-page summary of charges was released by the AFL.

Little said then the league was determined to punish the Bombers "as though we are drug cheats", while Hird described the release of charge particulars as an "ambush".

The charge sheet alleged Essendon players may have been given the banned drug Thymosin Beta-4 among 15 substances administered in its supplements program in 2011-12. It also said Hird had suffered unspecified "significant" side-effects from drugs.

The Herald Sun had earlier revealed an allegation from the charge sheet that players were to receive 1500 injections of AOD-9604 and a version of Thymosin and more than 16,500 doses of Colostrum and 8000 doses of Tribulus.

Footy's biggest drugs scandal erupted on February 5 this year when Essendon "self-reported" its potential performance-enhancing drugs problem to the AFL and invited the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to investigate.

Since then, ASADA has interviewed more than 130 witnesses and referenced 13,000 documents for an interim report into the Bombers.

The anti-doping body's investigation will continue, with the no guarantees that individual players won't face doping charges in the future.


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