Raw deal for Hawks losing Buddy

Lance Franklin and soon-to-be Sydney teammate Adam Goodes show their true colours. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Philip Hillyard / HeraldSun

LANCE Franklin's manager says Hawthorn's compensation for losing its champion forward is grossly "inadequate".

With the premier having lost its six-time leading goalkicker, 2008 club champion and dual Coleman Medal winner at 26, Liam Pickering said he "felt for the Hawks" when Franklin agreed to join Sydney this week.

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Pickering said yesterday an end-of-first-round pick for Hawthorn — currently 19 after Collingwood lost free agent Dale Thomas to Carlton, for whom the Magpies could be compensated by pick No.12 — wasn't fair.

"The worst part (of the deal) is the lack of compensation Hawthorn is going to get through free agency," Pickering told SEN.

"They should get two first-round picks for Buddy Franklin, we all know that.

"The system is wrong. Pick (19) is inadequate for Buddy Franklin ... especially if you benchmark it against 'Daisy' Thomas.

"Dale Thomas shouldn't be anywhere near as valuable as Buddy, he's barely played for two years."

But Pickering stressed he and Franklin had only played within the existing rules.

He also said the veil of secrecy that surrounded the champion's Sydney deal was necessary to keep it from blowing apart.

Pickering kept one of footy's great secrets for almost a year until the Swans' nine-year, $10 million offer was brought into the public arena on Monday.

One day later — and only three days after Hawthorn's premiership party began — the AFL's most recent century goalkicker stunned the footy world by accepting the offer when most, including Greater Western Sydney, thought he would become a Giant.

"It probably blindsided the Giants and the Hawks, I understand that and that they'll be disappointed," Pickering said.

"But to get him there (Sydney), if that had leaked out earlier than it did, it wouldn't have got done. That's just the reality of it. We had to keep it tight.

"It had to be a keep-it-on-the-quiet type deal, because my view is that if had got out, it would have got stopped before it got put together."

Pickering said he was "very confident" the deal would be ratified by the AFL's investigators who are expected to give it the all-clear tomorrow.

"I was more than happy to tell them what happened," he said.

"It's pretty straightforward. The money is in the (Swans') cap, there's no third-party deal, there's no skulduggery."

"They just check the bona fides of the deal. They're going to do that with every big deal now — I'm assuming they'll do that with Dale Thomas."

Despite his secrecy, Pickering said he'd told both the Giants and Hawks through negotiations not to "put their eggs in one basket".

"I made it really clear all year ... Buddy knew the offers, he just didn't want to talk about it.

"Last week he just wanted to play in the Grand Final and play well. It wasn't a massive focus, but it did turn around pretty quickly after that."

FRANKLIN is expected to be announced this week as captain of the Indigenous All Stars team to tour Ireland later in the month.

The All Stars will gather in Melbourne later this week for a training run, before flying out on Saturday for two International Rules Tests - in Cavan on October 19 and at Dublin's Croke Park on October 26.

Franklin believes his 10-year contract with the Swans will be approved by the AFL before he joins the touring party.

The AFL recently named a 33-man squad for the tour, including Swans Adam Goodes, Lewis Jetta and Tony Armstrong. Franklin's premiership teammates Shaun Burgoyne and Brad Hill are also in the squad.

At the time Franklin said he expected the series to be "an unbelievable experience'' and "something we'll never forget''.

"The AFL's really backed us (indigenous footballers) in terms of this tour, so we're looking forward to getting over to Ireland," Franklin said.

The Irish team will be captained by Donegal skipper Michael Murphy, who has attracted interest from several AFL clubs in recent years.

Murphy played in the 2010 and 2011 series against Australia, and also toured Australia for international Rules series as a junior.

The Australian team will be coached by former Swans forward Mick O'Loughlin, while the Irish team will be under the guidance of former Gaelic star Paul Earley, who was the first Irish recruit to play Australian football, with one game for Melbourne in 1984.

with Warwick Green

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Nadal returns to world No.1

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RAFAEL Nadal will return to No.1 in the world rankings for the first time since July 2011, after his semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych retired injured on Saturday at the China Open.

Nadal only needed to make the final in Beijing to edge ahead of Novak Djokovic in the new rankings, which will be announced on Monday.

The Spaniard was a break up at 4-2 in the opening set when Czech Berdych retired soon after taking an injury timeout.

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Nadal has enjoyed a remarkable season, returning from injury to dominate the hardcourt tournaments with a win-loss record of 27-0.

Djokovic, who has topped the rankings for 101 weeks, plays Richard Gasquet of France in the other semi-final later on Saturday.

Nadal, sidelined for the second half of last year with a knee injury, has finished the season as No.1 twice before, in 2008 and 2010, and is unbeaten since crashing out of Wimbledon in the first round in June.

The 27-year-old, tipped to eclipse Roger Federer's record of 17 grand slam titles, has won 10 ATP World Tour titles in 2013. 

In the women's semis, top-ranked Serena Williams will play Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic takes on Serbia's Jelena Jankovic.

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Vettel fastest, Webber relegated

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RUNAWAY Formula One championship leader Sebastian Vettel grabbed pole position on Saturday for the Korean Grand Prix, ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

Vettel's Australian Red Bull teammate Mark Webber was third fastest in qualifying but a 10-place grid penalty from the previous race relegates him to 13th.

The German set a time of one minute, 37.202 seconds around the Yeongam circuit and did not even need to improve on his last flying lap, qualifying two-tenths of a second faster than Hamilton.

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean qualified fourth but will move up to third, ahead of the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg, Ferrari duo Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, Sauber pair Nico Huelkenberg and Esteban Guttierez, and Kimi Raikkonen in a Lotus.

Vettel claimed his sixth pole of the season and his third in a row. It will be the fifth time in succession that Vettel and Hamilton will line up on the front of the grid.

The two McLarens of Sergio Perez and Jenson Button and the Force India pair Paul Di Resta and Adrian Sutil failed to make the top 10.

Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Jean-Eric Vergne were also knocked out in Q2.

Williams drivers Valtteri Bottas and Pastor Maldonado, the Caterham pair of Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, and Marussia's Jules Bianchi Max Chilton went out after the first qualifying.

Vettel has a 60-point lead over Alonso in the drivers' standings, with Hamilton a further 36 points back.

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Mick friction not a factor: Betts

Adelaide recruit Eddie Betts models his new jersey. Picture: Richard Serong Source: CAS Richard Serong / HeraldSun

EDDIE Betts said the chance to be close to family, as well as the security of a lucrative contract offer, were the motivating factors behind his move to the Crows.

"It wasn't all about the money, it was about family as well," said Betts, who will turn 27 next month.

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He said the chance to be near his father, Eddie Senior, was a key driver in his decision.

Betts will reportedly receive $4 million over four years with the Crows, a team he barracked for as a teenager in Port Lincoln.  

"Security was part of the reason as well," Betts said.

"I've got a young family now, a little son Lewis, so hopefully we can pay off our house."

Betts also said he considered a switch to North Melbourne.

"I'm pretty close with Lindsay Thomas and Daniel Wells as well, so it was a pretty tough decision for me, but it was just the family that got me back to South Australia."

He said his manager had spoken to both clubs during the season, "but it didn't really get put into place until three weeks ago".

Betts denied speculation that his relationship with Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was a factor in his decision to quit the Blues.

"No not at all. A lot of guys have said that, but if anyone knows Mick personally he's just a family man, a fantastic bloke, and he's not the reason at all," he said.

Several commentators had suggested during the season that the Blues struggled to accommodate all of the

"Three Amigos" (Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett) in the same team.

"There was people saying that we couldn't work together," Betts said.

"It's been pretty hard."

He suggested his two good mates had joked that his departure would make life easier for them now.

"They were a bit upset, actually," Betts said.

"But then Chris was like, 'yeah, I can go back down forward now', and Jeff was pretty happy as well, he said 'yeah, that's good, we'll kick all the goals now'."

Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield said the Crows players were excited about the Betts decision.

"I think it certainly makes the forward line more potent," Dangerfield said.

"I think if you look at statistics and what Eddy's been able to do, especially over the past five years, he's been one of - if not the - premier small forward. He addresses a need that we have and I think he'll love being under the feet of a Tex Walker.

"I found out (Betts was joining the Crows) a couple of days ago and I was very excited, because when you have a quality player and also a quality person like Eddy, he immediately makes us better.

"We didn't play finals this year, but I think he's a piece of the puzzle that will make that job easier."

Betts will join the Indigenous All Stars squad for next month's tour of Ireland before reporting for duty with the Crows.

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Cats joins Adams race

Giants midfielder Taylor Adams could be headed for Geelong. Picture: Philip Hillyard Source: Philip Hillyard / DailyTelegraph

TAYLOR Adams will decide over the weekend which Victorian club is his preferred destination.

The GWS hard nut met with Geelong on Wednesday with the Cats looming large as a team capable of getting a deal done now that they have put Grand Final hero Travis Varcoe on the trade table.

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Adams has been pursued strongly by Collingwood who want to include him in a deal which would see disgruntled defender Heath Shaw move to the Giants.

Richmond and Melbourne have also spoken to Adams but the Cats would appear to have an ace in the pack given the 20-year-old grew up in Geelong and played with the Falcons.

Adams' manager, Winston Rous from Phoenix Management Group, said he expected a decision to be made over the weekend ahead of Monday's official start of trade week.

Varcoe, the hero of the Cats 2011 premiership victory, played 15 games this season but struggled with foot and shoulder injuries.

With GWS desperate to get their hands on some quality experienced players, the 25-year-old, who is contracted for next year, would be an ideal acquisition.

Adams, who was pick No.13 in the 2011 national draft, has played 31 games for the Giants and averaged more than 20 possessions this season.

Geelong has signalled its intention to revitalise its list and has already cut premiership heroes Paul Chapman, James Podsiadly and Josh Hunt.

Another three-time premiership star, Joel Corey, is also expected to depart in coming days.

Chapman has attracted the interest of powerhouse trio Richmond, Carlton and Essendon.

The Tigers are understood to be the most keen, but such is their salary cap squeeze, Chapman would have to accept less money to move to Punt Rd. It's believed Chapman was on significant money by Geelong standards.

Podsiadly has been sounded out by two clubs, but discussions are only in their infancy. The 32-year-old forward is desperate to play on and happy to relocate to an interstate club.

Cats coach Chris Scott signalled the club's intentions at Thursday night's best and fairest count which was won by captain Joel Selwood.

"This season we saw the emergence of many young players and for some their apprenticeship has been served," he said. "For others there is work to be done but for all opportunity is craved.

"We have about 20 players on our list with between three and five years experience. Only four of those 20 players have played 50 games.

"Clearly we have a responsibility to grow that youth. While we have this responsibility, opportunity is not going to be gift-wrapped for our young players.

"Our senior players have set an incredible standard and only the strongest commitment will get the job done."

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Saints bicker, Dal Santo in limbo

St Kilda star Nick Dal Santo has had his move to North Melbourne stalled by in-fighting within the Saints' football department. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: George Salpigtidis / HeraldSun

ST KILDA'S internal upheaval has stalled a decision on Nick Dal Santo, with key club chiefs unable to agree on his future.

The Saints, who were yesterday forced to fend off speculation about coach Scott Watters, have left Dal Santo in limbo.

The Herald Sun understands that members of the football department are butting heads over whether to let the 29-year-old leave Seaford.

Dal Santo wants to join North Melbourne after last week meeting with the Roos' leadership group, however he doesn't want to be the one to pull the trigger and be seen to be jumping ship.

But Saints fans can breathe a sigh of relief over the future of Leigh Montagna, with St Kilda yesterday insisting the contracted midfielder would stay.

Asked yesterday about Dal Santo, St Kilda head of football Chris Pelchen said: "There has been much speculation surrounding Nick Dal Santo's possible move from St Kilda.

"It should be emphasised that neither Nick or the club has committed to trading him and while there has been some interest received from other clubs, any move would only occur through mutual agreement."

Pelchen said Montagna would play out the rest of his contract.

"Leigh is contracted for 2014. Neither he or the club has expressed a desire to part ways ahead of next season and he is absolutely a required player," he said.

"We look forward to having 'Joey' play an important role for the Saints again next year."

Despite not getting a consistent message from the Saints on Dal Santo, North Melbourne remains confident it will eventually get its man to Arden St.

Essendon also had some interest in the three-time All-Australian, but that is believed to have cooled.

North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie left the meeting with Dal Santo hopeful he could soon call him a teammate.

"He wanted to find out about North Melbourne and we wanted to find out about Nick's intentions and how much longer he thinks he can play and where he can play positionally," Petrie said.

"It was just a mutual discussion about him wanting to know about North and about us asking him about his intentions going forward.

"It's still his decision and it's up in the air and it has to be done through the right processes."

The Roos could yet get Dal Santo for nothing if the Saint revoked his right to a final year on a contract that has a trigger clause and became a free agent.

With Dal Santo well paid, the Saints could then be given a first-round pick as compensation.

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Options aplenty for Shaw

Collingwod defender Heath Shaw will spend the weekend deciding where he'd like to play next year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / HeraldSun

HEATH Shaw will have spoken to as many as seven clubs by the time the trade window opens on Monday.

Shaw, who turns 28 next month, has attracted interest from sides inside and outside of premiership contention and is weighing up the best fit for him.

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The running defender has been quizzed by rival clubs on his frustration at playing on the last line of defence, which he was often forced to do this year.

He has told them he is a passionate player who is desperate for success, but acknowledges he must change how he expresses his passion.

Shaw will leave on a holiday next week where he will consider where to take his career.

COLIN SYLVIA

Learning the Dockers theme song after signing a three-year contract as an unrestricted free agent. Dees happy for him to go.

MATT WHITE

Unrestricted free agent has signed for Port Adelaide on a three-year deal. Richmond receives nothing in return.

LUKE McGUANE

Another unrestricted free agent who has walked out on Richmond, bound for Brisbane. New Lions coach and former Tigers assistant Justin Leppitsch a major factor.

Eddie Betts celebrates his goal in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

EDDIE BETTS

Carlton yesterday confirmed it would not match Adelaide's four-year offer worth around $2 million. Betts will be a Crow in 2014.

SHANE SAVAGE

New club may be determined by which ruckman Hawthorn wants. Carlton and the Brisbane Lions among the most interested parties for the 22-year-old, proposing Shaun Hampson and Billy Longer respectively.

HEATH SHAW

No shortage of interest. Will have spoken to seven clubs - both flag contenders and non-contenders - by the time the trade window opens. Has to decide what he wants out of the rest of his career - big money or the chance at another flag.

NICK DAL SANTO

North Melbourne wants him, he wants North Melbourne, but St Kilda can't make up its mind. Remains in limbo.

DALE THOMAS

Move to Carlton not expected until next week, with the Blues yet to make offer official. But Pies resigned to losing the premiership player to a $2.8 million, four-year offer from their arch rivals.

Paul Chapman's time as a Cat is over. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

PAUL CHAPMAN

Didn't want to go, but the decision wasn't his. Richmond the most interested, but Carlton and Essendon are also considering the match-winning forward.

JAMES PODSIADLY

Also cut by the Cats and rival clubs have started to queue up. Happy to go anywhere to continue playing AFL.

TRAVIS COLYER

Turned his back on any potential move after last night accepting a contract extension at Essendon.

TAYLOR ADAMS

Will decide over the weekend who to play for, but it appears a choice between Geelong and Collingwood. Travis Varcoe could be part of a deal.

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LANCE FRANKLIN

Another step closer to becoming a Swan after Sydney lodged paperwork yesterday with the AFL detailing a $10 million, nine-year deal.

JEREMY LAIDLER

Not rated by new coach Mick Malthouse and then delisted, he has attracted some interest but nothing concrete.

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Kent on Saturday - NRL owes Toovey

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GEOFF Toovey should invoice the NRL, with interest.

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What's the bank interest on $10,000 these days, anyway?

Does it cover the cost of a phone call from NRL headquarters? Toovey's post-match press conference that cost him the fine is something the NRL has been crying out for, and instead of encouraging him they stomped on him.

Yet Channel 9 recognised the appeal of Toovey's candidness enough to make it part of their finals promotions package. Fox Sports also recognised it, and at Thursday's grand final lunch it got a run again.

The night before, Toovey and Roosters coach Trent Robinson came on NRL360 where it got a run again, backed up by support from these quarters that Toovey should never have been fined.

The need for honesty and transparency such as Toovey displayed — which didn't cross the line as the NRL claims — has never been more apparent than this week.

Toovey is as relaxed as any coach ever seen in his first grand final. He sat in the green room before Wednesday's appearance on NRL360, chatting with Robinson as if there wasn't a worry to consider.

His cool demeanour is reflected in the Sea Eagles who, after a dark period where the club was at war with the NRL and the media, has shifted significantly since he took over last year.

There is a sunlight in the Sea Eagles' camp that wasn't there before.

But the fine seemed to be in the back of his mind as the questions came at him in his last public press conference on Thursday. Why wouldn't it be, when honesty is discouraged?

The impact of Toovey's fine was seen elsewhere in grand final week, in the manner of a death by 1000 cuts. The Roosters have refused to allow Sonny Bill Williams to be interviewed at any point this week. One of the biggest name in Sunday's game, his voice silent.

How many pages of newsprint a Williams interview would have generated is something we can only guess at now, but it was an opportunity to sell the game that the NRL missed.

The Roosters open media day on Tuesday provided just a few players, far from the entire squad, far from the biggest names, and again, when the NRL should have been out selling its biggest moment, the opportunity was let slip.

By comparison, Manly made everybody available.

The NRL can thank Toovey for that. He doesn't carry a grudge, as they might believe.

Outside the official press conference at Thursday's grand final lunch no Roosters players were allowed to be interviewed.

It is traditionally the last time the media interviews players before leaving them alone to prepare for Sunday's decider.

By contrast, the Sea Eagles, led by Toovey, had them all available. As you can see, the most talked about fine of the season is also the greatest injustice. As they walked off set of NRL360 Toovey held out his hand.

"Thanks Trent," he said.

"See you, mate. See you tomorrow," Robinson said. "We've got the lunch."

"That's right," Toovey said, following Robinson out.

It reminded me of Sam the Sheepdog and Ralph the Coyote from those old Looney Tunes cartoons — just moments before the work whistle goes off.

*****

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SONNY Bill Williams has brought a new cool to the Roosters. One area where Mitch Pearce let himself down in previous years was his off-field behaviour, which failed to match the professionalism of his football.

His life was out of sync. Young and in demand, Pearce burned the candles at both ends, and often burned himself in the process, as he lived the party boy lifestyle that seemed to tick all the requirements of eastern suburbs cool.

Dates with Playboy models and Pussycat Dolls, that sort of thing. Then along came Williams, who showed there was another way and you didn't have to be a social outcast to follow it. Pearce quickly followed the lead, and with his life in balance is becoming the footballer many believed he would be.

*****

ANYONE wanting to know what a changed man Anthony Watmough is need only  look at  his performance at the Brad Fittler Awards.

Watmough turned up with wife Elle and made sure he introduced himself to past greats.

Then, as the clock ticked 9pm, Watmough told organisers their babysitter had school the next  morning and he had to be home by 10pm.

Given the limited time he had to be there, plenty would have brushed the awards, yet Watmough made the effort.

There was a time when you couldn't get him to go home.

*****

UNOFFICIAL highlight of the Dally Ms, and there is always one, was Johnny Raper's solo dance during Timomatic's performance.

Raper didn't need a stage like Timomatic, which is a good thing as it was the only thing stopping him from stealing the show.

Moments earlier Raper was working the room, as only he can, when the bright lights hit and the music amped up and, as the act came on stage, he looked around a little confused before taking a seat at table No.1, occupied by Arthur Summons and Norm Provan.

"Look at Chook, he's lost," said Raper's wife Carol.

I offered to go fetch, then caught Raper's eye, and so he gave his apologies to Provan and Summons and got up for the short walk back to our table when the music overtook him.

There wasn't a table around left watching the stage as Raper started busting a move.

Lincoln Lewis and his brother Mitch, there at table No.12 to represent their father Wally, who would have been the third Immortal at the table, reeled back in shock.

Lincoln started a hand clap and Raper, as no man ever did better, responded.

The other Immortal at table 12 was Graeme Langlands, who gave what we believe was a smile at Chook's performance.

The Immortal most missed from the night was Reg Gasnier. Earlier in the week his son Peter called to say Gasnier wasn't doing well, and was recently moved into high care. He suffered a stroke some years back.

Raper and Langlands both lowered their heads when they heard. Carol said they visited him a fortnight ago and he was unable to talk.

"He's not doing well," Peter said. And high care costs a bomb.

The irony is that Gasnier has donated most of his memorabilia to charities such as Men of League, for which he naturally got nothing, and so little is left for the family to auction off to help cover the family's rising medical costs.

In lieu of that Peter has come up with the idea of a signed split jersey, St George and Western Suburbs, with Arthur Summons' signature on the other side to raise money for his dad's care.

That's one way to help him, and here's the other.

Gasnier is one of the original Immortals. The NRL should come to the party.

*****

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A GOOD WEEK FOR

BUDDY Franklin's decision to take the Swans' nine-year $10 million offer over the Giants was absolutely the perfect decision for him and the AFL ... although they would never admit it. Franklin will be a much bigger star in a winning team than the new franchise, no matter how much spit and polish the AFL applies to the underperforming Giants.

A ROUGH WEEK FOR

JAMES O'Connor returns to the Western Force with "Brand O'Connor" in somewhat worse shape than when he left. But his admission that his career is "at a crossroads" is the first positive sign of a true awareness of his situation. That's always the first step to coming back.

DON'T MISS

GET ready for the Anthony Mundine onslaught to begin next week. Opponent Shane Mosley has already hit town, promising to revise the "Man Down" posters. Expect Mundine to be far more respectful selling this fight than he has in the past.

HERE'S HOPING

THE Wobblies take on Argentina tomorrow morning needing to win to avoid the embarrassment of finishing last in a tournament that includes the Pumas. Seriously.
 

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Simpson to coach Eagles

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ADAM Simpson has won the race to become coach of West Coast, with the club overlooking dual premiership star Peter Sumich.

Simpson, 37, will be unveiled as the Eagles' sixth coach at a press conference at club headquarters on Friday morning.

Sumich, 45, had been regarded as the favourite to take over from John Worsfold and his latest snub comes as a devastating blow to the long-time assistant coach.

Sumich served under Worsfold for a decade at the Eagles before moving to Fremantle to work under Ross Lyon two years ago.

Simpson, the Hawthorn assistant coach and dual premiership player with North Melbourne, said he was looking forward to coaching in his own right.

"I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to moving across to Perth with my family and settling in to the challenge ahead,'' Simpson said.
 

"I have always admired West Coast from afar and I believe the list has an exciting mix of senior and emerging young players.

"I would like to acknowledge both Hawthorn and North Melbourne for the grounding they have given to me in this game.

"Hawthorn has been fantastic for me in the last four years and it was certainly a great experience to be a part of the coaching group as the club achieved the ultimate success last Saturday.

"Being so closely involved from a coaching perspective has provided me with a sense of the hard work which has to be done to achieve a premiership. I obviously enjoyed that feeling as a player, but it is different as a coach.

"I will move across to Perth as soon as possible and I look forward to meeting the players and working with them from the start of pre-season."

West Coast chairman Alan Cransberg thanked the other candidates who had been interviewed for the role, including Sumich, Leigh Tudor and current assistant Scott Burns.

"I am sure they will continue to add enormous value in assistant roles or any future senior coaching roles," Cransberg said.

"It was a tough job for the selection panel and the board to arrive at this unanimous decision, but we believe Adam is best equipped to take the club forward."

Simpson was a member of the Kangaroos' 1996 and '99 premiership sides, and also captained North Melbourne.

It came down to a race for two on Monday when both Sumich and Simpson presented to the club's board.

They were both called in to a second interview on Tuesday and psyche testing on Wednesday before Simpson was ratified by the Eagles' board on Thursday.

Simpson, who made his senior debut against West Coast at Princes Park in round 18, 1995, played 306 games for North Melbourne before retiring midway through the 2009 season.

He spent five years as club captain, was a premiership player in 1996 and 1999, won the club's fairest and best award in 2002 and was an All-Australian player in the same year.

ADAM SIMPSON
Born: February 16, 1976

PLAYING
Club: North Melbourne
Drafted: No.14 in 1993 national draft from Eltham/Northern U18
Career span: 1995-2009
Games: 306 (equal third highest in North Melbourne's history behind Brent Harvey 362 and Glenn Archer 311 and equal with Wayne Schimmelbusch)
Honours: premiership sides 1996 and '99; best and fairest 2002 (four other top-three placings); All-Australian 2002; club captain 2004-08

COACHING
Hawthorn assistant coach 2010-13

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'JOC can play 150 Tests for Wallabies'

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EWEN McKenzie believes James O'Connor can still play a record 150 Tests for the Wallabies but only if he doesn't run away from his off-field problems.

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Speaking in Argentina where Australia are preparing to play the Pumas on Sunday (AEST), McKenzie said he had spoken with O'Connor yesterday about his choice between taking a massive pay-cut and playing for the Force, or heading offshore for a European or Japanese club.

After being told he would lose a $500,000 ARU contract in 2014 O'Connor faces a test of character, believes McKenzie.

"I've encouraged him (to stay). He can run and go and do something else, or he can stay and fight his way back into the Australian rugby scene," McKenzie said.

"I'm not closing the door on him in that sense but he has to obviously fulfil the criteria in terms of playing Super Rugby but also he has to modify behaviour.

"He'll understand that it's a fairly big moment for him ...but it's also a great opportunity for him if he wants to embrace the behavioural side which is the bit I'm interested in.

"He's a bloody good footballer. I've said to him he's quite capable of playing 150 Tests if he wants to but he isn't going to if he doesn't get his off-field stuff sorted."

Aged 23, O'Connor has already played in 44 Tests since debuting at age 18 in 2008. He could conceivably cruise past George Gregan's world record of 139 Test caps - or whoever holds it in a decade - if he stays in Australia and on the straight and narrow.

McKenzie pointed out O'Connor had made noticeable improvement in his behaviour and efforts to contribute to Wallabies team culture since he took over, but the Perth airport incident left him with no choice but to initially suspend the winger.

"I'm interested in him as a person. He's obviously a very good footballer but I think the football bit is the easy bit. The other bits over time would suggest that's a harder fix but fixable nonetheless," McKenzie said.

"He's playing snakes and ladders and he's tumbled down a ladder and now he's got to climb again."

Asked if he felt the penny had finally dropped with O'Connor this week, McKenzie said: "I think he understands."

"He's been around for five years so there has obviously been a bunch of incidents but he has continued to be involved (in the team)," he said.

"Well, now he's not involved. I think that's a fairly substantial message. It doesn't matter how you end your time  when you're not playing  any player who's injured for a period of time or not picked, they'll al tell you the same thing, that they miss it. They miss it big time. They miss their mates, they miss the camaraderie, they miss the whole environment."

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Earlier action could have saved JOC

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ARU boss Bill Pulver has conceded an earlier crackdown on James O'Connor's behaviour could have prevented Thursday's strong wake-up call for the troubled star being necessary.

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Pulver announced O'Connor would be released from the remaining months of his current contract, and would not be offered an ARU top-up contract for 2014, due to a long list of disciplinary issues.

O'Connor will still be able to play Super Rugby but the ARU decision equates to an estimated $500,000 pay cut; opening the door for the 23-year-old to depart Australian rugby.

Though brought to a head by the Perth airport incident, Pulver said the tough penalty was a result of the "cumulative impact" of O'Connor's bulging disciplinary file in the ARU Human Resources' office, dating back several years.

"If you look at any one of these incidents in isolation, none of them as far as I'm aware was life threatening, none involved breaking the law but when you look at the cumulative impact, they in total represent unacceptable behaviour," Pulver said.

"When I look back at James's record, there have been many instances where he has been counselled and sadly his behaviour has not responded in the way we felt appropriate."

Many in Australian rugby have felt that a lack of tougher action on O'Connor for each episode emboldened the youngster to continue acting with disrespect for teammates, and occasionally the public.

Asked if harsher action than simply "counselling" in preceding years could have prevented the need for the drastic course of action - which opens the door to potentially losing O'Connor for good - Pulver said: "I think that's probably a very fair question."

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"When you look at the incidents on James's record, in many ways there were a lot of not exactly uniquely serious incidents," he added.

"It's a long list of behavioural concerns which when you look at them cumulatively warrant this sort of action. It's fair to say we should have responded more firmly historically and maybe we wouldn't be where we are today."

Pulver was unwilling to put any blame towards Robbie Deans, however, who has been accused of enabling O'Connor's behaviour by using a soft disciplinary touch, and even defending him from media.

Pulver refused to confirm whether O'Connor had been in a fight with Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper in Paris in 2010; an event teammates confirm happened but was denied by Deans and the ARU.

"I don't want to go into individual issues inside James's record, I think that's a private matter between the ARU and James and so I'm just not prepared to confirm that," Pulver said.

"I don't want this to become an issue relating to Robbie Deans."

Pulver said he hoped O'Connor took the chance to "redeem himself" at Western Force, and admitted he had spoken with Force CEO Mark Sinderberry about signing the 44-Test back.

The Force released a statement saying they were encouraging O'Connor to take time out to consider his future, but would keep a door open for negotiations.

Pulver said cracking down on behavioural issues and keeping rugby's "core values" was a priority not only for cultural reasons, but to safeguard endorsement and sponsorship revenue from companies keen to align with respectable athletes.

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Pay Wallabies less for losing: NFJ

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FORMER Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones has called for an overhaul of the Australian rugby contract system, saying it's time players were paid less for a loss.

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Wallabies players have long enjoyed an advantageous arrangement where the Australian Rugby Union "topped up" their Super Rugby deals, placing them among the best-paid sportsmen in the country.

But Farr-Jones slammed the current system and suggested players' match payments – which currently stand at $14,000 regardless of the result – were altered to a performance-based approach.

Farr-Jones said a player's bank balance, not just their pride, should be stung by a loss.

"I'm a definite believer in centralisation, when it comes to rugby I'm a bit of a socialist," Farr-Jones told Rugby HQ on Thursday night.

"I'm sure during the course of this program the scrum will come up as a topic going into the game against Argentina.

"Having played for the Wallabies for 10 years, I know that I can't do my job if the (number) one's not doing his job.

"I'm a socialist when it comes to rugby and yes I understand the importance of the guys who are going to bring the attention, the media and the bums on seats.

"But I am a socialist and I'm also a believer that I want to see it hurt, one for the jersey but I also want to see it hurt the hip pocket as well."

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Earlier this week it was revealed stand-in Wallabies captain Ben Mowen was unhappy at his lack of an ARU top-up, leaving him to explore options overseas.

Under chief Bill Pulver the ARU decided to enforce a two-year "top-up qualification" where players, Mowen being an example, had to establish themselves at the top level before they received the extra cash from the governing body.

But with the game in such a precarious financial position and the Wallabies at one of their lowest ebbs in recent memory, Farr-Jones said it was time the ARU went a step further and dealt the players a timely reality check.

"The game is broke and if you're the All Blacks and you're playing like that then I have no problem," he said.

"But we're (Wallabies) playing like busteds and the game is broke here in Australia.

"We're really struggling to basically fund the development of the game here at a junior level; I chair NSW Rugby, the community side of the game.

"We need to have these guys playing not just for pride of the jersey but playing to get their incentivised payments."

The ARU did manage to save a reported $500,000 on Thursday after cutting ties with fallen Wallaby James O'Connor.

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Galuvao rules out shock return

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IS Manly telling the truth, or playing mind games?

Injured Sea Eagles forward Joe Galuvao on Wednesday ended speculation he would make a shock comeback in Sunday's Grand Final by declaring: "It's not be.''

Galuvao hasn't played since round six when he ripped an Achilles tendon against Cronulla at Brookvale Oval.

Talk was rife that Galuvao would return for Sunday night's decider after fellow forward Richie Fa'aoso was ruled with a neck injury.

Asked whether he was any chance of playing, Galuvao said: "No, mate. All the training I have been doing, it's all to do with my rehab.

"As much as I would like to be out there with the boys, it's down to the 19 players that 'Tooves' (coach Geoff Toovey) has picked so far.

"A lot of my training has been rehab running. I am confident I could (play) but it's not to be.

"I haven't had direct talks with him (Toovey) about playing.

"I don't want to put the focus on me. It's about the guys out there playing on the weekend. Good luck to them.''

Galuvao admitted he would play in a flash if asked.

"I would definitely put my hand up, for sure,'' he said.

"It's up the medical staff and if they think I am right ... I would jump at the chance if it came up but I haven't played in five months.

"Unfortunately it's not (going to happen). Today was probably my last training run with the team.

"If I was a betting man ... very long (odds to play).''

Galuvao played with Penrith in the victorious 2003 Grand Final.

"The boys are pumped and we have had good training runs over the past couple of days,'' he said.

"We are experienced because of the grand finals the boys have been a part of.

"It's good to know we have been there, done that. We are trying to enjoy the week.

"I have never been at a club where the guys get along so well. I said it when I first got here: in the first week I felt like I had been here for years.''

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Wallabies ready for scrum challenge

Argentina caused all sorts of problems for the All Blacks scrum last weekend. Source: David Rogers / Getty Images

STRENGTH between the ears - not in the backs, legs or shoulders - is the key to improving the flaky Wallabies scrum and holding an imposing Puma pack at bay on Sunday, according to prop Ben Alexander.

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The sight of the Argentinian eight smashing the All Black scrum last weekend sent dread into the hearts of Australian fans ahead of the Rosario clash, given the ongoing struggles of the gold scrum in 2013.

The Pumas gave the Wallabies trouble in Perth at the set-piece and based on their routing of the Kiwi scrum, will only be stronger on home turf, where scrummaging is considered the sexiest part of rugby.

It all spells trouble but Alexander says based on the lessons of their last Pumas clash and incremental improvements against the Springboks in Cape Town, the Wallabies know what they have to do to compete.

"They don't care if they lose the game as long as they have won at scrum time - it is a badge of honour for them," Alexander said.

"It is a pride thing for us too. We are not happy with the way our scrum has been going. We took some steps in the right direction at the weekend, but for us it is about consistency, and about putting the performance out instead of talking about it."

Alexander said the Wallabies had to be prepared to scrum for longer against an Argentinian pack whose advantage wasn't in size or technique, but attitude.

"It is just a mentality. They are not bigger or stronger. They want to scrum for longer. It is all mental," he said.

"They are all (at) the same height, if you watch them. They're not lower, they're not any bigger, any heavier. They just mentally want to scrum for longer. They're very patient, so it is about (us) being patient, wanting to scrum for longer. It's just a mental thing."

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Rugby is a game of mixed priorities, and different teams elect to try and press their advantage in different places; it can be up front or out wide.

Alexander pointed out New Zealand still won with a bonus point by being stronger elsewhere on the field, but Australia's problem recently is the scrum has become such a point of perceived weakness for rivals - and referees - even banking on parity at scrum-time is now not happening.

The scrum concedes points or pressure and yields so little stable possession, leaving the rest of the Australian game floundering.

"It's a tactical thing. They (Argentina) have identified that area as a strength of theirs and that's where they want to ram home that advantage. And so it's up to us to nullify that strength," Alexander said.

The Puma pack is a benchmark the Australian eight want to aspire to, he added.

"They're what we want to chase in scrummaging, they're very consistent which is something we've lacked," he said.

"We scrummed well against them in the first half in Perth but in the second half, that first 20 minutes after halftime, we took our foot off the pedal and they then started to dish us and got them right back in the game. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the whole forward pack this Saturday."

The Wallaby scrum wasn't a basket case in Cape Town - neither side dominated - but it came under heavy fire from ex-Test coaches Nick Mallett and John Mitchell on the local broadcast for "illegally manipulating" the scrum outcome, and hindering the Boks' prospects, by shoving early and forcing the referee to blow penalties.

With the wooden spoon on the line and Argentina a top-tier, 15-point better side at home, Alexander said the Wallabies' task in Rosario this weekend had similarities to 2012; a tough victory he rates among his finest in a Wallaby jersey.

"No-one gave us a chance. We had played very poorly the week before in Pretoria, similar circumstances to this. There was a lot of pressure on Robbie, on all of us. For the lot of us, other than Sharpie, it was our first time playing in a Test match here," he said.

"It was a tough gritty win. They're the ones you remember, when people don't give you a chance. You really fight it out away from home and get the win."

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Fremantle Dockers 2013 Report Card

Fremantle star Nathan Fyfe took more contested marks in 2013 than any other Dockers player. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

DO the Dockers get a pass for the 2013 season? See our verdict and have your say.

SNAPSHOT

Wins: 16
Losses: 5
Draws: 1
Ladder position: 3rd
%: 134.1

WHAT WENT RIGHT

THE Dockers surged up the AFL table and into the Grand Final in their second year under Ross Lyon. The defensive mastermind got the best out of Garrick Ibbotson, before an Achilles injury ended his 2013 campaign, former Port Adelaide speedster Danyle Pearce, Zac Clarke, Michael Walters and one-time fringe dweller Nick Suban. Dockers star Nathan Fyfe emerged as one of the best in the game while David Mundy and Michael Barlow worked hard around the stoppages. Once upon a time, Subiaco was West Coast's House of Pain. In 2013, the Dockers won 12 of 13 matches on their home deck. Walters' rise to All Australian ranks and Chris Mayne's emergence across half forward also boosted the Dockers' stocks. Ryan Crowley, love or hate him, he does his job every week.

Aaron Sandilands shares a celebratory hug with regular-sized human Michael Walters. Photo: George Salpigtidis Source: News Limited

Who'll win Fremantle's B&F? VOTE in our poll at the bottom of the story.

WHAT WENT WRONG

POOR kicking ultimately cost the club its first flag. The Dockers kicked 1.6 (12) to half time, making matters worse several shots dropped short or missed altogether in swirly conditions at the MCG. Injuries and suspensions to key players (Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands, Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson and Luke McPharlin) at key times stretched the Dockers at times during the season. Hayden Ballantyne had a Grand Final he'd rather forget… when he wasn't slipping over he sprayed his kicks and fumbled possessions.

Michael Walters took this beauty and kicked a goal to bring the Dockers back into the game in the third quarter. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

THE LIST

Elite: Nathan Fyfe, Ryan Crowley, Matthew Pavlich, Michael Johnson, Michael Walters
Big improvers: David Mundy, Chris Mayne, Garrick Ibbotson, Nick Suban
Gone: Peter Faulks, Jesse Crichton, Jayden Pitt (retired), Alex Forster, Haiden Schloithe and Alex Howson
Trade bait: Alex Silvagni, Viv Michie, Jon Griffin, Nick Suban (contracted in 2014)

WHAT THEY NEED

WE know the Dockers have a lot of cash (refer talks of luring Travis Cloke last year) and want a key forward. A case could be made for Peel Thunder product, Scott Gumbleton, potentially squeezed out of the Bombers with the emergence of Joe Daniher. Fremantle recruiters have plenty of bargaining power with cash and finals aspirations to lure contracted forwards west.

PREMIERSHIP CLOCK

IN horse racing terms, the Dockers have their hoof on the till. The Grand Final loss will stick in their guts for the next 12 months, just the incentive to go one step further in 2014. Their game plan is solid; all that's needed is another avenue to goal. They'll be better for the Grand Final experience – refer West Coast dropping the big one in 1991 before winning flags in 1992 and 1994.

STATS THAT MATTER

CLUB LEADERS

Kicks: Nathan Fyfe (338)
Handballs: Michael Barlow (334)
Contested possessions: Michael Barlow (306)
Marks: Michael Johnson (159)
Contested marks: Nathan Fyfe (25)
Clearances: David Mundy (133)
Inside-50s: Danyle Pearce (109)
Rebound-50s: Michael Johnson (76)
Frees for: Chris Mayne/Hayden Ballantyne (33)
Frees against: Zac Dawson (34)
Goals: Michael Walters (46)
Goal assists: Chris Mayne (24)
Time on ground: Zac Dawson (2691mins)
Players used: 39
       
TEAM STATS (Average + AFL Rank)

Disposals: 364.9 (10th)
Contested possession differential: -1.3    (12th)
Tackles: 65.6 (6th)
Clearance differential: +0.0 (10th)
Inside-50 differential: +3.8 (8th)
Scoring % inside 50: 49.7% (7th)
Av points for: 91.3 (12th)
Av points against: 69.6    (1st)
Av winning margin: 43
Av losing margin: 37   

DID YOU KNOW?   
Fremantle retained possession from 61.5 per cent of Nathan Fyfe's disposals during the H&A season - the worst percentage of the top-50 ball winners in the competition.

Stats courtesy of Champion Data

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No matching Kenny's record

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BRETT Kenny has one of those never before, never again kind of grand final records.

He admits it was not on his mind when he ran out for his third successive grand final in 1983, looking for his third successive two-try game to round out the record.

Three straight grand finals, two tries in each.

"Never even thought about it to be honest," he said.

"Just ran out there to play. It just happened that way."

Watch the video above of Kenny's amazing feat - all six tries!

While nobody will ever forget the two tries against Newtown in 1981, Kenny remembers all four tries against Manly in 1982-83 but even he can't quite remember which game what try was scored in.

He can describe all four, then says, "I'm not sure what year they were, but they were the four tries."

Kenny played 10 more years for the Eels, and in a sign of changing times he played his last game on a Sunday and got up the next morning to take a call, his first day in retirement, from a radio station.

There was no Mad Monday.

"They were quite surprised I wasn't home," Kenny said.

"I was working with Berri fruit juices at the time and I was driving a truck, driving the daily juice.

"Back then that's what you did."

Kenny retired with a club record 265 games and a club record 110 tries, both of which lasted the best part of 20 years before being broken within 12 months of each other.

By then Kenny was back involved in the game, having coached Windsor Wolves to a premiership and believing he was on his way to a future NRL head coaching job until, well, things didn't turn out.

"When I was at Penrith I thought this is where I might go on, Parramatta's NSW Cup, I thought maybe this is the opportunity, but it didn't happen there and I thought maybe it's not to be.

"I'd still like to be involved."

He has drifted from coaching job to coaching job, dabbling in media before that, the reality being that when he pulled over Wednesday to talk about three glorious grand final efforts he was selling poker machines, and poker machine parts, for Independent Gaming.

"I'm enjoying it," he said.

"But if something [in coaching] came up I'd certainly have a look at it.

"I just love the game."

His gift was a record that might not stand forever, but long enough that we won't ever see it broken.

"A lot of people say it will probably never be broken," he said.

"The way the game is now it's difficult for sides to play in two grand finals in a row let alone three.

"I guess it's a record that I might have for a long time."

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Robinson named Coach of the Year

Dally M Coach of the Year Trent Robinson. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / DailyTelegraph

THE Sydney Roosters' Grand Final fairytale began in a Woollahra coffee shop about 12 months ago.

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At a table inside, the game's longest serving player agent Wayne Beavis and longest serving club official Nick Politis were discussing ways to fix the Roosters.

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"It was just a low-key catch-up," Beavis recalls, "we regularly get together to talk footy and other things."

It was also the occasion Tuesday night's Dally M Coach of the Year Trent Robinson's name came up for the first time as a potential NRL coach.

Although he was still under contract, veteran Brian Smith was on the outer and the pair were throwing around names as potential 2013 first grade coaches.

Most of the big names - Bellamy, Bennett and Hasler - were already locked up on long-term deals.

So Beavis put forward his client's name.

Politis had seen the success of neighbours and arch-rivals South Sydney were having with a new face, Michael Maguire.

It was rare for the car dealer and chairman to even consider a "no name".

He's normally been one for a Jack Gibson, Bob Fulton, Phil Gould, Ricky Stuart, Graham Murray, Brian Smith, Chris Anderson or Brad Fittler.

Unlike the above that were all rugby league household names, Robinson had played only four first grade games - three at the Wests Tigers and one at the Parramatta Eels.

The one thing working in his favour was a previous stint at the Roosters as an assistant coach in 2010.

"The players really liked him," said former Roosters CEO Steve Noyce.

"He was a very popular figure at the club and a really decent bloke who knew what he was doing.

"You could always tell he was going to be a successful NRL coach and then the stint in France at Catalans put the finishing touches on his apprenticeship."

Now he's on the verge of joining Phil Gould and Ricky Stuart, the only two coaches to have won premierships in their first season.

As Noyce says, Robinson is a players' coach.

I remember back in March when Robinson arrived at a Surry Hills Hotel to meet and establish a relationship with News Limited rugby league writers.

You could tell that night that, as Noyce explained, he was a players' coach.

He'd just come from a quick but announced visit to Joey Leilua's home with club captain Anthony Minichiello.

And why?

"We just wanted to check out his fridge," Robinson explained. "He lives on his own and we wanted to make sure he was eating the right food.

"It's just another part of the job."

Robinson would be the first to admit that Tuesday night's award was not what he set out to achieve when he started at Moore Park last October.

Sunday's Grand Final is the main prize.

And besides, four of the past eight winners no longer have a first grade head coaching job.

Tim Sheens (2005), Neil Henry (2008), Kevin Moore (2009) and Brian Smith (2010) are proof that it doesn't guarantee you job security.

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Buddy defection outrages rivals

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LANCE Franklin's shock $10 million defection to the Sydney Swans - the biggest deal in league history - has outraged the football world and prompted an AFL investigation.

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Franklin was expected to join the fledgling Giants in Sydney's sprawling outer west, but has sensationally chosen the Swans in an extraordinary nine-year deal.

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But the AFL last night said it was investigating the Franklin offer - a move that could yet see the deal blocked.

Since Hawthorn's premiership triumph on Saturday, Franklin, 26, has been telling friends of his plans to buy a house in the trendy Sydney suburb of Bondi.

The star forward has a growing relationship with Sydney celebrity Jesinta Campbell, and is close to Rugby Union bad boy Kurtley Beale, who has also moved from Melbourne.

The Swans, who have been secretly courting Franklin since last year, will help pay for him using a contentious $1 million-a-season cost-of-living allowance.

Franklin is also expected to seek AFL "ambassadorial" payments on top of a $1.4 million annual wage.

The Hawks have an option of matching the Sydney offer but are almost certain to let him go.

Buddy Franklin gets a handpass away during the Grand Final against Fremantle. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

Franklin's nine-season, $10 million deal will be unconditional even if he retires before the contract expires, when he is 36.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire led an outcry from rival clubs over Sydney's extra money.

"I've been saying it since grand final Sunday in 2002: a 10 per cent recurring salary cap advantage, not including third party deals, often in co-ordination with the AFL, is and remains the greatest perversion to the fairness of the competition and a scandal in football," McGuire said.

North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw said: "At the moment we have two clubs allowed to pay $800,000 to $1 million more per annum. We believe it is totally unacceptable and has to be abolished as soon as possible."

Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Limited

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said it would be a "criminal act" if the AFL stumped up Franklin's $1.4 million salary with a marketing component.

"If they were to do that it is almost a criminal act," Kennett said.

"It would totally prostitute the concept of free agency and AFL marketing money going to help establish new clubs."

Kennett called for rival club presidents to demand the AFL reveal how the Swans were spending the 9.8 per cent allowance.

"If they are able to stockpile it then it makes a farce of the concept," Kennett said.

Buddy Franklin signs autographs at Hawthorn training. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said there was "no sufficient basis" for the allowance.

"I don't want to express a view about Buddy Franklin ... I simply say, the sooner we get to an uncompromised draft and an uncomplicated and even salary cap, the better off we'll be," he said.

Another senior club figure said: "Now people may finally wake up and stop cheering the Bloods culture. The whole thing is a joke."

Sydney have featured in 13 of the past 16 AFL finals series.

The Swans, who added Adelaide Crows big man Kurt Tippett to their list last year, pocket the 9.8 per cent allowance because of Sydney's high cost of living.

It amounts to $944,000 next season and will top $1 million in 2016.

The AFL has been reviewing the arrangement and is expected to abandon it.

The Swans firmed from $7 to $5 in 2014 premiership betting markets on Tuesday.

Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Limited

Outgoing Sydney Swans chairman Richard Colless declared four months ago Lance "Buddy" Franklin could ignite the Sydney market as Tony Lockett did in the 1990s.

"`I think it would be, initially anyway, an extraordinary coup," Colless said in June.

"`The impact of Lockett can't be underestimated. It was an amazing drawcard.

"This guy (Franklin) is a very different player. I'm not saying he's the best player in the competition - he is on occasions. But he's six-foot-six, runs like a gazelle, fends people off ... and if his kicking was a bit more reliable, he'd be kicking 100 goals a year.

"`I think it would be a huge coup."

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Simpson captures Blues' top gong

Winner ... Kade Simpson wins his first Jon Nicholls Medal. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

KADE Simpson has capped the best year of his career by winning his first Carlton best and fairest.

Simpson was last night awarded the John Nicholls Medal as the Blues' standout performer of 2013 in front of a packed Palladium room at Crown Casino.

The 29-year-old polled 92 votes to finish ahead of fellow defender Andrew Walker (77) and influential swingman Lachie Henderson (71). Tagger Ed Curnow, who was also judged best clubman, was fourth with 67 votes.

The award was well deserved for Simpson, who arrived at Visy Park with little fanfare via pick No.42 in the 2002 national draft.

But the line-breaking left footer has become one of Carlton's most unsung stars, playing with durability and a level of courage that belies his slight 79kg frame.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse last night heaped praise on Simpson, labelling him one of the Blues' most courageous men.

"When the team is challenged on the field, Kade is always one of the first to stand up, paying the price physically but also reaping the rewards," Malthouse said.

"He has had a magnificent season and has been a real worry to the opposition with his run and ball use. I congratulate Kade on this terrific achievement."

Star ... Andrew Walker was outstanding for Carlton in 2013. Source: News Limited

Simpson was one of only five Carlton players to play every game in a rollercoaster 2013, leading the club's disposal count with 533 in a new role off half-back.

President Stephen Kernahan said Simpson came to the club "weighing 60 kilos ringing wet", but that courage and determination had made him one of the Blues' most consistent performers.

Simpson sits second behind club great Bruce Doull for playing the most consecutive games with 158 and played his 200th game in this year's semi-final loss to Sydney.

Bryce Gibbs finished fifth in the count, while Michael Jamison (6th), Zach Tuohy (7th), Chris Judd, Brock McLean (equal 8th) and Jeff Garlett (10th) rounded out of the top 10 performers.

In other awards, much improved tagger Jaryd Cachia was judged best first-year player, while Henderson won the high achiever and most determined gongs.

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AFL prepared to veto Franklin move

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THE AFL is prepared to block Sydney's nine-year, $10 million offer for Lance Franklin because it could destroy the club's list if he retires early.

The league will investigate a potential $4 million-plus payout to Franklin that could be included in a single year if the 26-year-old is delisted or walks away after only five seasons.

The AFL will be prepared to save Sydney from itself by blocking the deal or ensuring the Swans significantly alter it.

The AFL confirmed it would investigate the deal, interviewing key Sydney officials to ensure they understand the ramifications if the deal backfires.

"As part of the review process by the AFL's Legal, Integrity and Compliance Depart-ment, key people involved in the proposed Franklin arrangement — at this stage a non-binding offer of a nine-year deal — will be interviewed in the coming days,'' the league said in a statement.

Brisbane captain Michael Voss was paid $1 million in the 2007 salary cap under the final year of a back-ended deal ­despite being retired, a situation the league does not want multiplied over three or four years.

The Herald Sun believes the Swans' 9.8 per cent cost of living allowance is all but dead, pending an AFL Commission decision.

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Sydney's move to lure Franklin has effectively killed it off, despite GWS boss David Matthews saying yesterday the club wanted extra funds to lure players to western Sydney.

The league is already reviewing the cost-of-living allowance, with AFL executives Andrew Dillon and Mark Evans to fast-track a recommendation to the AFL Commission.

But the expectation is that Sydney's extraordinary offer for Franklin, a year after the $900,000 a year Kurt Tippett coup, will see the allowance phased out.

That could happen over as many as three seasons, but the league is expected to respond to the competition-wide outrage over its use by Sydney.

Blame ... Lance Franklin's move has been met with a severe backlash. Source: News Limited

It is also understood any official application from Sydney to use Franklin as an AFL-paid ambassador would be immediately blocked.

Sydney would be unlikely to even lodge an application given the AFL's dim view of the deal, even though GWS was a strong chance to have it approved as an expansion club.

Under AFL rules, if a player is delisted or retires early all of their salary must be included in a single year of the club's salary cap.

The only way around that rule is to keep a player on the list despite them not playing, spreading the money out over several years. (please keep in)

Franklin's deal is believed to be short of $1 million a season for the first two years, with a huge spike in years 3-8, before a drop-off in the final year.

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So if he played until 31, then retired, Sydney could be forced into paying four seasons worth of a deal in one year of their cap.

It would effectively mean they could not field a list given the salary cap commitments to Franklin, which is why the AFL is so determined to scrutinise the deal.

Sydney is determined to blow rivals including Greater Western Sydney out of the water with the nine-year deal.

But the league could eventually tell them to reduce the length of the deal or even out the payments over the term of the deal before it gives it the all-clear.

Hawthorn is not expected to match the deal in any way, despite getting a draft pick that could be as low as 20 as compensation.

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Win-win if Dal Santo a free agent

Future ... Nick Dal Santo could become a free agent. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

NORTH Melbourne believes it is closing in on securing St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo, and has not given up hope on Carlton free agent ­Eddie Betts.

The Kangaroos think they are well in front of Essendon in their bid to secure Dal Santo.

And they could get him for nothing if the Saint ­revoked his right to a final year on a contract that has a trigger clause and became a free agent.

With Dal Santo on a hefty wage, the Saints could then be given a first-round pick as compensation.

That would be higher than the pick North would offer for Dal Santo, who turns 30 in February.

The Roos will commit their first-round pick to father-son prospect Luke McDonald, so Dal Santo declaring himself a free agent might advantage all parties.

St Kilda still needs to decide whether to trade Dal Santo or let him go, with the veteran ­expected to meet coach Scott Watters this week.

Target ... Eddie Betts is considering a move to Adelaide or North Melbourne. Source: News Limited

As a club moving into premiership contention, North ticks all the boxes for Dal Santo, who has met and impressed the Roos' leadership group.

Essendon had a brief and informal meeting with Dal Santo but did not offer a full presentation and does not yet have a coach.

The Roos are not in the race for Collingwood's Heath Shaw, or Geelong's Paul Chapman.

Betts still seems likely to join Adelaide, which will offer him a contract that could be as much as $2 million over four years.

He will decide his future after Carlton's best-and-fairest function on Tuesday night at Crown ­casino.

The Roos will not offer Betts as much money but ­believe if he wants to stay in Melbourne, they are the perfect option.

Betts is best friends with North forward Lindsay Thomas and lives in Brunswick, ­minutes from Arden St.

He may decide he needs a fresh start away from Carlton and coach Mick Malthouse, but does not want to move back to Adelaide.

Still, the Crows believe they will get their man, with Carlton resigned to him going.

The salary cap space will help the Blues secure Collingwood's Dale Thomas.

Free agent Betts could consider both North and Adelaide's offers and pick one, with the Blues then having three days to match the offer.

Meanwhile, Collingwood recruiting boss Derek Hine said the compensation the Pies would receive if Thomas left would be a first-round pick ­after their selection at No. 10.

He said the club would not trade Dayne Beams under any circumstances, despite speculation in recent days.

"We have made one offer to Paul (Connors) on behalf of his client (Thomas) and we have the last rights, so we will wait and see how that plays out,'' Hine told the AFL website.

"There is only one indicator in terms of what happened to (Brendon) Goddard last year, and if we got similar compensation if Dale did leave, I am imagining it would be the first-round selection next to our ­selection of 10.''

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Wolfman breaks neck to make final

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MOST players would break their neck to win a grand final.

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David Williams has done both, and, despite the emotional and physical torment of the past three Septembers, he feels blessed ahead of Sunday's decider.

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Williams was the sobering subplot to Manly's 2011 premiership, forced to sit-out the 24-10 victory over New Zealand with a broken neck he suffered in the season's penultimate round.

He fought back to full fitness and was on track to atone last year — until an ACL injury struck on the eve of the finals.

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But this season, with the help of a diet that's seen him abandon alcohol and coffee in favour of raw food, the Sea Eagles winger has finally clawed back to the same stage that he so memorably dominated in 2008.

"I've had black cats pass me, looked in broken mirrors, walked under ladders ... you name it," Williams said.

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"But I still think I'm pretty lucky, given what I've been able to do. To have these injuries and still be playing now, I think that's more good than bad."

In Monday's team photo on Brookvale Oval, Williams was seated next to the stricken Richie Fa'aoso, who is now confined to a brace after breaking his neck on Friday night.

The charismatic flanker can empathise with his team mate all too well.

"I know what he's going through and I know it's not a good thing," Williams said.

"I just hope he can come back as quick as I did.

"But when it's something as serious as a neck injury, it's not about whether you can do this or do that.

"Rugby league plays second fiddle to that."

But for Williams, last year's exile inflicted more pain that missing the 2011 decider.

"More than anything, 2012 was a pain in the arse," he said.

"You sit there and watch the grand final and see all the jubilation they are feeling and you want to be part of that.

"You get back the following year, try and do everything you can to get there, and come up with the same result.

"It was frustrating, so everything I've done this week has been aimed at putting me in the best shape of my career."

Despite the fact he made Australia's 2008 World Cup team, The Wolfman maintains he is in better shape at present.

He credits a raw food diet designed by nutritionist Sea Carolan — the same figure who was last week implicated in reports about Roosters players returning blood tests with elevated hormone levels.

The coverage of Carolan's business infuriated Williams, who has studiously followed the former boxer's regimen for most of the season and also travelled into the city for additional training sessions at a CBD Fitness First.

"Sean is very good at what he does and everything is above board," Williams said.

"Raw food is raw food — it's as simple as that.

"I'll just put it straight — (the reports) are absolute bullshit. He doesn't deserve what he's going through."

Like skipper Jamie Lyon, Williams is yet to formally ink a new deal at Manly. The Daily Telegraph understands the club is still juggling sums under the salary cap, but there is no danger the pair will be playing elsewhere in 2014.

It can also be revealed that Melbourne Storm was keen on signing Williams, although the 27-year-old was coy when asked about Craig Bellamy's interest on Monday.

"Oh really? I didn't know about that ... my manager (George Mimis) must not have told me. He can be a cheeky gremlin sometimes," Williams said.

"Everything is still in the works. Nothing is finalised yet, but I would love to stay. In the end it's up to Manly, I've told them what I want to do."

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Dan the man for Tigers

Tiger ... Daniel Jackson wins his first Jack Dyer Medal. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

DANIEL Jackson's remarkable career turnaround was capped off last night when he won Richmond's prestigious Jack Dyer Medal.

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The much-maligned tagger, who was fighting for his career less than two years ago, claimed the Tigers best and fairest by nine votes from young gun Dustin Martin.

Class ... Daniel Jackson with his partner, Chrissy Kingma. Source: News Limited

Former Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin finished third in his first season at Punt Rd while two-time winner Brett Deledio finished fourth.

Captain Trent Cotchin, who polled 19 votes in last week's Brownlow Medal, was another vote away in fifth.

Jackson received a rousing reception at last night's function at Crown Casino with the 27-year-old the oldest first-time winner of the Jack Dyer Medal since Matthew Richardson in 2007.

His 10th season has easily been his best with the 146-game veteran finishing near the top in all the important statistical measures including equal first for inside 50s, first for tackles and second for contested possessions.

He polled consistently through the early rounds and at the half-way mark was in equal second place.

Jackson's best game for the season came in Round 16 against the Gold Coast Suns when he took on Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett and beat him soundly to set up the Tigers victory.

He received a season-high 19 votes for that game in last night's count which was the catalyst for his victory.

Jackson's previous best performance in the best and fairest was second behind Deledio in 2009 but last year he finished outside the top ten.

Martin's second placing came just hours after he ended his contract stand-off with the Tigers, committing for another two years.

The 22-year-old, who finished third in 2011, averaged 24 disposals per game and ranked No.1 at the Tigers for uncontested possessions and No.2 for total disposals.

Chaplin led an impressive defensive unit which were rewarded in the count with Alex Rance finishing sixth and Steven Morris and Bachar Houli also making the top ten.

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Mike's Top 50: Who will be No.1?

WHO will Mike Sheahan crown as the No.1 AFL player of 2013? Get a sneak peek at footy's most famous list tonight.

Gary Ablett was Mike's No.1 before the season and went on to win the Brownlow Medal and AFLPA MVP, so it seems the position is his to lose.

But a late charge from Geelong skipper Joel Selwood, superb seasons from Magpie midfielders Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan and the rise and rise of Bulldog Ryan Griffen mean Ablett won't get it without a fight.

And the tough choices go well beyond No.1.

Where does Jobe Watson rank after possibly the most stressful season ever played by an AFL captain? Do young stars like Chad Wingard and Steven Motlop leap into calculations?

No Tigers or Blues made the All-Australian team - how will they fare in Mike's rankings?

And will Lance Franklin make the cut at all after he turned into a key role player for the premiership-winning Hawks rather than the match-turning superstar of past years.

Find out the answers from 7pm tonight when the first 10 names on Mike's Top 50 list are revealed.

At midnight the players ranked 31-40 will be unveiled, followed by 21-30 at 7pm tomorrow and 11-20 at midnight tomorrow.

On Friday see Mike's top 10 including the coveted No.1 player for 2013, have your say and see our other experts verdict.

Don't miss footy's biggest talking point and the original and the best footy list - Mike's Top 50.

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Lake, Cyril face MRP scrutiny

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HAWTHORN faces the grim prospect of starting its premiership defence next season without Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake and ace forward Cyril Rioli.

The pair will come under AFL match review panel scrutiny on Monday from third quarter incidents in Saturday's Grand Final.

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The AFL last week warned there would be double demerit points imposed for any offence during the showcase game.

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Lake clipped Fremantle forward Michael Walters with the left forearm to the head in a late collision.

And Rioli performed a potentially dangerous chicken-wing tackle when Docker Michael Barlow was pinned to the ground.

While Lake's cocked arm caught Walters only a glancing blow, it sent the Docker spinning to the turf before he recovered to kick a goal.

Walters had taken a chest mark before contact, so Lake can't mount a defence that he was attempting to spoil.Even if the strike was graded as reckless conduct with low impact, it would draw a two-match suspension.

While Rioli earned a holding-the-ball free kick after his one-arm tackle on Barlow, the match review panel is likely to take a dim view of the follow-up action.

The Hawk goalkicker yanked Barlow's right arm behind his back while he pinned the helpless Docker who was lying face down.

Rioli's one-arm tackling technique has previously attracted attention — he pinned Bulldog Ryan Griffen, Saint Jarryn Geary and Blue Rob Warnock this season.

Elbow ... Brian Lake accepts his Norm Smith Medal from Greg Williams. Source: News Limited

Carlton champ Chris Judd served a four-games suspension for a similar action on prone Roo Leigh Adams in round 16 last year.

Fremantle defender Nick Suban will be liable for a misconduct charge too after video caught him clawing Hawk Sam Mitchell's face during a stoppage in the first quarter.

Mitchell said that Suban's thumb was inside his mouth and the Docker could face the charge of making unreasonable and unnecessary contract to the face.

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44-1: every Grand Final player rated

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JON Ralph runs a critical rule over the 44 Grand Final players

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1. Brian Lake
The ultimate reward; the ultimate fairytale. This bloke was shot a few years back, overweight, feuding with teammates and battered by injury. The key defender was clearly the key player.

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2. David Mundy
Set the MCG alight in the third term, obliterating Brad Sewell. Looked set to turn the game by himself. 28 possessions, eight tackles, seven clearances and went at 75 per cent disposal efficiency.

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3. Jack Gunston
Had Normie around his neck at half-time, but just six-second half touches. Still, won this game for Hawthorn before Lake saved it. Tore Zac Dawson a new one.

4. Nathan Fyfe
At one stage only one of his eight kicks was effective. But what a towering figure he was. Three shanked shots at goal; kick two of them and he wins the Norm Smith.

5. Luke Hodge
The 2008 Norm Smith medallist played an identical role with nearly as much impact. Marshalled the troops in defence and treated Zac Clarke (five touches) with disdain. How many times did he thump the ball forward?

6. Ryan Crowley
Not one Norm Smith Medal vote but capped an astonishing year with a take-down of Sam Mitchell. Only eight of Mitchell's 12 touches were effective.

7. Jordan Lewis
Almost went unnoticed at times, but did the hard things so critical in close as Fyfe and Mundy threatened to take the game away. The sleeper of the Grand Final.

AFL Grand Final ... Jack Gunston kicks the opening goal of the game. Source: News Limited

8. Cyril Rioli
Seven tackles, yet he was a constant swarming presence as he harried Fremantle players into mistake after mistake.

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9. Grant Birchall
Took de Boer and Walters and despite their defensive efforts he did as he pleased. Five rebound 50s, a steadying influence and a team-high 26 touches.

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10. Michael Barlow
Butchered it a bit — 48 per cent effectiveness — but that's the heat of finals. Still a huge presence, especially when the Dockers got going in the third term.

11. Josh Gibson
Kept his opponents to just 13 possessions and not a single goal despite 41 minutes on Mayne and 38 on Pavlich.

12. Isaac Smith
Just 18 touches, but the boy from Cootamundra's determination to burst into space typified Hawthorn's risk-reward game plan. Booming goal sealed it for Hawks - and what a celebration.

13. Michael Johnson
The All-Australian set-up merchant played his role to perfection despite some shaky moments. 20 touches at 80 per cent efficiency, eight steadying marks.

14. Ben Stratton
The preliminary final hero kept an array of dangerous opponents including Michael Walters to just one goal in his time on them. Yet another inspired recruiting selection after plucking him from the WAFL.

15. Matthew Pavlich
Tough to mark the Wharfie captain. Kicked three of Fremantle's eight goals and was inspired in the third term. Yet missed two key shots, and played mostly on the Norm Smith Medallist.

AFL Grand Final ... Matthew Pavlich lead a third-quarter fightback. Source: Getty Images

16. Lance Franklin
This is where the ratings get tough. Just one goal — from a 50m penalty — yet hit every contest with frenzied pace. Loved his tackling intensity. If this is his farewell, he gave his all to the cause.

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17. Jarryd Roughead
Does a quiet first half colour our thinking? Finished with a pair of goals, 20 touches, 12 contested possessions and a key role in this contest. So much better than last year.

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18. Tendai Mzungu
Linked up beautifully with extractors Fyfe and Mundy in the third term, and mostly kept Smith quiet. But arguably beaten on the day.

19. Shaun Burgoyne
Delivers again on the grand stage. Wasn't used in the midfield but his clinical disposal settled the Hawks as he barely missed a target.

20. Aaron Sandilands
A monster haul of 44 hitouts for the Freo giant, yet just one mark around the ground and just two kicks in his 13 disposals. Needed to dominate and couldn't.

21. David Hale
A huge rule in nullifying the effect of Sandilands around the ground. Three contested marks, and did enough to ensure Sandilands wasn't the match-winner Hawthorn feared.

22. Paul Duffield
Under-rated game given he went onto Gunston after half time and kept him goalless.

23. Luke Breust
Stood tall in key moments. A clever left-foot kick to the top of the square set up Gunston early, then he sharked Sandilands' hit-out for the sealer.

Brothers ... Stephen Hill congratulates his brother, Brad, after the game. Source: News Limited

24. Bradley Hill
Darted about with real impact — 15 touches but a goal and two direct assists. A first premiership and so much more to come from this livewire.

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25. Luke McPharlin
Allowed Franklin 14 touches and a goal from 50m penalty in 70 minutes, and also gave up a goal to Gunston. Bad moment when he ignored Pavlich as he streamed to goal, then couldn't make the distance.

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26. Stephen Hill
Like his brother Bradley plenty of run, and enough possessions with 21, but not enough line-breaking.

27. Michael Walters
Kicked two third-term goals as he got among the action, one from a hanger over Birchall. But just 11 touches for the day.

28. Danyle Pearce
Felt the heat — 17 touches, five inside 50s and a goal but also a shanked shot out on the full and went at only 59 per cent efficiency.

29. Brent Guerra
Not his best day given a couple of big turnovers. Just nine touches in a quiet afternoon.

30. Liam Shiels
A game-high nine tackles but the tagger couldn't find it, and allowed Stephen Hill 10 touches in 44 minutes.

31. Brad Sewell
Torched by Mundy in the third quarter and couldn't really find it. Just 13 touches (four ineffective).

32. Sam Mitchell
Ranked him No. 1 in pre-game 44-1 rankings. Clarkson and his teammates were huge in their praise of his selfless game and how it allowed them tactical ascendancy. Still, another Grand Final in which a tagger smashed him.

Battle ... Ryan Crowley put the stoppers on Sam Mitchell. Source: News Limited

33. Max Bailey
What a story for Bailey after three knee recos and missing last year's GF. His only task was to nullify Sandilands around the ground and he did it. Subbed off at three quarter time.

34. Lee Spurr
Kept Rioli to one goal, a solid effort given Cyril looked a game-breaker.

35. Nick Suban
Had 12 midfield opponents and a dozen possessions but no real traction on the big day.

36. Matt de Boer
Yet another Docker who wasn't terrible, just couldn't lift when required. Ho hum.

37. Paul Puopolo
A second quiet Grand Final. Good tackling pressure, but couldn't get involved.

38. Lachie Neale
Came on as the sub, but four minutes into the last term when the game was blown open.

39. Chris Mayne
Did stuff-all except for a long goal to the city end. Opponents were Gibson and Lake.

Shocker ... Zac Dawson sits alone after the Grand Final. Source: News Limited

40. Cameron Sutcliffe
Another illustration of why Hawthorn won — Freo's bottom six were just too quiet.

41. Jonathan Simpkin
Ripper story after being turfed by Sydney and Geelong but wasn't really in the game, finishing with six touches off the sub's bench.

42. Zac Clarke
Zero impact. Trounced by Hodge, subbed at three quarter time.

43. Zac Dawson
Four grand finals, no wins. And this was clearly his worst performance. Twice embarrassingly outbodied by match-winner Gunston for goals, and also gave up two goals on Roughead. A stinker.

44. Hayden Ballantyne
An abomination from the moment he dropped first-term chest mark. Missed shots at goal from 30m and 40m and shanked another on the run, slipped over in the centre. Failed to handle the occasion.

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