Bedsy hooks Country Origin role

Danny Buderus will coach the Country side this year. Picture Gregg Porteous. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

FORMER Newcastle Knights star Danny Buderus was never going to drift too far away from rugby league in retirement.

So it was no surprise when Buderus landed a jack-of-all-trades job with the Knights that includes player welfare, sponsorship liaison and a part-time coaching position mentoring the club's hookers.

But it's his latest gig that has the former NSW and Australian Test hooker excited.Buderus has been appointed assistant coach of the Country Origin squad and will be Trent Barrett's right-hand man in Dubbo when they take on Brad Fittler's City side in early May.

"Yeah, it's a great honour," Buderus said. "I must admit, since retiring I've picked up the coaching bug and I'm really interested in pursuing it. "I can't wait to get into camp with Baz (Barrett) and all the boys.

"Country won the game last season so we want to keep that going."

Buderus was chosen by Barrett with his assistants last season Peter Sharp (interim coach at the Cronulla Sharks) and Craig Fitzgibbon (promoted to the Kangaroos' support staff) unavailable.

MUDGEE may have missed out on staging Country-City or an NRL game this season but don't think for one minute their progressive local council is sitting on its hands.

We have been told council officials are currently negotiating with four NRL clubs in a bid to have an NRL match played at Glen Willow Stadium in 2015.

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Force stun Chiefs in major upset

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THE Western Force can dare to dream of landing a maiden finals berth in Super Rugby after a brace of tries from skipper Matt Hodgson lifted them to a 18-15 victory over the Chiefs in Saturday night's clash in Perth.

Hodgson scored the only two tries of the match to secure the Force's third-straight win, the result lifting the Perth-based franchise into the top six.

Relive the action at Match Centre — scores, stats and video highlights

The Force now have the chance to stretch their winning run to a franchise-record four games when they take on the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on April 5.

In a match filled with bruising tackles, the Force's defence was unrelenting, keeping the Chiefs' prolific backline at bay for the entire 80 minutes.

Chiefs winger Tim Nanai-Williams is stopped in his tracks by Nick Cummins. Source: Getty Images

The win was soured by a suspected shoulder injury to Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman, who was playing his first game since hurting his neck three weeks ago.

Prop Kieran Longbottom was carried off in the 69th minute after copping a knee to the head while making a try-saving tackle.

The Force endured a few nervous moments after the final siren as the Chiefs advanced down the wing.

But a knock-on ended the hopes of the defending champions, with the 16,380-strong crowd cheering for joy as the Force players celebrated another deserved victory.

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The Chiefs struggled to create clear-cut attacking forays throughout the match, but three penalties from flyhalf Aaron Cruden gave them a 9-8 lead at half-time.

The Force created a number of good chances early in the match, with a powerful rolling maul sending Hodgson over in the 13th minute.

Matt Hodgson celebrates a try with his Force teammates. Source: News Corp Australia

Force flyhalf Sias Ebersohn nailed a 47m penalty to give his side an 8-3 lead after 26 minutes.

The Chiefs should have been on the back foot when prop Jamie Mackintosh was shown a yellow card for repeat infringements in the 36th minute.

Instead, two penalties either side of half-time gave the Chiefs a 12-8 advantage.

The Force grabbed back the lead when Hodgson barged over for his second try in the 46th minute, before Ebersohn's 58th minute penalty extended the lead to six points.

WESTERN FORCE 18 (Matt Hodgson 2 tries Sias Ebersohn con 2 pens) bt CHIEFS 15 (Aaron Cruden 4, Gareth Anscombe pens) at nib Stadium. Referee: Lourens van der Merwe. Crowd: 16,380.

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Game of Tahs and gripes

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KURTLEY Beale is gone in a step. All that's left is the air at which the Rebels grasp in futile desperation.

Before the Melbourne defence can set the sat-nav to No. 12, the ball is gone too. Flicked audaciously by Beale into the safe of hands of Israel Folau who rampages toward the line.

The crowd rises. At least the section in the cheap — or cheaper — seats.

The fullback is still 10m short of his destination but Beale is pumping a defiant fist in the air. This is his — to put it politely — "Damn you!'' moment. The discarded Rebel is aiding his new team's cause and, as sweetly, his old team's destruction.

That the brilliant Folau is the beneficiary of Beale's sleight of hand is both the icing on the cake and a reason to pose a party-pooping question: Why aren't there more people at Allianz Stadium to see it?

Kurtley Beale finds space with Israel Folau to his right. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

The NRL's round 1 crowd debate was the source of media frenzy, but studied indifference at NRL HQ where they are playing the long game.

There is confidence — misplaced or not — that a game at its competitive peak will attract the numbers it deserves when the NRL Commission's plans are put in place.

The Waratahs, on the other hand, seem to have waved the white flag. Folau's absence from a picture featuring two Major League Baseball stars and the cream of Sydney football — Sonny Bill Williams, Alessandro Del Piero, Adam Goodes — was a matter of unfortunate timing.

It was also symbolic of the rugby codes' diminished status.

On Friday night, you could not blame the weather for the small attendance that the Waratahs no longer announce. (Put me down for 12,000). It's 25 degrees at kick-off. Polo shirts, not tweed jackets, to torture the cliche.

In the members area those rugby cliches are hard to resist. The crowd is, as ARU boss Bill Pulver observed, "male, pale and stale''. One of the few places where a greying, pot-bellied reporter can reduce the average age. When they play John Farnham over the sound system, the promoters might genuinely claim they are trying to appeal to a "younger audience''.

The venue does nothing to draw fans. The best thing you can now say about Allianz Stadium is that the ageing bucket seats and dated function rooms provide an egalitarian touch for a supposedly posh audience. It's like an old band room where you saw some great acts decades ago. A place to evoke memories, not create them.

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Next door at the SCG, baseball fans are enjoying the modern delights of a wonderful new grandstand and hardening their arteries with an array of specially catered American dishes. In that context, Waratahs and NRL fans are not just flying second class at Allianz. They are in the luggage hold.

The Waratahs start brightly. Alofa Alofa scores in the fourth minute. The hum of conversation is disrupted by shouts of appreciation.

But, for the most part, it is an almost depressingly drab first 40 minutes. A messy melange of handling errors, technical penalties and injury time-outs.

You hope the experts will tell you this is one of the worst halves of Super Rugby played this season. If this is considered even mediocre, then the game's problems are even greater than you imagined.

At half-time there is a sevens match featuring the Australian women's team. Which seems an encouragingly enlightened piece of promotion until four well lubricated "gentlemen'' nearby officially launch the 'Sydney Sexist Cliche Festival'.

You convince an usher to allow you to enter to the ground level — despite her dire warning the seats are "much worse'' — and enter an area where the fans wear Waratahs jerseys and caps and are far more engaged with the game. And where, not coincidentally, the game itself seems more engaging.

The loudest cheers are for Jacques Potgieter, a hyper­active blur of shaggy hair and axe-handle shoulders who crashes into the opposition with comic book intensity. The South African forward is an instant cult figure.

The Tahs win 32-8 and have done enough to both enliven the small crowd and answer a vital question: Do the Waratahs, and Super Rugby, have a compelling product to sell in a crowded marketplace?

Yes.

So why aren't they selling?

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Buzz: Top Dog invests in Sharks future

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BOOM hooker Michael Lichaa has invested in the Sharks' future, despite his defection to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Cronulla local junior recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site.

Ironically it was at the same time he agreed to terms for a $900,000 three-year deal plus a car with the Bulldogs.

Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site. Source: Supplied

"I've grown up in the Shire and I really like the look of the place," Lichaa told me.

"Even though I've signed with the Bulldogs, I'd like to live there myself but I may have to use it as an investment property and rent it out.

"I'm just really excited to have a place there."

The Sharks development project includes 600 apartments with prices starting from $450,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $860,000 for three bedrooms.

Club chairman Damian Keogh has also purchased an apartment and skipper Paul Gallen has lodged an expression of interest.

Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site. Source: Supplied

The Sharks have been given a huge financial boost from early sales.

The property boom has lifted the club's projected earnings from $30m to $43m from unit purchases, the extra $13m ensuring the club's survival in the competition.

On top of that, the Sharks will get a steady income from retail rental in the shopping centre complex.

Building work is expected to start next month

Yet to sign off on Barba

They are slow to move with the times at the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

We were out visiting the GWS Giants at their impressive new site this week and drove past this slightly outdated billboard.

Ben Barba still appears on a billboard at Sydney Olympic Park in a Bulldogs jersey. Source: Supplied

Giants star Callan Ward is pictured with Rabbitohs superstar Greg Inglis, Swifts netballer Susan Pratley … and a guy called Ben Barba.

Last time we checked he was playing for Brisbane Broncos

Old Sharkie's tip to land more birdies

IT'S not every day golfing legend Greg Norman is handing out free tips.

When he saw a tweet and photo from stylish Fox Sports presenter Louise Ransome about getting a golf lesson, he was only too happy to jump in.

"Need to work on right elbow position & your shoulder and hip turn will be insync. #easymove," he tweeted.

Golfing legend Greg Norman tweeted some helpful tips to Fox Sports reporter Louise Ransome. Source: Twitter

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Farah plucks Ryan's wings

WE loved the Twitter exchange between ex-Tigers teammates Beau Ryan and Robbie Farah this week.

Ryan: "@robbiefarah Good luck this year rob. Hopefully you can force a few more blokes out of the club #sevenandcounting"

Farah: "@therealbeauryan I didn't force you out champ. Nofoaluma and Koroibete did #theyhaveyoucovered" Ouch.

Hot topic for rev-head Dave

THE NRL's ridiculous scheduling of a day game on the Gold Coast last Sunday in 40-degree heat saw a number of fans treated for heat exhaustion.

Not that it was a problem for NRL chief executive Dave Smith. He was in Melbourne at the Grand Prix, enjoying the hospitality from an air-conditioned corporate suite.

David Taylor tries to cool down during the Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers game. Source: News Corp Australia

I can understand he needs to experience big events but not after one round when crowds and TV ratings slumped so alarmingly.

Gal talent scout

HE might be out injured for six weeks but Origin skipper Paul Gallen is not just sitting around doing nothing.

Instead he's taking an active role in the Sharks' recruitment planning, helping out coach Peter Sharp and CEO Steve Noyce in identifying talent for 2015.

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The trio met during the week to draw up a hit list of possible recruits. They have good money available with the departures of Andrew Fifita and Michael Lichaa plus the salary-cap increase.

Bedsy gets country call up

TRENT Barrett has signed up Newcastle Knights legend Danny Buderus as his assistant Country coach for the annual clash with City in Dubbo on May 4.

The players will love having the former Origin skipper in camp. Peter Sharp helped out last year but is obviously too busy at the Sharks.

Danny Buderus during a Newcastle Knights training session. Source: News Limited

Gallop raids NRL bunker

FOOTBALL Federation Australia boss David Gallop has signed up one of his gun operators from his days as NRL chief executive.

Trish Crews, the woman who launched the game's outstanding One Community division, has joined FFA.

She has tremendous contacts at the grassroots level where soccer continues to make big inroads.

Erin's wrecking-ball romance

CHANNEL Nine's glamorous rugby league personality Erin Molan has fallen in love with a footy player after meeting via Twitter.

The 30-year-old recently began dating Brisbane Lions vice captain Tom Rockliff.

Rugby League reporter Erin Molan is dating AFL star Tom Rockliff. Source: Supplied

It all started when the AFL star tweeted a screen shot of Molan from the Footy Show's wrecking ball ad. Some cyber banter followed and the pair eventually caught up.

Although Molan is reluctant to discuss the relationship, "it's early days" we're told, the long-distance separation has not been a problem. She has been spotted flying to Brisbane on Sunday nights to spend her days off in the Sunshine State.

SAINT

He might have played his last game of footy but Jharal Yow Yeh should never, ever be lost to rugby league. The youngster handled his injury-forced retirement announcement with unbelievable class during the week.

Broncos fans hold up a sign showing support for recently retired player Jharal Yow Yeh who was forced to retire due to a serious leg injury. Source: Getty Images

SINNER

Having to watch the Roosters and Broncos on delay with a thousand advertisements. It's the same with old rivals Parramatta and Manly this afternoon. The TV deal is a disgrace.

SPOTTED

Israel Folau, Jason Stevens, Tim Mannah and J oseph Paulo having dinner at the flash Rockpool Bar and Grill on Wednesday night.

SHOOSH I

Which big name NRL star has been sending photos of his privates to women on his mobile phone? In this day and age, you would think the Origin and test star would know better ... he is dicing with danger ...

SHOOSH II

We mentioned last week how the Bulldogs salary cap miracle workers were chasing Wests Tigers star fullback James Tedesco. The Roosters have beaten them to the punch and will announce his signing in the very near future.

James Tedesco breaks free from a tackle by Rabbitohs players. Source: Getty Images

SHOOSH III

If there was a betting market on the first coach sacked in 2014, the Warriors' Matthew Elliott would be a long odds-on favourite. Some are even suggesting he won't last until round five.

PAID ON TIME

Coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed he has been paid his monthly salary on time by the Newcastle Knights and is not concerned about their future, knowing the NRL will step in with a rescue package if Nathan Tinkler's ownership falls over.

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DREAM DEBUT

Channel Nine sports director Steve Crawley is raving about the performances of Brett Finch in his debut year as a footy commentator. And we agree. He knows the modern game and delivers his thoughts and analysis like a real pro.

HANDBAG GOES WELL

It was wonderful to see Channel 7 sports personality Jim 'handbag' Wilson on the netball court this week in a session with the NSW Swifts. It followed a challenge from wife Chris Bath on Twitter to test himself against the girls. "It certainly gave me a greater appreciation of how tough and physically demanding netball is," he told me afterwards.

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Chappy ignites Bombers

Paul Chapman set the first quarter alight with two goals and a hand in another. Picture Michael Klein. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

NOT for the first time, it was the Essendon players who last night lifted the club above another day of off-field turmoil.

Right when the Bombers seemed on the brink of collapse, amid another stomach-turning chapter of the ASADA saga, captain Jobe Watson and his men made a powerful stand, launching the new season with an emphatic win over North Melbourne.

ELEMENTARY FOR WATSON

PLENTY OF LIFE IN OLD CAT

BOMBER: PLAYERS BOUGHT IN

SCOTT: MIDFIELD FAILED TO FIRE

Forgetting the cloud that hung over some players' careers, and the latest storm that concerned James Hird, Essendon united at Etihad Stadium to pulverise the much-hyped Roos by 39 points.

It again reiterated that the Bombers, supposedly at their most vulnerable mental state, have enormous heart and skill to execute a short-kicking game plan — that as we have seen in the first half of the past two seasons — can still trouble anyone.

The victory also eased the unquestionable knots in the fans stomachs about the coaching situation.

First-gamer Luke McDonald has his hands full with a rampaging Paul Chapman. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

For, even if Hird does not return, amid increased scrutiny on his position, they have a good one in Mark Thompson.

Last night, the boys clearly played for him. Especially ex-Cat Paul Chapman, who in his first game in red and black kicked four goals to spearhead the win for his former coach Thompson, showing there was plenty of gas left in the tank.

Finally, it celebrated Dustin Fletcher's record-breaking 379th game in the manner it deserved, after being overshadowed in the past 48 hours by the Hird fiasco.

North Melbourne looked anything but the big bolter this year, smashed in particular in the midfield and led comfortably at every change.

For all the preseason hype, North Melbourne's form was one of the biggest disappointments in the NAB series and throughout the first half last night, it seemed little had changed.

The Bombers again went with a short-chipping plan and looked as if they were almost waltzing upfield at times, racking up 60 more uncontested marks than North by the main change.

The Roos' defensive pressure was severely lacking, prompting Melbourne champion and special commentator Garry Lyon to claim the Roos were too "comfortable" with themselves.

What didn't help was the shoulder injury Todd Goldstein was forced to carry after hurting it in the first term.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson finished with 38 possessions. Picture by Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

But most surprising though was North's inability to close down — or even look like wanting to contain — Watson. With his club again under siege, the Brownlow Medallist was superb, mustering 20 possessions by midway through the second term. So precise was Watson's haul by hand and foot that by midway through the last term he was still operating above 90 per cent efficiency.

Given the publicity storm of the past 24 hours, the timing of Watson's onball annihilation could not have been more important for a club severely questioning the motivations of its own coach (for 2015) James Hird.

Showing trademark leadership, Watson coolly slotted a 35m goal on a tight angle to put the Bombers up by 27 points midway through the third term.

The new-look Essendon forward line was functioning much more fluently than you would expect of a team which had farewelled key forwards Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton and lost ruckman Tom Bellchambers over summer.

Colt Joe Daniher took several impressive marks including this stretch. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Paul Chapman, looking anything but a washed-up veteran, provided the spark in attack. He booted two of the Bombers first three goals, one a long bomb and the other a signature snap. Unselfishly, Chapman also fed out a bullet handpass to teammate Ben Howlett at point blank range to play a central role in building the early buffer. More than anything his strength, finishing and sense of space has injected a weapon that will take some curtailing this season.

When second-year colt Joe Daniher reeled in courageous pack marks running blindly into a pack in the second, and then fourth quarters, Essendon fans saw shades of a young Wayne Carey, and rejoiced in the making of a special spearhead. At the other end, Essendon stopper Cale Hooker demolished North danger man and acting captain Drew Petrie.

North's only hope was small forward Lindsay Thomas. With the club's improved midfield well-beaten, Thomas filled the highlight reel, twice launching himself high on the backs of opponents to take an old-fashioned screamer.

He kept the Roos within 21 points nearing the last change when he bagged his fourth goal of the night, threading the tightest of angles under heavy pressure 40m out on the boundary.

But whenever one of his midfielders had the ball, there was nowhere to turn. The collection of Kangaroos' runners who fuelled the club's reputation as one of the most damaging and exciting offensive teams in the competition were hemmed in all night.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 9.6 (60)

ESSENDON: 15.9 (99)

JAY CLARK'S BEST

NORTH MELBOURNE BEST Thomas, Cunnington, MacMillan, Goldstein

ESSENDON BEST Watson, Chapman, Goddard, Hooker, Howlett, Heppell, Ryder

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Inglis KO’d in Tigers ambush

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AFTER just five minutes Rabbitohs talisman Greg Inglis lay motionless on the turf as medicos checked his vital signs. It was a vital sign of the carnage to come, a grubby spree of high shots and cheap tricks that should only be found at the end of a 1970s time warp.

Five players on report, three more off with concussion, two sin-binnings, a knee to the head, a sneaky leg twist and a forward battle with bitter personal undertones.

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This was the type of street fight synonymous with South Sydney's monsters, yet it was the NRL's most under-rated pack that landed all the telling blows.

Routinely written-off for being too small and too soft, Wests Tigers forwards stood up and trounced their more vaunted rivals in a wickedly spiteful contest that saw Tim Simona, George Burgess, Bryson Goodwin, Robbie Farah and James Gavet all placed on report.

Greg Inglis is looked at by the trainers after copping a head shot. Source: News Corp Australia

Simona also joined teammate Pat Richards and Inglis in the concussion ward, with South Sydney failing to register a point for 72 minutes after losing their superstar fullback.

Inglis could not satisfactorily recover his senses after Simona crunched him high while he was juggling a bomb.

And neither could Souths. For the remaining 75 minutes they stumbled and bumbled in a collective concussion, failing to find touch with penalty kicks spilling routine passes and completing at just 40 percent.

To make matters worse, hooker Issac Luke departed the field just before full time with a serious shoulder injury.

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The relentless aggression from their opponents deserves credit for inflicting such a rare malfunction upon Michael Maguire's machine.

It translated to ill-discipline as the match wore on, with Tigers fullback James Tedesco repeatedly struck in the head.

Furious Wests players refused to accept the treatment, with Gavet kneeing Burgess in the head and twisting the leg of Luke. In the end the referees lost patience, marching Luke Burgess and Luke Brooks to the sin-bin in the final 10 minutes.

"I think it probably got a little bit out of control," Farah said. "I don't think they were happy with losing the game. They are not used to losing games - they're a successful side."

Tim Simona celebrates a try with David Nofoaluma. Source: News Corp Australia

Despite their youth, the Tigers did a remarkably better job of keeping their heads. Brooks and Tedesco were once again inspirational, combining for the match-winner in the 53rd minute, while Simona and Richards grabbed doubles.

After conceding a third minute try to Ben Lowe, the Tigers purred to life when Inglis left. By halftime they were roaring ahead 14-6, with the interval arriving as an unwanted circuit breaker to their momentum.

Three ties was a fair first half dividend for the home side, while Souths could not summon the structured style that's transformed them into a premiership force amid the mayhem.

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Adam Reynolds never found his range with the boot, kicking too long, too regularly. Minus the thrust of Inglis on kick returns at the other end of the park, Souths were playing limited yardage and Wests enjoyed all the territory.

Above all,Maguire was peeved with his team's discipline and warned of recriminations at Redfern this week.

"It was an ugly game of footy," Maguire said. "It was a bad night for us and it just all came out at once. It's something we need to look at.

"You could see the frustration building because we couldn't hold the ball."

James Tedesco makes a break in a sensational game for the fullback. Source: News Corp Australia

Wests turned the game in frantic periods either side of half-time, that saw them score 20 unanswered points.

Simona scored his first try in the 30th minute after a fortunate review, which found that Brooks had not knocked a Braith Anasta bomb forward in the lead-up.

Four minutes later Tigers appeared to have a strong case for a penalty try when Lowe knocked Richards out as the Tigers winger crouched to score in the corner. Their pleas were ignored, but Simona could not be as he went back-to-back from a blindside rush three tackles after the resultant penalty.

Richards returned after halftime and scored within a minute. Tedesco's try from Brooks grubber sealed the upset, before Joel Reddy grabbed a consolation double against his old club in the final three minutes.

But after, Farah was most proud of his forwards, whom he conceded might not have prevailed in such nasty circumstances in previous seasons.

"It wasn't us who got nasty," Farah said. "There was emotion involved and you don't take a backward step.

"Everyone talks about their pack but, geez, I would like to give my pack some credit. They were enormous tonight."

WESTS TIGERS 25 (T Simona 2 P Richards J Tedesco B Thompson tries P Richards 2 goals B Anasta field goal) bt SOUTH SYDNEY 16 (J Reddy 2 B Lowe tries A Reynolds 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall. Crowd: 20,061.

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Scott shocked with “horrific” loss

Lindsay Thomas was one of few positives for North with four goals. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

NORTH Melbourne's much-talked about midfield produced one of its worst performances during Brad Scott's reign as coach in last night's 39-point loss to Essendon.

The Roos were widely tipped to be one of the big improvers this season but were smashed around the contested ball in a season-opening reality check from the besieged Bombers.

And it could yet get worse for the Roos with ruckman Todd Goldstein set to undergo scans on a suspected serious shoulder injury that could sideline the big man for weeks if not months.

Scott described the loss as "horrific" and said he was shocked that his hardened ball-winners were obliterated in contested possessions 156 to 109 last night.

CHAPPY IGNITES BOMBERS

"In four or five years I can't recall us being that badly beaten in the contests," Scott said.

"When the opposition is hungrier than you and are more up for the contest and they just smash you around the ball — I can't think of a time ever in my time (as coach) that we have been beaten by almost 50 in contested possessions.

"And that is just so unlike the group we have got."

Aaron Mullett's body language says it all. Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

It was Essendon which entered the game amid a shroud of controversy but Scott did not think external factors impacted the team's performance.

"I genuinely thought we were up for the contest, but we definitely weren't," he said.

The coach forecast a heavy focus on winning contested possession on the training track ahead of their Round 2 clash against Western Bulldogs next Sunday.

Goldstein will be closely monitored amid fears the top-flight ruckman injured his left shoulder tendon — something that could out him for up to three months, according to sports medicine expert Dr Peter Larkins.

Goldstein rucked manfully using mainly his right arm after hurting his left shoulder in the first quarter.

Scott said he hoped the injury wasn't serious but was adamant back-up big man Dan Carrie was ready to step up if called upon.

"The fact that he played on (is positive)," Scott said.

"There were certainly concerns about his rotator cuff, but we will have to get that scanned, I think it was difficult to tell.

"I wanted confirmation from Goldy himself that he was right to go (keep playing) and he felt he was, so the docs cleared him and Goldy felt he was right.

" Hopefully that means it's not too bad. If it is, Dan Currie is absolutely dying for his opportunity and if he gets his opportunity I expect him to take it."

Scott said he tried without success to clamp down on Bombers captain Jobe Watson, who starred with 39 possessions in the Bombers' rousing win.

Roos' midfielders Jack Ziebell had 12 possessions and Daniel Wells 11.

Scott said it was a "miracle" that the team remained in the hunt on the scoreboard and took a one-point lead momentarily in the second term.

"If there is a positive to come out of tonight for us it's that we were horrific, and yet I felt we were in the game the whole night right up until half way through the last quarter," he said.

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Bombers buy in to win big

Bomber Thompson gestures towards his troops. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Mark Thompson. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Corp Australia

ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson praised his players for buying into his game plan to set up the thumping 39 points win against North Melbourne.

Thompson said the Bombers followed instructions to implement the modern high-possessions game to deny the Roos the ball at Etihad Stadium.

CHAPPY IGNITES BOMBERS

ELEMENTARY FOR WATSON

PLENTY OF LIFE IN OLD CAT

"It was a good start, we couldn't be more pleased, to be honest,'' Thompson said.

"We played a good, strong first game of the year. The whole club is pleased to have a good win against a team we rate.

"It looked like we were doing things we've been practising and they carried them out. When you start well, it's a great thing for everyone. The scoreboard was ticking over early.''

Paul Chapman and Brendon Goddard were two of Essendon's very best. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Thompson said everyone at the club was instructed to not let the latest James Hird furore become a distraction.

"I tried very hard not to concentrate on that and we told all the players not to even go there,'' he said.

"It's not the right time. We've got a game on and I wanted all my players, all my staff to just concentrate on the game.

"We'll let the committee and board deal with that when they do. I think enough has been said by Paul Little about what the next couple of days look like.

"I didn't even want to go there to get upset. To be honest, I had a day where I just had a lot of messages, all my friends in the world texted me to wish me all the best.

"I was busy replying to them. I didn't have a snooze, I wanted to have a snooze. I busy enough without worrying about that stuff.''

Dunstin Fletcher unloads a torpedo. Picture by Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Thompson said a positive vibe from Dustin Fletcher's club record 379th game "last about 30 seconds'', although the veteran defender was chuffed with the win when he addressed the players and staff after the game.

"He just told the team all his other milestones, they've lost, so he's really happy to have won one. We'll do the same for his 400th and 450th,'' the coach said.

Thompson said he was impressed with the spread of goalkickers, like Paul Chapman's four in his first game for the club, three from Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson's two.

"Little Chappy, he's pretty well liked by the playing group and the coach likes him too. Four goals first game, used the ball well and he's good to have around the club,'' he said.

"I like his leadership here and I think he's liking it too. He didn't offer that much at the Cats, he didn't have to, he was playing with guys who knew what they were doing. So I think he's enjoying that new element at this club.

"Everyone's saying where are they going to kick their goals? It doesn't matter where you get them from. Good players get the ball whatever part of the game they play in.

"Watson has always shown that ability to kick goals and take contested marks, Chapman will do the same, Goddard will do the same, Stanton. So we'll kick enough goals.''

Thompson said he had never previously played three first-gamers and he was particularly impressed with Patrick Ambrose.

"I got angry at a few things, the old ones that used to get me back then too,'' he said of his return to the senior AFL coaches role.

"I probably have just got to settle down, mature. I'm doing it for 22 weeks, I should have a bit more fun and try as win as many games as we can and enjoy the year.''

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A special win for the Big H

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HE'S played far better games, but very few have meant more to Hamish McIntosh.

The former North Melbourne ruckman, hobbled by a string of injuries for almost three years, finally played his first game for the Cats at Simonds Stadium tonight.

Fighting back tears, he was mobbed by players, fans and media afterwards, all keen to learn of his emotional roller-coaster ride in Geelong's 38-point win.

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"It's been a tough road, an up-and-down journey," the gentle giant said.

"It was an emotional night — I've got to experience so many feelings.

"But to experience that moment out in the middle of the ground when that siren blows, for that 10-20 seconds to feel that win, there's no way of explaining that feeling.

"It's amazing and (makes) all the hard work worth it.

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"There were times when I didn't think I'd get back … it's great to be back playing AFL footy again. I missed it and I'm just going to cherish every game and every win I get now."

McIntosh began on the bench, but quickly made his mark by running on to a ball near the 50m arc and steadying before slotting a goal that sent his mates into carnival mode.

Hamish McIntosh (L) and Jimmy Bartel of the Cats celebrate their win. Source: Getty Images

"I think the heart rate hit about 250 clicks and I was ready to go," he said.

"Thinking about it the night before the game, I was thinking I hope I get a kick, a goal early and settle the nerves. I got one and carried on like a goose.

"But it's just great, great to be playing.

"It took a bit to get into the game, but kicking that goal settled my nerves and got me into the contest.

"It's definitely a step up (from pre-season), but I feel I ran out the game well and the fitness was at a good level.

"I'm just excited for the year ahead, now."

Hamish McIntosh (R) of the Cats and Sam Jacobs of the Crows contest for the ball. Source: Getty Images

McIntosh said the celebrations of his teammates after his goal were emotionally instructive.

"That's why I found it really hard last year, at times, to come in here last year.

"To not play a game, I felt a little bit guilty and I had so many feelings last year.

"I'm so determined to now play for as long as I can and to prove myself and thank the Geelong footy club for what they've done for me."

"I'm determined to reward that faith they've shown in me and to play some good footy.

"Hopefully tonight's a good start."

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Scott: They’re slowly becoming Cats

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CHRIS Scott got a lot from the usual suspects, but after the Cats' 38-point win over Adelaide he was quick to point out something more meaningful.

Even more so after the Crows hit the front in the last quarter before the Cats responded with the game's last six goals.

"For our guys to really grit their teeth and find a way was really encouraging, especially with some players that we can't be sure are Geelong players just yet," Scott said.

"Hamish McIntosh probably became a Geelong player tonight (and) he's had to fight hard to earn the respect of his teammates.

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"You can be a fantastic trainer and a great bike rider, but unless you get the opportunity to do it out there on the track in games, it's very difficult to earn that respect.

"He did it, and I think Lincoln McCarthy did it (and there are) little things like Jared Rivers' (gutsy) mark in the last quarter."

Scott said he was "extremely happy" for McIntosh.

Coach Chris Scott hugs Jimmy Bartel (R) of the Cats after their win. Source: Getty Images

"People have written him off, I'm sure. We even had some doubts over the decision to bring Hamish in, because we knew it was a risk.

"It was a bit like playing three ruckmen tonight — we knew it was a huge risk and that I could be standing here with egg on my face. But those individuals really stood up on the big stage.

"Hamish has come back from a horrible run _ eight games in three years for a 29-year-old.

"But he's really determined to show he's going to be a valuable acquisition for the Geelong footy club."

Scott said the call on playing McIntosh, Dawson Simpson Mark Blicavs in the same team had been made "after extreme deliberation".

"It wasn't made flippantly. You can look really silly if the guys don't stand up, but they did.

"One of the hardest decisions of the night was to make the call (to sub) Simpson, because we thought he was giving us great impetus, and that's something we didn't have last year.

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"We've been thinking for a long time it's possible for the three of them to play together. They've all got different attributes. It is going to be horses for courses, but I think we saw tonight there's a possibility it could work long-term."

Scott said the Cats had also taken an "educated gamble" on the fitness of skipper Joel Selwood who's had fitness queries on both an ankle and hamstring during pre-season.

"He had a fantastic preparation up until he had that little minor ankle issue, so we were really confident in his preparation, he just hadn't played much game-time."

Selwood had a game-high 34 disposals, 11 of which came in the final term including two critical goals.

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