afl record round 11, 2009

Forgotten Demon

Geoff McGivern’s story

Tyson Edwards

ROUND 11, 2009

JUNE 5-8

$4 (INC. GST)

Women’s RoundDeveloping female

leadership in football

New direction

Tigers, Wallace part ways

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19 ROUND 11, JUNE 5-8, 2009

LEADER: AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn is one of many women making a signifi cant contribution to Australian Football because of her leadership, vision and passion for the game.

THIS WEEK’S COVERTyson Edwards, on the eve of his 300th game. Go to afl photos.com.au to order prints of this image.

FEATURES

19 Women’s RoundRecognising the game’s female leaders.

61 Tyson EdwardsA veteran Crow set to play his 300th game.

66 The Wallace legacyHow Terry Wallace will be remembered.

REGULARS

4 BackchatHave your say about the football world.

7 The BounceViews, news, fi rst person, facts, data, culture.

29 MatchdayStats, history and line-ups.

57 Dream TeamAdvice from Mr Fantasy, our Dream Team expert.

78 Answer Man82 Testing your knowledge84 NAB AFL Rising Star86 Talking Point

The Dream Team phenomenon.

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feedback

4 AFL RECORD visit afl record.com.au

backchat HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FOOTBALL WORLD

E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R

FOOTBALL WORLD

Numbers gameOur game has long �

had a fascination with statistics. The AFL’s history consultant Col Hutchinson says newspapers started publishing rudimentary statistics from selected League matches (especially fi nals) as early as 1931. By the mid-1960s, more complex sets of statistics from all games were published regularly. Emphasis was given to kicks, marks and “passes to comrades” – what researchers believe were handballs.

With today’s emphasis on a high-possession play, are the basic statistics (i.e. the number of disposals of the ball a player has) as relevant as they once might have been? That’s a question many are asking, including Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, who rated Dane Swan’s 48-possession game last week as “reasonable” but not one of his greatest eff orts. “I don’t take much notice of stats. Does he win Tattslotto with that?”

Melbourne champion and now-commentator Garry Lyon has suggested a ‘weighting’ be allocated to specifi c statistics to help determine how well a player is actually performing.

Ted Hopkins, founder of Champion Data, says much work is being done to recognise changes in the game through statistics. But one thing remains clear, he says: the team with the better kicking effi ciency wins 95 per cent of the time. It’s still a simple game.PETER DI SISTO

AFL CHIEF BROADCASTING & COMMERCIAL OFFICERGillon McLachlanAFL CONSUMER PRODUCTS MANAGERScott MunnAFL RECORD MANAGING EDITORGeoff SlatteryAFL RECORD EDITORPeter Di Sisto

PRODUCTION EDITOR Michael LovettWRITERSNick Bowen, Ben Collins, Jim Main, Peter Ryan, Callum Twomey, Andrew Wallace SUB-EDITORSGary Hancock, Howard KottonSTATISTICIANCameron Sinclair CREATIVE DIRECTORAndrew HutchisonDEPUTY ART DIRECTORSam Russell

DESIGNERSJarrod Witcombe, Alison WrightPHOTO EDITORSNatalie Boccassini, Melanie TanusetiawanPRODUCTION MANAGERTroy Davis PRODUCTION COORDINATORStephen LordingDISTRIBUTION MANAGERAdele MortonCOMMERCIAL MANAGER Alison Hurbert-Burns

NATIONAL SALES MANAGERNathan HillAFL CLUB ACCOUNT MANAGERAnthony PalmerADVERTISING SALES COORDINATORDeanne Horkings Advertising (03) 9627 2600PHOTOGRAPHYSean Garnsworthy,Michael Willson,Lachlan CunninghamAFL Photos (03) 9627 2600 afl photos.com.au

PRINTED BY PMP PrintADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TOThe Editor, AFL Record, Ground Floor, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Victoria, 3008.P: (03) 9627 2600 F: (03) 9627 2650E: [email protected]

AFL RECORD, VOL. 98, ROUND 11, 2009 Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211. ISSN 1444-2973, Print Post approved PP320258/00109

The bald factsI read with interest Ben Collins’ piece on Gary Ablett jnr (round 10). While I was glad to see someone defending him (other than his club and teammates), I thought you might be interested to hear that criticism of Ablett continues. During the round 10 Geelong-Essendon match, I overheard a disgruntled Essendon fan contend that the reason Ablett got so much praise was not thanks to his silky skills or his ball-winning prowess, but because he looks like fellow midfi elder Paul Chapman, and therefore gets credit for efforts that are not his. While it is not uncommon for commentators and fans to briefl y confuse the two, the fact remains that Chapman was out injured, and any plaudits Ablett won that day were squarely his own.GEORGIE YOUNG, NORTH MELBOURNE, VIC

Missing the pointWhen a player loses ‘x’ amount of demerit points and is suspended, is the slate wiped clean, or does it remain for a harsher penalty for any future misdemeanours? For example, if a player keeps losing points or is reported/suspended, does his record mean he receives a harsher penalty?PAUL, ROWVILLE, VIC

Editor’s note: If a player is suspended, he will receive a 10 per cent loading for each match that he

has been suspended in the previous three years, capped at 50 per cent for fi ve or more matches. For example, if a player who had been suspended for one match in the previous three years is found guilty by the Tribunal and the off ence attracts 125 demerit points, he would accumulate a further 12.5 points (10 per cent loading for the previous suspension). The player would be suspended for one match and carry forward 37.5 points for the next 12 months. Carry-over points last for 12 months. One hundred points equates to a one-game suspension.

A snow jobI am sick of all Melbourne supporters being described as living in Toorak, driving a Range Rover and going

for skiing holidays in Aspen. It is not true – I barrack for Melbourne, live in Armadale, drive a BMW and go skiing at Mt Buller. PAT, ARMADALE, VIC

HAVE YOUR SAYSend us your feedback on the Record and matters relating to the game, the clubs and the players. The best letter each round will receive a copy of the AFL Record Season Guide 2009. Email afl [email protected] or write to AFL Record, Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC, 3008.

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AFL RECORD visit afl record.com.au 7

G A M E T R E N D S

the bounce

S ometimes in a game, often out of nowhere, one team seizes the momentum and won’t let it go.

It’s a bit like surfers who latch on to the perfect wave, staying one step ahead of its breaking barrel as they eke out every possible scoring manoeuvre and ride it all the way to the beach.

In football, when a side gains the momentum like this, it seems to win nearly every individual contest. In the midfi eld. On the forward line. And – on those rare

occasions when the opposition successfully rails against the tide and gets the ball inside its forward 50 – on the backline.

It also makes the most of its opportunities in front of goal – set shots, fanciful snaps, long bombs, you name it, generally sail through the big sticks, as the team builds what is nearly always a match-winning lead.

It’s a momentum the opposition seems powerless to stop. It can try going man on man or slowing the game down by playing possession footy, but nothing seems to work.

Such run-ons are not uncommon, but last round was remarkable with three sides producing scoring streaks of eight goals or more.

In Canberra, the Western Bulldogs piled on 13 goals without the Sydney Swans kicking one. Their run started at the 18-minute mark of the fi rst quarter and ended only when the Swans broke their run one minute into the third quarter.

At Subiaco, Richmond went on an unbroken eight-goal scoring spree against Fremantle in the opening 22

minutes of the third quarter, while, in the Collingwood-Port Adelaide game at the MCG, John Anthony’s goal fi ve minutes before half-time sparked a nine-goal run by the Pies.

In a quirk, the Bulldogs’ goal spree matched the Swans’ 13 goals in a row against Essendon in round eight last year, according to Champion Data (Notably, the Bombers conceded the fi rst eight goals of their next match, against Richmond).

The Bulldogs, Tigers and Magpies are not the only sides to put opposition teams to the sword with extended goal runs this season.

Not surprisingly for a team riding a huge wave of momentum in its 10-0 start to the season, ladder-leader St Kilda

The return of the run-onMomentum is a powerful force in the modern game as teams embark on match-winning goal streaks, as several did last weekend. NICK BOWEN

CONTINUED NE X T PAGE

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VIEWS NEWS FIRST PERSON FACTS DATA CULTURE

ON THE RAMPAGE: Brad Johnson’s Bulldogs went

on a 13-goal scoring streak against the Sydney Swans

at Manuka last week.

ON THE RAMPAGE: Brad Johnson’s Bulldogs went

on a 13-goal scoring streak against the Sydney Swans

at Manuka last week.

Set shots, fanciful snaps, long bombs, you name it, generally sail through the big sticks, as the team builds what is nearly always a match-winning lead

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thebounce VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE


NEWS TRACKER The round 14 St Kilda-Geelong clash will remain at Docklands due to fi nancial and logistical diffi culties associated with moving the game.

CURSE OF A BELEAGUERED BOMBERYoung defender Michael Hurley wears No. 22 at Essendon, but such is his recent luck, perhaps No. 13 would be more appropriate. Here’s a look at his recent run of ‘outs’. A NDREW WA LL ACE

GALLING STARTAfter a tough pre-season, Hurley looked forward to playing. However, something wasn’t quite right. “I had a couple of nights where I couldn’t sleep, and I had to take myself to hospital,” he says, where he had his gall bladder removed. “That kept me out for four weeks.”

OH MY QUADHurley recovered in time to play one NAB Cup game and was picked for his AFL debut against Port Adelaide in round one. He held Port veteran Warren Tredrea goalless in a 14-possession game. Dream Teamers across the country rushed to pick him, but on the following Thursday he was injured. “It was a normal training warm-up. We were doing some short kicks and I tore my quad. I ended up missing another fi ve weeks.”

T H E C U R TA I N FA L L S

Terry Wallace and �Richmond announced this week they would part ways after Friday night’s match against Wallace’s former club, the Western Bulldogs.

In a press conference at the Tigers’ Punt Road headquarters last Tuesday, Wallace said his fi fth season as Richmond coach hadbeen cruelled by injuriesto key players and several close losses, but was confi dent he was leaving the club in a good state.

“There are some young backline players and very young forward-line players coming through,” Wallace said. “I think whoever takes on the role next has an exciting club to go forward.”

Richmond president Gary March praised Wallace’s contribution at Punt Road, saying he “brought a lot of innovation to the Richmond Football Club”. NICK BOWEN

➡ See page 66 for essay on the Wallace legacy.

Wallace’s Tiger tenure ends

Streak of bad luck y ked

me.ntry

red. -up.s

T E A M B A L A N C E

New mix helps Blues open upHOWARD KOTTON

I n the aftermath of Carlton’s disastrous trip to AAMI Stadium in round nine, the search was on for answers.

The obvious question was why the Blues, with one of the most potent forwards in the game in Brendan Fevola, could not kick a goal in the fi rst half while the Crows booted eight.

After a week of analysis, and a frank admission from coach Brett Ratten that he had taken full responsibility for tactics that went horribly wrong, the Blues went back to basics last Friday night.

This time, Fevola, who had played further up the fi eld against Adelaide, was stationed near the goalsquare on West Coast captain Darren Glass, and the experienced pair of Brad Fisher and Ryan Houlihan were included to complement the talented spearhead.

Add versatile Irishman Setanta O’hAilpin to the mix and suddenly the Blues looked dangerous when any of their classy midfi elders took possession and attempted to fi nd holes in the Eagles’ defence.

In contrast to the barren scoreline the previous week, Carlton quickly put scoreboard

has strung together two streaks of 10 or more goals – the fi rst, an 11-goal run against the Swans in round one and, the second, a 10-goal barrage against the Power in round fi ve.

But the Saints’ record gets better the more you analyse it. On the back of their strong midfi eld and potent forward line, they have compiled 11 streaks of fi ve or more goals this year. And, 101 of the 156 goals the Saints have scored this season – or 64.7 per cent – have come in runs of two or more consecutive majors.

This percentage is the best in

the League, with Geelong (102 of 174 goals, 58. 6 per cent) and the Bulldogs (84 of 155, 54.2 per cent) the next best.

As we’ve seen this season, the Saints have combined scoring power with miserly all-ground defence.

They have not conceded a single fi ve-goal streak, while just 30 of the 82 goals (36.6 per cent) kicked against them have come in runs of consecutive majors.

Here again, the Saints lead the competition, with Geelong (48 of 115 goals, 41.7 per cent) and the Brisbane Lions (54 of 128, 42.2 per cent) the next best.

On the back of their strong midfi eld and potent forward line, the Saints have compiled 11 streaks of fi ve or more goals this year



VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE thebounce

pressure on the opposition, kicking 5.2 in the opening term.

Of those fi ve, the tall, strong-marking Fisher, 25, kicked the fi rst and Houlihan, using his exquisite fi nishing to great effect, contributed two.

The match was Fisher’s 92nd and his fi rst at AFL level this year. A dislocated elbow suffered during pre-season set back his preparation for 2009 and he had forced his way back through the VFL.

A member of the Blues’ seven-man leadership group, Fisher made an impressive return with 14 kicks, seven marks and, importantly, three goals straight in 93 minutes on the ground.

Houlihan, 27, was also making his return for his seventh game this season after being dropped following the narrow loss to Hawthorn in round six.

Houlihan, a 169-game veteran, also racked up impressive numbers: 15 kicks, four marks, four tackles and 2.1.

Ratten said both players had a big impact on the game early. “I thought it was pretty signifi cant that they both hit the scoreboard,” he said.

“With Houlihan’s kicking skills, he’s dangerous regardless of whether he’s playing on someone or not, and he can play in a variety of positions.”

But Ratten made it clear he was still keen on using Fevola up the fi eld to give the team a less-predictable look. “We don’t want to play Brendan too high up the fi eld, but at times he will have to come out and give someone else a crack at that full-forward spot,” he said.

TAC T I C S

The importance of strategic blockingA NDREW WA LL ACE

F ive minutes into the fi nal quarter of the West Coast-Collingwood game in round nine,

Magpie Leon Davis lined up for goal from 55 metres out, close to the Subiaco Oval boundary line, after taking a spectacular grab.

Davis proceeded to play on to his right to open up the angle and close the distance, slotting a 50-metre goal to put the Pies 34 points ahead.

Television commentators lamented the effort and awareness of Eagle Andrew Embley on the mark, but in fact the 2006 Norm Smith medallist had fallen victim to an emerging tactic in the modern game.

As Embley had moved towards Davis at the umpire’s play-on call, Collingwood’s Dane Swan had stepped in to provide a perfect body block, allowing Davis a clear path to goal. This blocking tactic has been used for some time to allow players kicking in from a behind to kick the ball to themselves and run clear of the man on the mark.

According to Brisbane Lions assistant coach Justin Leppitsch, the strategy is likely to be implemented

increasingly up the fi eld. “Looking after the ball-carrier is a part of the game that will come in more and more,” he says.

“Every possession you have is a chance for the opposition to get the ball back, so if you can keep it in one ball-carrier’s hands, you’re 100 per cent guaranteed of maintaining possession.”

Leppitsch, a three-time premiership defender with the Lions and now the club’s defensive coach, believes playing on and blocking the player on the mark is one way to break up the full-ground zone applied so effectively by many clubs.

“With zones, obviously teams are spreading their forces, so you’re looking to create outnumbered areas and move the ball through quickly,” he says.

“You can block for the guy who has got the ball in his hands in the goalsquare, or give it to someone out wider and block for him.”

The AFL’s director of umpiring Jeff Gieschen says the block is within the laws of

the game. “Provided the blocker starts from behind the man on the mark – there’s a fi ve-metre protected area on either side and in front of him – and the umpire has called play-on, it’s perfectly legal,” he says.

“As soon as the umpire has made the call, everyone becomes ‘live’.”

Meanwhile, Leppitsch notes that blocking is also used to free up dangerous players, citing St Kilda pair Stephen Milne and Adam Schneider and North Melbourne’s Daniel Wells at forward-line stoppages as examples.

He believes countering the tactic requires awareness from all players to help cover for a teammate who has been checked.

“You need to make sure your players are aware that some guys get blocked far more than others, so they have to look out for those sort of tactics in a game.

“But it’s very diffi cult to stop. In a zone situation, you need other players to come off their line to help out.

“If it becomes a real trend in the competition, coaches will put something together to stop it.”

However, Leppitsch feels there is still more work to be done in mastering the art of the block, suggesting that much can be learned from other sports.

“If it’s done well, it’s a good tactic,” he says.

“A lot of practice is needed for players to apply it successfully because, if you do miss the block, the guy with the ball is suddenly under pressure, and it could upset the fl ow down the fi eld.”

NEWS TRACKER James Hird appointed an All-Australian selector, replacing Rod Austin, who stood down after 10 seasons in the role.

DUDE, WHERE’S MY CAR?While in rehabilitation, Hurley could not fi nd his Holden VL Commodore wagon in the Windy Hill car park. “I thought one of the boys was playing a trick and had moved it, but after the club had messaged the players and no one had replied, I had to report it stolen.” The car was found abandoned in Fairfi eld, undamaged.

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE…?Hurley’s car troubles were not over. A few days after the theft, he was driving along Punt Road, one of Melbourne’s busiest roads. “The car started overheating. I was caught in peak-hour traffi c and smoke was going everywhere, so it was pretty embarrassing.”

THE FINAL STRAWWith his health back and playing well at VFL level two weeks ago, Hurley couldn’t believe his luck when he landed awkwardly after a marking contest. “I crashed down and cracked the scaphoid bone in my right wrist and had to have an operation. Luckily, the injuries have been short-term and I’ve just tried to stay positive. I’m hoping to be available after round 12.”

ILLUSTR

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TERY M

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Leon Davis runs 1. around to his right to open up the angle.

Hearing the umpire’s 2. play-on call, man on the mark Andrew Embley moves to stop Davis.

Dane Swan blocks 3. Embley’s path with a legal bump, allowing Davis a free shot on goal.




NEWS TRACKER Richmond fi ned Ben Cousins $5000, with $2500 suspended for 12 months, for making an obscene gesture to a television camera.

F I V E Y E A R S O N

This year’s Saints’ are stingier than 2004 A NDREW WA LL ACE

A s in 2004, St Kilda has made a perfect start to 2009, steamrolling its way through the

fi rst 10 games. While fans will be hoping

for a happier ending than fi ve years ago, when the club lost eight of its last 15 matches and bowed out in heartbreaking style against Port Adelaide in a preliminary fi nal, it is worth weighing up the Saints of then and now.

It is fair to say the team under Grant Thomas was more attacking, averaging 20 more points and six extra inside 50s a game than Ross Lyon’s squad.

However, the 2009 version is clearly superior defensively, conceding 18 fewer points and racking up an impressive 18 more tackles a match.

Then and now These 14 players were in the Saints’ round 10 team in 2004, but not in last week’s side: Xavier Clarke*, Fraser Gehrig, Brent Guerra, Aaron Hamill, Robert Harvey, Max Hudghton*, Austinn Jones, Trent Knobel, Matt Maguire*, Stephen Milne*, Luke Penny, Stephen Powell, Troy Schwarze and Andrew Thompson. They were replaced by Raphael Clarke, Zac Dawson, Sam Fisher, Michael Gardiner, Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Jason Gram, James Gwilt, Clinton Jones, Steven King, Andrew McQualter, Leigh Montagna, Farren Ray and Adam Schneider. * STILL ON ST KILDA’S LIST BUT DID NOT PLAY LAST WEEK.

2004 2009Wins 10 10Losses 0 0Ave. points for 126 106 Ave. points against 76 58Ave. disposals 308 404Ave. kicks 191 222Ave. handballs 117 182Ave. contested possessions 118 125Ave. loose-ball gets 57 49Ave. handball receives 94 153Ave. hit-outs 33 36Ave. tackles 46 68Ave. inside 50s 58 52Ave. disposals per goal 16 26Ave. age (full list) 23 yrs 37 days 23 yrs 79 days

St Kilda to round 10, 2004 v 2009

L E AG U E L E A D E R S

Inside-50 disp. Disposal effi ciency Ave. disp.

63 70.6% 27.6


59 66.56% 21


57 69.4% 21.4


56 75% 21.9


51 82.6% 27


51 68.2% 31.8


52 60.19% 21.6


51 65.9% 17.6

STEVE JOHNSON (Geelong)With his freakish skills, Johnson is perhaps the man the Cats would most like to have the ball forward of centre.

ADAM GOODES (Sydney Swans)One of the most awe-inspiring sights in football is this 194cm Swan in full cry and delivering lace out.

CYRIL RIOLI (Hawthorn)Perhaps the most watchable player in the AFL. Creates opportunities out of thin air, and don’t we love it?

JASON GRAM (St Kilda)Despite being dropped for round eight, the dashing blond defender has remained the Saints’ best source of forward entries.

BRAD SEWELL (Hawthorn)The Hawk is renowned for his work at stoppages but has gradually added an outside, off ensive element to his game.

DANYLE PEARCE (Port Adelaide)In four games this season, the speedy left-footer has sent the ball inside 50 on at least eight occasions.

DANE SWAN (Collingwood)Ungainly and unfashionable but extremely eff ective. Amassed a remarkable 48 touches last week.

Heading inside 50CHRIS JUDD (Carlton)

The Blues skipper’s signature – a hard-ball get, a shimmy, a burst and a pin-point pass to Fevola and co. – continues to be a regular sight.

3

7

2

6

4

8STATISTICS COURTESY CHAMPION DATA; SEWELL, RIOLI AND SWAN TIED FOR SIXTH WITH RANKING ON THIS TABLE DETERMINED BY DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY BEN COLLINS

1

5

Encouragingly, it is generally such teams that enjoy the ultimate success.

The recent changes in tactics and the way the game is played are also evident in the statistics, with St Kilda this year averaging almost 100 more possessions a match than it did fi ve years ago, including 65 extra handballs and 57 more handball receives.

The diffi culty in breaking down opposition defensive zones and fl oods is highlighted by the fact that, despite retaining the scoring power of Nick Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke and Stephen Milne, the Saints have required 10 more possessions per goal in 2009.

Only eight players who took the fi eld in round 10, 2005, played for the Saints against Melbourne last weekend – Riewoldt, Koschitzke, Steven Baker, Luke Ball, Jason Blake, Nick Dal Santo, Brendon Goddard and Lenny Hayes – but it is important to note that these remaining individuals are no longer generally young, inexperienced and prone to inconsistency, but AFL-hardened and in their football prime.

Perhaps this will prove the difference late in the year.


YOUR MUM’S A GOOD SPORT.

GIVE HER A C ALL TODAY.

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M I L E S T O N E S – R O U N D 1 1

300 games Tyson Edwards Adelaide

AFL 200 ClubCameron Mooney Geelong

150 GamesRyan Hargrave Western Bulldogs

100 GamesMatt Maguire St KildaPaul BevanSydneySimon Meredith fi eld umpire

50 GamesSetanta O’hAilpin* CarltonHayden Skipworth EssendonSam Gilbert St Kilda

O N T H E R OA D

Port’s speedy exitNICK BOWEN

P ort Adelaide is renowned as a quick team but showed last weekend it can be just

as speedy off the fi eld.After fi nishing last Sunday’s

twilight match against Collingwood at the MCG at around 7.16pm, the Power players were on a fl ight back to Adelaide just two hours later.

Head fi tness coach Cam Fallon says the tight timeframe meant the players’ usual post-match recovery routine was cut from 45-60 minutes to about 25 minutes.

Still, in that time, the players managed to drink energy supplements and eat food packs, undergo a medical assessment, apply ice where necessary, stretch, shower and have anice bath.

From there, they rushed to the team bus, where on the trip to

the airport the players ate dinner and those with sore spots or niggles continued to apply ice.

While they may be footy stars, they get no special treatment at the airport, and, like the rest of us, were required to check in about 50 minutes before their 9.15 fl ight.

“It’s very rushed, our trainers do a fantastic job looking after the players and packing everything up, to get to the airport in time,” Fallon says.

The Power decided to make their lightning dash to the airport because they faced a six-day turnaround before their round 11 game against Fremantle on Saturday night, while they were also coming off two interstate trips in a row (Port travelled to Sydney in round nine).

“On interstate games we’ll often stay overnight, have our recovery sessions and team meeting the next morning before fl ying back later that day,” Fallon says.

“But (last round) we decided it was best to get home and get things started for our next game a little bit earlier than usual.”

On the fl ight home,

the players’ recovery regime continued.

Falloon says they are well drilled to drink plenty of water during fl ights, which are extremely dehydrating, and are also encouraged, where possible, to walk around the plane and stretch.

“This can sometimes prove diffi cult when they’re wheeling out the trolleys with drinks and dinner for the other passengers,” Fallon says, laughing.

FA M I LY M AT T E R S

Reliving backyard games MICHAEL LOV ETT

T he Selwood clan will join a select group this weekend if Adam and Scott line

up for the West Coast Eagles and Joel plays for Geelong.

Adam, 25, and Scott, 19, will be just the seventh

CONTINUED NE X T PAGE

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set of brothers to have gone into battle against a sibling.

If Adam and Scott remain together with the Eagles, it will occur on a regular basis over the next few years, with Adam’s twin Troy an established player at the Brisbane Lions and Joel, who has just turned 21, destined for a long career with the Cats.

The fi rst set of brothers to play against a brother were South Melbourne’s Stan and Arthur Hiskins, who played against their younger brother, Carlton’s Rupert, twice during 1920 and 1921.

They remain the only instances of two brothers playing one brother on more than one occasion.

It took another 63 years before

Geoff and Kevin Ablett played for Richmond against Geelong star Gary Ablett, then in his fi rst season with the Cats.

Interestingly, it happened again over the next three seasons, with the Danihers, Morwoods and Cordys (see table) before there was an 11-year break until James and Anthony McDonald played for Melbourne against older brother Alex from Collingwood. The extraordinary number

of disposals amassed by Collingwood midfi elder Dane Swan against Port Adelaide at the MCG last week. With 22 kicks and 26 handballs, Swan

accumulated the most touches since former Magpie skipper Tony Shaw had 50 against the Brisbane Bears at Victoria Park in 1991. Swan’s eff ort is the equal third-best since 1987, behind Greg Williams (53 for Sydney v St Kilda at the SCG in 1989) and Shaw, and level with Steve Malaxos (48 for West Coast v St Kilda at Subiaco in 1987).

48

ON A STRING: Dane Swan had 48 disposals against Port Adelaide last week.

Year Brothers Brother

1920 Stan and Arthur Hiskins (SM) Rupert Hiskins (Carl)*

1921 Stan and Arthur Hiskins (SM) Rupert Hiskins (Carl)

1984 Geoff and Kevin Ablett (Rich) Gary Ablett (Geel)

1985 Neale and Terry Daniher (Ess) Anthony Daniher (Syd)

1986 Paul and Shane Morwood (Coll) Tony Morwood (Syd)

1987 Neil and Graeme Cordy (Syd) Brian Cordy (Foots)

1998 James and Anthony McDonald (Melb) Alex McDonald (Coll)

OH BROTHER

The fi rst set of brothers to play against a brother were Stan and Arthur Hiskins who played against Rupert

* STAN AND ARTHUR HISKINS PLAYED AGAINST RUPERT HISKINS TWICE IN 1920 AND TWICE IN 1921.



KNOW EVERY GAME PLAN.

HEAR IT LIKE YOU’RE IN IT.3AW is football. Get the complete run-down on Sports Today with Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell from 6pm Monday to Thursday on 3AW 693.

VA L E

Perkins was a ferocious TigerJIM MAIN

B ill ‘Polly’ Perkins, the last surviving player from Richmond’s 1943 premiership side, died

last week in Melbourne, aged 89.Perkins played 148 games for

the Tigers from 1940-49 and was in the Richmond team that lost the 1944 Grand Final to Fitzroy.

A hard-hitting defender, Perkins was born in Leicester, England, in 1920, and migrated to Australia with his family when he was three.

He barracked for Collingwood as a boy, but caught Richmond’s attention while playing for Noble Park in Melbourne’s south-east, which was in the Tigers’ suburban zone.

He played two seasons in the reserves before his senior debut in 1940 and is believed to have been the fi rst Noble Park footballer to play at VFL level.

His nickname came from the 19th century music hall hit Pretty Polly Perkins From Paddington Green, a reference to his English background.

A ferocious competitor, he once said: “I believed in playing the ball and, if the man was there, I would take him too.”

A great friend of Richmond legend Jack Dyer, Perkins moved to VFA club Brighton in 1950 and joined radio station 3AW in 1956 as one of the fi rst “around the grounds” commentators.

He worked with a succession of broadcasters for 29 years, including Norman Banks, Doug Heywood and Bill Jacobs.

Perkins’ death means there are no living Richmond premiership players from the 1920s, ’30s or ’40s.

Another former Tiger, Ron Serich, also died late last week, aged 69.

Serich, a forward, played 28 games from 1961-63 after being recruited from Broken Hill.

A F L N E W S

Review leads to changeNICK BOWEN

T he AFL last week expanded its rules prohibiting vilifi cation of players or

offi cials to specifi cally outlaw vilifi cation based on special disability (including a disease or illness) or sexual orientation, preference or identity.

After Essendon’s Michael Long took a stand against on-fi eld racism in 1995, the AFL introduced a rule prohibiting racial and religious vilifi cation, which established a process to

deal with complaints and annual education programs for clubs and offi cials.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson says the previous rule had made it clear no form of abuse or vilifi cation was acceptable, but, as part of a wider examination of its rules, the AFL had decided to expand the scope of the conduct it specifi cally prohibited.

“The game has acted strongly for more than a decade to work against racism,” Anderson says.

“However, we had not specifi cally laid down the areas of disability or sexual preference in our rules, and this has now been addressed.”

Anderson says the amended rule will continue to operate as it had previously, just with a wider scope, while the new forms of prohibited conduct are now included in the AFL’s vilifi cation education program.

“The AFL competition expects the highest standards of its players and offi cials, both on and off the fi eld, to refl ect the level of support we are privileged to enjoy from across the community with nearly 600,000 club members and more than seven million fans attending our games every year,” Anderson says.

“On the fi eld, our players deserve and expect the right to compete as hard as they possibly can, in their work environment, free from any form of abuse or harassment.”

Setanta makes it threeCarlton’s Setanta O’hAilpin is set to become �

just the third Irishmen to play 50 AFL games, against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday. Of the Irishmen who have relocated to Australia and made the transition from Gaelic Football, only Jim Stynes (264 games for Melbourne from

1987-98) and Tadhg Kennelly (158 for the Sydney Swans from 2001-08) have played more games. (Sean Wight played 150 games for Melbourne from 1985-95 after relocating from Ireland but was born in Scotland.) O’hAilpin joined the Blues in 2004 as a rookie and made his debut in 2005. Making his milestone even sweeter is his eff ort to rebound from a pre-season training controversy. NICK BOWEN




NEWS TRACKER Jack Watts, the No. 1 draft pick from last year, set to debut at AFL level for Melbourne this round.

THE GODFATHER OF STATSTed Hopkins Founder of Champion Data andCarlton premiership player

A N A LY S I S

Target 90 points The Godfather has attitude in �

spades, believing that to win a premiership a team has to have a rock solid defence.

Since 2000, the average points scored against the nine premiership teams is just 83. The Brisbane Lions in 2001, with an average of 90 points against, are the only premiership team since 2000 with an average of more than 86 points against.

Teams with aspirations should target 90 (or fewer) points against per game. That’s The Godfather’s advice. It is also the advice to coaching selection panels when choosing a head coach. The fi rst question that should be asked of an aspirant is, “Can this bloke teach us defence?” Reaching Target 90 is the equivalent of a mountain climber reaching base camp. Progressing further then becomes a matter of design and fate.

Below is a list of head coaches with more than 50 games’ experience and the average points their teams have allowed.

Michael Malthouse, Mark Thompson, Ross Lyon, Paul Roos and Neil Craig are all below Target 90, and have attained The Godfather’s

stamp of approval. So too have premiership coaches Alastair Clarkson, John Worsfold and Mark Williams, notable for being close to Target 90 and, importantly, in their respective premiership seasons all were under the target.

Hawthorn conceded just 84 in 2008, West Coast 84 in 2006 and Port Adelaide 83 in 2004.

At the opposite end of the scale, Terry Wallace at the Western Bulldogs and Richmond, with a combined average of 101 points conceded, coaches for the last time this weekend.

Dean Laidley (98) is charting dangerous territory. Rodney Eade’s 95 is high, but compensated by his philosophy of playing attacking football.

The Godfather appreciates entertainment. But if the fl ag is the game, Target 90 is the key.

DICK AND WELLINGHAMAgainst Port Adelaide last �

week, Dane Swan ran riot in amassing 48 touches and was involved in 10 Collingwood scoring chains.

But something else was needed during the second term to lift the fl agging Magpies. It came in the unlikely form of young duo, Brad Dick and Sharrod Wellingham, who provided critical avenues to goal.

With 25 disposals and nine inside-50 entries, Dick was involved in 13 Collingwood scoring chains, not surprising given 17 of his disposals were within 70 metres of goal.

Wellingham also provided admirable linking support between Swan and Dick. Of his 24 disposals, 11 were won mainly in the corridor, either within or close to the centre square. He had fi ve inside-50 entries and 10 score involvements.

50+ games coachedAve.

points against

T. Wallace (WB/Rich) 101D. Laidley (North Melb) 98R. Eade (Syd/WB) 95A. Clarkson (Haw) 93J. Worsfold (WCE) 93M. Williams (Port Adel) 91M. Malthouse (WB/WCE/Coll) 88M. Thompson (Geel) 87R. Lyon (StK) 83P. Roos (Syd) 81N. Craig (Adel) 79

C O N T I N G E N C Y

Outage could have been dire for PiesA NDREW WA LL ACE

A t 4.53pm last Sunday, precisely 13 minutes into the Collingwood-Port Adelaide twilight

clash at the MCG, a large number of the 34,793 fans present gasped as one. However, it was nothing to do with a spectacular mark, goal or on-fi eld incident.

The reaction was caused by the sudden loss of power to three of the ground’s six light towers, which left the northern side of the stadium noticeably darker as the sun sank in the Melbourne sky.

While play continued in the fading light, people began to query what would happen if power could not be restored promptly.

Also affected, the Port Adelaide coaching panel packed up its gear and scurried from the box down to ground level to continue its role.

Unbeknown to most, there was no need to panic. The outage, caused by a cable fault that impacted a substation feeding Jolimont and East Melbourne, lasted a few minutes.

Needing 15 minutes to cool down before being switched back on again, the lights were always going to come back before night fell.

The situation, however, invoked memories of round 10, 1996, when the lights went out in the third quarter of the St Kilda-Essendon night match at Waverley Park.

While the AFL Commission decided to complete that game three days later, a new set of regulations now exists to cover such circumstances.

“If for any reason beyond the control of the clubs the game is not able to be continued, we can wait up to 60 minutes to restart the game,” AFL media manager Patrick Keane said this week.

“If the match still cannot be restarted and it’s prior to half-time, the match will be declared a draw. If it’s after half-time, the winner is declared by the score.”

In both cases, the standing score is applied to the teams’ percentage.

Collingwood, which went on to record a 38-point victory, should be thankful of the timing and short duration of the power outage.

If the problem had been unfi xable on the night and had occurred early in the third quarter, when it narrowly trailed Port Adelaide before going on a nine-goal rampage, the club would now be sporting a 4-6 win-loss record, with its season shrouded in darkness.

Kicks per goal Player Kicks Goals/Beh.

2.43 Barry Hall (Syd, right) 56 23.9

2.47 Lance Franklin (Haw) 84 34.182.68 Jarryd Roughead (Haw) 83 31.13

2.75 John Anthony (Coll) 66 24.112.85 Mark LeCras (WCE) 74 26.132.97 Warren Tredrea (Port Adel) 89 30.15

Minimal touches, maximum impactGood forwards don’t need many kicks to be �

damaging. Last week alone, West Coast’s Mark LeCras and Sydney’s Barry Hall both slotted six goals from eight kicks, while Collingwood’s John Anthony had four from four kicks at one point. Below is a list of the AFL’s most effi cient converters this season. BEN COLLINS

*MINIMUM 20 GOALS



HEAR IT LIKE YOU’RE IN IT.3AW is football. Tune in to four quarters of all-star broadcast with Rex Hunt, Dennis Cometti, Tony Leonard and Shane Healy at 3AW 693.

FEEL EVERY BUMP.

T H E C O M PA R I S O N : T H E A F L’ S B E S T R U C K M E N

Aaron Sandilands

DeanCox

DarrenJolly

Fremantle West Coast Eagles Sydney Swans

6/12/82 1/8/81 6/11/81

2003 2001 2001

211cm 204cm 200cm

123kg 104kg 105kg

125 177 154

10 10 10

336 (1st in AFL) 273 (3rd) 294 (2nd)

74 (22%) 64 (23.4%) 68 (23.1%)

38 61 39

13 14 8

160 223 118

69% 71.2% 71.3%

64 116 64

96 107 54

96 94 56

49 39 22

343 (8th) 346 (7th) 381 (1st)

21 18 30

18/16 19/16 20/18

7.6 7.6 11.5

1 4 0

Cox still towers above the restWho is the best ruckman �

in the AFL? Luke Darcy, the former Western Bulldogs ruckman and now Channel Ten commentator is adamant West Coast’s Dean Cox is the best by as much as 20 per cent.

“Although Cox has been a bit quiet the past couple of weeks, he’s quite comfortably still the benchmark,” Darcy says. “He’s a fairly complete ruckman who wins as much ball as a lot of midfi elders.”

Darcy believes little separates Cox’s next-best challengers, Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands and Sydney’s Darren Jolly (see graphic).

Of Sandilands, Darcy says: “A few years ago, I thought he was a fair way off the pace because he just wasn’t having anywhere near enough infl uence and only really had one trick, which was dominating centre bounces.

“But now he’s kicking goals and his possessions and hard-ball gets are up – he’s grabbing it out of the ruck – and he’s quite infl uential.”

Of Jolly, he says: “I reckon that when he senses he has an opponent, he can physically dominate. He does that better than the other two.

“He can really monster

blokes. I watched him do that to Brent Renouf (in the Swans’ round two win over Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium).

“I still think he could do more around the ground, but he’s kicking more goals this year.

“In fact, I’d be inclined to keep my quality big men on the park by giving them more time in the goalsquare and allowing them to develop into real weapons with their marking, which all three have shown they can do at various times.”

Interestingly, each took time to develop – a common trait among ruckmen – after starting on rookie lists. And Jolly didn’t fi nd his niche until he joined the Swans after a four-year stint with Melbourne.

Honourable mentions go to ruckmen such as North Melbourne’s Hamish McIntosh and Collingwood’s Josh Fraser, who have also been consistent, and exceptional at times, while Port Adelaide’s Dean Brogan boasts the best hit-outs-to-advantage percentage in the competition (31.39 per cent – at least eight per cent better than any of our top trio).BEN COLLINS

18

19/16

7.6

4

30

20/18

11.5

0

18/16

7.6

1

V VClub

Born

Debut

Height

Weight

Career games

2009 games

Hit-outs

Hit-outs to adv.

Marks

Cont. marks

Disp.

Disp. eff . %

Kicks

Handballs

Cont. disp.

Clearances

Clearances (team)

Tackles

Free for/against

Scoring (G.B.)

All-Aust selec.


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_5W

MLK0983_FR_5W.pdf Page 1 1/06/09, 2:51 PM

W omen have been an integral part of Australian Football

since it was fi rst played in 1858.Initially, they remained on the

game’s periphery as spectators and players’ mothers and partners, however, many soon took on valuable and selfl ess roles as volunteers.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that women fi nally started to crack football’s inner sanctum, fi rst as match-day reporters, then as club board members – Elaine Findlay was the fi rst at Fitzroy in 1985.

In the 1990s, Elaine Canty was appointed to the AFL Tribunal panel and goal umpire Katrina Pressley became the fi rst woman to offi ciate in a League game.

In 2005, Sam Mostyn became the fi rst woman appointed to the game’s governing body, the

AFL Commission. Just three years later, she was joined by Justice Linda Dessau. (See next page for interview with Mostyn and Dessau).

It’s a longstanding contribution and one that has reached all levels of the game.

Importantly, it is also one where women have brought a different perspective to issues surrounding the League, its clubs and the future of football.

This contribution is recognised this weekend, with the AFL hoping Women’s Round will encourage more women to become involved in football.

Besides the increasing number of leadership roles being fi lled by women throughout football, their participation numbers as players, supporters and offi cials are extremely healthy, and growing.

Women represent 43 per cent of football’s television audience, 41 per cent of game-day

attendees, 35 per cent of local club volunteers and 40 per cent of AFL and AFL club members.

But, in a sign of how much their involvement in the game has changed, women now account for 13 per cent of football’s overall playing participants (78,000), while 1500 are accredited coaches and more than 700 are umpires.

Speaking before this week’s launch of the 2009 AFL Women’s National Championships in Perth, the AFL’s community development manager Dean Warren said the involvement of women in football was fundamental to its development.

“The AFL is committed to providing pathways

for women and girls to be involved in the AFL, whether it is in participation, umpiring, coaching, volunteering, administering or as a member,” he said.

“In 2008, participation in dedicated female football programs and competitions grew by 54 per cent, a fantastic result which we hope to build on in 2009.”

The Women’s National Championships started in Perth last Wednesday.

As part of the Women’s Round activities, the division one fi nal will be played as a curtain-raiser to the West Coast-Geelong match at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.


women’s round

Women are playing an increasingly more important role in football at all levels, from grassroots to the AFL. The AFL this weekend celebrates their contribution, which is fundamental to the development of the game. NICK BOWEN

Women have brought a diff erent perspective to issues surrounding the League, its clubs and the future of football

THE NATION’S BEST: (from left) Daisy Pearce (Vic), Ellie Kemp (WA’s second-tier team), Jaylene Chevalier (NT), Meg Wilsdon (SA), Loren Fricker (WA), Nikki Harwood (WA, front), Aasta O’Connor (Qld), Angela Ballerini (ACT), Jodi Maisey (umpire) and Trish Muller (NSW) are taking part in the Women’s National Championships in Perth.

AR11 p19-26 Womens.indd 19AR11 p19-26 Womens.indd 19 3/6/09 4:27:44 PM3/6/09 4:27:44 PM


women’s round

The AFL’s two female commissioners, Justice Linda Dessau and Sam Mostyn, share their views on the importance of female participation in the game, the meaning of leadership, what skills women bring to the code and someof the female-related challenges that must be addressed. PETER DI SISTO

Why is it important for the AFLto specifi cally recognise women with a dedicated round? Linda Dessau: It is important because the extent of women’s involvement in football is vast, but not always visible. Most people realise that women make up almost 40 per cent of AFL members, attendees at games, and viewers of the game on television. I’m not sure, though, that they realise that nearly 80,000 girls and women now play football, in Auskick and various leagues and competitions, and that women are represented in huge numbers as volunteers in every aspect of community football. And they are working in the AFL industry in growing numbers. This round gives us the opportunity to showcase women’s contributions and to encourage their further participation and leadership.Sam Mostyn: Women have always played important roles in the success of the game – whether as fans, mothers, partners, players, volunteers, commentators, umpires, offi cials, administrators – and it’s important for us to take the opportunity to celebrate that involvement. We also need to refl ect on what we can do better, and how we can open new opportunities for women across the industry.

The theme for the round is ‘leadership’. How do you defi ne it? LD: Leadership comes in many forms, some more obvious than others. Yes, there are two women on the AFL Commission, there are women on AFL club

boards, there are high-profi le journalists, and there are several women highly placed in the AFL itself. But just like on the football ground, it’s not just the captains or the leadership group who ‘lead’ the team. There are players all over the ground who contribute leadership roles in different ways at different times in the game. Similarly in the wider AFL world, there are women in different places and leadership roles who are not always readily recognised. SM: Leadership is a quality, not something determined by position or hierarchy. Leaders can be found across our community at all levels – they stand for something and have strong values, great passion, inspire others and constantly evolve. The leaders I admire are compassionate, courageous and generous – and almost always refuse to be honoured or singled out for mention.

Why has it been so challenging historically for women to make progress in the game? LD: The challenges for women in the football world are simply refl ective of the challenges for women when it comes to participation in any area traditionally dominated by men. In that regard, we live in a time of transition, and football is in the process of change. No sport or industry can afford to draw on only half of the available talent pool. SM: Female representation in business, sport and traditionally male-dominated industries across Australia has always been

poor. So this has been a broader societal issue, not one confi ned to the AFL. Fortunately, we live in a time where our participation in governance and management roles is now seen as important and refl ective of successful and inclusive cultures. There’s a long way to go, but my experience of being welcomed into the AFL family as an equal contributor has been terrifi c.

What skills and perspective do women bring specifi cally to leadership roles in football? LD: I genuinely believe that diversity makes every organisation stronger. It is never a question of whether men or women have superior skills or perspectives. SM: Sometimes it’s too easy to suggest that women and men have different sets of skills and perspectives based purely on gender. We all have unique perspectives based on our own experiences of life. What’s important in football is to have a diversity of skills and perspectives around the table – and that cannot be achieved when only one gender is represented.

Why was it important to have female representation on the AFL Commission? LD: It’s not a matter of including women to make up the numbers. Generally, a range of skills, ages, genders and backgrounds will ensure the richest debates and the best outcomes. SM: Every organisation or industry needs to refl ect the diversity of the community in

which it operates. In order to remain relevant and connected to our communities, it’s vital that women are represented in management and governance across the industry, including the Commission.

What was your interest/involvement in the game before joining the AFL Commission? LD: My involvement goes back more than 50 years (don’t ask precisely how many!). I have barracked for the Bombers since birth. I married a Bombers supporter, and produced a few more Essendon fans. About 12 or 13 years ago, I helped start a women’s coterie group, the Essendon Women’s Network, and worked with other clubs which later started similar supporter groups. SM: Prior to joining the Commission, I was a passionate fan of the game – but from afar. My dad was a passionate St Kilda supporter, which meant I also became one. Living in Sydney meant much of my football was experienced watching television and listening to radio, with the occasional Swans game at the SCG.

Did you have a perception of the game before joining the

This gives us the opportunity to showcase women’s contributions and to encourage further participation and leadership AFL COMMISSIONER LINDA DESSAU


Commission that has changed or been confi rmed? LD: The perception that has been confi rmed is just how much people love their football, their clubs, and their favourite players. The other perception that has been confi rmed is the importance of football at community level. Although nearly 4.5 million of us have the pleasure (or sometimes the agony) of watching AFL football at the elite level every weekend, either at games or on television, football is also such an integral part of community life at local club level. We are seeing that in the aftermath of the recent bushfi re disaster in Victoria. To get a local footy club back up and running can give people somewhere to meet and to talk and to just be together, as well as the fun of the sport and the spectacle.

SM: My perception of the game today is one of egalitarianism, deep community involvement and an unparalleled sporting spectacle.

What surprises you most about the industry? LD: The commitment to it that motivates so many people from so many different walks of life to volunteer and devote so much of their time to it, from serving on boards to making banners, coaching Auskick, cooking, running the canteen, managing teams, keeping the time, sewing numbers on jumpers, etc.SM: I’m constantly surprised by the pure joy of the game and how much I love it – the spectacular athleticism, the high marking, the freakish goals, the sportsmanship and exhilarating

crowd experience.

What are the code’s biggest challenges in relation to women? LD: It is inevitable that not everyone behaves properly all of the time, particularly when it comes to young people. What matters most is how we as a community and, in this instance, we as a football code, respond to the challenges. The AFL not only has a well considered Respect and Responsibility Policy, but under it is a policy that is well supported by appropriate programs and resources. It is important that the education of the players continues and that issues are properly dealt with. Although most players are well-behaved, the profi le of AFL players is such that when something goes wrong, it is very public. Hopefully, the committed work we undertake on respect and responsibility towards women will also be very public,

so that we can help make a difference in the wider community. SM: Like all parts of the community, the AFL has to continue to work hard to understand and respond to the social issues of our time. We need to be vigilant and self-refl ective about the respectful treatment of women across the game, and continue to fi nd ways to provide women with meaningful career opportunities across the industry.

women’s round

RESPECT: Commissioners Justice Linda Dessau (left) and Sam Mostyn have been welcomed into the AFL family as equal contributors.

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i l f i k i h i i f h l i dan integral paarrt of community life at local cclub level. We areseeing thahat in the aftermathof the rreecent bushfi re disaster in VVicictoria. To get a local footy clluub back up and running cangive people somewhere tomeet and to talk and to just be together, as well as thefun of the sport andthe spectacle.

teams, keeping the time, sewing numbers on jumpers, etc.SM: I’m constantly surprised by the pure joy of the game and how much I love it – thespectacular athleticism, the high marking, the freakish goals, thesportsmamanship and exhilarating

crcrcrowo d experience.

of the players connttitinnues aandndthat issues are e pprpropererlylyy ddeaealtltwith. Althououghgh mosost t plplayayerers s are well-bbehehaved, ththe e prprofiofi lle ofAFL pllayayayeers is such thhaat when somemeththing goes wroonng, ititiss v vveery public. Hopeeffulllly,ytththe committed worrk wwe undertake on resppecttand responsibililittytowards womemen willalso be veryy public,

RESPECT: Commissioners Justice Linda Dessau (left)and Sam Mostyn have beenwelcomed into the AFLfamily as equal contributors.



women’s round

Amanda Cox, chief fi nancial offi cer,West Coast

It’s strange to use the term pioneer to describe a woman in the 21st century, but in football circles, women are still making inroads every day.

At West Coast, the 30-odd female staff look to Amanda Cox as their role model. The 29-year-old became the fi rst woman on the executive following her appointment as chief fi nancial offi cer this year, having joined the club more than four years ago as an accountant.

Cox goes about her business quietly and professionally and is widely known around the club as the last one to leave the offi ce each day. Her record stands at 1am.

“When I was appointed to the executive, I guess it was a pretty big thing for the women at the club,” Cox says.

“The AFL and the club have really embraced women in football and are really encouraging their development.”

Debbie Lee, community manager,Melbourne

Debbie Lee has made a signifi cant contribution to women’s football and local sport since the late 1980s.

She started as a basketballer with the Coburg Cougars in 1987 and took up football with the East Brunswick Scorpions in 1991, aged just 17.

Always an innovator, in 1993, Lee started her own football team, the Sunshine YCW Spurs, which still operates in St Albans.

She is a fi ve-time women’s league best and fairest winner, has represented Victoria 15 times, is a fi ve-time All-Australian and was assistant coach of the Australian International Rules Series women’s team in Ireland in 2006.

Lee has served on the Victorian Women’s Football League executive since 1993 and was elected president in 2004.

She has overseen substantial growth and development in women’s football, and is a member of the Women’s Football Australia advisory board.

Lee worked at the Bulldogs before joining Melbourne this year.

Isobel and June, The Angels, St Kilda

With the largest playing list in the AFL, St Kilda places a great emphasis on player welfare. To maintain standards of excellence on the fi eld, it is necessary to have the right support staff and volunteers off the fi eld. This is where The Angels step in. Established in 1986, The Angels are a supporter group for women of all ages. They strive to raise money and since inception have donated more than $150,000 to the club.

While fi nancial support is a core function, The Angels are simply a collection of like-minded women who will do anything they can for the club, including washing jumpers, planning social events or buying memberships for disadvantaged St Kilda fans.

This year, they started preparing food for the players after their main training sessions. “It’s a great feeling to be able to do what we can to help the boys,” says Barbara Datson, president since 2006.

Brooke Acquaviva,football department assistant,Port Adelaide

Brooke Acquaviva provides administrative assistance to coach Mark Williams and the football department.

“I am empowered to do whatever is necessary. I work with great people who keep me on my toes and challenge me every day,” she says.

“I enjoy being part of a dynamic organisation that takes great pride in its work and is committed to achieving organisational performance objectives and contributing to the company value.

“It’s important to retain your individuality in male-dominated organisations. A woman’s confi dence and zest to achieve is her empowerment.

“Today, within the AFL, we see women moving into leadership roles where they can make decisions to change rather than just being part of change.

“Women seek to take on the challenge, overcoming obstacles, and are now taking responsibility for their own future. I view every challenge as an opportunity.

“Women can be empowered only if they are confi dent, have professional knowledge and experience in the fi eld.”

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Women are playing key roles for AFL clubs at all levels. Here is a snapshot of female contributions to the game.

Eve Goodings, patron of Adelaide’s Birds of a Feather group

Eve Goodings’ job is to rally the troops and bring out the passion of the club’s female supporter base.

A homoeopath/naturopathic nutritionist, Goodings has been patron of the Birds of a Feather for fi ve years.

Married to Adelaide ambassador Graeme Goodings, she has supported the Crows since they joined the AFL in 1991 and relishes the fact she has a formal role with the club, which allows her to use her networking skills.

“We have created a wonderful supporter base for women to come together to embrace football and our beloved Adelaide Crows,” Goodings says.


TS4_fp_AFL_5June.pdf Page 1 21/5/09, 1:21 PM


women’s round

Jeanne Pratt AC, patron, Carlton

The Pratt name is synonymous with Carlton. The association between family and club started nearly 50 years ago when the late Richard Pratt started a promising career with the Blues in the under-19s, and it continues today.

Pratt’s contribution to the club has been well documented: he played, served on both the Carlton Football Club and Carlton Social Club boards and supported the club in numerous ways for many years including sponsorship. He also served as president in 2007-08, and is widely recognised as the man who saved Carlton.

He was club patron until his death in April, with wife Jeanne to take over the role. Jeanne and Richard opened the family home for many Carlton functions and activities and Jeanne has hosted many Women of Carlton events.

She has devoted much of her life to community service through support of an extraordinary range of philanthropic and arts activities and, with Richard, established The Pratt Foundation to provide support to charities across the world.

In June, 2002,she was one of eight people and the only woman to be awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday honours.

Lesley McGrath, fi nance manager,Sydney Swans

Lesley McGrath has witnessed plenty in her 23 years at the club, weathering some tough times on and off the fi eld. But her upbeat attitude has kept her in an environment she loves.

When McGrath joined the Swans in 1986, the fl oor she was working on had only two other staff members. Now McGrath is one of 25 administrative and operations staff, 50 per cent of whom are women.

Her passion for the club is the main reason she has stayed so long, and the reason she hopes to continue working here until her retirement.

“You’re working in an offi ce job, but you’re working for this other thing on the weekend, where everybody is together,” she says.

Jane Maddern, supporter operations manager,Fremantle

Jane Maddern never planned to work in sport, choosing to study microbiology at university and then working as an industrial chemist.

A stint at Mars saw her take on a sports-related marketing role – “a real eye opener for me”. Maddern later took a role as sponsorship and events manager at Essendon.

“I just got in at the right time. Football was becoming very professional and Essendon was a particularly good club to work for,” she says.

After moving to Perth for personal reasons, Maddern worked for the Hopman Cup tennis tournament before joining the Dockers.

“I think for any female to work within the industry is really worthwhile because it is such a great business to be in,” she says.

“I am also dealing with a wide range of responsibilities and people within my role as supporter operations manager and that keeps it challenging, too.

“It’s professional, there are brilliant opportunities, interesting roles, but mostly it’s dynamic and it’s topical too, which adds that extra element to the workplace.”

Leigh Russell, general manager, people and culture,Essendon

Leigh Russell started with Essendon two-and-a half years ago in what was a challenging period for the club.

On-fi eld performance was poor and soon after she started, the club farewelled coach Kevin Sheedy and champion James Hird.

With a young list, a new coach and a supporter base demanding improved performance, Russell had her work cut out in helping develop a culture that would underpin improvement.

“Everything I do is linked to winning a premiership, but it is not as obvious or tangible as the role of the coaches,” she says.

Russell previously worked at the AFLPA as national career and education manager, focusing on building off -fi eld plans for players. She also spent a year at Hawthorn in player development.

“I play a pivotal role in the development of all Essendon staff .

“Obviously, football is a male-dominated environment but it is one that is after the best people to perform at the highest level, and values highly the contribution women have made at all levels of this game.”

Lynne Kosky MP, No. 1 ticket holder,Western Bulldogs

Lynne Kosky, the Victorian Minister for Public Transport and the Arts, is well known in Melbourne’s west for her community work.

In 1989, Kosky was appointed to the Bulldogs’ board – only the second woman on a League club board at the time.

She was on the board until 1993 and maintains an important relationship with the club.

Sandra O’Mara, membershipmanager,North Melbourne

Sandra O’Mara is known as one of the hardest-working employees at North Melbourne and is usually the fi rst to arrive at the club and the last to leave.

After developing a strong work ethic and reputation at Collingwood, O’Mara was approached by the Kangaroos last year to head their membership department.

“Sandra’s customer service, attention to detail and dedication to the role has been enormous and is unequalled in my opinion,” says director of commercial operations Anthony Trainor. “She manages a terrifi c team and receives a terrifi c contribution from many volunteers.”

a terrifi ccontribution from many volunteers.”


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women’s round

Peggy Haines, board member, Richmond

Peggy Haines, a partner at law fi rm Freehills, joined the Richmond board in November, 2005.

Haines arrived in Melbourne from the United States in 1989 and soon realised if she wanted to be part of any conversation in Melbourne, she needed to pick a club.

She was living in Richmond, so the Tigers were a natural fi t.

Haines could not believe how accessible sport was here. “In the US, professional sports can be quite inaccessible, but here you could become a member and really feel part of a club. That really impressed me about AFL.”

She says being the fi rst and only female board member at Richmond is an honour and would like to see more female representation.

“I don’t subscribe to the theory that, because the female spot on the board is fi lled, we can just tick that box and move on,” she says.

“I have many women come up to me at games and club functions and say thank you |for representing their interests.

“Women do so much more for our game than just take their sons to the football. We have a lot to say, we have business acumen, and there should be room for everyone.”

Paula Allen, manager, hospitalityservices, Geelong

In 21 years with the Cats, Paula Allen has seen the club and her role grew exponentially.

“When I arrived, the match-day president’s function was about a dozen people in the boardroom. Now the function usually has 400 attendees which requires an enormous amount of preparation,” she says.

A local girl who grew up supporting the Cats, Allen has seen the change in culture, from a ‘boys club’ mentality to one which celebrates the role of women in the sport.

“Every department has women with key roles in it,” Allen says.

“When I was starting out, I had lots of women at the club who were great role models, including Helene Bender who was a director, and Carol Szymczak, who was here for 25 years and was one of the fi rst people to set up human resources within an AFL club.”

Geelong’s chief operating offi cer Stuart Fox says Allen’s impeccable customer service allows her to thrive in her role.

“Paula is the complete package. Not only does she have an amazing work ethic but she also interacts with patrons in a way which makes them want to return to the club time and time again,” he says.

Rebecca Shaw, membership manager,Brisbane Lions

Rebecca Shaw manages a staff of 12, handling membership and daily ticketing sales, as well as the club’s charity assistance, community programs and match-day activities at the Gabba.

A mother of two with another on the way, Shaw says the Lions hire people on merit, with staff working together “respectfully and professionally”.

“In four-and-a half years at the club, it is a great testament to the AFL and this sport that I have never felt or experienced any kind of gender imbalance, sexual discrimination, female tokenism or awkwardness about being a woman involved in this code,” she says.

“To be honest, that is the greatest compliment I can pay.

“I am not the female manager blazing some kind of trail for females, because women already permeate this entire organisation.

“I am purely the membership manager who just happens to be a woman.

“The only thing we cannot do in this industry is play, because of physical diff erences, but everything else is open slather and up to your own ambitions and talents.”

Tracey O’Connor, executive assistant to the footballdepartment,Collingwood

Tracey O’Connor has forged an outstanding career in football through loyalty, a strong work ethic and reliability.

O’Connor works closely with chief of football Geoff Walsh and coach Mick Malthouse in ensuring the smooth running of the club’s football operations.

She has worked at the club since 1998, having started as the executive assistant to the CEO.

In more than a decade at the club, O’Connor is pleased to have seen how women have become more prominent in the industry.

“At Collingwood, women make up about 50 per cent of the total staff, so it’s satisfying to see women recognised through women’s round,” she says.

While it may seem daunting to some, O’Connor is not fazed by being the only full-time female employee in the football department, and is renowned for being able to make players listen.

“I’m fairly forthright, so I’ve never had a problem making myself heard,” she says, with a smile. “And the guys have always treated me well.”

Amber Crimmins,multimedia producer,Hawthorn

Amber Crimmins joined the Hawks in late 2007 and is now producer of the club’s children’s television show HawksKids, which airs weekly on Southern Cross television in Tasmania and streams through hawthornfc.com.au.

She has worked on the club’s website andits weekly internet radio show.

Crimmins previously worked at Collingwood, starting as a volunteer once a week while studying and eventually accepted a full-time role for three years.

Crimmins, who manages production and technical support staff and talent for the show, is considered an integral part of the team at Hawthorn.

“I certainly couldn’t do it on my own. We have a great team here to pull it all together,” she says.

Crimmins enjoys working for a football club because she is “working for a brand that so many people are passionate about”.

“But why wouldn’t I love it? All the hard work I put in is for the fans who care so much about this great club. It’s extremely rewarding.”

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He doesn’t have the profi le afforded past Adelaide teammates Tony Modra, Mark Ricciuto or

Darren Jarman, but those who really know their AFL, regardless of club affi liation, recognise Tyson Edwards as one of the elite players of the modern era.

That’s a fair endorsement for a boy who grew up in the small Mallee town of Wynarka (about 120 kms south-east of Adelaide) and followed older brothers Duane and Kym to the local club trying to get a game and then having to deal with the fact he was usually half the size of his opponents.

Or for the teenager who never gave himself credit for his ability when he moved to the city and joined SANFL club West Adelaide in the early 1990s, and later had to be convinced he belonged at AFL level.

Belong he certainly does, and this weekend against Essendon at Docklands, Edwards will become yet another Crow to play 300 games, a remarkable feat for such a young club.

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One of modern football’s quietest achievers is set to become the 60th player to reach the 300-game mark at League level. It’s a tribute to the perseverance of a champion who once doubted he could play at the highest level. SHA NE MCNA LLY

AR11 p61-64 Tyson Edwards.indd 61AR11 p61-64 Tyson Edwards.indd 61 3/6/09 4:02:59 PM3/6/09 4:02:59 PM


Do one simple thing to protect yourself online

Growing up, I knew I was a pretty good footballer, but I didn’t want to be a big head and probably talked myself down too muchTYSON EDWARDS

LOW PROFILE: While he hasn’t attracted the same headlines as some of his more fl amboyant teammates, Edwards has been equally as eff ective.

seasons in the system, but his raw talent earned him a place in two premiership teams by the time he’d played just 70 games.

He cherishes the premierships, but rates two matches against the Bulldogs as the other major highlights of his career – his debut in 1995 and that remarkable 1997 preliminary fi nal victory.

“The fi rst game at Football Park (now AAMI Stadium) is probably still my most memorable,” he says.

“It was the most nervous I’ve ever been, the whole family came down, but we won (by 44 points) and I played OK.

“Obviously, the fi nals series in 1997 and ’98 were standouts, but the preliminary fi nals really stick with me.

“We were still one step away and winning them was just so exhilarating.

“That fi rst one in ’97 (which the Crows won by two points) was a real team effort. That’s why we were able to go all the way to the fl ag, when there might have been more talented sides.”

His four AFL coaches, Edwards says, have all played an important part in his development as a player.

Robert Shaw made him think about game plans, Blight encouraged him to back himself and Gary Ayres helped him develop his defensive game. And then there’s Neil Craig.

“‘Craigy’s’ probably the best coach at developing relationships with players and understanding them,” Edwards says.

“He’s a very attacking coach as well, even though he’s seen the other way by people outside the club, probably because he’s meticulous in his planning and that’s sometimes confused for being defensive.”

(Edwards will join Ricciuto, Ben Hart and Andrew McLeod).

In and out of the team in his early days (after being picked in the second round of the 1995 pre-season draft), Edwards has emerged from that shaky start to become one of the most damaging andd effi cient midfi elders in the competition, producing without some of the headlines that have accompanied others of his type.

His commitment to the ball and to contests, supreme fi tness, football smarts and neat disposal skills have set him apart and made him one of those rare players who simply gets better with age.

From his nervous days under South Australian legend Neil Kerley in the SANFL and having learned the game under four coaches at Westlakes, Edwards has grown in stature and confi dence to be, quite frankly, better now at 32 than he was at 22.

“I played Teal Cup (the under-17 state carnival that preceded the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships) and the last two league games for Westies in ’93, so I only had ‘Kerls’ (Kerley) for a while, but he scared the hell out of me,” Edwards says.

“His speeches before the game were all about the team, but they were made with so much passion that it was very intimidating for a boy from the country.

“The next year, I played the majority of the season with West Adelaide and was invited to do the pre-season with the Crows.

“My biggest problem was confi dence. Growing up, I knew I was a pretty good footballer, but I didn’t want to be a big head and probably talked myself down too much, really,” Edwards says.

“Part of the battle was analysing games and to give

myself a pat on the back when I did play well.”

Edwards has certainly done that for the bulk of his 15-season career at the Crows, fi nishing second in the club’s best and fairest award three times and third once.

“Not getting too many injuries was always an advantage for me. I think I’ve only ever missed a chunk of one pre-season, which puts you in good stead,” Edwards says.

“I knew I needed to be consistent and, when ‘Blighty’ (Malcolm Blight) was coaching, I made a deal with myself that I’d be as consistent as I could.

“If you’re always contributing and playing well, and my disposal was always pretty good, it’s hard not to get picked in the team. So I tried to make consistency my strength.”

The young Edwards was not as consistent as he was to become after three or four



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FAC T F I L E 99

Tyson EdwardsBorn: August 6, 1976Recruited from: West AdelaideDebut: round 11, 1995Height: 178cm Weight: 81kgGames: 299 Goals: 186Honours: 2nd best and fairest 2002, 2003, 2006; 3rd best and fairest 2004; International Rules Series 2002; premiership sides 1997, 1998; pre-season premiership side 2003.

BALANCED LIFESTYLE:Edwards has benefi ted from his ability to separate his family life, his own time and his football responsibilities.

For all of Edwards’ commitment to the game and the club, he knows how to switch off and enjoy family time.

He likes a hit of tennis on the home court or a round of golf at Glenelg with brother-in-law and ex-teammate Darren Jarman.

But with three young boys, he’s never far away from a game of football.

When he’s not training or playing at the highest level, he and wife Mandy watch sons Jackson (nine) and Luke (seven) – Brodie is too young at fi ve – having a kick for their school or the local Henley club.

There’s no chance, though, that Edwards could intimidate the boys’ coach with his football profi le, because it’s Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams who usually puts the kids through their paces on training nights and game-day.

“Jackson loves his footy, I can defi nitely see him playing at a competitive level,” Edwards says. “The middle one, Luke, has just started this year and he’s pretty good, too. Watching them is a

great way to spend time away from my football.

“Mandy goes every week and I go when the games don’t clash with the Crows matches.

“Mandy and I just enjoy sitting back and watching them have a kick. I try and give my boys a few pointers every now and then; sometimes they listen and sometimes they don’t.

“But when someone like ‘Choco’ (Williams) tells them, they listen. He’s amazing, he’s there every week and the kids really respond to him.”

While Edwards prides himself on an ability to separate family life, his own time and football duties, it may become a more diffi cult task when he eventually retires.

He has plans to start a sports and player management business with tennis champion and good mate Lleyton Hewitt, an enterprise that will cast a wide net over a range of sports including the AFL, tennis, rugby league, soccer and basketball.

“We’re keen to get involved and we have people interested interstate,” he says.

“Part of the reason we’re doing it is that we think we can really expand on the player management services and offer more.

“We’re looking beyond just negotiating contracts to really looking after the player and providing genuine career management and mentoring after the contract’s signed.”



What the coaches say about Tyson Edwards...Malcolm Blight, coach from 1997-99“Tyson has an unbelievable story. I had a weekly talk with him about his form and where he was going and he told me he’d never had three votes in all his playing days, from a junior out in the bush through to AFL level. He had this wonderful balance and kicking style but was never best on ground. I kept working on his confi dence and then one day, someone gave him three votes in the paper and I didn’t say a word to him, I just stuck it on his locker. From that day onwards, he was never to go out of the team.”

Gary Ayres, coach from 2000-mid-2004“One of the things that stands out about Tyson is just how hard he works, how professional he is, how good he is at looking after his body. He probably was in the shadow of (Mark) Ricciuto and (Simon) Goodwin and (Andrew) McLeod early, but he’d be rated very highly in that group now. He’s been unheralded in Melbourne but certainly if you speak to people close to Adelaide Football Club, they’ll tell you how much they think of him. He’s self-driven and was very easy to coach, no fuss with Tyson, just a great team man and committed family man. He has great fl exibility – he can play on taller opponents and he’s excellent on both sides of his body. He’s going to make an indelible imprint on the club’s history.”

Neil Craig, coach since mid-2004“To reach 300 games at this level requires unbelievable durability over a long period. Not only has Tyson done that, he has performed consistently at a remarkably high level for many seasons. It’s fair to say that Tyson had to work extremely hard to make his mark in the AFL. So as a senior leader at the club, the way he goes about it is a great example.”

PREMIERSHIP HERO: A beaming Edwards after playing in his second successive

fl ag with the Crows in 1998.

For now, Edwards’ focus is squarely on helping Adelaide reach another fi nals campaign.

The club has indicated Edwards and veteran teammates Simon Goodwin and McLeod will each play at least one more season.

He’s confi dent the Crows’ mix of experience and quality youth makes anything possible, as seen last week when they played a superb brand of team football to beat Hawthorn at

home, with the old and the new among the best.

“I don’t like talk of rebuilding – I tend to think it’s a bit of a cop out,” Edwards says.

“We’re always striving to make the eight, no matter what sort of squad we’ve got. That’s Craigy’s philosophy and, as a player, it’s great to know.

“To have a coach saying you’re rebuilding is not great going into a season. As a supporter, I’m sure you don’t

want to hear that it’s going to take fi ve years to play in fi nals again.

“We’ve got some young kids we put a fair bit of pressure on and we expect them to perform. Do that without going over the top and they thrive on it.

“That mentality has got us to a couple of fi nals series in recent years when many people

thought we wouldn’t get close. The way we’ve developed these young kids and our structures, that’s our edge.

“We can perform against great teams – we just have to put it together for four quarters. And we can. We’re here to play fi nals footy.” And if they do, Edwards will likely be a driving force, in his own quiet way.


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farewell

Terry came from the under-19s and straight into the Camberwell side and you could see he had the talent to be a League player

WallacelegacyTerry Wallace was a champion player and an innovative coach who has shaped several aspects of the modern game. MICHAEL LOV ETT

T he fi nal act of Terry Wallace’s coaching career will be played out this weekend but don’t imagine for

one moment that the football world has heard or seen the last of him.

Wallace decided last Monday to call it a day as Richmond coach – probably wisely under the circumstances – but you can bet he will be up for the next challenge.

Some might interpret Wallace’s decision as walking away from the job, but when you think about what he has endured this season, you could hardly blame him.

The constant line of questioning, being door-stopped by television reporters and the Tiger talkback syndrome – those fans who constantly called radio shows calling for his head – would be enough to send any normal thinking person insane.

But Wallace knows it goes with the territory. All through his playing and coaching life, he has never been afraid to put himself out there, be it by offering an opinion or as an innovator.

He will fi nish on 501 games as a player and coach on Friday night and that puts him in some pretty good company. Only 16 others have achieved that feat at League level: Kevin Sheedy, Jock McHale, Leigh Matthews,

Mick Malthouse, David Parkin, Ron Barassi, Norm Smith, Allan Jeans, Robert Walls, Tom Hafey, John Kennedy, Percy Bentley, Dick Reynolds, Paul Roos, Phonse Kyne and Rodney Eade.

Wallace might not have had the rat cunning of Sheedy, the longevity of McHale, the articulation of Parkin or the bite of Barassi, but he has left his mark on the game.

But to know Wallace the coach, you have to look back to his time as a player. He wasn’t a precocious talent but he could win the ball, run all day and fi nd his teammates.

He came on to Hawthorn’s radar in 1977 when he was playing for Camberwell in the Victorian Football Association. The VFA wasn’t a place for the faint-hearted, let alone a teenager with ability and confi dence to match, but there was a connection to Hawthorn that gave Wallace his opportunity.

The captain of Camberwell was John Hook, who later served for many years at Hawthorn as football manager. Hook liked what he saw in the youngster so when he was approached by then-Hawthorn selector Brian Coleman, he had no hesitation recommending him.

“Terry came from the under-19s and straight into the Camberwell side and you could see he had the talent to be a League player. He had a fantastic

season as a 19-year-old in the VFA so ‘Coley’ was the instigator in getting him to Hawthorn,” Hook said.

The stumbling block was the fact Wallace was living in Fitzroy’s metropolitan zone, but the Hawks offered the Lions 75-game utility Gerry McCarthy and a $15,000 transfer fee.

In the end, the Hawks were the big winners. Wallace played 174 games (and was a member

of the 1978, 1983 and 1986 premiership teams), won two best and fairest awards, and was equal third in the 1982 Brownlow Medal.

Out of contract at the end of 1986, Wallace made an ill-fated move to Richmond in 1987 that netted just 11 games as he struggled with a back injury. As he said this week, maybe Punt Rd wasn’t for him either as a player or coach.

But he underwent a football renaissance when he crossed to Footscray in 1988 where he added a further 69 games and two best and fairest awards before injury and father time caught up with him in 1991.

Wallace’s time at the Whitten Oval is also remembered for the jaw-breaking hit Melbourne’s

EX-CAMBERWELL CAPTAIN AND FORMER HAWTHORN FOOTBALL MANAGER, JOHN HOOK

THE

AR11 p66-67 Terry Wallace.indd 66AR11 p66-67 Terry Wallace.indd 66 3/6/09 5:24:50 PM3/6/09 5:24:50 PM


Rod Grinter laid on him in round two, 1988, which saw the unreported incident referred to the Tribunal. It was the fi rst time a report had been laid by video evidence and Grinter was suspended for six games.

A keen student of the game, Wallace’s foray into coaching was hardly unexpected. He served as a reserves coach with the Bulldogs, taking them to a fl ag in 1994, and was an assistant to Alan Joyce before taking the senior job when Joyce was sacked after round 12, 1996.

It was a tumultuous season for the Dogs, who had started to show improvement through the mid-1980s under Mick Malthouse and into the 1990s under Terry Wheeler and Joyce.

The 1996 season also gave

an insight to Wallace’s coaching demeanour when, as part of the documentary Year of the Dogs, he didn’t hold back after the Bulldogs were narrowly beaten by Collingwood in his fi rst game.

“If I see one bloke walking out of here getting a pat on the back from people out there for a good effort, I’ll spew up!” he screamed at his players, his jugular strained at Parkin-like proportions.

The Bulldogs, who fi nished the season 3-7 under Wallace’s stint, were a kick away from making the 1997 Grand Final and were preliminary fi nalists again in 1998, as Wallace put his stamp on an emerging team.

He became a media favourite and understood the importance of that part of the industry, becoming the fi rst coach to grant

a television interview during a game. On the fi eld he also led the way, introducing the idea of teams warming up on the ground pre-game.

Perhaps Wallace’s crowning moment came in round 21 of 2000, when he brought about Essendon’s only loss for the season by throwing numbers behind the ball and frustrating the rampant Bombers.

Two seasons later, though, it was all over at the Bulldogs and after a stint in the media, Wallace was given a fi ve-year deal by Richmond.

His Richmond tenure didn’t go according to plan and Wallace would be as frustrated as any Tiger fan at the lack of success in his time. He departs beaten, but certainly not bowed.

THE CURTAIN FALLS: It has been a long journey

for Terry Wallace whose fi fth year as Richmond coach will

end this round. He started his AFL involvement as a player

for Hawthorn (top right) in 1978 before a short stint

at Richmond followed by a successful stay at the Western

Bulldogs as a player and coach. He was appointed coach

of the Tigers in August, 2004.

AR11 p66-67 Terry Wallace.indd 67AR11 p66-67 Terry Wallace.indd 67 3/6/09 4:01:58 PM3/6/09 4:01:58 PM

SHIFT YOUR GAME PLAN.

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SPO0014_R_275x205mm.pdf Page 1 1/06/09, 5:09 PM


A t the Melbourne Football Club, it’s the beginning of a beginning.

“I can really sense at board

level, and with players and supporters, that there is a new dawn,” says president Jim Stynes, a club champion and Brownlow medallist.

“We are creating a new way that we are all going to be proud of. Our history is important but our future is full of hope, excitement and energy.”

No one was using those three words 12 months ago. The dark chapter that was 2008 – a debt of $5 million and being anchored at the bottom of the ladder after a season of soul-destroying blow-out losses – was the tipping point.

On and off the fi eld, Melbourne had bottomed out. Rebuilding and reinvention was the club’s only choice.

Halfway through 2009, the tipping point has become the turning point.

Membership is at a record level, having surpassed 30,000 for the fi rst time.

The team is competitive and there are signs the young players on the list are, in Stynes’ words, “making their own history”.

The mood around the club is upbeat. Late last month, club stalwart Garry Lyon wrote in The Age that “the pall of gloom that has descended on the club in recent years is dissipating at

MelbourneMAN OF THE PEOPLE:

Melbourne president Jim Stynes enjoys being out

among the fans.

This weekend, Melbourne plays its main rival Collingwood for the 223rd time. The Demons are in the middle of a major overhaul on and off the fi eld, and those in charge know they just have to get it right. PETER WILMOTH

a rapid rate and the fi rst rays of sunshine are beginning to emerge”.

And it’s happened out of a mix of passion, belief and fear: those who loved the club didn’t want to see it die.

“The last 12 months has been about people having the courage to stand up and make a leap of faith,” Stynes says. “It’s been a series of leaps of faith.”

They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn. And Chris Connolly, the head of the football department, agrees.

Bottoming out, he says, is what the club needed. “It has taken all the greyness out and made it black and white.”

“All we want to know from people is: ‘Are you going to

help us or not?’ There is no in-between. There is too much at stake for ifs and buts. Bottoming out puts a stake in the ground, saying ‘It’s now or never’.”

The rebuilding of Melbourne since Stynes took over the presidency a year ago is a series of remarkable stories. Two months after Stynes was encouraged by a group of ex-teammates to take the job, former club CEO Cameron Schwab was lured back from Fremantle for a second stint in the job.

Stynes and Schwab joined former Demon and ex-Fremantle coach Connolly, who had returned to the club in September, 2007, and coach Dean Bailey, appointed about a month before Connolly.

It was a formidable quartet of football people.

Stynes’ impact was immediate. Money raised at the ‘Debt Demolition’ function wiped away $3 million of debt, leaving a liability of around $2 million.

The playing list was turned over (the club introduced 21 new players in two seasons) and a 30-year deal for a much-needed, well-resourced training base at Casey Fields in Melbourne’s outer south-east was signed.

The dramatic changes didn’t stop there.

The club began the season – and was playing in the NAB Cup – without a major sponsor.

Then, within days, the club confi rmed two signifi cant deals. LD Wholesale Tyres, a

Rebuilding

AR11 p69-70 Rebuilding Melbourne.indd 69AR11 p69-70 Rebuilding Melbourne.indd 69 3/6/09 4:02:05 PM3/6/09 4:02:05 PM


major distributor of Hankook Tyres, and whose owner Lawrie De La Rue is a passionate Demons supporter, signed as a major sponsor.

Andrew Mamonitis, another Melbourne supporter, also helped. While in a Kazakhstan restaurant in Moscow (complete with belly dancers), Mamonitis suggested to his boss, the new managing director of Russian computer security fi rm Kaspersky, that the company might consider sponsoring an AFL club – namely the Demons.

Kaspersky also signed up. The two deals are worth $5 million over three years.

Closer to home, realignment in April with the Melbourne Cricket Club, from which the football club extricated itself in 1981, means the club can use the MCC’s brand and tap into its fi nancial, social and cultural muscle.

And, rather than selling home games on an ad hoc basis, the club is considering pursuing a long-term deal to establish a second market in Darwin, with a view to building a presence in the Top End community.

The Casey Fields arrangement, which, aside from state-of-the-art training facilities, will give the club an opportunity to involve itself with the Casey community in what is one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas, and attract new supporters.

For a club that grew out of a stadium – the MCG – not a suburb, says Schwab, a sense of place is critical.

The foundations are in place, he says. “The club needed a leader and it needed a legend. Jim came in at a time when it would have been easy to say no, and he was able to attract a board which could run any business at any level.

“Chris Connolly is loved and respected by Melbourne people. There were probably stages over the past 18 months where the club turned to him for a way forward when things looked very bleak.

“The signifi cance of his role went well beyond his title.”

For Melbourne, the planets are starting to line up. And the story of the Demons’ new spirit is told not only through numbers.

Stynes is committed to a Melbourne that fosters strong values and inclusiveness.

The president, who famously took a mark while sitting in the crowd behind the goals at the

MCG earlier this year, organised all football club staff to meet the board, some staff telling him it was the fi rst time they had spoken to a board member.

Stynes also organised a gathering of female staff, and partners of male staff, board members, players and coaching staff.

“It was awesome,” he says. “It was about inclusion. This is what we want to be – a club that involves everybody.”

He has also reconfi gured the game-day president’s function to include a children’s room where kids draped in Demons gear can play safely under supervision or join their parents watching the game.

“We have to walk the talk,” Stynes says. “If we can’t do that from the top down, forget about it happening elsewhere in the club.”

Stynes rejects all suggestions of merging, including Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett’s view last

We have to walk the talk. If we can’t do that from the top down, forget about it happening elsewhere in the club MELBOURNE PRESIDENT, JIM STYNES

year that Melbourne consider relocating to Queensland.

“In hindsight, Jeff’s comment didn’t do us any harm because it woke people up and made them realise how bad things were,” he says.

Bailey’s fi rst year at Melbourne – its 150th birthday year – coincided with off-fi eld instability, including the departures of CEO Steve Harris, his replacement Paul McNamee and president Paul Gardner.

Bailey worked, says Connolly, under “as diffi cult an environment as you would ever have in AFL football”. And now, his efforts look like bearing fruit.

Says Schwab: “He has gone from having the toughest coaching job in the game to possibly the most exciting.”

It’s a challenge Bailey is relishing. “We’ve noticed a change because most of the players have been able to complete most of the pre-season,” he says of the team’s improvement.

And, again, it’s about belief. “The more games they play with each other, the more they build belief. The more belief and trust they have in each other, their confi dence stays at a higher level.”

As they say in football, out of crisis comes opportunity, but also humour.

“Chris Connolly said to me ‘This could go really well, or you could be the last president of the Melbourne Football Club’,” Stynes says, laughing.

The true believers at Melbourne are putting their energy into making sure it’s the former.

Peter Wilmoth is a Melbourne-basedfreelance journalist and has written or co-written several books, includingReading The Play, the autobiography of James Hird.

BUILDING BELIEF: Brent Moloney (left), Colin Sylvia and Brad Miller enjoy that winning feeling after the victory over Richmond in round four.

AR11 p69-70 Rebuilding Melbourne.indd 70AR11 p69-70 Rebuilding Melbourne.indd 70 3/6/09 4:02:29 PM3/6/09 4:02:29 PM

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demon honoured

Geoff McGivern’s mantra – “Don’t let it worry ya” – fi ts perfectly with the Melbourne great’s affable,

laid-back nature. And it’s remarkable McGivern has managed to maintain such a demeanour considering he has had plenty of cause to worry in his 79 years.

The lesser of several setbacks came last June, when McGivern should have been named one of Melbourne’s’ ‘150 Heroes’ (as part of the club’s 150th birthday celebrations), but was accidentally omitted. The Demons acknowledge, following further research, that McGivern should have been “an automatic inclusion”.

After all, he was a superbly talented, high-fl ying utility who could play in any key position, and he was quick too, being in the top half-dozen for pace in a Melbourne side renowned for its speedsters.

He played 105 games for the Demons from 1950-56, winning their 1952 best-and-fairest and being a member of the 1955 premiership team.

To remedy the situation, the Demons will recognise McGivern as a ‘hero’ when they play Collingwood in the Queen’s Birthday game.

But that oversight was nothing compared to other torments McGivern has endured (and continues to do so).

Just days after last year’s AFL Grand Final, his right leg was amputated below the knee. “There was a lack of blood supply to my foot, so it had to come off,” he says, matter-of-factly.

So off went the lower part of his old kicking leg – the one he relied on most for balance when playing his regular round of golf.

“It has caused a lot of pain and stress, no doubt,” McGivern

Forgotten hero hailed at last

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PROUD DEMON: Geoff McGivern was a Melbourne champion in the 1950s, playing in the 1955 premiership. He is holding the trophy he won as the 1955 best and fairest.

concedes, narrowing his gaze, before the old glint returns to his eye. “But don’t let it worry ya – one way or the bloody other, I’ll get back out on the golf course again.”

He will. He has jumped back on the horse, so to speak, many times in his life.

McGivern lost his fi rst wife of 22 years, Jan, to melanoma in 1978. They had three teenage children at the time. (He met current wife Josie three years later.) Anything else, of course, pales in comparison.

He could have played in a second premiership, but missed

the 1956 fl ag through injury. “That’s life,” he says, shrugging his broad shoulders. “You just can’t let things get on top of you.”

Very few obstacles have stopped McGivern.

Born the day after Boxing Day in 1930, he has always

It will be a case of better late than never for former Melbourne star Geoff McGivern when he is honoured by the club at this weekend’s Queen’s Birthday clash with Collingwood. BEN COLLINS

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been a fi ghter. He had to fi ght, too. At 15, he was tall but pencil-thin and couldn’t even get a regular game in the school footy team at Box Hill High School.

“I just wasn’t good enough,” he says, speaking with reverence of schoolmates such as Dave ‘Froggy’ Morgan, who later played one game apiece for Collingwood and Hawthorn.

The winters of his youth still hold such wonderment that McGivern describes his time with his mates in the second 18 of suburban side Croydon as “the best time of my life”.

That’s despite the primitive changeroom – “a tin shed with a dirt fl oor and an old chip heater”. The cold turned bodies into stiff boards, but McGivern’s form was hot.

In 1947, he kicked a hundred goals from full-forward in a premiership year with the seconds, and repeated the effort in the seniors the next year. (He was later named captain and centre half-forward in Croydon’s Team of the Century.)

Richmond came knocking, and McGivern played one practice match with the Tigers in early 1949, and kicked a few goals, but his father Frank, a strongly built “straight up and down” quarryman, declared: “You’re not playing there – they’re a pack of bloody idiots,” offering no further explanation.

Sixty years later, his son explains: “In those days, if your old man said ‘Jump’, you said

‘How high?’ I don’t know if the younger generation would cop that now.”

Soon after the Richmond episode, McGivern copped a bout of appendicitis and missed most of the 1949 season.

Melbourne upset the Tigers by signing the 19-year-old, and he was surprised to be named at centre half-forward for round one, 1950. (His debut clashed with his sister’s wedding. As was the custom, he only attended the reception.)

A train delay caused him to arrive just 20 minutes before the start of the game against Carlton. He played on Blues champion Bert Deacon, took a mark early and hit the post, but “didn’t do all that well”.

The next week, McGivern faced Richmond and Don ‘Mopsy’ Fraser – one of the most feared men in football history.

“I went to shake his hand before the game and he went bang! He fl attened me. He was vicious.”

McGivern barely survived, but he prevailed. With just seconds left and Melbourne trailing by fi ve points, Fraser fl attened him again.

“I was under a high ball and could hear footsteps thundering towards me. It was Mopsy – and he said: ‘Gotcha!’”

Blood streamed from McGivern’s face but he had held the mark. He had to be turned around to face the goals (“I didn’t know whether I was Arthur or Martha,” he says), but he kicked truly in a heroic win.

Over summer, the Demons sent McGivern to the gym to bulk up, with moderate results.

The turning point in his footy career – indeed, his life – was a dramatic change of occupations.

Believe it or not, big

strapping ‘Macca’ had travelled the Victorian

countryside selling ladies’ hats. His

mates gave him hell – some called him ‘McGirly’.

Then he joined the family quarry

business and the hard physical work – often

in hair-raising positions on cliff faces that

horrifi ed coach Norm Smith – built his frame

and his strength, without sacrifi cing any pace. “It

was like being in a gym all day,” he says.

He would arrive at training in fi lthy, old work

clothes – quite a sight among the suits at Melbourne.

He “couldn’t do a thing wrong” and won Melbourne’s best and fairest that year, 1952.

He even caught up with his old mate Mopsy, using all of his 189 centimetres and 80-odd kilos to crunch him, legitimately.

After the game, Fraser conceded: “I suppose I deserved that.”

McGivern didn’t deserve the king-hit he received just before half-time in the 1954 fi rst semi-fi nal against North Melbourne. “One of my mates up in the stand saw it coming and told me he’d

TOUGH: McGivern built himself up in the family quarry business.

Voting is now open in the 2009 AFL Army Award. Get online at af l.com.au or SMS ‘Courage’ to 13 19 01 and pick the play of the round and you could have the chance to win an awesome

Army experience for you and a mate.

Courage, initiative and teamwork are values the AFL and the Army proudly share. Get involved

and help recognise the player you think best embodies these values in the 2009 Toyota AFL

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See af l.com.au for fu l l terms and condit ions. AFL Authorisat ion Code: GFAFL09/29

COURAGE, INITIATIVE AND TEAMWORKON AND OFF THE FIELD.

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called out. I said: ‘I didn’t bloody hear you!’”

McGivern has always refused to name his attacker, and won’t start now. “He’d be ashamed,” he says. “I reckon it’s the only time he ever thought of hitting someone.”

McGivern shook off the knock and the Demons awarded him a watch for best-on-ground, but he can’t recall any of it.

This was reinforced three weeks later when, after Melbourne was thumped by Footscray in the Grand Final – in which Ted Whitten thrashed McGivern – coach Smith told him he should never forget the quality of his semi-fi nal effort.

“Forget it?” McGivern replied. “Norm, I can’t even remember it.”

It was classic McGivern – the man his teammates love like a brother to this day.

McGivern played some unforgettable games at centre half-back in 1955-56, eclipsing the likes of Whitten and Collingwood hard man Murray Weideman.

His best contribution to the Demons’ 1955 success was keeping Magpies leading goalkicker Ken Smale to a combined tally of two goals in the second semi-fi nal and the Grand Final.

He was particularly good in the second semi, belying the wet conditions to snare three crucial overhead marks as Melbourne held on by 11 points.

Smith marvelled that

McGivern did “something special” in the wet, although he couldn’t quite pinpoint why. McGivern can. He says there were a couple of factors.

First, he worked in mud and slush, so it never bothered him on the fi eld. And he had followed the advice of an “old trainer” at Croydon named Henry Pride, the village blacksmith, who had instructed him to lock his wrist joints with strapping, and use the stop-and-grab marking technique.

But McGivern had little idea about how to combat Hawthorn’s 198cm forward Clayton ‘Candles’ Thompson, who “seemed nine feet tall” and was “marking everything”.

McGivern obeyed and exhausted various instructions from Smith to play from behind, from the side and the front. When all failed, the last exasperated message was: “Please yourself!”

McGivern did just that one day when he went against a Smith edict that discouraged defenders from going past the centre.

McGivern dashed forward and launched a torpedo, which sailed through for a goal. Even

McGivern thought it was “a freak occurrence”.

The runner told him: “Don’t get carried away.” McGivern waved to Smith on the bench, and the coach waved back. Few players could get away with such things.

An ankle injury cost McGivern back-to-back premierships in 1956. Teammate John Beckwith fell across his leg in the second semi-fi nal. “I can still hear it going ‘urrgh’!” he says, wrenching at his good leg.

McGivern had played his last game – at just 25. It was becoming too diffi cult to combine work and football, and his father’s death only months earlier had left a void in the lucrative quarry business. Despite Smith’s protestations, McGivern retired.

There was little money in League football back then. McGivern asked Smith a hypothetical: “Let’s say I gave the quarry away to play football. What if I broke my leg? I’d have nothing, would I?”

Smith reluctantly agreed: “Well, you climb up in the air and sometimes you come down like a bag of bones and we wonder if you’re going to get up. I see where you’re coming from.”

Melbourne’s continued success was bittersweet for McGivern.

He was rapt for his mates, but he’d think: ‘I could have been part of that.’

Considering the warm regard with which those very same mates hold McGivern, you’d think he was part of all six fl ags in that golden era anyway.

Because we lovea good sportAt Holiday Inn, we love a good sport which is why we’re proud to be the Official Hotel Group of the AFL. So whether you’re home or away, on holidays or catching up with mates for the game, stay where your heroes stay and enjoy comfortable rooms, warm surroundings and really friendly service. Relax. It’s Holiday Inn.

To book online visit holidayinn.com.au/afl or call 1300 666 704.

The Official HotelGroup Of The AFL

POPULAR: McGivern retired at just 25, but is revered by his former teammates.

Let’s say I gave the quarry away to play football. What if I broke my leg? I’d have nothing, would I?

FAC T F I L E

Geoff McGivernBorn: December 27, 1930Career: Melbourne 1950-56Recruited from: Croydon (Vic)Height: 189cm Weight: 80kgGames: 105 (inc. seven fi nals)Goals: 53Honours: best and fairest 1952, premiership 1955.Brownlow Medal: 19 votes.

17

GEOFF McGIVERN


Vote for your Round 10 HOT SHOT3

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timeon XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Answer man AFL history guru Col Hutchinson answers your queries.

time onN A M E G A M E

NAB AFL Tipping - Win $20,000The offi cial tipping competition of the AFL

The round 10 weekly winner was Marc Sodomka, a Crows fan from Adelaide. The round 10 celebrity competition winner was Raylene Boyle.

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Unhappy hunting groundI was confi dent Fremantle would defeat North Melbourne at Docklands Stadium in round nine but went home disappointed. The Dockers have now lost 12 matches in a row in Victoria. Which club visiting a particular state has lost the most consecutive games?NORM SNOW, EAST FREMANTLE

CH: From round two, 1990, the Brisbane Bears suffered defeat in Victoria 23 times in succession. The drought was broken at Princes Park in round 18, 1992, when the Bears outscored Fitzroy by 41 points. The relief was temporary. The club lost its next 16 in the state until again tasting success, against Geelong at Kardinia Park in round 11, 1994. The Sydney Swans lost 16 consecutive matches in Victoria

Sheepish playersHayden Skipworth’s�

surname indicates a family background of the north of England. Skipworth (pictured) is the Lancashire version of the Yorkshire name Skipwith. The latter is recorded in the famous census book of the 11th century, the Domesday Book, as Schipwic which derived from the Old English words scip (sheep) and wic (outlying settlement). Under the infl uence of the Viking settlement in England, the soft sch- sound changed to sk- and eventually -wic changed to -with and -worth in Yorkshire. Essendon’s connection with sheep does not stop with Skipworth. In the late 1950s, there was defender Bob Shearman and, in more recent times, James Hird and Shane Heard. Hird’s surname is a Yorkshire variation of Heard, both being occupational names for someone who tends animals, usually sheep or cattle. KEVAN CARROLL

Sheahan was born about 1872 �and attended St Patrick’s College, East Melbourne, before joining Melbourne in 1891. For six seasons, he played in the VFA, and his only match at AFL level was in 1897 as a wingman in a fi nal

against Geelong. His brother, Fred, played on the other wing. Gerald died on August 30, 1959. The only other Sheahansto play senior football were Richmond father-son combination Maurie and John,

who both attended St Pat’s College, Ballarat.

If you have any information on Sheahan, including his date of birth, height and weight, contact Col Hutchinson on (03) 9643 1929 or col.hutchinson@afl .com.au.

P L AY E R I N F O R M AT I O N S E A R C H

Are you, or do you know, a descendant of former player, James Gerald Sheahan?

WRITE TO ANSWER MANThe Slattery Media Group140 Harbour EsplanadeDocklands, 3008 or [email protected]

from 1992-94. Melbourne has lost its past 13 matches in South Australia.

BAD NEWS: The Brisbane Bears lost 23 matches in a row in Victoria from 1990 to 1992.

NAB AFLRISING STAR

p84

AR11 p78 Ask Col.indd 78AR11 p78 Ask Col.indd 78 3/6/09 3:53:12 PM3/6/09 3:53:12 PM


Celebrating women

© 2009 KPMG, an Australian partnership, is part of the KPMG International network. May 2009. VICN03704MKT.

KPMG are an Employer of Choice for Women. We are proud of this recognition and have been awarded the citation by the Australian Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

We value our diverse workplace and help our people build rewarding careers.

kpmg.com.au

CARD ZONEA U S T R A L I A ’ S T R A D I N G C A R D S H O P

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2009 AFL STARS FIGURINES (48) Available now. Factory Box A or B (30) $230/Per Box

NO BREAKAGE!

24 players appeared in Series A and another 24 players appeared in Series B. Each factory box randomly inserted 5 Limited Edition Gold fi gurines. Each Gold Figurine is individually numbered to 800. Each fi gurine is sealed. Player’s identity can only be found out after opening the fi gurine. 1 Box A + 1 Box B almost gets the full set of 48 Colour Figurines + 10 Gold Figurines. GREAT BOX VALUE. Single Unopened Figurines: $8.00/ea

OPENED AFL FIGURINES (Colour and Gold)

PLAYERS COLOUR GOLDScott Thompson $8 $16Jason Porplyzia $8 $16Ben Rutten $8 $16Daniel Bradshaw $8 $16Jamie Charman $8 $16Luke Power $8 $16Bryce Gibbs $12 $25Matthew Kreuzer $11 $22Nick Stevens $11 $22Paul Medhurst $12 $25Scott Pendlebury $15 $30Travis Cloke $12 $22Mark McVeigh $12 $22Jobe Watson $10 $20David Hille $12 $22Rhys Palmer $8 $16Byron Schammer $8 $16Aaron Sandilands $8 $16Joel Selwood $15 $30Tom Harley $11 $22Joel Corey $11 $22Jarryd Roughead $12 $25Cyril Rioli $14 $28Campbell Brown $10 $18

Brent Harvey $12 $25David Hale $8 $16Drew Petrie $10 $18Brad Miller $8 $16Cameron Bruce $8 $16Brad Green $8 $16Kane Cornes $8 $16Shaun Burgoyne $8 $16Daniel Motlop $9 $18Ben Cousins $15 $30Trent Cotchin $14 $28Chris Newman $10 $18Lenny Hayes $10 $18Stephen Milne $8 $16Brendon Goddard $10 $18Ryan O’Keefe $8 $16Jarrad McVeigh $8 $16Michael O’Loughlin $8 $16Matthew Priddis $8 $16David Wirrpanda $8 $16Ben McKinley $8 $16Jason Akermanis $12 $25Ryan Griffen $10 $18Daniel Cross $8 $16

CardZone_AD_halfpageRD10.indd 1 26/5/09 2:37:00 PM

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timeon COLLECTABLES WITH RICK MILNEtimeon COLLECTABLES WITH RICK MILNE

I have a 2004 Brisbane Lions premiership mug and, as we all know, Port Adelaide defeated the Lions in that year’s Grand Final. I believe my mug was a prototype for a possible Lions’ premiership and would appreciate a valuation.PETER, VIA EMAIL

RM: I have never seen one of these as most would have been destroyed immediately after the 2004 Grand Final. You have a rarity and I value it at $100.

I have two signed and mounted football jumpers I would like valued. The fi rst is a Jonathan Brown jumper I bought for $350 and comes in a frame with the plaque: “Jonathan Brown, triple premiership player Brisbane Lions”. The second is a Footscray jumper signed by 1954 premiership captain-coach Charlie Sutton. This is a very old jumper and my partner bought it via the internet about two or three years ago, although I don’t know how much she paid for it. GREG DUMBRELL, VIA EMAIL

RM: The Sutton jumper is worth a lot more than Brown’s. I believe the price you paid for the Brown one is about right, but I believe the Sutton guernsey would be worth up to $600.

R I C K ’ S R A R I T Y

Here’s one from left fi eld! �This Tasmanian Football Guide from 1947 is packed with good football news and information from the Apple Isle. By Jack Donnelly, who wrote under the pseudonym of ‘Half-back’ for the Launceston Examiner, there are many outstanding stories. According to Donnelly, Tasmania’s best forward to that date was Alan Rait, who did well in the VFL with Footscray. It is a great publication from the state that gave us Darrel Baldock, Royce Hart, Peter Hudson, Ian Stewart and a host of other champions. I’d pay $75 for one in good condition.

A. Berry and J. Lyons. On the right are J. Barwise, W. Jones, E. Cherry, P. McShane, J. Young, J. Baker, T. Robinson, J. Worrall and G. Miller. In the left corner is D. Sebire, and in the right corner is J. Lawler. In the centre is Carlton’s George Coulthard. Value?GEORGE, VIA EMAIL

RM: This particular print has been laminated, which reduces its value from about $300 to just $50. These turn up quite often and I know there is one for sale at a stall (not mine) at the Camberwell Antique Centre.

f

R

On the

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A mug, but no cup A weekly look at collectables, memorabilia and all footy things stored in boxes and garages.

TIPSTERSWATCH BEFORE THE GAME SATURDAY NIGHTS ON TEN

beforethegame.com.au

LEHMOWestern BulldogsSt KildaBrisbane LionsPort AdelaideEssendonHawthornGeelong CatsCollingwood

MICKRichmondSt KildaBrisbane LionsPort AdelaideEssendonHawthornGeelong CatsCollingwood

DAVEWestern BulldogsSt KildaCarltonPort AdelaideEssendonHawthornGeelong CatsCollingwood

ANDYWestern BulldogsSt KildaCarltonPort AdelaideEssendonHawthornGeelong CatsCollingwood

STRAUCHANIERichmondNorth MelbourneBrisbane LionsFremantleAdelaideSydney SwansWest Coast EaglesMelbourne

SAMWestern BulldogsSt KildaBrisbane LionsPort AdelaideEssendonHawthornGeelong CatsCollingwood

LADDER

ANDY 57LEHMO 55DAVE 54SAM 52MICK 51STRAUCHANIE 27

b4thgame_RD11.indd 1 3/6/09 8:46:10 AM

CONTACT RICK [email protected] ordrop him a line: 5 Cooraminta St, Brunswick, Vic, 3056 or call (03) 9387 4131. One query per reader.

e e

NOT QUITE: The Lions’ 2004 ‘premiership’ mug.

I have a full 72-card set of the 1953 Argus football cards. Do these have any value?SHARON HICKEY, VIA EMAIL

RM: They sure do! These are quite large cards, about twice the size of postcards, and feature six players from each of the then-12 VFL clubs. They are not quick sellers, but are worth $15 each in good condition.

I have a print of an old colour photograph of VFA stars from 1884. On the left are J. Cordner, J. Shaw, A. McIntyre, A. Alexander, A. Shearwood, H. Elms, G. Smith,

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Relive the game over a meal in the city.After the final siren, head into the city and relive every kick, tackle and goal over a meal or a beer. With so many great pubs, bars and restaurants, you’ll find the perfect place to talk footy. And next week, why not kick off with

a drink or bite to eat in the city before the game? For ideas on where to go, visit thatsmelbourne.com.au

COM0050/C


timeon KNOWLEDGE

AC R O S S1 Used on ankles, etc (4)3 Former St Kilda premiership

player Rodger .... (4)7 Underrated footy verb, now considered

a noun when applied to a group (3)10 Gavin started with the Bombers (9)11 Former Adelaide Crow Nigel ..... (5)12 Promising young Magpie forward,

Sean ....... (7)13 Darren ...... added more than iron to the

Roos (1984-92) and Cats (1993-4) (6)15 The Roos’ skipper from 2004-2008 (7)17 Mark ....... played with Richmond, then

West Coast. Won goal of year in fi nal season at West Coast (7)

18 David ....... was twice Swans’ best and fairest, (1980, 1982), then a Roo (7)

20 Fremantle’s nickname (7)22 Full-forward Brett played with

West Coast, then Geelong (6)24 Dwayne played with the Cats (7)28 Geelong-Fremantle father-son

surname (5)29 Head of a club (9)30 A club can ..... at the bottom

of the ladder (5)31 Former Eagle who fi nished a Demon (4)32 Given name of former Hawk,

Tiger Martello (4)

D O W N1 Some say clubs live in an ivory one (5)

2 Darren Millane’s nickname (5)

4 Player named in case of injury to selected 22 (9)

5 Given name of coach renowned for one-liners during press conferences; e.g. “You can’t stroll up Lygon Street and buy confi dence.” (5)

6 The person who rubs the players up – the right way (7)

7 His twin played with Hawthorn and Port Adelaide (4, 5)

8 Nickname of the goalkicking Coventry (4)

9 This former Blue was drafted in 2001, Justin ...... (6)

14 Lots of big goal tallies (4)

15 Injured players get it at clinic or hospital (4)

16 Former Roo defender – ‘The Peacemaker’ (9)

17 Period of the game, since 1970 or thereabouts (6, 3)

19 South Australian Matt ....... was a big, strong Lion (7)

21 Father and son, Jack (Essendon, 1936-47) and John (Essendon, North, Fitzroy, 1971-82) (6)

23 For veterans, there’s a ..... rules competition (5)

25 Gavin ..... played for Geelong and Fitzroy (5)

26 An unlikely opening, or a ... .. (3-2)

27 Danny Frawley was no couch potato (4)

Scrambled footballerShy, able

Cryptic footballers1. Harmes upset with fi rst

night at Brisbane.

2. Good-looking lasses embrace Eagle defender.

3. A saint among men at West Coast.

4. Umpire indicating time, reportedly.

5. Kelly and Enright initially follow North Melbourne player at Geelong.

6. Rugby union player with the Dons.

7. Magpie’s team last on ladder.

8. Crow’s breathing apparatus.

9. Otten upset, becomes an Eagle.

10. West Coast player not making comeback for Western Bulldogs.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

SCRAMBLED FOOTBALLER: HaslebyCRYPTIC FOOTBALLERS: 1. Sherman 2. Glass 3. Masten 4. Wenn 5. Rooke 6. Hooker 7. Sidebottom 8. Gill 9. Notte 10. Eagleton

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Yellow ball, tattoo missing, Puma logo on front of jumper missing, gold hoop on left sock missing, gold piping on shorts missing.

Spot the diff erence Can you spot fi ve diff erences in the second photo of Chance Bateman?

AR11 p82 Knowledge.indd 82AR11 p82 Knowledge.indd 82 3/6/09 3:49:31 PM3/6/09 3:49:31 PM


timeon NAB AFL RISING STAR

Each week throughout the home and away season, a panel of judges will select the nominee for the 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star. At the completion of the season, one outstanding player will be chosen as the 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star winner. He will receive an investment folio, a dedicated personal banker, a fi nancial planner and the Ron Evans Medal, all courtesy of the NAB. The NAB Rising Star award is the fi nal stage of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfi l their dream of playing in the AFL.

C ould Taylor Walker be the key forward Adelaide has been searching so

desperately for? The 19-year-old is only 10 games into his AFL career, but the signs are promising for the Crows.

The youngster from Broken Hill, recruited to Adelaide via the NSW/ACT scholarship program, has blossomed in his second season at AFL level, playing every game and booting a career-best bag of fi ve goals straight against reigning premier Hawthorn last week.

The effort, which brought his season tally to 20, was enough to earn Walker a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

However, it all could have turned out very differently for Walker. Five years ago on his Easter break, the country boy was out motorbiking with a friend when disaster struck.

“I came off my bike, and he clipped me as he was going by,” Walker said. “I fractured my pelvis, and there was massive doubt whether I’d play again.”

Fortunately, the injury healed well, and the teenager made it back for the fi nal few games of the season for Broken Hill North.

An unexpected phone call then changed his life forever.

“Mum answered the phone, and it was someone asking if I wanted to go on the scholarship,” he said. “She thought it was someone playing a prank, but it turned out to be Mark Ross, one of the Crows’ recruiters.”

Walker, then 15, travelled to Adelaide in his school holidays

Taylor-made star

to take part in the club’s fast-tracking program, while also working alone back in Broken Hill to further his development.

By the end of 2007, the Crows had seen enough to select him at No. 75 in the NAB AFL Draft.1

“Coming from Broken Hill to training pretty much every day at Adelaide, I had to work

I set my goal to play in round one, and to try to cement my spot and play some consistent footy for the club

ON TARGET:Taylor Walker has kicked 20 goals in 10 games for the Adelaide Crows in 2009, including fi ve last week against Hawthorn.

H I G H F I V E

1 A growth spurt between the ages of 14 and 15

converted Walker from a midfi elder to a key forward.

2 Mentor at Adelaide is Brett Burton, who hasn’t

imparted any tips on high marking. “You can’t teach what Brett can do,” Walker said.

3 Always puts his left boot on before his right.

4Likes a joke – teammates Scott Thompson and

Kurt Tippett believe he has a future as a circus clown.

5 Has not ridden a motorbike again since

the accident.

Promising key forward Taylor Walker is being touted as the Crows’ new Tony Modra. A NDREW WA LL ACE

Round 1 – Daniel Rich (BL)

Round 2 – David Zaharakis (Ess)

Round 3 – Patrick Dangerfi eld (Adel)

Round 4 – Jaxson Barham (Coll)

Round 5 – Garry Moss (Haw)

Round 6 – Stephen Hill (Frem)

Round 7 – Jack Ziebell (NM)

Round 8 – Jarryn Geary (StK)

Round 9 – Andy Otten (Adel)

Round 10 – Taylor Walker (Adel)

NAB AFL Rising Starnominees

on everything – my game knowledge, fi tness, strength – and I had to embrace my SANFL club Norwood and try to play some competitive, skilful footy there,” he said.

Fifty-six goals in 2008, including a haul of nine against Woodville-West Torrens, convinced the 192cm forward

that he could have an impact at AFL level this year.

“I set my goal to play in round one, and to try to cement my spot and play some consistent footy for the club,” he said. 1 Scholarship players can be elevated to a club’s primary or rookie list at the end of October, but still need to be formally drafted at the following NAB AFL Draft.

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timeon TALKING POINT


whether to let the injured – and expensive – Paul Chapman cool his heels on the interchange bench for several weeks, or trade him straight away.

And that’s before they grapple with the decision of who they make captain – and designated double-point scorer – that round.

Such decisions often determine whether your team wins or loses – and that’s the beauty of Dream Team.

You have a sense of ownership about your team, you are guiding its fortunes.

In tipping, you’re often left trying to predict how unpredictable teams will perform. Luck, it seems all too often, plays a big role.

In fairness, tipping often makes games not involving your own team more interesting.

Where a Collingwood supporter may not normally give a damn about a game between Geelong and Hawthorn, for example, they’ll happily cheer the Hawks on if they’ve tipped them.

But Dream Team has taken many people’s interest in such neutral games to another level.

Where, as a tipster, you might switch off a one-sided neutral game once you knew the likely winner, as a Dream Team coach, you will ride every kick, handpass and mark until the fi nal siren, urging any of your team members to eke out every point they can.

Many of us aren’t satisfi ed either when that match’s top-10 point scorers are fl ashed across our television screens and the ground’s scoreboard at regular intervals.

Where possible, we will have a computer nearby, anxiously checking our up-to-the-minute progress score against that round’s enemy.

Adding to the tension, you know you won’t get any sympathy from an opponent who has got you on the ropes.

On those weeks, expect the sledging to start early. The phone calls, text messages and emails seem endless. Your only comfort is knowing that if you turn things around the following week, it will be you in the sledger’s seat.

Don’t get me wrong. Tipping will always have a place. It

Dream believers

appeals to the expert in all of us; you are backing your footy knowledge against your mates.

And with no shortage of expert tipsters featuring in publications such as the AFL Record and the daily papers, you can always compare your weekly tips and, more importantly, your running total against theirs.

And when your gut feel proves right in a 50-50 game or, better still, convinces you to thumb your nose at the expert consensus and correctly call an unlikely upset, it never fails to stoke your competitive fi res.

Just not as much as Dream Team does.

Noticed how the subject of your typical Monday morning offi ce gabfest has

changed in recent seasons?The workplace equivalent

of an AFL team’s Monday review used to revolve around the weekend’s all-important footy tips.

Those who’d had a good round could be relied on to get the ball rolling.

“How many did you tip on the weekend?” they would ask, not giving two hoots about the answer, merely fi shing for a reciprocal inquiry on their own fortunes.

“Oh me? A lazy eight,” they would respond, relishing the chance to rub their mates’ noses in their tipping wizardry.

But, nowadays, footy tips often get no more than a fl eeting mention before talk turns to what most now sweat on all weekend – the results of their intra-offi ce Dream Team matches.

Not surprising, either, given the time they’ve invested in their squads.

Many Dream Team participants put in their own pre-season, devouring every statistic they can get their hands on in the hope of unearthing the lesser lights, who, together with competition staples such as Gary Ablett and Dean Cox,will help land them their league premiership.

Then, once the head-to-head matches start in round four, there’s the weekly agonising over trades.

You only have to cast an eye around your offi ce on a Friday afternoon before the trade lockout to see how seriously people take their Dream Team selection responsibilities.

Huddled over their computer monitor with furrowed brows, they rack their brains on, say,

LIVING THE DREAM:Another Dream Team is

discussed, analysed ... and, more than likely, pulled apart,

while (below) the round’s results bring joy or misery to

Dream Team coaches.

The Dream Team craze has given footy fans an even stronger affi nity with the game. NICK BOWEN

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To win the game, everything has to work together. That’s why there’s a car with V6 power and outstanding fuel economy, and exhilarating pace with impressive handling. To fi nd out more about the game-changing 200kW Toyota Aurion visit www.toyota.com.au. It’s a whole new ball game. Offi cial car of the AFLoh what a feeling!

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afl record round 11, 2009

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