Hard times fire up Hinkley

Ken Hinkley, right, with Peter Jonas and Malcolm Blight at St Kilda back in 2000. Picture: Craig Borrow Source: Herald Sun

KEN Hinkley finished his playing career under Gary Ayres, the durable and rock-hard Hawthorn champion, and made a note of how much coaches are a product of their playing environment.

Ayres was big on discipline, unafraid to give a mighty bake and unflinching when it came to team rules.

He had lived by those standards as a player - under coaches such as Parkin, Allan Jeans and Alan Joyce - as he collected four premierships alongside ferocious teammates such as Don Scott, Leigh Matthews and Dermott Brereton.

He coached the Hawthorn way.

But nobody spent as much time shaping Hinkley as Malcolm Blight, who had him as a player at Geelong, as an assistant coach at St Kilda and was a director when Hinkley took a post as an assistant at the Gold Coast.

It showed in the way Hinkley played. He was a half-back flanker before his time, one who intercepted, ran off and created - an attacking mindset he maintained after spending the first part of his career as a forward.

He had been a skinny kid at half-forward, football's starvation corner, before Blight thought to try something different in 1990.

Blight had sensed there was much untapped talent in Hinkley, but hadn't had any success in teasing it out until he threw him back in a reserves game. Hinkley played one of those games where he seemed to be everywhere and chalked up an audacious amount of disposals.

Mightily impressed, Blight pulled him aside afterwards and asked him what he had learnt.

Hinkley: "I learned that I don't want to play in the twos". Blight liked that.

Hinkley recognises the influence Blight had over his career, and speaks fondly of the times down at Sleepy Hollow.

The positional shift was a key moment in his career.

"That was a big thing," Hinkley said. "I was a small half-forward with not a very big build and it was a pretty tough position to play, to get a kick.

"Unless you were a super player you were up and down which meant you found yourself in and out of the side a fair bit.

"The shift to half-back ... it did seem to click for me.

"Blight put me there as a player and gave me confidence and it led to a reasonable career."

I enjoy coaching. It's probably more of a passion to me than playing

But as difficult as the early days were, Blight believes they have now become one of Hinkley's greatest strengths.

When Port signed Hinkley, Blight was the first to applaud the decision.

"Having the setbacks early - he's a real players' man," Blight said. "But he is a strong character.

"He loves the players but he's got a gear - it must be done right.

"He's actually an engaging character with a great sense of humour. First and foremost he makes no apologies for being very much a family man."

Blight was lured out of retirement to coach St Kilda in 2001 on one of football's most lucrative coaching salaries - the figures bandied around at the time suggested he was on $1 million a season.

But it crashed, and his assistant Hinkley found himself back in the bush.

"I was given a great opportunity," Hinkley recalled.

"I had had some success back home at Camperdown and I was looking for an opportunity to do something else in coaching.

"Because I enjoy coaching. It's probably more of a passion to me than playing.

"I found out that that's what I wanted to do.

"And when that (St Kilda) didn't work out I went back and coached in the Geelong Football League."

BACK TO GEELONG

HINKLEY returned to Kardinia Park a more grounded man, devoted to his family and clear about his direction in the game.

Similarly, the team under coach Mark "Bomber" Thompson was becoming a settled side, about to embark on one of the modern game's most successful stints.

The rest of the competition marvelled at Geelong's aesthetic and effective brand of football. It was as though they felt compelled to play, as the club song goes, the game as it should be played.

But Hinkley said there was more to Geelong than flair, and the cornerstones of Thompson's success came through years of laying a foundation of watertight defence and being fierce in the contested ball department.

"It didn't come about overnight," Hinkley said.

"The Geelong game had fundamentals of defend hard and win the contested ball.

"As a club they became a very attacking side because of those things.

"Some people get mixed up with what it actually was that made them a great side."

It was an insight for Hinkley, who was used to Blight's devil-may-care approach, and made him concentrate on a different side of the game.

"It was something I still wanted to do. I knew it was more cut-throat at this level.

"Spending time with Bomber, I started understanding the defensive side of the game and value that a lot more than I did as a player, and I think that probably rounded me off as a coach."

THE ROAD AHEAD

AT Port Adelaide, Hinkley is contemplating what's ahead as he plots the season in his office at Alberton.

Concerns? There are a few.

Towards the end of last year, Hinkley saw a side that looked low in confidence, burdened by the accumulative losses.

He knows all about them, having been in three losing grand finals before he retired at the end of 2005.

Hinkley puts it well. It can be the best day of your life and the worst day of your life.

It begs the question: Is it possible that Port Adelaide was scarred from the 2007 Grand Final against Geelong, the massive blowout Hinkley helped engineer, for the ensuing years?

"It's no fun losing grand finals," he said. "You can have pretty bad letdowns. It can be a disaster for you.

"But you just have to move on quickly, and most footballers do.

"That one, it was such a large loss. It's a tough one to answer for anyone."

To Hinkley, being part of winning pennants as a coach has closed the wounds.

He tasted success with both Camperdown in the Hampden league in Western Victoria as playing coach and non-playing, and with Bell Park in the Geelong league as non-playing.

Then, of course, came the golden era with Geelong in the AFL.

"Having been involved with sides that have won premierships now, you understand that it would have been great, as a player.

"But it's part of the journey. It wasn't for a lack of trying; we just weren't good enough at the time.

"I would have loved to have one as a player but I've been lucky in footy; I've had a lot of success."

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Crows: NAB Cup is our goal

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson at training before the start of the NAB Cup. Picture: Tait Schmaal Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

ONE club wants to win the NAB Cup, one needs to light a torch for fans and sponsors, and the other couldn't care less about claiming the pre-season competition.

After 156 days and countless con-troversies, footy is back at AAMI Stadium when Adelaide, Port Adelaide and St Kilda meet in the NAB Cup's triple-header opening round from 4.10pm today.

On the eve of the new season, defending NAB Cup champions the Crows have credited last year's March success for a spike from 14th in 2011 to a preliminary final, declaring the pre-season tournament a key plank to their 2013 plans.

The Power is desperate to offer fresh hope under new coach Ken Hinkley by erasing the memories of a 2012 season that delivered just five wins and a draw, and cost former leader Matthew Primus his job.

But second-year St Kilda coach Scott Watters yesterday brushed off the AFL's company line that winning the NAB Cup should be every team's priority.

"No interest, and that is certainly not a focus," Watters said.

"We want to be competitive every time we play. Whether it's a scratch match or a handball game, our players want to come and win.

"But is winning the NAB Cup a focus? Not at all."

NAB Cup form was once AFL fool's gold, after Carlton's 2005 and 2007 victories were followed by a wooden spoon and 15th finish in the premiership seasons.

But each of the past five NAB Cup winners has landed in the top-four at the end of the home-and-away season, including Geelong's 2009 premiership double.

Despite Adelaide today resting nine first-choice players - Scott Thompson, captain Nathan van Berlo, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Ben Rutten, Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Jason Porplyzia and ruckman Sam Jacobs - assistant coach Mark Bickley said the Crows' 34-point victory over West Coast last year proved the tournament's value to his group.

"Yeah, we want to win it, we'd love to win both matches (today) and give ourselves a chance to play in that NAB Cup Grand Final again because it was such a great preparation for us last year," Bickley said.

"We played a really good game against West Coast, and that gave us a lot of confidence to kick the season off."

But Bickley conceded getting top-level experience into emerging players was a bigger concern. "It's one that you juggle a little bit," he said.

"We really want to see guys like Tom Lynch and Lewis Johnston, and (Brad) Crouch and (Luke) Brown, and (Sam) Kerridge, and all those guys who got one or two games," he said.

"So to be able to expose them to three or four games is probably more critical as well because we think they've developed a little bit more and we want to see if they're going to stand up.

"You play low to mid-30s (players) per year if you're lucky, which means a lot of these guys are going to play important minutes this year."

Adelaide and St Kilda players braved yesterday's heat for brief training sessions at AAMI Stadium.

The Saints will be without stars including Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Rhys Stanley and Sean Dempster for tonight's Twenty20-style carnival, while Adam Schneider (foot) and Sam Fisher (toe) were also held back.

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Cats face wait on key players

Matthew Stokes walks off the ground after rolling his ankle. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

GEELONG faces a nervous wait on the fitness and availability of two of its key players for the season proper after its opening round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium last night.

Forward Matthew Stokes was carried off the ground early in the second half of the two-point win over West Coast, while Steve Johnson could be looked at for a possible strike on Hayden Ballantyne in the Cats' Game 2 loss to the Dockers.

Initial fears on both incidents were eased slightly as the night wore on, but Geelong coach Chris Scott said Stokes's injury "doesn't look good".

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Scott also denied there was any lingering ill-feeling from last year's Round 1 match, in which Ballantyne was suspended for striking Paul Chapman behind play, before being floored by Matthew Scarlett.

"I would be amazed (if there was still friction), none that I've seen, there tends to not be too much friction in NAB 1," Scott said.

"I didn't see what happened, I know (Ballantyne) was down for a long time.

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"I was more concerned with how quickly he got up and set up the next goal; he didn't look too bad did he?

 "(Stokes's injury) doesn't look great at the moment but, with those sort of things, they can blow up and be sore for a few days and then come good really quickly.

"While it's hard to say, certainly if we had a game next week he wouldn't play."

Stokes was on crutches as he watched from the sidelines in Game 2, but appeared in high spirits by the end of the night.

Johnson was running past Ballantyne in the second game of the triple-header, when he appeared to swing his right-arm into the midriff of the diminutive Docker, who fell to the turf.

Replays suggested contact was minimal but, if Johnson was to attract any suspensions, he would have to serve them in the home-and-away rounds.

Fremantle has its own concerns after West Australian Cat Joel Hamling fell on the right ankle of Dockers forward Chris Mayne, who was rolled off the field by trainers and played no further part.

There were plenty of positives for the Cats.

Jackson Thurlow and Jared Rivers performed well in defence on West Coast goalsneak Mark LeCras in the night's opening clash, which the Eagles led by as much as 21 points, before the Cats stormed back to win with seconds left as Jimmy Bartel handballed a set-shot back outside the arc to Joel Selwood for a super goal.

Rivers and Thurlow were rested in the Game 2 loss to Fremantle, as the Dockers posted a strong opening and closing game to outlast the Cats by 18 points.

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"Chapman, (Andrew) Mackie and (James) Kelly were the only noteables that were available that we didn't bring with us," Scott said.

"They'll all play next game. We have next week off and then play Adelaide down in Geelong."

Travis Varcoe, restricted to just a single game last year through stress fractures in his foot, was used as a solid rebounding option off half-back and could prove valuable in the position through the regular season.

The Cats' forward line set-up was another positive, with James Podsiadly proving potent, playing a role in Geelong's first three goals of the night and ending the Eagles clash with two, while a bulked-up Tom Hawkins was making a pest of himself in the second half of the opener.

Podsiadly was then trialled in the backline in against Fremantle, restricting Alex Silvagni to just two touches and a goal.

Josh Caddy, much hyped for the Cats throughout the pre-season, took little time to impress, slotting a goal against the Eagles with his first kick for Geelong.

Scott was glowing of the performance of Caddy, who was given a second chance against the Dockers and performed better, spending time in the backline while running through the middle to end with five disposals.

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It's in the Bloods

Jarrad McVeigh says he still has improving to do. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph

IF you want to know why the Swans can go back to back in 2013, all you need is a few minutes with Jarrad McVeigh.

You see where belief is born and what the famed "Bloods" culture is about.

McVeigh is modest. So are the Swans.

That's their style.

But just like every team in pre-season training, McVeigh has his goals.

"My finals series will be my benchmark games now," McVeigh said. "I can become a better player from playing in those games."

He won't talk about another premiership, it's not his way, or the Swans' way. But you come to understand why the red-and-whites value the 28-year-old as a leader.

Who could forget that image of McVeigh and his wife Clementine after last year's Grand Final, when they cradled their baby daughter Lolita-Luella in a post-match celebration. That photo now hangs on the wall of McVeigh's Paddington home.

It's a reminder of what McVeigh has been through after the sad death of his baby daughter Luella 12 months earlier, and why he's a stronger man today.

"As a coach, you're teaching players but, quite often, they teach you," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"He (McVeigh) taught me how to handle a role at the football club and to handle his role with his wife and immediate family.

"To grieve for himself and his wife and family and then to come to the football club under the most tragic of circumstances and do what he did was amazing.

"Macca and Clementine were strong for each other."

McVeigh just might be one of the most underrated players in the competition.

When you share the co-captaincy with a player like Adam Goodes, it's hard to step out of the shadows.

But within the Swans' organisation there is no underestimating his value.

"What the public doesn't see is Macca's ability to drive himself and others," Longmire said.

"When I took over as coach, he was one person I thought needed an opportunity in a leadership role.

"He understands the game really well and sets very high standards for himself and others."

McVeigh will also enjoy having his older brother Mark nearby after 15 years of living in different cities.

Mark is back in Sydney following an outstanding 232-game career at Essendon and working for the NSWAFL and the Swans academy.

"It's a bit different but it's good to have him around," Jarrad McVeigh said.

"He had a great career, I'm proud of him and I'm sure he's proud of me." While he's been busy with his own career, Mark has been a close watcher and admirer of his brother's talents.

"His endurance is up there with the elite in the competition," Mark McVeigh said.

"Another thing that stands out for me is his disposal.

"I think most Swans fans relax when Jarrad has the ball in his hands because he makes a good decision.

"He's clean in the contest and is a one-grab player who disposes of it well."

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Dons face drug probe limbo

Essendon legend James Hird can see change for the better on the horizon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON could find itself in limbo for most or all of the season, as experts predict the ASADA investigation could drag on beyond six months.

The AFL has already flagged a lengthy investigation, and deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan tips an investigation of several months.

But the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's recent revelation that it has 150 AFL and NRL stars to interview has expanded the scope of the probe.

It could see the bizarre situation of Essendon being in a position to challenge for the premiership, only to be stopped in its tracks by an adverse July or September finding.

Essendon is more hopeful the ASADA probe could be wrapped up in three months.

The club continues to maintain it has done nothing wrong, and that players have not taken any performance-enhancing substances.

Former ASADA boss Richard Ings said this week ASADA investigations were routinely exhaustive and lengthy.

"I think it's going to be six months. The only thing (that could speed it up) is if some guys come clean quickly," he said.

What could slow the case is that axed Essendon official Stephen Dank is seemingly linked to most or all NRL clubs under investigation.

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Kangaroos back Brad

North Melbourne intra club practice match at Eureka Stadium, North Ballarat. Coach Brad Scott Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: NORTH Melbourne is poised to announce an extension to coach Brad Scott's contract, underpinning him as the man it believes will lead the club to its next flag.

It is understood the Kangaroos reached an agreement with Scott on a new deal late last year after he led the club to its first finals series since 2008.

Scott was about to enter the final year of his contract, but the club always intended to lock him away before the start of the 2013 season.

The Kangaroos would not comment when asked about the new deal or its length, but it is believed it has committed to Scott until the end of 2015.

There is a chance the club could announce details of the contract extension at some stage this week in the lead-up to North Melbourne's first NAB Cup matches against Richmond and Melbourne on Friday.

The decision to act swiftly and re-contract Scott ahead of the last year of his contract would take any heat off the coach and the club if the Kangaroos make a slow start to what is considered one of the most challenging AFL draws this season.

If the new contract is for a further two years, it would take him to a minimum of 133 games as coach (not including any potential finals) and fifth on the Roos' all-time coaching list.

By that stage, only Denis Pagan (240 games), Wally Carter (214), Ron Barassi (198) and Dean Laidley (149) would have coached the Roos more times.

Scott, 36, has already made a significant stamp on North Melbourne since being appointed in late 2009.

Considered one of the most innovative of the new breed of AFL coaches, Scott has helped foster a strong culture among the playing group and the off-field staff as well as developing a more professional approach to training, recruiting, development and sports sciences.

He has also been responsible for setting up and planning the club's annual pre-season trip to Utah, from which the players have gained enormous benefits.

A two-time premiership player with the Brisbane Lions, Scott has won 35 of his 67 games as coach of the club, with a 52 per cent winning record.

After finishing ninth in his first two seasons as coach, last season the club won 14 games, including 10 of their last 13, but finished with a disappointing elimination final loss to West Coast that has driven the players over the pre-season.

Scott remains confident North is well stocked with the right blend of players to be in the premiership window in the coming seasons.
 

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The apple that fell far from the tree

Liam Picken is very much his own man, despite the antics of his footballing father Bill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BILL Picken, larrikin 1970s footballer turned proud footballing father, considers the question and a famous grin starts to form.

No, son Liam isn't as flamboyant as he was.

"He's a different type of player ... he's got strengths that I certainly didn't have," Bill said.

"He seems to have good endurance, he's probably very team orientated and he's very dedicated."

Bill is remembered for his aerial heroics - and his onfield commentary. Many older fans recall how Bill used to talk to himself.

"Here comes Billy" was a common one as the Collingwood centre half-back charged through.

Liam certainly doesn't talk to himself. In fact, he's known for keeping his own counsel.

He's heralded for his hard work, dedication and commitment. Qualities that have been rewarded with another contract that will tie him to the Whitten Oval until the end of 2015.

"AFL is very serious now. When Dad played, the game was full of characters," Liam said. "Dad was working full-time - he'd go to training after work and play on the weekends. They had heaps of fun when they were playing.

"Now it's very cutthroat, very serious, I suppose. On the footy field, you've got to be focused."

Rodney Eade knows both men. He played opposite Bill and coached Liam.

"Bill was quite an effervescent, chatty sort of guy. Liam's 180 degrees," Eade said.

"Liam's very quiet, doesn't say much, he just goes about his work pretty much. They're obviously different players as well.

"Bill was a marking centre half-back with a bit of flair at times and Liam's the hard-nosed defender tagger type who gets the most out of his ability. I suppose in many ways they're completely different."

But when it comes to personality and preparation, Julie Picken reckons her youngest son is more like his father than fans would realise.

"They're pretty similar," Julie said. "Very intense, very determined, very focused.

"Liam wouldn't talk to himself as much as what Bill did. Or what I read they said Bill did.

"I watched Bill every game and I don't remember him being mad or crazy like that on the footy field.

"They're pretty deep people and they're very focused and intense, no matter what they've done in life."

Picken Jnr looks more like he'd be in a band than play AFL football, with his scraggly hair and slim build.

He was even skinnier as a kid. His dad described him as "small and scrawny". But that didn't stop Picken kicking five goals to help Hamilton Magpies to a flag as a 17-year-old.

"I suppose that's one of the best things about Aussie rules, it doesn't matter what size you are, there's a spot on the field there," Liam said.

It took Picken three tries and four years at VFL side Williamstown to persuade an AFL club he was worth a shot.

After fruitless pre-seasons with Collingwood and the Bulldogs, he was eventually rookied for the 2009 season.

"I did think that (that he wouldn't play AFL), because mature-age rookies weren't about much in those days," Bill said. "I thought he's probably missed his opportunity, but Williamstown really pushed for him, put up some money (about $20,000) so he could go on the rookie list. He's played 87 games, so it's a pretty good effort."

In many ways, the initial rejection proved a positive for Picken.

He knocked over a degree in international business at RMIT and got a taste of the 9-5 working for the Department of Defence. He bulked up a bit.

"When I was 18, 19, 20, my body wasn't ready for it and I wasn't good enough to make it, so I'm glad I got the opportunity when I was older. When I got my opportunity I was able to take it," Picken said.

"There's so many young blokes that get in the system and their body's not right and they're injured for a couple of years and they get spit out straight away.

"When I was playing VFL, I started doing more weights, I got some running technique, I had some coaching from a running coach.

"I suppose getting knocked back a couple of times, it makes you more determined."

The 26-year-old is loved at the Bulldogs, much for that determination.

He's that guy who knocks up winning the weekly team player award.

Eade said Picken the younger was a great example to his teammates.

"He doesn't seek limelight and he doesn't seek leadership but certainly the way he went about it on and off the field was a great example to everyone," the former Bulldogs coach turned Collingwood coaching director said.

"On field it was just how tough he was and single-minded.

"The role you ask him to play, he'd do it to the nth degree. On top of that, the thing that stood out to me was how selfless he was. He'd be given a big job on person X but he was prepared to go and cover for his teammate, go and tackle for people rather than say, well, this is my role and I'm just going to do it.

"He was very selfless and obviously very tough mentally and tough physically."

Picken has his hands full at the moment with football, a masters in finance on the go and his son Malachy, who turns two next month, with partner Annie.

But it's set to get a whole lot busier with the pair expecting twins at the end of May. Picken says he loves being a father - and he's ready for more fun.

"It's what's thrown up at you, you've got to take it and enjoy it," he said.

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Dees' legal eagles ready

Melbourne Football Clubboard member and lawyer Guy Jalland is ready for action if the Demons deem any tanking punishments too harsh. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has powerful lawyers - and cashed-up benefactors ready to fund court action - should the AFL's tanking investigation result in penalties it deems unacceptable.

The prospect of a mutually acceptable settlement continues to firm, and the Demons are certain they will not face any draft sanctions.

Chief executive Cameron Schwab also seems certain to avoid censure, while former coach Dean Bailey and football manager Chris Connolly will not be banished, despite facing some punishment.

But with Melbourne adamant it has received no charges from the AFL and declaring it will not be bullied, a resolution is not final.

Melbourne's  lawyers have given high-level briefings that have the Demons confident they would be able to get the AFL's case thrown out of court.

Melbourne board member Guy Jalland - a legal advisor to James Packer - continues to play a leading role in the defence.AFL Commission sanctions are at the  discretion of the league - teams have to prove their innocence - but the league would have to prove its case in court.

The Demons were able to wipe off a massive debt through the generosity of wealthy supporters, who stand waiting again.

Those supporters have declared they are determined that the Demons are not the scapegoats for a culture of tanking, despite several teams seemingly playing for draft picks.

Many of those figures are waiting on the sidelines watching president Don McLardy's actions as they lobby the club to continue pushing for a minor sanction.

A fine of up to $500,000, and suspended or light penalties for figures including Bailey and Connolly, would prove tempting.

But considering the Demons made a statutory profit of only $19,486, even that would be a huge blow.Melbourne has vowed to stand behind Bailey and Connolly, and will want to be sure they can continue in football after any penalties.

Connolly is said to feel confident about his position, despite several throwaway lines that indicated the Demons should not win any more games in 2009.

He has had total access to the lengthy brief of evidence, with four people - most or all no longer at the club - confirming those lines.

Bailey believes he is in a similar position, having been honest without incriminating himself or others.Collingwood president Eddie McGuire this week urged the AFL to accept some blame for the controversy over tanking.

"Why did you ignore everyone that has got a scintilla of knowledge of football and has been telling you for years that priority picks (provided an incentive to tank)?" McGuire asked on Triple M.

He said the AFL should go easy on Melbourne, considering the incentives to finish last.

"I'd have loved the AFL to come out and say 'no one won out of this, it's a nil-all draw'," McGuire said.

"Just leave it behind."

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AFL could go troppo

AFLQ CEO Michael Conlan says North Queensland could have an AFL team by 2030. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

NORTH Queensland could be home to a relocated AFL club by 2030.

That is the bold vision of AFL Queensland chief Michael Conlan, who claims a booming population will justify a third club in the state.

The former Fitzroy star said that club would likely be a Melbourne entity, but north Queensland had the venues and passion to make it work.

"North Queensland is a strategic focus for us, from Cairns to Townsville to Mackay and Rockhampton," Conlan said.

"Cairns is already hosting AFL games ... (while) Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville is a very good facility but we would need to work closely with the Queensland Government to build on what is already there to bring it up to what is required for AFL games.

"Queensland's population is about 4.5 million right now but by 2030, it could be around 8.5 to 9 million so we very much want to cement our game in those areas up north."

Conlan was at Fitzroy in the 1980s when the Lions were linked with moves to Brisbane and Sydney.

The Lions eventually merged with the Brisbane Bears after the 1996 season.

He favours a relocation model ahead of a fresh start-up such as the Bears in 1987 or the Suns in 2011.

Melbourne clubs moving interstate is an emotional issue but clubs facing financial extinction may consider it.

"It would be a great opportunity for an AFL club to be positioned as the north Queensland club," Conlan said.

Cairns' Cazaly's Stadium has hosted  AFL pre-season games and in the past two years has staged premiership matches between Richmond and Gold Coast.

The Tigers and Suns again play in Cairns on July 13.Under this year's format, Townsville will host a NAB Cup match between Gold Coast and North Melbourne on March 2.

The city's main cricket/Aussie rules venuue would need an upgrade to be fit for AFL football.

Gold Coast will hold their community camp in Townsville before the NAB Cup match. North Queensland also falls under the Suns' recruitment zone.

"We've been working really hard with the Suns already on how we can continue to grow the game in a very important region for our code," Conlan said.

The AFLQ is also working with the Toowoomba Regional Council to developing a venue suitable for a NAB Cup match.

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Roos vote move put in motion

North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw has received a motion to ensure that the interstate sale of more than four games a year be put to a members' vote. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

THE We Are North Melbourne supporters' group has put a motion to the club to ensure the interstate relocation of more than four games a season be decided by a members' vote.

John Raleigh said he had met North chairman James Brayshaw and chief executive Carl Dilena this week.

"They assured me the motion will be on their agenda at a board meeting on February 26, even if they won't be supporting it," he said.

"The annual general meeting is on March 19, and I believe the broader membership will vote our way.

"We don't want a situation in 10 or 20 years' time when the board alone decides if we play in Tasmania, Timbuktu or wherever."

The motion reads: That the NMFC Constitution be amended to require a membership vote on any actual or proposed obligation, contract, arrangement or understanding, the purpose or outcome of which is to permit, allow or require the club (whether permanent, temporarily or otherwise) to play or relocate more than four home games during  any premiership season outside of the state of Victoria.

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