REPLAY: Saturday's NAB Cup action

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hawk Derick Wanganeen pounces on Tiger Brandon Ellis during the first quarter at Aurora Stadium. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW today's NAB Cup action with games featuring powerhouses Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong and Collingwood.

8.58pm - Lions win through to NAB Cup GF
Magpies 0.7.12 (54)
Lions 0.12.16 (88)
--
FULL TIME
Dockers 0.23.8 (146)
Bulldogs 0.5.7 (37)
--
Q4
Swans 0.9.12 (66)
Suns 0.3.6 (24)

BRISBANE will take on Carlton in next week's NAB Cup Grand Final.

The Lions smashed Collingwood by 34 points at Etihad Stadium tonight.

Rohan Bewick was the difference with four goals while Aaron Cornelius added three of his own.

The Magpies had no answers for the Lions' midfield brigade which provided perfect delivery for key forwards Cornelius, Bewick, Jonathan Brown and Stefan Martin.

Steele Sidebottom led the Magpies with 27 disposals while Dayne Beams finished with 23 possessions.

Meanwhile, Fremantle hammered the Western Bulldogs by 109 points at Mandurah.

Michael Walters finished with four goals while Nat Fyfe collected 30 disposals in the demolition.

8.46pm - Lions kick clear of Pies
Magpies 0.7.10 (52)
Lions 0.11.15 (81)
--
Q4
Dockers 0.21.7 (133)
Bulldogs 0.5.7 (37)
--
Q3
Swans 0.9.11 (65)
Suns 0.3.6 (24)

BRISBANE forward Rohan Bewick has put the game beyond doubt booting two last quarter goals to set up the Lions' five-goal buffer.

Bewick has four goals in a dominant display by the Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Brisbane will play Carlton in the NAB Cup grand final next week.

Meanwhile, Fremantle star Nat Fyfe sent a scare through the Dockers camp when he came off during the third quarter with an apparent shoulder injury.

But it was a false alarm with the classy midfielder returning a short time later.

8.27pm - Lions ramp up the pressure on Pies
Magpies 0.6.10 (46)
Lions 0.9.12 (66)
--
Q3
Dockers 0.17.6 (108)
Bulldogs 0.4.5 (29)
--
Q3
Swans 0.7.9 (51)
Suns 0.1.1 (7)

BRISBANE is about 20 minutes away from joining Carlton in the NAB Cup Grand Final.

The Lions lead Collingwood by 20 points with a quarter to play at Etihad Stadium.

Tom Rockliff has been important in the second half racking up the possessions (20) while chiming in with five clearances and four inside 50s.

Daniel Rich, Josh Green and Rohan Bewick (two goals) have all been dangerous with ball in hand.

Collingwood stars Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom are among the Magpies best with a raft of disposals and clearances to their names.

Meanwhile, Fremantle continues its rout of the Western Bulldogs leading by 79 points at three-quarter time.

Chris Mayne, Matt de Boer and Michael Waters lead the Dockers with three goals apiece.

8.07pm - Lions kick clear of Pies
Magpies 0.4.9 (33)
Lions 0.7.9 (51)
--
Q3
Dockers 0.14.4 (88)
Bulldogs 0.3.5 (23)
--
HALF TIME
Swans 0.7.8 (50)
Suns 0.1.1 (7)

BRISBANE is making light work of Collingwood early in the third quarter at Etihad Stadium.

The Lions are leading by 16 points after goals to Stefan Martin, Daniel Rich and Rohan Bewick in a dominant seven minutes of play.

The winner goes on to play in the NAB Cup Grand Final against Carlton.

Meanwhile, Fremantle continues its demolition of an under-manned Western Bulldogs outfit in Mandurah while Sydney is smashing Gold Coast at Blacktown.

In other news, Hawthorn is sweating on scans on Matthew Suckling's right keen after the key defender went down today.

Read more about Suckling's injury HERE

7.45pm - Pies, Lions locked in battle
Magpies 0.4.8 (32)
Lions 0.4.7 (31)
--
HALF TIME
Dockers 0.11.3 (69)
Bulldogs 0.2.5 (17)
--
Q2
Swans 0.3.4 (22)
Suns 0.1.1 (7)

COLLINGWOOD maintains its one-point buffer on Brisbane at the main break at Etihad Stadium.

Both sides exchanged blows during a hotly contested second quarter with Dayne Beams and Aaron Cornelius at the forefront.

Beams has 15 disposals and two goals to his name while Cornelius leads the Lions with three goals of his own.

Lions Joel Patfull and Patrick Karnezis worked their way into the contest during the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Brown has struggled in his first pre-season match.

7.29pm - Dockers hammering Dogs in Mandurah
Magpies 0.4.6 (30)
Lions 0.3.5 (23)
--
Dockers 0.11.3 (69)
Bulldogs 0.2.5 (17)
--
Swans 0.1.2 (8)
Suns 0.0.1 (1)

FREMANTLE is putting the Western Bulldogs to the sword in its NAB Cup dead rubber at Rushton Park in Mandurah, Western Australia.

The Dockers have booted 11.3 (51) to the Bulldogs 2.5 (17) late in the second quarter.

Chris Mayne has been the chief destroyer with three goals while Matthew Pavlich has two.

Across the country in Sydney, the Swans lead Gold Coast by six points but have lost Alex Johnson to injury.

Johnson was stretchered off the ground.

Meanwhile, Collingwood leads Brisbane by seven points at Etihad Stadium.

Dayne Beams has been everywhere kicking goals and collecting a bunch of possessions through the midfield.

But the Lions have plenty to smile about with Aaron Cornelius providing a strong target inside the arc.

Cornelius already has three goals after slotting five against GWS last week.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

7.10pm - Beams, Cornelius in the thick of the action
Magpies 0.2.4 (16)
Lions 0.2.3 (15)

CORNELIUS has picked up where he left off last week kicking two goals in the first quarter against Collingwood.

But the Lion's efforts were not enough to stave off the Magpies, who lead by one point at quarter-time after Dayne Beams' converted a set shot after the siren.

Quinten Lynch is the other goalkicker on the ground.

Beams starred in the first quarter picking up 10 disposals including three clearances.

Read more about Dayne Beams HERE

Meanwhile, Lions ball magnet Tom Rockliff butchered his seven disposals at 42 per cent efficiency. The SuperCoach gem also had three clangers.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

6.48pm - Lions, Magpies do battle
Magpies 0.0.2 (2)
Lions 0.0.1 (1)

BRISBANE will be looking to book its spot in the NAB Cup Grand Final with victory over Collingwood at Etihad Stadium tonight.

The Lions have started the better working the ball through the midfield towards spearheads Jonathan Brown and Aaron Cornelius.

But the Magpies lead 2-1 early in the first quarter.

Cornelius, fresh off his bag of five goals last week, missed a sitter early in the first quarter after taking a strong contested mark.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

6.13pm - Chapman leads Cats to victory
Cats 0.14.12 (96)
Kangaroos 0.12.12 (84)

TAKE a bow Paul Chapman. The wily forward booted three match-winning goals in the final quarter to bundle North Melbourne out of the NAB Cup race.

Scores were locked at 68 apiece going into the final quarter but Chapman unleashed inside the arc snapping two early goals before icing the game with only seconds left on the clock.

Chapman ended the Kangaroos hopes after Jack Ziebell put the visitors within six points.

Andrew Swallow led the Roos with 19 disposals including seven clearances. He also laid six tackles.

But it was the Cats old firm of James Kelly, Chapman and Steve Johnson who proved the difference.

Joel Corey played a role with 14 disposals and four marks including one late as North pushed to level the scores with only seconds remaining on the clock.

Tom Hawkins kicked three goals of his own but was largely unsighted in the last quarter.

North Melbourne's ruck stocks received a boost with Daniel Currie dominating the stoppages while Majak Daw provided plenty of spark at both ends of the ground.

Currie finished with 39 hit outs -- 30 more than rival Mark Blicavs.

5.58pm - Chappie inspires Cats
Cats 0.13.11 (89)
Kangaroos 0.11.11 (77)

GEELONG veteran Paul Chapman could be the difference between North Melbourne playing off for the NAB Cup grand final and not.

The Roos must win today's game to progress to the decider but Chapman has other ideas.

The veteran forward has kicked two goals in a hotly contested final quarter to put the Cats seven points up.

Josh Walker then added to the Roos pain when he ran in under pressure to kick his second goal of the match.

5.26pm - Roos charge back into contention
Cats 0.10.8 (68)
Kangaroos 0.10.8 (68)

TRAVIS Varcoe has levelled the scores at Simonds Stadium.

Varcoe got on the end of a centering kick from Tom Hawkins to tie the game up at 68 apiece at the final break.

North Melbourne made all the running in the third quarter with Kieran Harper, Lindsay Thomas and Aaron Black among the goalkickers.

Andrew Swallow remains off the ground with an ankle injury.

5.26pm - Roos charge back into contention
Cats 0.9.8 (62)
Kangaroos 0.9.7 (61)

NORTH Melbourne is making a late charge but Geelong leads nearing three-quarter time at Simonds Stadium.

The Kangaroos have kicked the last three goals of the match to get within one point of the Cats.

But it's not all good news for the Roos with skipper Andrew Swallow off the ground with what appears to be an ankle injury.

Swallow looked to roll his ankle late in the third quarter. He hobbled off the ground unable to weight on his right foot.

4.53pm - Hawkins punishes Roos
Cats 0.8.6 (54)
Kangaroos 0.6.2 (38)

TOM Hawkins has given Geelong some breathing space after North Melbourne headed the Cats, albeit briefly, at Simonds Stadium.

Hawkins' third goal, late in the second quarter, set up a 16-point buffer at the main break.

North Melbourne hit the front for the first time today when Lindsay Thomas and Aaron Black goalled within minutes of each other.

But not to be outdone the Cats hit back, Hawkins leading the charge with his second goal before skipper Joel Selwood extended the margin with a goal of his own.

Kangaroos boom ruckman Daniel Currie (23 hit outs) spent some time on the bench after landing heavily on his back in the centre-square.

But returned a short time later to help the Kangaroos lead the clearances 21-15.

Meanwhile, St Kilda ran away 25point winners over Melbourne after trailling the Dees by 22 points in the first quarter.

Leigh Montagna and Nick Dal Santo led the Saints to victory while Terry Milera and Stephen Milne kicked two goals apiece.

Nathan Jones and James Magner were the pick of the Dees.

4.38pm - Kangaroos take the lead
Cats 0.5.6 (36)
Kangaroos 0.6.2 (38)

Demons 2.5.6 (54)
Saints 2.9.9 (81)

NORTH Melbourne has hit the front at Simonds Stadium after back-to-back goals to Aaron Black and Lindsay Thomas.

George Horlin-Smith is getting plenty of the ball while Steven Motlop has two goals.

Scott Thompson leads the Roos with nine disposals including six rebound 50s.

INJURY UPDATE: Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says it's likely Matthew Suckling has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is cruising to a comfortable victory over Melbourne at Casey Fields.

The Dees led early but St Kilda responded with a string of goals.

Terry Milera and Stephen Milne have two goals apiece while for Melbourne James Sellar has two.

Demons star Nathan Jones has a supergoal to his name.

4.11pm - Roos hit back after Cats' fast start
Cats 0.3.6 (24)
Kangaroos 0.3.2 (20)

Demons 2.5.4 (52)
Saints 2.8.8 (74)

GEELONG speedster Steven Motlop has two goals in the Cats NAB Cup match against North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium.

But the Kangaroos have hit back with excitement machine Majak Daw kicking his first goal after a strong contested mark against three opponents.

Lindsay Thomas won a cheap free kick for a high tackle and made no mistake with his set shot to cut the margin to four points nearing quarter time.

North Melbourne must win the game to be any chance of playing off in the NAB Cup grand final against the winner of tonight's clash between Collingwood and Brisbane.

3.56pm - Cats, Roos draw battle lines
Cats 0.2.3 (15)
Kangaroos 0.0.0 (0)

Demons 1.3.4 (31)
Saints 2.6.8 (62)

GEELONG has broken the shackles early with Steven Motlop racing into an open goal against North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium.

Motlop pounced on the loose ball and made no mistake with his snap from a tight angle.

Josh Walker added to the Roos' woes with his first goal extending the margin midway through the term.

North Melbourne yet to score.

Meanwhile, Kangaroos ruckman Daniel Currie is dominating the stoppages up against Mark Blicavs.

The SuperCoach bolter is the Kangaroos No.1 option at the stoppages with Todd Goldstein out of the side.

Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey was a surprise withdrawal from today's match.

Harvey was expected to play given his suspension carried over from last year's finals campaign rules the playmaker out for the first six weeks of the home and away season.

3.36pm - Jacks hands Tigers victory
Hawks 0.13.6 (84)
Tigers 0.13.7 (85)

Demons 1.3.4 (31)
Saints 2.6.8 (62)

HAWTHORN remains winless in the pre-season competition after Jack Riewoldt kicked his third goal after the siren to hand Richmond a one point victory.

Riewoldt took a strong contested mark at the death to set up the classy finish from 25m out on a slight angle.

Hawthorn had hit the front only seconds earlier when Jarry Roughead slotted his fifth goal.

Trent Cotchin led the Tigers with 28 disposals including four clearances. Bachar Houli was next best with 24 touches including a goal and two assists.

Sam Mitchell was the pick of the Hawks with 29 possessions including five clearances.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is making a mockery of Melbourne racing to a five goal lead after trailling by 22 points early in the game.

St Kilda booted seven of the past eight goals including two nine-pointers to set up the 31 point buffer at half-time.

Stephen Milne in his first game back has two goals as has Terry Milera.

Joel MacDonald continues to get plenty of the ball for the Demons.

3.16pm - Hawks edge clear
Hawks 0.11.6 (72)
Tigers 0.10.7 (67)

Demons 1.2.4 (25)
Saints 0.2.7 (19)

HAWTHORN is locked in a dour struggle against Richmond at Aurora Stadium.

The Hawks reclaimed the lead -- by five points -- after goals to Sam Grimley and Jarryd Roughead midway through the final quarter.

Richmond star Brett Deledio kicked his second of the game to keep the Tigers within range.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is kicking itself out of the NAB Cup match against Melbourne.

The Saints have kicked seven behinds as the game hangs in the balance midway through the second quarter.

2.58pm - Bachar keeps Tiges in front
Hawks 0.9.5 (59)
Tigers 0.9.7 (61)

Demons 1.2.2 (23)
Saints 0.1.2 (8)

RICHMOND defender Bachar Houli's goal after the siren has given the Tigers a two point lead going into the final quarter.

Hawthorn hit the front late in the quarter when Derick Wanganeen slotted his first and the Hawks' fourth for the term.

But Houli, not to be outdone, converted his long range bomb after the siren to give the Tigers some breathing space.

Meanwhile, Melbourne has burst clear of St Kilda in its NAB Cup match at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.

The Demons exploded in the first quarter with goals to Shannon, Lynden Dunn (supergoal) and Luke Tapscott to jump the Saints.

Terry Milera kicked the Saints' first goal late in the first quarter.

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

2.51pm - Hawks fight back
Hawks 0.9.5 (59)
Tigers 0.8.7 (55)

HAWTHORN has fought its way back into contention against Richmond at Aurora Stadium.

Since moving forward Matthew Spangher has made an impact kicking two goals in the third quarter to cut the margin to three points.

Derick Wanganeen put the Hawks in front with his first goal late in the term.

Jarryd Roughead also chimed in as Richmond is paying the price of not putting the Hawks away after leading by 19 points at the main break.

But it's not all good news for the Hawks who are without Matthew Suckling after the key defender came off the ground with a knee injury.

Sam Mitchell continues to dominate the stoppages while young gun Bradley Hill has the ball on a string with 18 disposals and six marks.

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals in Richmond's NAB Cup victory over Hawthorn. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

2.07pm - Jack gives Tigers breathing space
Hawks 0.5.3 (33)
Tigers 0.8.4 (52)

JACK Riewoldt has helped Richmond to a handy 19-point lead at the main break kicking his second goal of the match.

Riewoldt could have had three in the half but passed off to an unmarked Shaun Grigg in the goalsquare when lining up from 25m directly in front.

The Tigers dominated play in the first half barring a five-minute burst in the first quarter when Hawthorn kicked three goals to level the scores.

Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

2.07pm - Tigers in control over Hawks
Hawks 0.5.3 (33)
Tigers 0.7.3 (45)

RICHMOND is making light work of a sluggish Hawthorn outfit at Aurora Stadium.

Veteran Chris Newman gave the Tigers the ideal start in the second quarter when he converted a set shot from close range.

Newman was the beneficiary of a 50m penalty against Hawk recruit Matt Spangher, who failed to return the ball to Newman after the umpire blew his whistle.

Jack Riewoldt added to the Hawks woes when he found an unmarked Shaun Grigg in the goalsquare to make it a 12-point ball game.

Hawthorn answered through Jarryd Roughead but it short-lived as Jake King pounced late in the term kicking his second goal.

Sam Mitchell leads allcomers with 15 disposals including five rebound 50s. Mitchell has also laid six tackles.

1.33pm - Hawks strike back
Hawks 0.4.0 (24)
Tigers 0.4.1 (25)

HAWTHORN is mounting a charge at Aurora Stadium after letting Richmond skip away to a cheap lead.

The Tigers kicked four of the first five goals before back-to-back Hawks goals cut the margin to one point.

Opportunist Shane Savage opened the floodgates snapping truly from the top of the square before Jed Anderson and Shane Burgoyne chimed in with goals in a hurry.

Burgoyne kicked the Hawks' first goal marking about 30m out uncontested.

Richmond threatened to kick away midway through the term when Tyrone Vickery and Jack Riewoldt slotted two goals in as many minutes.

Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

1.22pm - King gives Tiges the lead
Hawks 0.1.0 (6)
Tigers 0.2.0 (12)

RICHMOND has started the better of the two sides with Jake King and Brett Deledio giving the Tigers an early lead at Aurora Stadium.

The 'Pushup' King made no mistake from directly in front after winning a free kick in marking contest.

Enter classy Deledio who rubbed salt into the Hawks wounds taking a strong pack mark before converting his shot on goal.

The near full-strength Tigers have dominated play early in the first quarter.

Join in our Live HQ coverage by tweeting your thoughts on today's games @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

But Hawthorn veteran Shaun Burgoyne answered for the Hawks taking an uncontested mark in the pocket before cutting the margin to six points.

Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

1.10pm - Hawks, Tiges do battle
Hawks 0.0.0. (0)
Tigers 0.0.0 (0)

RICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin has drawn first blood, winning the toss against Hawthorn who remains winless in the NAB Cup.

The Hawks line up with Jarryd Roughead playing out of the goalsquare replacing the injured Lance Franklin.

Check back for regular updates and breaking news throughout the day.

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Suckling injury a blow for Hawks

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN has been dealt a blow with superboot Matthew Suckling suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury.

ALASTAIR Clarkson's dislike for the NAB Cup grew deeper yesterday when Hawthorn midfielder Matt Suckling left Aurora Stadium on crutches and seems destined for a season-ending knee reconstruction.

The Hawks' coach, who has labelled the AFL's preseason competition as a TV gimmick and nightmare for coaches, resigned himself to the fact that 25-year-old Suckling's year is over.

Statistically Hawthorn's best rebounding defender last season, Suckling spent the NAB Cup making his case for a spot further upfield with the departure of hard-running Hawk Clinton Young to Collingwood.

Suckling's knee gave way while he was evading a tackle from Richmond defender Troy Chaplin at the seven minute mark of the third quarter of their one-point NAB Cup loss to Richmond in Launceston yesterday.

Suckling will know his fate tomorrow after tests in Melbourne.

"It's more than likely going to be an ACL, and that's a great disappointment for us," Clarkson said.

Click for breaking news and match day coverage

"We've had five knee reconstructions in the past 12 months and that's the brutal nature of the game."

The Hawks coach is already dirty on the AFL for announcing its plan the slash interchange rotations from a league average of 130 per game to a cap of 80 next year.

"Once again, it (Suckling's injury) focuses on how important it is for us all to give serious consideration to the demands of this game on our players," Clarkson said.

"It's a very demanding game, in my view the most difficult ball sport to play in the world.

"We need to be especially mindful of the loads on our players."

The preseason competition, Clarkson said, was the most dangerous time for players.

"Most knee reconstructions happen either in the NAB Cup series or the first five or six rounds of the season," he said.

"We'll get the occasional one after their bodies are hardened and are match-conditioned.

"But this is a real precarious time for the players and unfortunately you're going to lose someone along the way and unfortunately we lost Suckling today.

"That's disappointing, but we'll have to replace him with another bloke and forge on."

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hawthorn lost its fourth consecutive NAB Cup match yesterday, going down to the Tigers, who won 0.13..7 (85) to 0.13.6 (84).

Clarkson took solace from the loss,

"They (Richmond) looked to be in control of the contest but we hung in there and that was really pleasing," he said.

"We've played a lot of our young players over the series.

"Interestingly, us and Sydney sit on the bottom of the NAB Cup ladder.

"It's all because our preparations are a lot different to a lot of the sides.

"All four sides we played (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bulldogs and Tigers) didn't play finals last year so they've had longer campaigns than us.

"We'll get our side a lot more stable over the next few weeks leading into the Geelong game in round one."

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Cats show class to beat Roos

Majak Daw flies high for the Kangaroos. Picture: Bear Mitch Source: Herald Sun

ALL summer they've been bonding, but Geelong decided to put a halt to its generosity towards North Melbourne yesterday.

Paul Chapman ended the goodwill when he kicked three last-quarter goals to snuff out the Kangaroos' dream of playing in their first pre-season grand final for 13 years.

North have been regulars at Simonds Stadium in recent months for shared training sessions, with the Scott brothers happy to help each other out.

Word has it that mixing with the enemy was not Chapman's cup of tea.

After spending most of the game in the midfield, the 31-year-old Norm Smith medallist went forward and turned the game after North had got out to a seven-point lead after a Lachie Hansen goal.

Jack Ziebell actually got the Roos -- who needed to win to reach the NAB Cup grand final -- back to within a kick with just 90 seconds remaining, but a handball over the top from Cam Guthrie to Chapman in the goalsquare sealed the 12-point victory with 15 seconds remaining.

Roos coach Brad Scott said his players reported the 37C heat in Geelong was more bearable than the conditions the team had faced in Townsville seven days earlier against Gold Coast.

"You've got the dry heat of Melbourne versus the oppressive humidity up in Townsville . . . they didn't feel it was a factor."

Scott admitted the Roos' big-man picture remained clouded. Majak Daw was again doing some exciting things. Daniel Currie, who rucked one-out with regular Todd Goldstein, was dumped to the reserves, where he impressed with 39 hit-outs, albeit against an inexperienced Geelong ruck division.

"Majak is going to keep getting better," he said.

"Again the things that he did well, you guys would have all seen them, but we have a much closer eye on the things that he is still learning and there were quite a few of them today.

"But what a great experience for him so whether he's pushing into our best side or not, it's going to be tough because we choose to rest Robbie Tarrant this week.

"Goldstein was good in the VFL and Currie was good albeit up against a 3000m steeplechaser (Mark Blicavs) who is an unbelievable story, as he looks like a Geelong player already."

The only injury concern for the Roos was skipper Andrew Swallow, who rolled his ankle in the third quarter, but he reappeared in the final term and played out the game.

There were plenty of positives for the Cats, who again rested a handful of stars including Jimmy Bartel, Harry Taylor and Corey Enright.

Last year's first-round draft pick, Jackson Thurlow, looks a likely type while George Horlin-Smith continued his progression and may have played his way into the Round 1 team.

Geelong star Steve Johnson was pivotal in the Cats 12-point win over North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Getty

Paul Chapman attempts to bust a tackle. Picture: Bear Mitch

Jack Ziebell attempts to extract the ball. Picture: Bear Mitch

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Power topples Eagles in Alice

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak breaks away from the pack in the NAB Cup match against West Coast Eagles at Traeger Park, Alice Springs. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

PORT Adelaide's off-field momentum has spilled into the pre-season competition after the Power upstaged a close to full-strength West Coast by six points on a hot autumn Saturday night at Traeger Park.

Only days after announcing a major sponsorship with Renault, Port gave the multi-national a crumb of promise for their times ahead together and a measure of hope for the long-suffering members back at Alberton.

The match treated the crowd with a sense of drama until the final seconds, but it was more than that. It wasn't about the result - it never is this time of year - but what can be gleaned from how teams carry out their business.

Ken Hinkley's first-year vision for the club is taking a shape, and it contains promising patterns for a club that is coming from struggletown and is in a rebuilding phase.

The ruck is improving as Matthew Lobbe and and Jarrad Redden are filling out, there's a core of midfielders again and the ball movement from the backline has created a foundation to build on.

After years of frustrating onlookers with short and hurried transitions from their backline, they are moving the ball with purpose.

Their switches look better because they are longer, based around the calm heads of Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove and Kane Cornes.

The midfield also had a sense of stability.

Captain Travis Boak and deputy Brad Ebert were unflustered even though they were up against some of the best in the land and with Hamish Hartlett and Ollie Wines winning the ball there is now a complement of players.

Boak was outstanding when the Eagles came back at the Power.

There are still holes and areas where they are vulnerable, but on yesterday's evidence there's a bit to like about Port.

Up forward, Jay Schulz still had to carry a heavy load, but Chad Wingard and looks more comfortable for a year under his belt and Jake Neade added a bit of spunk and excitement.

He's still a bit green, Neade, but they loved his endeavour and spirit in Alice Springs last night and he's one who can bring an air of flair and unpredictability.

The match swung wildly: at first it was all West Coast, then Port Adelaide created a lead of 30-odd points and then the Eagles came at them again in the third quarter, making it a last-quarter shoot-out.

West Coast had the first bad news of the night when Chris Masten was a late scratching after reporting tightness after the warm-up.

What's worse, the Eagles hadn't travelled with an emergency, and after the heat policy was implemented - which meant an open bench with no restrictions on interchanges or substitutions - it meant they played one short.

But it was the Power that was caught like rabbits in the Traeger Park lights. Josh Kennedy, the former Carlton player who was part of the Chris Judd trade, left Port's defence in the shadows in the first quarter.

He had kicked three goals before the Power switched exchanged Alipate "Bobby" Carlile for Jackson Trengove and this was happening as veteran Dean Cox was giving them headaches both in the ruck and when floating forward.

But gradually, Port Adelaide managed to blunt the pace and intensity of the early onslaught, and begin building up its own steam.

A few players jumped out: Hamish Hartlett played with a blend of daring and desperation that made him stand out like his promise.

He appeared stronger than last season as he broke tackles in congested situations, but still had the exquisite precision of his foot deliveries that made him a top draft pick and a great promise for the future.

Ollie Wines, the club's first-round draft pick last season, continued his rich vein of form and had a match-high nine contested possessions at half time, and Matthew Lobbe - understood to be one of Port's hardest workers in the gym - and Jarrad Redden competed well against Cox in the ruck.

PORT ADELAIDE  0.3.0  0.8.2  1.10.3  1.13.5 (92)

WEST COAST      0.4.1  0.5.7  1.8.10  1.11.11 (86)

Nine pointers: Port Adelaide: C O'Shea. West Coast: S Hurn.

Goals: Port Adelaide: C Wingard 3, A Moore 2, J Schulz 2, H Hartlett, J Neade, J Westhoff, L Stevenson, M Lobbe, P Stewart. West Coast: J Kennedy 5, J Darling 2, J Hill 2, D Cox, M Priddis.

Best: Port Adelaide: T Boak, C Wingard, Brad Ebert, H Hartlett, K Cornes. West Coast: L Shuey, J Kennedy, D Cox, B Waters, M Priddis.

Umpires: Shane Stewart, Sam Hay, Ray Chamberlain.

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Sanderson wants Walker to run

Adelaide Crows spearhead Taylor Walker during his five-goal game against Carlton. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson wants Taylor Walker to ignore the urge to test his newly bulked-up frame against opposition defenders and keep playing to his strengths.

Walker has appeared overly enamoured with the added muscle he's put on over summer during the Crows' pre-season games - often choosing to wrestle his opponent instead of leading up at the ball.

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But after a match-winning five-goal haul in Adelaide's three-point win against Carlton on Friday night - in which he was continually on the move - the penny appears to have dropped for the 22-year-old.

It's speed, not strength, that is Walker's greatest advantage.

"I think sometimes players, if they feel like they're a bit stronger, they like to get in a wrestle more," Sanderson said.

"But I think our key forwards perform a lot better when they sit off and jump."

To put Walker's haul against the Blues in perspective, he has kicked five goals just once in his 64-game AFL career.

It was a splendid response to  the lesson he was given by  Harry Taylor in Geelong last  weekend and a performance Sanderson attributed to a heart-to-heart between Walker and forward coach Mark Bickley mid-week.

"They worked out a different strategy this week and a couple of key points to focus on and his form was much better," Sanderson said.

"He played well, his energy was up and he's invaluable to our success going forward."

Walker received his share of criticism after the 63-point defeat to the Cats and when Matt Jaensch ran close to 100m out of his way to pat him on the back after a goal on Friday night, it's clear his teammates were looking to pick him up.

Sanderson admitted he'd singled Walker out during the review of the Geelong game.

"We're pretty honest with our  feedback to our players," he  said.

"He knew he wasn't up  to his normal high standards last week."

(Walker) played well, his energy was up and he's invaluable to our success going forward

The Walker-Josh Jenkins tandem was far more productive, as the Crows showed they were capable of returning to the ruthlessly efficient forward line of last season.

They finished with 22 shots at goal from 41 forward entries.

The duo combined for seven goals and clearly won their battle with Michael Jamison and Lachie Henderson.

It is defence that continues to cause the most headaches.

The Crows' back six did well to combat a small Carlton forward line, which at times forced Ben Rutten to pick up a small.

And Adelaide markedly reduced the number of "over the top" goals it had conceded against Fremantle and Geelong, with Ricky Henderson personally saving a couple.

But Brent Reilly is still searching for his best form and the Crows became exposed when their midfield tired.

They've conceded back-to-back scores of 100-plus points after doing it just five times in 25 games last season.

"We shuffled around OK tonight at times," said Sanderson of his team's efforts to combat Carlton's mosquito fleet.

"(Round 1 opponent) Essendon will play Ryder, Hurley and Crameri so they've got two and a half talls or three talls. So next week that won't be an issue for us. At different times during the season we'll have to adjust."

Adelaide's intensity was much better in the first three quarters and there's good reason to believe the final quarter fadeout was caused by the rotation cap.

With just three main training sessions remaining before the home date with the Bombers, Sanderson conceded there was still work to do.

"If you take out the supergoals, it's a loss," he said.

Ian Callinan, who copped a knock to his knee in the first term, is expected to be ready for Round 1.

Jared Petrenko is also in the selection frame after a strong return from a long-term shoulder injury.

"I loved his first half," Sanderson said.

"I think he only had five or six possessions but his pressure and the errors he forced the opposition to make were really critical for us.

"What he brought tonight was what we need."

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Lions maul Magpies to reach final

Brisbane Lions skipper Jonathan Brown tussles with Collingwood defender Nathan Brown. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD'S highly-anticipated reunion with former coach Mick Malthouse is on ice until Round 2 after the Pies were beaten into the NAB Cup Grand Final by the Brisbane Lions.

The Lions will play Carlton in Friday night's pre-season decider, surging clear of an understrength Collingwood in the second half last night to win by 34 points.

Brisbane, who welcomed back Jonathan Brown for his first game of the year, emerged from a tight and scrappy first half at Etihad Stadium to break the Pies with a five-goal to two third quarter.

Daniel Rich lit the fuse for the match-winning assault with a glut of clearances and was brilliant throughout, while Tom Rockliff was the constant driving force with 27 disposals.

Forward Aaron Cornelius (three goals) kept the Lions in touch in the first half and Rohan Bewick (four goals) did the damage in the second.

In the end they won easily, 12.16 (88) to 7.12. (54).

Collingwood rested the likes of Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw and Travis Cloke, and was missing Alan Didak and Luke Ball, but its kids ensured it stayed competitive for a half.

Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom were prolific for the Pies - the former electric in the first half with 15 disposals and 2.1. The pair were eventually overrun but their less-heralded teammates were not disgraced.

Paul Seedsman had 17 touches running from defence, Ben Kennedy kicked a classy goal among his 19 disposals and former VFL star Sam Dwyer looked comfortable at the level.

Jarrad Witts also caught the eye. The monster ruckman was given every chance to impress with Darren Jolly used sparingly and most often in the forward line. Irishman Caolan Mooney did some nice things

The match started in sauna-like conditions - the mercury was still 32C at the opening bounce - and both sides started in error-riddled fashion.

The heat saw the controversial interchange cap lifted and both the Magpies and Lions took full advantage. Collingwood finished with an extraordinary 168 rotations and Brisbane weren't far behind with 143.

The scoreboard was just as frantic, with the lead changing constantly in the first half and the margin was never more than seven points before the Lions made their move.

They did so on the back of Patrick Karnezis, who continues to grow in his new role as a wingman and Steph Martin, who might cement a permanent role as a forward at his second club. But it was Rich's left-foot cannon that was seemingly everywhere in the second half.

The Lions simply batted too deep for an experimental Pies line-up, but there was a lot to like about the next generation in black and white.

The much-maligned Etihad turf was again an issue, with the replacement patches used after recent concerts causing some players to slip over. Divots were often replaced by club staff in front of the interchange benches.

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Coniglio opts for "full-on" footy

Stephen Coniglio, right, has a hit with fellow GWS Giants players Tom Scully and Callan Ward and Sydney Thunder's Cameron Borgas. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: The Daily Telegraph

STEPHEN Coniglio's decision to choose AFL over cricket has been a massive win for the GWS Giants.

Coniglio was one of the few bright lights for a heavily undermanned Giants team that went down to Essendon by 91 points on Friday night.

"It was a tough choice," Coniglio said.

"With footy, you can play straight away. If I had a cricket career, it would take a lot longer to reach the highest level."

Coniglio, 19, is widely regarded as one of the best young cricketers to come out of Western Australia.

He scored 106 not out in the national under-15 championship final against Victoria, which still stands as the best score by a West Australian in the tournament.

At 16, he played first grade for Midland-Guildford, the same district club which produced Test players Simon Katich, Tom Moody and spinner Bruce Yardley.

Coniglio played under-15s and under-17s for WA before nominating for the 2011 AFL national draft, which effectively ended his cricket career.

"Footy suited my personality," Coniglio said.

"The way footy is going, it's very full-on and cricket is a little more laid back. I liked the physical aspect of footy as well.

"I wish it could be different, it would be great to play two sports that you love."

The No. 2 choice at the 2011 draft had another big decision to make not long into his first year in the AFL, should he stay with the Giants or leave.

Coniglio knew plenty of his teammates would be looking closely at his choice as they considered their future.

"Toby Greene and I are pretty good mates and we had a chat about re-signing," Coniglio said.

"When Jezz (Jeremy Cameron), Toby (Greene) and myself re-signed, we wanted to send a message to the boys that we're in this."

Coniglio's decision to stay in western Sydney, along with that of Cameron and Greene, appears to have had the effect they were looking for with seven more talented youngsters committing to the Giants last month.

They included No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton and quality youngsters Dom Tyson and Will Hoskin-Elliott.

Coniglio is looking for some better luck with injuries.

A broken thumb was followed by a stress fracture in his lower back last year, restricting him to 12 games.

Giants fans had a taste of his prodigious talent in the club's first-ever win, in the round 7 clash against the Gold Coast Suns last year.

The 19-year-old picked up 31 possessions and a nomination for the Rising star award. And he will be looking to build on that as he gets some consistent football in his legs.

GWS were a long way off top form against the Bombers, but they were without star forwards Patton and Cameron as well as the highly rated Jonathon Giles, Stephen Gilham, Devon Smith and Will Hoskin-Elliott.

"It was a good wake-up call," Coniglio said.

"We had some good players out, so we're not worried too much."

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Walker's 'catch' goes global

Carlton's Andrew Walker climbs over Adelaide's Sam Shaw to take a screamer in Friday night's NAB Cup match. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

CARLTON high flyer Andrew Walker nearly won mark of the year in 2011 and this year has already taken the "catch" which has been seen around the world.

Vision of Walker's leap over Adelaide's Sam Shaw on Saturday night quickly made it on to the internet, sending Twitter into a frenzy and had non-Australians tweeting in amazement at his effort.

Proving a great sporting effort gets universal applause, it didn't matter a lot of them didn't quite know what they were watching.

US sports website thebiglead.com reported an "Australian rules football player climbs up an opponent's back to make a spectacular catch".

"It's like an outfielder climbing a wall to rob a home run, but the wall is a person who is also trying to catch the baseball and the wall is trying to tackle you and dump you on your head," was how Walker's efforts were described.

Those who witnessed something different to what they were used to on the website, linked to USA Today, weren't sure what to make of it.

"Unfortunately in the NFL that would be called pass interference," one commented.

"Why wear booty shorts? It's like they are stuck in the '70s," said another.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was encouraged, despite the three-point loss to the Crows.

"We missed shots at goal . . . that should have been put away," he said.

"We may be a couple of weeks away from getting the next part of the execution right. Who knows? It may be months. I still think there are a lot more things that are on the up."

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Voss anger at AFL Brisbane snub

Brisbane coach Michael Voss prepares to talk to his players in the NAB Cup match against Collingwood. Picture: Robert Prezioso. Source: Getty Images

AN angry Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has smashed the AFL for denying his side a home NAB Cup final.

The Lions will face Carlton in the pre-season decider on Friday night, but despite being the only undefeated side in the competition, will be made to travel back to enemy territory at Etihad Stadium.

"It's very disappointing. Which issue do you want to raise?" Voss said.

"Do you want to raise the fact we've lost the chance to advertise our game in the south east of Queensland?

"Or do you want to raise that if the Gold Coast were playing this game whether they would be playing in Queensland?

"We're happy to come down here because we've got a Victorian supporter base and they're terrific.

"But the NRL has already started their season and we've got two Queensland teams who aren't playing in Queensland this weekend.

"We haven't played a home match at all and we're not going to ... clearly it's not acceptable."

The Gabba is unavailable due to cricket commitments. The Suns' Metricon Stadium loomed as the next-best option, but the AFL has chosen Etihad because it believes it will attract the biggest possible attendance.

Voss, who had been encouraged by watching his side storm over a depleted Collingwood in the second half to win by 34 points last night, was visibly angered when the line of questioning moved to the venue for Friday's night's Grand Final.

"It's captain's call so we move on, but I just think we've lost a terrific opportunity," Voss said.

"We're trying to grow our own supporter base, we've had a tough couple of years and we're trying to grow it again and any opportunity you get to do that why wouldn't we be doing it? I don't understand.

"We sit up here as ambassadors of the game, we're in the northern outpost trying to grow the game.

"We've missed a chance to grow our supporter base against another code that happens to be the dominant, No.1 code in our state.

"We've missed that chance and that leaves me quite angry because I've been up there for 20 plus years."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley did a double-take when told the Brisbane-Carlton match would not be played in Queensland.

"Where is it?" Buckley said.

"We discussed it late in the game in the box that clearly Brisbane are the undefeated side and they get home ground advantage, so we presumed the game would be at Metricon.

"Vossy has got every right to be disappointed."

Buckley described last night's loss as "terrible game of footy", but praised several of his younger players in what was an experimental line-up. Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw and Travis Cloke were all rested.

Asked about Swan's unauthorised TV interview, Buckley said his star player deserved to be fined.

"Our players know the rules and Dane and his management didn't follow the rules so it's pretty simple," he said.

"There was a commercial gain individually for something that he didn't follow the collective protocols. Dane knows it, I know it, 'Perty' (CEO Gary Pert) knows it, every player at the football club knows it, so it was a no-brainer.

"It's pretty simple, If you don't follow the expectations and needs and demands of the football club you cop your whack and move on.

"It's not a huge issue, but five grand is not a sniff of money, there's a fair bit there and I dare say that 'Swanny' would understand you couldn't do it the same way next time.

"It doesn't take away any of the positives that we're seeing from a football perspective. He or his management, whoever was responsible for letting (people) know what was going on, made a poor decision."

Last night's match started in sauna-like conditions - the mercury was still 32C at the opening bounce - and both sides rotated to the extreme.

With the controversial interchange cap lifted due to the heat, Collingwood finished with an extraordinary 168 rotations and Brisbane 143.

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Bombers rely on the silent treatment

Essendon coach James Hird is becoming an expert at swatting away anti-doping investigation queries. Picture: Quinn Rooney. Source: Getty Images

IT was all quiet in the national capital on Friday night as Essendon was confronted with another series of questions after the Cronulla debacle played out just hours before.

It is a delicate situation and arguably the silence from the Bombers hierarchy was either a silence wrapped with confidence or a silence cloaked with fear.

The Bombers flew out of Canberra within 90 minutes of dismantling Greater Western Sydney, and Cronulla, which earlier that day stood down its coach Shane Flanagan after findings of "serious management failures", was a topic for another day.

Bombers' chairman David Evans wouldn't even pass comment about the Cronulla situation.

Chief executive Ian Robson would only say Flanagan was stood down and not sacked to correct a mistake at James Hird's press conference, while Hird has quickly become a pro at swatting away queries about the anti-doping investigations.

We'll talk about the Essendon Football Club and we won't talk about anyone else

"I've said a number of times there's an investigation going on, but the resilience of the players of the Essendon Football Club to go out and play and train the way they're training shows the character of the people and sometimes you need events to happen to work out where the quality of people are," Hird said.

The day before, Hird said it would have been impossible for his players to have not noted the events at Cronulla, where more than a dozen players had been offered six-month suspensions if they came forward to ASADA.

Asked if he, as coach, had noted the controversial actions to stand down Flanagan, Hird said: "I've heard second-hand but, as I said yesterday, we'll talk about the Essendon Football Club and we won't talk about anyone else."

The Cronulla situation has similarities but is not entirely mirrored.

The Bombers might be naive, but they remain extremely confident their players were not given performance-enhancing drugs.

The key plank at both clubs is Stephen Dank, who was employed as a sports scientist briefly at the Sharks in 2011 and who worked for 12 months at Essendon last year.

Dank maintains he has done nothing wrong. The Cronulla investigation suggests otherwise.

What's intriguing is the startling revelations that equine supplements were given to Cronulla players.

That will cause more concern for the Bombers.

The internal Cronulla investigation, which saw Flanagan stood down and four others sacked, was run by ASADA's former deputy chair Dr Tricia Kavanagh, who took no prisoners.

The Bombers also have an internal inquiry, but theirs is being run by former Telstra chief Ziggy Switkowski.

At the centre of both is the management processes.

Evans has admitted Essendon is aware of mistakes it has made, and AFL boss Andrew Demetriou recently made it crystal clear what he thought of the practices of Essendon players being taken off site to be given injections, with suggestions an external doctor was used, as well as a registered nurse.

We can only wait to see what further blood-letting happens at Essendon.

Dank was let go after Essendon learnt of his activities, which included a serious questioning of his expense accounts, which were revealed by the Herald Sun to be of tens of thousands of dollars.

High performance manager Dean Robinson has been stood down. He is unlikely to return, and has started legal proceedings against Essendon.

And football manager Paul Hamilton resigned. Hamilton is said to have not known of Dank's activities.

Internally, the Bombers believe they haven't been inactive as they confront the club's biggest scandal.

The critics say they should have been as active when players were being shuttled across the road from Windy Hill, where maybe police had surveillance on the clinic.

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