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Key defender to miss again, Hartlett out for a month

PORT Adelaide key defender Tom Jonas has been ruled out of Friday night's blockbuster clash against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium, while vice-captain Hamish Hartlett will spend at least another month on the sidelines following a fresh setback in his return to the elite level. Jonas was a late withdrawal from the team that accounted for North Melbourne by 16 points at Adelaide Oval in round six with a minor calf injury, but the Power co-captain is expected to be right to play against cross-town rival Adelaide in round six.

PORT Adelaide will have to get the job done against Collingwood on Friday night without key defender Tom Jonas. Meanwhile, Hartlett will be out of action for the next four weeks with a hamstring injury that is linked to the knee reconstruction he underwent last year. The 28-year-old has experienced complications at the site where muscle was taken to help repair the torn ACL in his knee last year. "Unfortunately, Hamish is having some issues with the graft site from the ACL operation he had last season," said Port Adelaide's head of medical services Tim O'Leary. "He is working through the appropriate progressions to return to full fitness over the next month or so." Hartlett - who has missed the past four SANFL games with hamstring soreness - hasn't been sighted at AFL level since round five last season. The Power will also be without Robbie Gray for the next month after the superstar forward underwent surgery on a broken hand. Read the full article

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Giant signing: Star mid sticks with GWS

GREATER Western Sydney midfielder Josh Kelly has turned his back on longer and more lucrative deals with Melbourne-based clubs by signing with the Giants for a further two seasons. While admitting that the lure to play closer to family was there, the 2017 club champion and All Australian said the possibility of claiming the ultimate prize with this group was too good to resist. "I'm not going to lie, it was a tough decision," said Kelly. "There's always that opportunity to move back to be close to family and play in Victoria, but I love the club and I feel like we've got something really special here." "The opportunity to push for finals and a flag right now is super-exciting so (I'm) looking forward to it."

STAR midfielder Josh Kelly will feature in the orange and charcoal until at least the end of 2021. Whilst the fact that Kelly only signed a two-year deal will prompt many in football circles to question whether the 24-year-old will be in the orange and charcoal beyond 2021, Kelly said there was potential for him to finish his career as a one-club player. "I cab definitely see my future at the Giants and there's definitely an opportunity for it," Kelly said. "Being part of building the foundations of this club and responsible for its success, it's something I take a lot of pride in." However, Kelly wasn't keen to detail the specifics of his latest contract or be drawn into discussion on his future free agency status. "It's probably not something I want to go into too much, that's all been no good for my manager and the club to have a look into that kind of thing, but at this stage it's a two-year deal and I'm super excited for what is to happen over the next couple of years and my future going forward after that." Kelly previously contemplated a mega-deal from North Melbourne before agreeing to terms with Greater Western Sydney for two seasons in 2017. With Kelly locked away early, the Giants will be able to direct all their attention toward shoring up the services of free agent Stephen Coniglio who has been linked with a return to his home state of Western Australia. Kelly said he hasn't spoken to his fellow vice-captain about his situation, but was hopeful his decision to put pen to paper would result in GWS securing the in-form midfielder. "It hasn't really been a topic (of discussion) for us, having dealt from experience it's something you need heaps of people coming up chatting to you about," said Kelly. "You kind of makes decisions in your mind as you go...I won't be jumping on his back and forcing him to make a decision." "I hope me signing on can have an impact in that, but he's playing some good footy and he's taking care of business at the moment so I can't see too many things changing with 'Cogsy'." Read the full article

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New deal, promotion for Dockers rookie

FREMANTLE rookie Bailey Banfield has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension after playing all but one game in his debut season. Banfield, 20, will be promoted to the senior list next season after extending his stay at the Dockers until at least the end of 2020. Overlooked in two National Drafts, Banfield has made the most of his opportunity, performing some excellent negating roles on gun opposition midfielders. The Claremont product was selected for round one and played every game until he made way for team balance ahead of the club's win over Carlton last Sunday. "It's been awesome playing through the midfield and lining up in the centre square bounces with some of the biggest names in footy," said Banfield. "It's been one of the highlights of my year." "You're just playing on the best player and you're seeing what they do, their work-rate and just the little tips and tricks about how they get the ball and how they defend and filing that away for future use." Banfield has averaged 14.7 possessions and four tackles and is in the mix for a recall to take on one of Geelong's star midfield trio in Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood or Gary Ablett at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday. Banfield's re-signing comes after fellow rookie Taylin Duman and yet-to-debut- tall forward Hugh Dixon extended their stays at the club until the end of 2019 and 2020 respectively. Fremantle are in talks with uncontracted veterans Aaron Sandilands and Hayden Ballantyne about their futures, with coach Ross Lyon describing the situation as 'delicate'. Sandilands is the Dockers' third-longest servant with 265 games under his belt, while Ballantyne is keen to play on but is yet to receive a formal offer. Read the full article

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Premiership captain extends deal with Tigers

RICHMOND premiership captain Trent Cotchin has extended his contract with the club until the end of 2022. The 28-year-old's original contract expired at the end of 2020, but the extension will surely see him finish his career as a one-club player, signing on until he is 32 years old. Cotchin has captained the club since 2013, and his honours include the 2012 Brownlow medal, three Jack Dyer medals as the club's best-and-fairest and an All Australian jumper in 2012. "Trent is everything we could ask for as the captain of our football club. His leadership and care for his team mates, as well as the courageous way he plays the game is just exceptional," said Richmond football manager Neil Balme. "He leads by example with his talent and toughness on-field, and his maturity and authenticity off-field. We're lucky to have him leading our playing group." Cotchin's contract extension comes in the wake of the re-signing of vice-captains Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt, along with emerging talents Jayden Short and Jack Higgins. Premiership players Bachar Houli, Shaun Grigg, Nathan Broad and Jacob Townsend remain out of contract. Read the full article

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Season over for Brown

ST Kilda defender Nathan Brown will miss the remainder of the season after he was suspended for three games for his bump that concussed Essendon speedster Adam Saad. The suspension means he will also miss the start of the Saints' 2018 campaign. Brown had pleaded not guilty to intentionally engaging in rough conduct against Saad in an attempt to reduce the grading to careless and thus earn only a two-game suspension. In pleading not guilty, Brown said his team mates were making 'little to no ground' on Saad and that he believed he had to 'somehow slow Adam' so he didn't regain the ball. "My sole intent was to stop Adam from following up the ball," said Brown at the witness stand. Brown's statement was supported by the officiating umpire, Jacob Mollison, who said it was his belief that Saad could 'absolutely' still influence the play before being bumped by Brown. But, the AFL's legal counsel, Jeff Gleeson QC, told the tribunal that the ball was 'considerably' more than five metres away at the time of impact, also contending that Brown had a clear view of Saad and could have avoided contact altogether had he tried to do so. The AFL Tribunal deliberated for just nine minutes before upholding Match Review Officer Michael Christian's assessment of the incident and handing Brown a three-game sanction. "I wholeheartedly accept the findings of the tribunal tonight and thank them for their time," Brown said afterward. "Again, I apologise to Adam and his family. Hopefully he can take the field for Essendon this week." St Kilda locks horns with Hawthorn and North Melbourne to round out its 2018 season. Read the full article

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Demons lose spearhead for the rest of the season

MELBOURNE'S finals hopes have been dealt a major blow with spearhead Jesse Hogan to miss the rest of the season. The Demons confirmed on Tuesday he had suffered a 'partial stress fracture' in the navicular bone in his right foot during Sunday's loss to Sydney at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Hogan, 23, revealed he had felt soreness during the opening stanza, which escalated during half-time, before returning to play out the match. "It's just a crack so it's not disastrous. We caught it pretty early," said Hogan. "The pain was hovering so it didn't crack all the way through thankfully so I won't require surgery or anything, but it's enough to keep me out for the rest of the season." After multiple scans on Monday, Demons elite performance manager Dave Misson said that Hogan would not kick a football in anger again in 2018. "He had an MRI scan and a CT scan and what it showed was a partial stress fracture to the navicular bone," Misson said. "What that means for Jesse is that essentially his season is over. It can develop into a serious injury and we feel we've got it quite early." "It's not going to require surgery and we're looking at a positive outcome for his preparation going into 2019." "We think he's going to be right to go for the start of pre-season, but unfortunately for the rest of the season, that'll be it for Jesse." Hogan said the injury could have been far worse had the club decided not to end his season prematurely. "Initially when I saw sans I thought it might have been four-to-six weeks," Hogan said. "It's obviously really disappointing, but there's worse injuries. For example, (Alex) Johnson did his ACL so I can't complain." "Footy's a pretty cruel game at times. I've had my own troubles and I think everyone does." "You can't have a perfect run, it's unfortunate obviously but you've just got to look at the positives and tick off the next box in your recovery." Meanwhile, speedster Jayden Hunt will be sidelines for two-to-four weeks with the ankle he re-injured against the Swans, his first game since round seven. Veteran Bernie Vince's VFL shoulder injury that required surgery on Saturday night will see him miss the rest of the year. Co-captain Jack Viney remains three weeks away from returning from his latest toe setback, while Joel Smith (collarbone) could feature before the conclusion of the home-and-away season. All Australian defender Michael Hibberd (quad) and half-forward Jake Melksham (hamstring) are in the mix to play West Coast after training on Tuesday. Melbourne's push for a finals berth for the first time since 2006 is delicately balanced ahead of matches against top eight teams in the Eagles and Greater Western Sydney. Yet to register a win against a top eight team this season, the Demons must win one of their two remaining matches to be in control of their own destiny. Read the full article

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Demons lose spearhead for the rest of the season

MELBOURNE'S finals hopes have been dealt a major blow with spearhead Jesse Hogan to miss the rest of the season. The Demons confirmed on Tuesday he had suffered a 'partial stress fracture' in the navicular bone in his right foot during Sunday's loss to Sydney at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Hogan, 23, revealed he had felt soreness during the opening stanza, which escalated during half-time, before returning to play out the match. "It's just a crack so it's not disastrous. We caught it pretty early," said Hogan. "The pain was hovering so it didn't crack all the way through thankfully so I won't require surgery or anything, but it's enough to keep me out for the rest of the season." After multiple scans on Monday, Demons elite performance manager Dave Misson said that Hogan would not kick a football in anger again in 2018. "He had an MRI scan and a CT scan and what it showed was a partial stress fracture to the navicular bone," Misson said. "What that means for Jesse is that essentially his season is over. It can develop into a serious injury and we feel we've got it quite early." "It's not going to require surgery and we're looking at a positive outcome for his preparation going into 2019." "We think he's going to be right to go for the start of pre-season, but unfortunately for the rest of the season, that'll be it for Jesse." Hogan said the injury could have been far worse had the club decided not to end his season prematurely. "Initially when I saw sans I thought it might have been four-to-six weeks," Hogan said. "It's obviously really disappointing, but there's worse injuries. For example, (Alex) Johnson did his ACL so I can't complain." "Footy's a pretty cruel game at times. I've had my own troubles and I think everyone does." "You can't have a perfect run, it's unfortunate obviously but you've just got to look at the positives and tick off the next box in your recovery." Meanwhile, speedster Jayden Hunt will be sidelines for two-to-four weeks with the ankle he re-injured against the Swans, his first game since round seven. Veteran Bernie Vince's VFL shoulder injury that required surgery on Saturday night will see him miss the rest of the year. Co-captain Jack Viney remains three weeks away from returning from his latest toe setback, while Joel Smith (collarbone) could feature before the conclusion of the home-and-away season. All Australian defender Michael Hibberd (quad) and half-forward Jake Melksham (hamstring) are in the mix to play West Coast after training on Tuesday. Melbourne's push for a finals berth for the first time since 2006 is delicately balanced ahead of matches against top eight teams in the Eagles and Greater Western Sydney. Yet to register a win against a top eight team this season, the Demons must win one of their two remaining matches to be in control of their own destiny. Read the full article

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Swans confirm the worst for Johnson, Smith hit for six

SYDNEY has confirmed the news the football community has feared, with luckless defender Alex Johnson set for the sixth knee reconstruction of his career, this time on his 'good' right knee. The 26-year-old has had 12 knee operations, and just a week earlier made an emotional return to the AFL in the Swans' victory over Collingwood. Johnson stayed in Melbourne with his family before returning to Sydney on Monday. "Clearly this is a really disappointing outcome for Alex," said Sydney football manager Tom Harley. "Alex has worked so hard over the past six years to get back to playing football and for this to happen in his second game back is just shattering for him and for us." "Alex has shown unbelievable resilience and determination over his career, and will continue to be an inspiration to his team mates and the wider AFL community." "As we saw after the injury on Sunday, Alex is the ultimate clubman and will be doing all he can to support his team mates from the sidelines for the remainder of the season." Johnson spoke with Dr. Tom Cross and Dr. Julian Feller as he decides how to deal with his latest setback. "He'll have a further consult next week and we'll map out what the recovery looks like after that." The loss of Johnson wasn't the only blow to come from last Sunday's stirring nine-point win over Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with fellow defender Nick Smith likely to miss the rest of the year after suffering a hamstring tendon injury in the opening term. Smith, 30, has lined up in 20 matches this year and the reliable stopper hasn't dipped below that number since 2010. "Nick's got a hamstring tendon injury. At this early stage it looks like six weeks, which obviously makes the season challenging," Harley said. "He had a scan yesterday. We'll gather all of the facts as to the next steps with Nick." "Clearly it was disappointing he wasn't able to play any further part in the game on Sunday and it looks like he'll be having an extended period on the sidelines also." Speedy forward Gary Rohan had a broken hand operated on late last month and hurt it again in the NEAFL last Saturday, but could be right to play in Saturday's crunch clash against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium. "He copped a knock on it early in the game which prevented him from playing any further part in the game," said Harley. "He's been cleared of any damage which is important, so he had X-rays and scans on the Sunday...so we'll assess him as the week goes by. Hopefully for Gary, he's able to get up this week." Meanwhile, veteran defender Heath Grundy could be named to take on the Giants after taking time away from the game to deal with a mental health issue. "(He) has trained really well. We're expecting him to train really well again this week and I would expect him to be in the selection discussion come later in the week," Harley said. Read the full article

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Tex cops his whack

ADELAIDE skipper Taylor Walker won't play again this season, accepting a two-game suspension that caps off a frustrating 2018 campaign. Walker was handed a two-match ban for a tackle that knocked out Greater Western Sydney star Josh Kelly in last Saturday night's 14-point loss to the Giants at UNSW Oval in Canberra. The defeat ended the Crows' chances of making finals ahead of their remaining matches against North Melbourne and Carlton. Walker has had an injury-interrupted season and said it would be a good opportunity for him to sit out the last two games, while giving others a chance in his place. "I'm not going to challenge it - it probably sums up my season," said Walker. "It's been very challenging for me individually and us as a footy team." "I'll just cop it." "My body's crying out for a bit of a rest at the moment, so it gives opportunity for someone else to play the last two games." Walker said he thought he could be in trouble when Kelly had to be helped off the ground, and didn't take any further part in the match. "It does happen so quick, and I remember getting emotional thinking, 'S---, this could be a sling tackle, so I let him go," Walker said. "But, they're just so protective of the head and if the consequence is that they're knocked out or hit in the head, then you're in trouble." "It's disappointing, but that's just the way the rules go." Read the full article

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Tex cops his whack

ADELAIDE skipper Taylor Walker won't play again this season, accepting a two-game suspension that caps off a frustrating 2018 campaign. Walker was handed a two-match ban for a tackle that knocked out Greater Western Sydney star Josh Kelly in last Saturday night's 14-point loss to the Giants at UNSW Oval in Canberra. The defeat ended the Crows' chances of making finals ahead of their remaining matches against North Melbourne and Carlton. Walker has had an injury-interrupted season and said it would be a good opportunity for him to sit out the last two games, while giving others a chance in his place. "I'm not going to challenge it - it probably sums up my season," said Walker. "It's been very challenging for me individually and us as a footy team." "I'll just cop it." "My body's crying out for a bit of a rest at the moment, so it gives opportunity for someone else to play the last two games." Walker said he thought he could be in trouble when Kelly had to be helped off the ground, and didn't take any further part in the match. "It does happen so quick, and I remember getting emotional thinking, 'S---, this could be a sling tackle, so I let him go," Walker said. "But, they're just so protective of the head and if the consequence is that they're knocked out or hit in the head, then you're in trouble." "It's disappointing, but that's just the way the rules go." Read the full article

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Worpedo fires into Rising Star calculations

HAWTHORN youngster James Worpel won plenty of admirers for his attack on the ball against Geelong skipper Joe Selwood on Saturday and it's helped him claim the round 21 Rising Star nomination as well. The 19-year-old gathered 23 possessions and eight tackles in the Hawks' 11-point win in the MCG clash, with the Geelong Falcons product's best moment coming in the third term when he unflinchingly won a hard ball against Selwood - with the rivals coming from different directions - that set up a Jack Gunston major. Worpel's well-rounded performance came after kicking the match-winner against Essendon the previous round and 32 disposals in the round 18 victory over Carlton. Snared with Hawthorn's first selection at last year's National Draft, number 45 overall, Worpel has played seven games since making his AFL debut against St Kilda in round six. Worpel has averaged 16.7 touches, 5.4 score involvements and 4.1 tackles per game, and ranks in the top five among rising stars for inside 50s, clearances, score involvements, goal assists and centre clearances. Read the full article

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Worpedo fires into Rising Star calculations

HAWTHORN youngster James Worpel won plenty of admirers for his attack on the ball against Geelong skipper Joe Selwood on Saturday and it's helped him claim the round 21 Rising Star nomination as well. The 19-year-old gathered 23 possessions and eight tackles in the Hawks' 11-point win in the MCG clash, with the Geelong Falcons product's best moment coming in the third term when he unflinchingly won a hard ball against Selwood - with the rivals coming from different directions - that set up a Jack Gunston major. Worpel's well-rounded performance came after kicking the match-winner against Essendon the previous round and 32 disposals in the round 18 victory over Carlton. Snared with Hawthorn's first selection at last year's National Draft, number 45 overall, Worpel has played seven games since making his AFL debut against St Kilda in round six. Worpel has averaged 16.7 touches, 5.4 score involvements and 4.1 tackles per game, and ranks in the top five among rising stars for inside 50s, clearances, score involvements, goal assists and centre clearances. Read the full article

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Tex facing season-ending ban, Roo fined

TAYLOR Walker's season could be over, with the Adelaide skipper offered a two-match ban for his sling tackle that knocked out Greater Western Sydney star Josh Kelly. Walker was adjudged to have slung Kelly into the ground with excessive force during the third-quarter of Saturday's night match in Canberra, with the tackle graded by Match Review Officer Michael Christian as careless conduct with high impact to the head. Christian's assessment triggered a two-game suspension, which is set to rule Walker out of the Crows' final two home-and-away matches against North Melbourne and Carlton. Elsewhere, Kangaroos forward Jarrad Waite was offered a fine for his high bump on Western Bulldog Jackson Trengove. Waite caught Trengove high and late in the opening term of Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium, but was only hit with a $3,000 penalty after the incident was assessed by Christian as careless conduct with low impact to the head. Roos midfielder Trent Dumont was fined $2,000 for rough conduct on Ed Richards in the same match, while Bulldogs veteran Dale Morris was also offered a $2,000 fine for tripping Jy Simpkin. Sydney on-baller Dan Hannebery was fined $1,500 for striking Melbourne's James Harmes in Sunday's contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while Demons young gun Clayton Oliver was fined $1,000 for making careless contact with an umpire. Port Adelaide's Aidyn Johnson was fined $2,000 for rough conduct against West Coast defender Tom Cole. Meanwhile, Geelong champion Gary Ablett, who was accused of diving by sections of the media during the first term of last Saturday's loss to Hawthorn at the MCG, has avoided a fine. Collingwood midfielder Levi Greenwood was cleared of any wrongdoing for making contact with an injured player for an incident involving Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko. It was the view of the MRO that contact made by Greenwood was negligible and that the Magpie was not aware of any potential injury to Zorko. St Kilda defender Nathan Brown had already been referred straight to the AFL Tribunal for his late bump that concussed Essendon speedster Adam Saad during the opening stanza of last Friday night's game at Etihad, while Bombers defender Cale Hooker had already accepted a $1,500 sanction for misconduct against Daniel McKenzie. Brown's tribunal hearing will take place on Tuesday night. Read the full article

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Hamstring ends star Docker's season early

FREMANTLE has put a line through Michael Walters for the rest of the season after the star forward injured his left hamstring in the closing stages of Sunday's 29-point victory over Carlton at Optus Stadium. Walters was leading opponent Jed Lamb to a contest at half-back when he pulled up short and clutched at his left hamstring. The 27-year-old was briefly assessed and put on ice, bringing to an end a season riddled by setbacks. "He'll be done for the year now - another hamstring," said Dockers coach Ross Lyon. Walters missed three weeks with a knee injury sustained in round six and was hit with a one-game suspension for a gut-punch on Adelaide defender Jake Kelly in round 12. His absence compounds an injury list featuring up to nine players in the club's best 22. Among them is superstar skipper Nat Fyfe who is rated only a 'slim' chance to return against Geelong next Saturday as he recovers from a lingering hamstring injury suffered in round 15. "It's a big number now, I think we're looking at 14 or 15 players on our list, so it's a bit of a challenge and a fair bit of quality in there," Lyon said. "From our end, if you think (Aaron) Sandilands, (Nathan) Fyfe, (Stephen) Hill, (Connor) Blakely, (Andrew) Brayshaw and Griffin Logue hasn't played all year - there's more than we desire in there." "Not only are Richmond proving to be the best team at the minute, they've got the best availability as they did last year." "We'd all like to get their secret of success for player availability but if you look around, GWS (and) Port Adelaide - those teams around the mix are losing players so I think it's going to be very, very difficult to compete against Richmond with a full list." While Walters' absence hurts Fremantle's flexibility forward of centre, Lyon acknowledged the improvement of a three-pronged tall forward set-up featuring Matt Taberner, Brennan Cox and Cam McCarthy. The trio combined for six goals, eight contested marks and showed synergy in their leading patterns to create space inside 50. "At the end of the day, you've got to grow your own if you can't get them through the door," said Lyon. "If we give them some good looks and some good opportunities at equal numbers they look quite dangerous." "I think Cox, McCarthy and Taberner...Barring Taberner they're quite young and he's really just coming to hand." "That's what our future looks like." Fremantle will take confidence into next week's clash against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium after falling agonisingly short of a shock win at the venue last year. On that occasion, Walters missed a snap on the siren that would have handed the Dockers a three-point victory. "We competed really well last year down there, last kick of the game and we need to go down there and compete strongly and try and improve our method," Lyon said. "We haven't shut up shop. There's been good spirit all year." Read the full article

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Hamstring ends star Docker's season early

FREMANTLE has put a line through Michael Walters for the rest of the season after the star forward injured his left hamstring in the closing stages of Sunday's 29-point victory over Carlton at Optus Stadium. Walters was leading opponent Jed Lamb to a contest at half-back when he pulled up short and clutched at his left hamstring. The 27-year-old was briefly assessed and put on ice, bringing to an end a season riddled by setbacks. "He'll be done for the year now - another hamstring," said Dockers coach Ross Lyon. Walters missed three weeks with a knee injury sustained in round six and was hit with a one-game suspension for a gut-punch on Adelaide defender Jake Kelly in round 12. His absence compounds an injury list featuring up to nine players in the club's best 22. Among them is superstar skipper Nat Fyfe who is rated only a 'slim' chance to return against Geelong next Saturday as he recovers from a lingering hamstring injury suffered in round 15. "It's a big number now, I think we're looking at 14 or 15 players on our list, so it's a bit of a challenge and a fair bit of quality in there," Lyon said. "From our end, if you think (Aaron) Sandilands, (Nathan) Fyfe, (Stephen) Hill, (Connor) Blakely, (Andrew) Brayshaw and Griffin Logue hasn't played all year - there's more than we desire in there." "Not only are Richmond proving to be the best team at the minute, they've got the best availability as they did last year." "We'd all like to get their secret of success for player availability but if you look around, GWS (and) Port Adelaide - those teams around the mix are losing players so I think it's going to be very, very difficult to compete against Richmond with a full list." While Walters' absence hurts Fremantle's flexibility forward of centre, Lyon acknowledged the improvement of a three-pronged tall forward set-up featuring Matt Taberner, Brennan Cox and Cam McCarthy. The trio combined for six goals, eight contested marks and showed synergy in their leading patterns to create space inside 50. "At the end of the day, you've got to grow your own if you can't get them through the door," said Lyon. "If we give them some good looks and some good opportunities at equal numbers they look quite dangerous." "I think Cox, McCarthy and Taberner...Barring Taberner they're quite young and he's really just coming to hand." "That's what our future looks like." Fremantle will take confidence into next week's clash against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium after falling agonisingly short of a shock win at the venue last year. On that occasion, Walters missed a snap on the siren that would have handed the Dockers a three-point victory. "We competed really well last year down there, last kick of the game and we need to go down there and compete strongly and try and improve our method," Lyon said. "We haven't shut up shop. There's been good spirit all year." Read the full article

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Dixon out for the season

PORT Adelaide will be without key forward Charlie Dixon for the rest of the season after he suffered a serious ankle injury in the Power's heartbreaking four-point loss to West Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday. Meanwhile, All Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder (hip flexor) and defender Dan Houston (concussion) are in doubt for next week's must-win clash against Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after failing to finish the game. Dixon came off worse for wear after a marking contest with Eagles defender Tom Barrass in the third term. The 27-year-old landed awkwardly on his ankle and was helped off the ground by trainers. "Dixon won't play again this year, he's got a badly sprained, possibly broken ankle," said Power coach Ken Hinkley. "You saw the way it happened." "People will imagine it was a flimsy ankle, but that's not the issue, that's just a collision injury." "He'll be fine, he'll get over it and he'll get on with it and he'll recover if that's what it takes." "From our point of view, it was a smooth recovery, but he won't play again this year." Ryder first injured his hip flexor in the round 17 loss to Fremantle and was originally expected to be out of action for a month. Instead, he missed just one match and returned for the round 19 victory over the Western Bulldogs. He rucked strongly in the first half against West Coast and kicked a goal to put Port up by 28 points in the third-quarter before coming from the ground. "Ryder aggravated his hip flexor, he's still some chance because we took the cautious approach, because we know where we're at in the season," Hinkley said. Houston left the ground on a medicab after a heavy collision with Eagles midfielder Brendon Ah Chee when both players attacked the ball. Play was stopped for several minutes and he was later taken to hospital by ambulance. "He's had some precautionary X-rays and stuff, but I think he'll be fine. He copped a big hot and unless there's anything we haven't seen yet, we expect he will be okay," Hinkley said. "I haven't heard from the doctors regarding concussion, but it was more, the hit took a lot out of him." "He got hit in the chest and neck, so whether he's hit his head on the ground as well, he's been to hospital to get some checks on that." Read the full article

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Gun Swan returns, Demon axed again

MELBOURNE veteran Bernie Vince has been axed again while Sydney has regained gun midfielder Dan Hannebery for Sunday's crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Amid questions about his future, Vince has been dropped for the second time in 2018, making way for speedster Jayden Hunt who will play his first senior match since round seven while versatile tall Cam Pedersen replaces Joel Smith (collarbone). The Swans have made just the one change to the team that accounted for Collingwood last week, with Hannebery replacing Dan Robinson. The contest will have major ramifications for the look of the top eight, with the Demons currently occupying fourth place on the AFL ladder, but only percentage ahead of eighth-placed Sydney. Sitting in 10th spot, North Melbourne is facing a must-win meeting with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. North have been boosted by the return of star midfielder Shaun Higgins from minor knee surgery in place of Nathan Hrovat, who has been omitted for the clash with his former club. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have made just the one adjustment to the side that defeated a lacklustre St Kilda by 35 points last round, bringing in leading goalkicker Billy Gowers, with Roarke Smith rested after suffering concussion. After a tumultuous week following the spiteful Western Derby, Fremantle has a golden opportunity to register their eighth win of the season when they take on bottom-placed Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Dockers have handed a debut to mature-age small forward Sam Switkowski, their eighth first-gamer for the year, while recruit Brandon Matera has been given the chop again. Ryan Nyhuis returns from a three-game suspension, Tommy Sheridan and Stefan Giro have been rewarded for strong performances in the WAFL and defender Taylin Duman also returns. Youngster Mitch Crowden joins former Sun Matera as an omission, while Stephen Hill (quad), Andrew Brayshaw (jaw) and Darcy Tucker (back) are injured. Looking to bounce back from a 105-point hammering at the hands of Greater Western Sydney last week, the Blues welcome back star ruckman Matthew Kreuzer for the first time since he experienced an elevated heart rate in the round 17 loss to St Kilda. Sam Kerridge and Jack Silvagni have also been called up, with inside midfielder Matthew Kennedy (ankle), Nick Graham and Cam O'Shea (omitted) making way. Read the full article