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Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
BY ANDREW LOWTHER
HAWTHORN tagger Brad Sewell has undergone surgery to have his appendix removed.
He becomes the second Hawthorn player to have the surgery after vice-captain Luke Hodge had his appendix removed two months ago.
The Hawks say Sewell sought medical advice after falling ill on Wednesday where the problem was discovered.
He had surgery immediately.
Best and fairest winner with the Hawks last year, Sewell has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since round ten.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
BY ANDREW MAHONY
THE St Kilda Footall Club says that it will not make any hasty decisions regarding the court decision to pay ex-coach Grant Thomas a figure of $190,000 plus bonuses following his exit from the club in 2006.
Team President, Greg Westaway, today says that they will make a decision whether to appeal in the next fortnight.
“Together with my Board I will carefully consider the next steps and we won’t be making any hasty decisions,” he said in a press release.
“We will review our legal advice and make a decision within 14 days.”
St Kilda had previously offered the ex-coach an undisclosed six-figure payout that was rejected.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
ON the eve of the second half of this week’s split round of AFL football, FOOTYHEADS’ intrepid team of tipsters cast their eye across the market to bring you their weekly “Footyheads Value Bet of the Week” with thanks to our friends at Sportsbet.
Over to you guys…
‘HANDSOME’ ANDREW LOWTHER SAYS: “No time for talk, I’ve got to get back on track. I’ll take the Pies to continue their winning streak against the Swans. $10 on Collingwood to win by +15.5 points at $3.70 in a Tri Bet.”
‘STONE COLD’ STEVE BAKER SAYS: “Not happy with this split round idea, folks. I know it’s been on the landscape for a few years now, but no AFL matches in ol’ Melbourne town in the guts of winter is just plain wrong.
As a rule, I tend to stay away from horses who are resuming from a spell, and I think this applies equally to football teams. On paper, you’d say that Geelong are a moral at Football Park, but the Crows are often impressive off the break. Likewise, Sydney have been awfully rusty off their mid-season spell in recent seasons, and the Magpies have had Sydney’s measure in recent times. But, as the classic book title goes, that was then, this is now.
I’m expecting both favourites to salute but won’t be surprised at all if Sydney and Geelong stumble. Looking beyond the head-to-head odds, there’s value in Sportsbet’s margin betting markets. I’ll take $5 on Collingwood to win by between 1-39 points at $3.30 and $5 on Geelong to beat Adelaide by the same margin at $2.20.”
CHRIS ‘THE BOSS’ GRANT SAYS: “Good afternoon Handsome, afternoon Stone Cold. Looks like we all rate the ‘Pies as a chance tomorrow night.
I’ll also take Collingwood in a margin bet. I think that the Magpies will continue their streak over the Swannies and the Sportsbet odds of $5 for a Collingwood win by between 1-19 points is too hard to ignore. Here’s a nice, new, crisp, tenner on the ‘Pies.”
For the best odds in AFL betting, visit Sportsbet today.
Sportsbet also have some of the best odds you’ll find anywhere for the Beijing Olympics, which are only five weeks away.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
BY ANDREW MAHONY
ESSENDON midfielder Jobe Watson today gave a positive outlook to Essendon’s future, saying he believes the recent signings of more experienced players is testament to the direction the club is heading.
“Hopefully the success isn’t too far away,” he said, “it’s great to see that a couple other older guys have signed up as well.”
“I think that the younger guys who have really sort of sparked the place, the older guys can see some success not too far away.”
Watson recently signed up for two more years, joining Scott Lucas, Dustin Fletcher, David Hille, David Myers, Henry Slattery, and Leroy Jetta.
Bombers team manager David Calthorpe also has high hopes for the club, believing that Watson will play a big part in the team’s future.
“We believe he will play a big role in our next premiership tilt,” he said on Wednesday.
“He has the respect of the playing group and many of our younger players really look up to him.”
FOOTYHEADS: How far away are the Bombers from giving the premiership a shake?
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
BY ANDREW MAHONY
COLLINGWOOD legend Nathan Buckley has announced that he will not take up a position as assistant coach at the West Coast Eagles.
As reported on FootyHeads last week, the Eagles had approached Buckley, as well as Mark Ricciuto and Michael Voss offering each of them a spot in the coaching box for next year and beyond.
Buckley confirmed that Eagles coach John Worsfold contacted him last month, but told him that he was satisfied with his current role in the media.
FOOTYHEADS: Would Buckley make a good senior coach of an AFL side?
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
BY ANDREW MAHONY
CARLTON midfielder Andrew Walker has made it clear that he is keen to put on the navy blue when his side takes on St Kilda next Friday night.
Following four months of rehabilitation on his right shoulder, Walker hopes to make this week’s game in the VFL his last before stepping back into the AFL side.
The 22-year-old got through the game last weekend with Carlton’s affiliate, the Northern Bullants, having no major issues with the shoulder.
“I convinced myself to go into it pretty confident and have no worries about my shoulder, so I tried to hit it as hard as I could early and I think I blew up a little bit in the last quarter because I tried to go a bit hard early,” he told afl.com.au.
“[The shoulder] seemed to get through…I got a few big hits on it and it went really well.”
Blues coach Brett Ratten has made it clear to Walker that if his match fitness is good enough, he will be promptly included in the side.
“I’ve talked to Ratts about it and he said if my game fitness is up to scratch, then he’ll play me.”
FOOTYHEADS: When Walker is ready to come back, who loses his spot from the Carlton side?
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
BY ANDREW MAHONY
FOLLOWING three losses to Collingwood last season, Paul Roos has made it clear that his Swans need to out-tackle their opponent at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night if they hope to win.
After being outclassed by the Magpies in 2007, Roos knows that a physical style of play is what will win the game for either side.
“They have out-tackled us really well last year and that is a midset thing,” he said yesterday, “our guys need to come with that mindset and compete really really hard. In that final I think they almost doubled us in tackles, so we need to come (prepared).”
“If they smash us in the tackles, they’ll beat us.”
Collingwood won all three games against Sydney last year, by a total score of 302-220.
FOOTYHEADS: Who will you tip for this important top-8 clash?
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
BY BRAD KLIBANSKY
SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Ross has admitted he is interested in talking to wayward Carlton forward Brendan Fevola.
Speaking at a news conference this morning, Roos dismissed claims the Swans had contacted Fevola, but admitted they would if Fevola’s contract talks with Carlton hit an impass.
“If he said he wanted to leave, I’m sure there’d be a number of clubs that would entertain having him,” Roos said.
Footyheads’ own Craig Hutchison broke the news that the Swans were on the verge of offering the 27-year-old a four-year, $3 million contract on Channel 9s The Footy Show last night.
Claiming he was ‘dumbfounded’ by the news, Roos said neither he nor football operations manager Andrew Ireland had contacted Fevola.
He did not say, however, if there had been any contact with Fevola’s management.
Fevola would seemingly be a good fit for the Swans, with key forwards Michael O’Loughlin and Barry Hall close to retirement.
Fevola refused to comment on the on-going negotiations last night, which are believed to have broken down at Carlton.
FOOTYHEADS: Should the Swans chase Fev?
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 11:12 am
BY ANDREW MAHONY
EX-St Kilda coach, Grant Thomas, has today won a court case against his old employer that will see him paid a total of $190,000 plus interest.
Thomas sued the Saints for $90,000 annual leave entitlements and $100,000 to be paid for a signed agreement that said he would not criticise the club following his sacking.
Neither of these sums had been paid to the 50-year-old, forcing him to take legal action.
He was removed as Saints coach following their elimination final defeat to Melbourne two seasons ago.
Thomas replaced Malcolm Blight from the post in round 16 of 2001, and finished with a coaching record of 63-59-1.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 10:17 am
BY ANDREW MAHONY
RICHMOND have today announced that Graham Polak has left the Alfred Hospital.
It is understood that he will remain in the Epworth Hospital for the time being, while his condition remains unchanged from yesterday.
The Tigers believe that this is an important step in what will be a long rehabilitation process.
As reported on FootyHeads last night, Polak’s partner Alyce Oksuz, is hopeful that he will recover fully.
“He’s progressing as well as he can be, so far signs are good, and he’s definitely got a long road ahead of him, but he’s doing well.”
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 9:21 am
BY ANDREW MAHONY
CARLTON are among three clubs looking to sell a home game in 2009 to play at Carrara on the Gold Coast in North Melbourne’s place.
It is believed that the Blues hope to make $400,000 for the game that would see them play against a non-Victorian team such as Port Adelaide or Fremantle, who historically do not draw big crowds in Melbourne.
Provided Carlton did receive that payment from the AFL, they may make up to 10 times more money than they would from the same game at the Telstra Dome.
The other two teams looking to play on the Gold Coast are Collingwood and St Kilda.
Unlike the other two, the Saints hope to seal two home games, with their bid gathering momentum following the St Kilda-strong crowd last Saturday night that saw just over 9,000 attend.
FOOTYHEADS: Would you be happy to see your team sign away a home game to the Gold Coast?
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 9:00 am
BY ANDREW LOWTHER
WESTERN Bulldogs’ flamboyant star Jason Akermanis has called on his teammates to join him in doing handstands after a victory.
And the 2001 Brownlow medallist told Nova FM he would do all he could to get his mates to do the handstand if the Bulldogs win this year’s premiership.
Yesterday, the 31-year-old told SEN he felt like knocking out some of his teammates when they blasted him after doing a handstand following last week’s win over Port Adelaide in Darwin.
Akermanis agreed to shelve the handstand after teammates said they didn’t like it and it was outside the team ethos earlier this year.
He said he did it last week to honour his wife’s grandfather who passed away last week and who he had promised to dedicate a handstand to before the end of the year.
FOOTYHEADS: Should Aker be allowed do the handstand?
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
BY SHANE POTTER
Brendan Fevola has this evening denied a reported offer from the Sydney Swans Football Club of an offer worth three million dollars over four years.
Footyhead’s own Craig Hutchison this evening reported on ‘The Footy Show’ that the Swans had launched a bid to lure Fevola for four years.
Fevola was contacted directly earlier in the year before he had a management company and was offered a three million dollar deal over four years. Fevola denying the report saying he had not spoken to Sydney or anyone associated with the club, “No, I’m not going to talk about my contract.”
It is believed Sydney’s offer will now put some inferred pressure on Carlton as contract talks between the club and the star full forward had stalled in recent times.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
BY SHANE POTTER
Graham Polak’s condition continues to be on the improve, five days after the Richmond defender was hit by a tram in Armadale.
Polak’s girlfriend, Alyce Oksuz telling ’The Foot Show’, “He’s progressing as well as can be, so far signs are good, and he’s definitely got a long road ahead of him but he’s doing well.”
“He talks, he recognises people, which is important for us and his family. It’s been really tough but for his sake you have to be strong for him.”
“His true personality is certainly starting to shine through, he loves a shower is a clean boy and uses lots of deodorant and after shave,”
“He’s a very shy boy but once everything slows down he will be very grateful of everything and everyone’s support.”
Footyheads as more comes to hand on the condition of Polak we will bring it to you.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
BY TREVOR BYERS
EXPERIENCED duo Dustin Fletcher and Scott Lucas have both signed new one-year contracts with the Bombers.
Lucas, 30 and Fletcher, 33, have over 500 games of experience for the Bombers and Essendon’s chief operating officer Travis Auld is pleased with the re-signing.
“This is really good news for us, both are best and fairest winners, both are premiership players and they are very important to our club”. Auld told essendonfc.com.au.
The new contracts should see both Lucas and Fletcher finish their careers at Windy Hill.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 7:36 pm
BY TREVOR BYERS
SYDNEY coach Paul Roos wants his players to pay particular focus on tackling for this Saturday night’s blockbuster against Collingwood at ANZ Stadium.
Collingwood have won their last four games against the Swans and in their elimination final meeting last year the Magpies had double the tackle count of Sydney, a fact not lost on the coach’s mind.
“We talk about tackling on a weekly basis but going into this game we’re aware of the stats in the last three games against Collingwood in 2007.”
“And if Collingwood do that again, they’ll win, regardless. The guys need to come in with the mindset to compete really, really hard.” Roos said.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
BY FRANK IENCO
There was much soul-searching up north this week following the Lions upset one-point loss to the lowly Demons last Sunday.
Lions coach Leigh Matthews even went so far to blame himself for the defeat and was left stewing over his side’s recent poor record at the MCG.
The supercoach admits his side was complacent before Dees match with the split round break looming.
“You try (to get them out of the mindset) but sometimes you’re only one voice in the wilderness,” He said.
Footy fans are a funny lot. The Dockers sit equal bottom of the ladder this season on just two wins, yet have just broken their membership record for the sixth straight year.
It was a close call - this year’s figure of 43,366 members is up just 23 people on last year’s number, but represents a strong show of faith from fans that have not had much to cheer about over the past 13 years.
While reports from the west today suggest Dockers coach Mark Harvey and president Rick Hart are trying to convince 32-year-old midfielder Peter Bell to run around for another year in 2009.
With the finals finally out of the equation for Port Adelaide there appears little else to play for for the Power, except of course those fighting for a new contract deal.
Media reports suggest that the likes of Nathan Lonie and Damon White are among those fighting for to save their careers at the club.
With only four wins on the board this season, last weekend’s loss to the Bulldogs would not have helped anyone’s cause, but coach Mark Williams insists every player is still in the equation.
“There’s no certainties from the game on the weekend, there are some small ticks moving in the right direction,” Williams said.
“When it comes to selection in two weeks time it’s going to be difficult, we are really unsure of who’s available and who’s not,” he said.
“No one put a black texta through their name, that’s for sure.”
We know West Coast they could soon be tanking for draft picks, but even this is below Carlton’s level - star midfielder Daniel Kerr could be facing more time on the sidelines after being attacked by a stingray on the weekend.
So it may be a long shot for even the conspiracy theorists, but Kerr certainly got on the wrong end of one of the ocean creatures at recovery at Port Melbourne last Saturday.
Latest reports, as revealed on FootyHeads this morning, suggest Kerr could be fit to play in the Eagles next match against Richmond on Sunday week.
Speaking on the weekend, Kerr believes matches against two of the competition’s frontrunners - Geelong and Hawthorn - over the past fortnight was a good experience for the side’s younger players.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
BY TREVOR BYERS
THE TEAMS are in for the second week of the split round and there are plenty of big name changes for each side.
Collingwood welcome back Travis Cloke, Leon Davis and Shane Wakelin for Saturday night’s massive clash with Sydney at ANZ Stadium while ruckman Josh Fraser is still out through injury.
Sydney have made just the one change to their side with the suspended Adam Goodes making way for veteran ruckman Peter Everitt.
Meanwhile at the Crows Andrew McLeod will miss with a knee injury while Luke Jericho has been dropped, Kris Massie and Brad Symes are expected to take their place in the side.
And finally for Geelong, champion defender Matthew Scarlett is back along with Matthew Stokes while Harry Taylor and Brent Prismall have both been omitted.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
BY TREVOR BYERS
COLLINGWOOD has said it isn’t sure when injured midfielder Brodie Holland will return.
Holland who has only managed one senior game this year has been struggling with an ongoing achilles injury which he first suffered halfway through 2007.
The club has listed Holland as “one to two weeks on the club’s injury list but conditioning coach David Buttifant has conceded that it could be a much longer wait before Holland returns.
“We’d like to see him back in a few weeks, but it’s one of those things where there’s no guarantee.”
“If he’s back in two weeks, fantastic, but I think it might be a bit longer than that.” Buttifant told collingwoodfc.com.au.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
BY TREVOR BYERS
RICHMOND’S Graham Polak remains in the general ward of the Alfred Hospital where he continues to recover slowly.
His condition hasn’t changed in the last 24 hours while the club continues to receive messages of support, letters and cards, with over 1,000 messages being posted on the Richmond website.
Polak’s partner, Alyce Oksuz, said the family were thrilled with the well wishes from across Australia.
“Graham will be really grateful for all the support he has received from the community and public in general”.
“We have been amazed at the amount of cards, emails and flowers from everyone, especially the young tigers fans.” Oksuz said.
Have your say, FootyHeads!
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