Sir-Allen-Jakovich

[Mod edit: please don't quote full articles] (Article linked above)

From MELBOURNEfc: MELBOURNEfc's Ben Holland announced his retirement from AFL football. Holland, 30, has played 190 games of AFL football, comprising of 125 games for Richmond, before moving to Melbourne at the end of the 2003 season where he has played an additional 65 games for the club. Holland said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at both Melbourne and Richmond. I have given everything I have got to the team every time I competed. I love playing football, I love being involved in football, and I love the team camaraderie. "After Sunday's game, I will look forward to the next chapter of my life." Holland has joined Adem Yze, Jeff White, and David Neitz as retirees this season. Holland started his 14 year career, after being drafted in the 1994 National AFL Draft taken as a first round selection, number 19 overall by Fitzroy. Holland was then traded to Richmond at the end of the 1995 season where he made his AFL debut in 1997. Holland originates from North Adelaide. Holland has kicked 178 career goals.

Hear that sound, Jaded? It's me munching down on humble pie. Earlier this year I bemoaned his lack of confidence in his kicking and inability to take a pack mark (just ones on the run near the wing). Today - and for at least the past month - it's getting harder and harder to fault him on either. He looks a totally different player when he rarely leaves the 50m arc - easily for the better. I know it's easy to praise him after kicking the match-winning goal, but in the past month he has really rid all of the criticisms I had of him. To Jaded - and more importantly Brad - I'm sorry. I've been put in my place - and I couldn't be happier. Go Dees!!

From MELBOURNEfc: Brent Moloney Brent had scans on his dislocated shoulder yesterday. It was found that there is significant damage to the shoulder and it is most likely that he'll require season ending surgery. This will be confirmed when he meets with the specialist later this week. Jared Rivers Jared strained abdominal muscles in Monday's match against Collingwood. He will require further testing over the next week which will give him a better indication of the extent of the injury. Jared will be unavailable for selection this weekend.

From MELBOURNEfc: After a decade of a very successful relationship between MELBOURNEfc and the Sandringham Zebras, the two teams involved in the alignment will be parting ways due to MELBOURNEfc's future re-location possibilities. It has been the most successful alignment in VFL/AFL history since the disbanding of the AFL reserves competition in 1999, with premiership success being achieved by Sandringham in 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006. MELBOURNEfc Chairman Paul Gardner said, "MELBOURNEfc has greatly respected our relationship with Sandringham. We have derived a great deal of pleasure from recent successes. "I personally have been a fan of the Zebras for years and have been kept fully abreast by their Board and Chairman. "We have made no secret we are finalising an arrangement to see us in the Casey region and have been talking to the Casey Scorpions for some time now. "We wish the Sandringham Zebras all the very best and look forward to making our own announcements as part of our future strategy in due course."

From St Kilda FC: St Kilda Football Club will change its VFL affiliate Club to Sandringham Zebras from Casey Scorpions to cement an ownership of the Bayside growth corridor and allow Melbourne’s growth plans into Casey. The partnership will become effective at the end of the 2008 season and is for a five year period. The change is a result of extensive discussions with all parties and the result will secure a long-term future between St Kilda and Sandringham. The Saints and the Zebras began discussions as a result of the Melbourne Football Club’s intention to move to the city of Casey and enter into an alignment with the Casey Scorpions. Both Melbourne and Casey have been advised and updated on the continued discussions.

From MELBOURNEfc this morning: MELBOURNEfc’s Matthew Whelan will accept a one match suspension with an early guilty plea for striking Brendan Fevola, Carlton, during the third quarter of the Round Five match between Melbourne and Carlton, played at the MCG on Sunday April 20, 2008.

From the AFL: Matthew Whelan, Melbourne, has been charged with a Level Three striking offence against Brendan Fevola, Carlton, during the third quarter of the Round Five match between Melbourne and Carlton, played at the MCG on Sunday April 20, 2008. In summary, his two-match sanction can be reduced to one match with an early plea. The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points). This is a total of six activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Three offence, drawing 225 demerit points and a two-match sanction. He has an existing bad record of one match suspended within the last three years, increasing the penalty by 10 per cent to 247.50 points. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 185.63 points and a one-match sanction.

From the AFL: Brad Miller, Melbourne, has been charged with a Level One engaging in rough conduct offence against Daniel Pratt, North Melbourne, during the first quarter of the Round Four match between Melbourne and North Melbourne, played at the MCG on Saturday April 12, 2008. In summary, his sanction must remain as a one-game penalty due to his previous poor record, even with an early plea. The incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of four activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level One offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction. He has an existing bad record of four matches suspended within the last three years, increasing the penalty by 40 per cent to 175 demerit points. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent 131.25 points and a one-match sanction.

I was there. The only game I've missed so far was down at KP, and that's because I was not diligent enough to get tickets early in the week and read in the paper it was a sell-out as I was planning to go down. I agree with the post RE the MCC. I am an MCC member but have had both MCC and MFC memberships every year, even when I was skint uni student working part-time. What angers me is this expectation from a fair chunk of the Melbourne-supporting MCC members that the club owes it to THEM to lay on benefit after benefit to convince them to spend their $50 or whatever. I think the biggest illustration of this was when got invited to an MFC business focus-group meeting last year. The topic of our (lack of) signed up MCC members came up and this stereotypical MCC member was whingeing how the club never did anything to try and attract the MCC members to join the club, and that there needed to be far greater inducements to do so. It turned in to quite a stoush when I pointed out to him the number of letters and ads in the MCC newsletter the club had sent, as well as volunteers at the games inside the gate. Even on more the philosophical question of the responsibilities of a committed supporter to a struggling club he still turned up his nose. My frustration is that there are far too many MCC members who are "downhill skiiers" - pardon the stereotype - and are glued to the mindset of "What can the club do for me?", rather than "What can I do for the club?". Passion? Zilch. Committment? Likewise.

I assume your definition of contested is marking on the lead while your opponent tries to punch it away? If that's the case yes, he would be well up there, but how often can you recall him taking a pack mark, or even just one where he's toe-to-toe with his opponent and proves too strong? Unless my observation of matches is awful, hardly ever. I do agree on White though. Was shocking timing for PJ to go down. He has to stay there now.

I am baffled as to why "hardness" is seen as something which makes a player completely immune from (deserved) criticism. It merely glosses over the reality is that Miller is, unfortunately, a player incapable of anything more than strong marks on the lead on the wing, invariably followed by a panicked handball. I do admire his combative approach and agree it's something our players are badly lacking, but even accounting for that does not justify his selection in the team. I held out a lot of hope for him in his early years but for the past two years have been convinced he is trade bait - for anything! The biggest impediment to this was his annoying trait of playing his best game for the year in our last game for the year. This happened at least twice in the past three years and seemingly seduced the coaching staff in to thinking he had turned the corner. In my view, he's just not accountable enough to make it as a defender and not skilled enough to make it as a long-term centre half-forward, because his total lack of confidence in his kicking has meant his urge to handball is at odds with a CHF's goalkicking responsibilities. This instinct to handball which will not change. Yes, he always puts in a lot of effort, but the sad truth is he is just not good enough and should not be kept on at the end of the season. And he definitely won't be alone in that category.

From MELBOURNEfc: MELBOURNEfc is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul McNamee to the position of Chief Executive Officer. MELBOURNEfc Chairman Paul Gardner said, “This is an exciting appointment for the Melbourne Football Club in its 150th year. “Paul brings with him a wealth of experience in the sports marketing and management industry. “Paul has a track record of 20 years of successfully creating partnerships, and a reputation for building strong, effective teams.” ... Paul McNamee said, “It's an enormous and exciting challenge. “I’m excited about the role at MELBOURNEfc and believe there is a lot of potential for growth and success. “The organisation possesses a great heritage and will be a platform for an exciting future. “I look forward to starting with the Club.” ... In what is one of the biggest recruiting coups for the year, McNamee will officially start with MELBOURNEfc on April 7.

From MELBOURNEfc: "MELBOURNEfc’s Brock McLean has been suspended from the Leadership Group indefinitely after being booked for travelling over the speed limit on his way back from Melbourne’s NAB Challenge match in Bendigo. General Manager of Football Operations Chris Connolly said, "This is very disappointing for Brock. He is a highly valued member of the Club, and his training form has been excellent in 2008. He is seen by the match committee to have outstanding leadership qualities, however this behaviour was deemed by his peers to be unacceptable." Brock McLean will, however, be eligible for selection for this week’s NAB Challenge match against North Melbourne at Casey Fields. The Club will be making no further comment on this matter"

Robbo escapes punishment. Just confirmed by the AFL: "The match day report laid against Melbourne's Russell Robertson was assessed. It was the view of the panel that Robertson led for the ball and the Western Bulldogs' Cameron Wight jumped in front of him to mark the ball. Robertson had his eyes on the ball and did not see Wight until contact was unavoidable. Although Robertson turned side on just prior to contact the impact was decreased by Robertson attempting to roll off Wight. The degree of force was therefore considered not unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances. The contact was not considered late and therefore no further action was required."

From the AFL: Adelaide - John Hinge, Darren Pfeiffer. Brisbane Lions - Marcus Allan, Patrick Garner. Carlton - Craig Flint. Collingwood - Guy Richards. Essendon - Kepler Bradley, Richard Cole, Mark Johnson. Fremantle - Clayton Collard, Ryley Dunn, Calib Mourish, James Walker. Geelong - Stephen Owen, Matthew Spencer. Hawthorn - Matt Little, Josh Thurgood. Kangaroos - Blake Grima, Daniel McConnell, David Trotter, Callam Urch. Melbourne - Ryan Ferguson, Simon Godfrey, Heath Neville. Port Adelaide - Ryan Willits. Richmond - Brent Hartigan, Andrew Krakouer, Carl Peterson. St Kilda - Fraser Gehrig, Andrew McQualter, Phil Raymond, Justin Sweeney. Sydney - Simon Phillips, Jonathan Simpkin, Luke Vogels. West Coast - Daniel Chick, Ashley Sampi. Western Bulldogs - Travis Baird, Damian McCormack, Tim Walsh.

Will miss ya heaps, Trav. I can assure you I will be cheering heartily next time you step out on the 'G in colours other than red and navy blue. "Pristine disposal" - the Lions have summed it up very succinctly. From Brisbane FC: "Travis Johnstone has officially joined the Vodafone Brisbane Lions after a trade was struck between the Lions and his previous club Melbourne today. Johnstone was traded from Melbourne in return for a first round selection (pick No.14 overall) in the 2007 National Draft which was earlier secured by the Lions from Collingwood in exchange for ruckman Cameron Wood. "The Lions were thrilled to acquire Johnstone who played 160 games and kicked 111 goals in ten years with the Demons. The gifted 27 year-old midfielder played in 15 matches for the Demons this season averaging 19.6 disposals. "Johnstone was selected with pick No.1 in the 1997 National Draft and has since made a name for himself for his pristine disposal. He was a Rising Star nominee in 1998, Melbourne’s best and fairest winner in 2005, finished equal fourth in the Brownlow Medal in 2002 and was part of the Demons’ 2000 Grand Final side. "His experience, ball winning ability and silky smooth skills will be an asset for the Lions midfield in future seasons. "Johnstone brings with him an already strong connection to the club. His grandfather Norm played 228 senior matches for the Lions between 1944 and 1957 and he was named ruck-rover of the Fitzroy Team of Our Century."

From Carlton FC: The Carlton Football Club has confirmed that Chris Judd has nominated Carlton as the preferred Club to pursue his future career as a senior AFL footballer. Carlton CEO Greg Swann said that the Club will be working through trade negotiations with the West Coast Eagles and Chris’s manager Paul Connors to complete a suitable exchange. “We are delighted that Chris has seen fit to nominate the Carlton Football Club as his future home at a time when the Club is embarking on what will be a new and exciting era,” Swann said. “Now that Chris has selected Carlton, we will formally commence discussions to finalise a trade appropriate to all parties. We are extremely confident that we can strike a suitable deal, but are mindful that there is still much to be done to secure Chris’s services.” The Club will not be making any comment in respect of rumours or speculation about Carlton players or draft selection being exchanged in order for the deal to progress.

From the AFL: The 40-man squad contains 22 players who have never previously won All Australian selection, with club representation broken down as follows: Geelong (nine), Hawthorn (four), Port Adelaide (four), Brisbane Lions (three), Kangaroos (three), St Kilda (three), Sydney (three), West Coast (three), Essendon (two), Fremantle (two), Richmond (two), Adelaide (one), Western Bulldogs (one), Carlton (nil), Collingwood (nil), Melbourne (nil). Defenders Jed Adcock, Brisbane Lions. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. 10 Goals, One Behind. 277 kicks, 98 marks, 178 handballs, averaging 12.6 kicks, 4.5 marks, 8.1 handballs. 32 Clearances, 85 Inside 50m, 50 Rebound 50m. Craig Bolton, Sydney. All Australian 2006. 22 Games in 2007. Three Goals, Two Behinds. 237 kicks, 135 marks, 106 handballs, averaging 10.8 kicks, 6.1 marks, 4.8 handballs. 12 Clearances, 28 Inside 50m, 83 Rebound 50m. Campbell Brown, Hawthorn. Never previously selected. 21 Games in 2007. Four Goals, Three Behinds. 199 kicks, 116 marks, 108 handballs, averaging 9.5 kicks, 5.5 marks, 5.1 handballs. Six Clearances, 26 Inside 50m, 64 Rebound 50m. Matthew Egan, Geelong. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. No goals, No behinds. 115 kicks, 79 marks, 142 handballs, averaging 5.2 kicks, 3.6 marks, 6.5 handballs. 10 Clearances, 10 Inside 50m, 46 Rebound 50m. Sam Fisher, St Kilda. Never previously selected. 20 Games in 2007. No Goals, Two Behinds. 296 kicks, 186 handballs, 110 handballs, averaging 14.8 kicks, 9.3 marks, 5.5 handballs. Seven Clearances, 44 Inside 50m, 95 Rebound 50m. Dustin Fletcher, Essendon. All Australian 2000. 19 games in 2007. Three Goals, Two Behinds. 309 kicks, 144 marks, 85 handballs, averaging 16.3 kicks, 7.6 marks, 4.5 handballs. Six Clearances, 14 Inside 50m, 130 Rebound 50m. Darren Glass, West Coast. All Australian 2006. 22 Games in 2007. One Goal, One Behind. 85 kicks, 76 marks, 163 handballs, averaging 3.9 kicks, 3.5 marks, 7.4 handballs. One Clearance, Three Inside 50m, 30 Rebound 50m. Roger Hayden, Fremantle. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. Three goals, Two Behinds. 230 kicks, 116 marks, 128 handballs, averaging 10.5 kicks, 5.3 marks, 5.8 handballs. 11 Clearances, 35 Inside 50m. 68 Rebound 50m. Andrew McLeod, Adelaide. Four-time All Australian, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006. 22 games in 2007. Six Goals, Five Behinds. 367 kicks, 81 marks, 171 handballs, averaging 16.7 kicks, 3.7 marks, 7.8 handballs. 20 Clearances, 76 Inside 50m, 106 Rebound 50m. Nick Malceski, Sydney. Never previously selected. 22 Games in 2007. 12 Goals, Five Behinds. 318 kicks, 143 marks, 140 handballs, averaging 14.5 kicks, 6.5 marks, 6.4 handballs. 16 Clearances, 81 Inside 50m, 102 Rebound 50m. Darren Milburn, Geelong. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. Five Goals, Eight Behinds. 234 kicks, 155 marks, 260 handballs, averaging 10.6 kicks, 7.0 marks, 11.8 handballs.15 Clearances, 29 Inside 50m, 66 Rebound 50m. Matthew Scarlett, Geelong. Two-time All Australian 2003, 2004. 21 Games in 2007. One Goal, Two Behinds. 236 kicks, 96 marks, 113 handballs, averaging 11.2 kicks, 4.6 marks, 5.4 handballs. Seven Clearances, 25 Inside 50m, 97 Rebound 50m. Forwards Jonathon Brown, Brisbane Lions. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. 77 Goals, 38 Behinds. 239 kicks, 195 marks, 114 handballs, averaging 10.9 kicks, 8.9 marks, 5.2 handballs. 14 Clearances, 59 Inside 50m, Two Rebound 50m. Brett Ebert, Port Adelaide. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. 52 Goals, 23 Behinds. 210 kicks, 110 marks, 41 handballs, averaging 9.5 marks, 5.0 marks, 1.9 handballs. Four Clearances, 70 Inside 50m, Five Rebound 50m. Lance Franklin, Hawthorn. Never previously selected. 20 games in 2007. 63 Goals, 57 Behinds. 184 kicks, 112 marks, 85 handballs, averaging 9.2 kicks, 5.6 marks, 4.3 handballs. Six Clearances, 38 Inside 50m, Six Rebound 50m. Brent Harvey, Kangaroos. Two-time All Australian 2000, 2005. 22 Games in 2207. 31 Goals, 15 Behinds. 328 kicks, 109 marks, 222 handballs, averaging 14.9 kicks, 5.0 marks, 10.1 handballs. 48 Clearances, 95 Inside 50m, 42 Rebound 50m. Brad Johnson, Western Bulldogs. Five-time All Australian 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006 (captain). 21 Games in 2007. 59 Goals, 26 Behinds. 292 kicks, 165 marks, 114 handballs, averaging 13.9 kicks, 7.9 marks, 5.4 handballs. 16 Clearances, 64 Inside 50m, 19 Rebound 50m. Steve Johnson, Geelong. Never previously selected. 17 games in 2007. 41 Goals, 29 Behinds. 241 kicks, 112 marks, 68 handballs, averaging 14.2 kicks, 6.6 marks, 4.0 handballs. 14 Clearances, 65 Inside 50m, 17 Rebound 50m. Corey Jones, Kangaroos. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. 46 Goals, 31 Behinds. 211 kicks, 94 marks, 92 handballs, averaging 9.6 kicks, 4.3 marks, 4.2 handballs. 20 Clearances, 68 Inside 50m, Five Rebound 50m. Scott Lucas, Essendon. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. 61 goals, 28 Behinds. 292 kicks, 159 marks, 66 handballs, averaging 13.3 kicks, 7.2 marks, 3.0 handballs. Zero Clearances, 71 Inside 50m, 25 Rebound 50m. Cam Mooney, Geelong. Never previously selected. 22 games in 2007. 55 Goals, 34 Behinds. 213 kicks, 166 marks, 80 handballs, averaging 9.7 kicks, 7.5 marks, 3.6 handballs. No Clearances, 61 Inside 50m. One Rebound 50m. Matthew Pavlich, Fremantle. Four-time All Australian 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006. 22 games in 2007. 72 Goals, 48 Behinds. 298 kicks, 203 marks, 83 handballs, averaging 13.5 kicks, 9.2 marks, 3.8 handballs. 11 Clearances, 88 Inside 50m, Eight Rebound 50m. Matthew Richardson, Richmond. Two-time All Australian 1996, 1999. 22 Games in 2007. 53 Goals, 40 Behinds. 261 kicks, 196 marks, 72 handballs, averaging 11.9 kicks, 8.9 marks, 3.3 handballs. Two Clearances, 71 Inside 50m, Seven Rebound 50m. Nick Riewoldt, St Kilda. Two-time All Australian 2004, 2006. 20 Games in 2007. 42 Goals, 25 Behinds. 293 kicks, 193 marks, 68 handballs, averaging 14.7 kicks, 9.7 marks, 3.4 handballs. Nine Clearances, 89 Inside 50m, Six Rebound 50m. Midfielders / Ruckmen Gary Ablett, Geelong. Never previously selected. 22 Games in 2007. 26 Goals, 23 Behinds. 315 kicks, 87 marks, 270 handballs, averaging 14.3 kicks, 4.0 marks, 12.3 handballs. 81 Clearances, 130 Inside 50m, 47 Rebound 50m. Jimmy Bartel, Geelong. Never previously selected. 20 Games in 2007. 15 Goals, Eight Behinds. 291 kicks, 127 marks, 254 handballs, averaging 14.6 kicks, 6.4 marks, 12.7 handballs. 77 Clearances, 78 Inside 50m, 52 Rebound 50m. Joel Corey, Geelong. Never previously selected. 22 Games in 2007. Seven Goals, Nine Behinds. 301 kicks, 105 marks, 281 handballs, averaging 13.7 kicks, 4.8 marks, 12.8 handballs. 117 Clearances, 103 Inside 50m, 40 Rebound 50m. Chad Cornes, Port Adelaide. All Australian 2004. 22 Games in 2007. 16 Goals, 10 Behinds. 380 kicks, 159 marks, 182 handballs, averaging 17.3 kicks, 7.2 marks, 8.3 handballs. 56 Clearances, 99 Inside 50m, 82 Rebound 50m. Kane Cornes, Port Adelaide. All Australian 2005. 22 Games in 2007. Nine Goals, Nine Behinds. 317 kicks, 151 marks, 296 handballs, averaging 14.4 kicks, 6.9 marks, 13.5 handballs. 61 Clearances, 72 Inside 50m, 51 Rebound 50m. Dean Cox, West Coast. Two-time All Australian 2005, 2006. 19 Games in 2007. 11 Goals, Nine Behinds. 203 kicks, 136 marks, 147 handballs, averaging 10.7 kicks, 7.2 marks, 7.7 handballs. 439 hit outs, averaging 23.1 hit outs. 44 Clearances, 62 Inside 50m, 42 Rebound 50m. Nick Dal Santo, St Kilda. All Australian 2005. 22 Games in 2007. Nine Goals, Nine Behinds. 290 kicks, 66 marks, 182 handballs, averaging 13.2 kicks, 3.0 marks, 8.3 handballs. 71 Clearances, 77 Inside 50m, 53 Rebound 50m. Luke Hodge, Hawthorn. All Australian 2005. 22 Games in 2007. 23 Goals, 14 Behinds. 303 kicks, 122 marks, 205 handballs, averaging 13.8 kicks, 5.5 marks, 9.3 handballs. 77 Clearances, 87 Inside 50m, 51 Rebound 50m. Nathan Foley, Richmond. Never previously selected. 22 Games in 2007. Six Goals, Six Behinds. 246 kicks, 46 marks, 286 handballs, averaging 11.2 kicks, 2.1 marks, 13.0 handballs. 105 Clearances, 71 Inside 50m, 38 Rebound 50m. Daniel Kerr, West Coast. Never previously selected. 17 Games in 2007. Eight Goals, 11 Behinds. 223 kicks, 46 marks, 238 handballs, averaging 13.1 kicks, 2.7 marks, 14.0 handballs. 89 Clearances, 58 Inside 50m, 40 Rebound 50m. Brett Kirk, Sydney. All Australian 2004. 22 Games in 2007. Seven Goals, Five Behinds. 207 kicks, 75 marks, 283 handballs, averaging 9.4 kicks, 3.4 marks, 12.9 handballs. 118 Clearances, 56 Inside 50m, 26 Rebound 50m. Brendan Lade, Port Adelaide. All Australian 2006. 22 Games in 2007. 15 Goals, Five Behinds. 181 kicks, 113 marks, 89 handballs, averaging 8.2 kicks, 5.1 handballs, 4.0 handballs. 469 hit outs averaging 21.3 hit outs. 51 Clearances, 47 Inside 50m, 25 Rebound 50m. Nigel Lappin, Brisbane Lions. Four-time All Australian 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004. 18 games in 2007. Four Goals, Six Behinds. 257 kicks, 85 marks, 225 handballs, averaging 14.3 kicks, 4.7 marks, 12.5 handballs. 83 Clearances, 69 Inside 50m, 45 Rebound 50m. Cameron Ling, Geelong. Never previously selected. 21 Games in 2007. 27 Goals, Four Behinds. 192 kicks, 94 marks, 225 handballs, averaging 9.1 kicks, 4.5 marks, 10.7 handballs. 45 Clearances, 52 Inside 50m, 23 Rebound 50m. Hamish McIntosh, Kangaroos. Never previously selected. 22 Games in 2007. 10 Goals, 10 Behinds. 229 kicks, 101 marks, 124 handballs, averaging 10.4 kicks, 4.6 handballs, 5.6 handballs. 411 hit outs, averaging 18.7 hit outs. 45 Clearances, 80 Inside 50m, 27 Rebound 50m. Sam Mitchell, Hawthorn. Never previously selected. 21 Games in 2007. Two Goals, Three Behinds. 238 kicks, 117 marks, 305 handballs, averaging 11.3 kicks, 5.6 marks, 14.5 handballs. 109 Clearances, 79 Inside 50m, 32 Rebound 50m

From MELBOURNEfc: MELBOURNEfc today announced that its football department head for the next three years will be Chris Connolly. Connolly, 44, has been appointed Football Manager and will oversee all football operations, including coaching and player development and list management. Connolly is the former Fremantle coach, an 84 game player for MELBOURNEfc, and Club life member. Connolly came from Melbourne’s Under 19s to the senior list from 1983 to 1991, with knee reconstructions in 1987 and 1990. From 1992 to 1996 he coached Eastern Ranges, then was reserves and senior assistant coach at Hawthorn from 1996 to 2001, before taking on the senior role at Fremantle from 2002 to earlier this year. He has a Bachelor of Education majoring in physical education, and has strong networks in the football, business, cricket, basketball and mental skills areas. He replaces Chris Fagan, who finishes later this month to move to the Hawthorn Football Club. Chris Connolly said : "I obviously set out to become senior coach of Melbourne, but I am absolutely delighted with this outcome." (More to come on website, I imagine)

Has decided to challenge his suspension at the tribunal. From the AFL: The AFL wishes to advise the Tribunal will sit tonight at 5pm, Tuesday September 4, after Melbourne's Michael Newton chose to contest the charge laid against him by the Match Review Panel from the weekend's round of matches. Please also find detailed below those sanctions accepted. AFL Tribunal, 5pm, Tuesday September 4: Michael Newton, Melbourne, has been charged with charging Paul Bower, Carlton, during the second quarter of the Round 22 match between Melbourne and Carlton, played at the MCG on Sunday September 2, 2007. The incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Two offence, drawing 225 demerit points and a two-match sanction. He has no existing good or bad record.

Can accept one week with an early plea. From the AFL: Michael Newton, Melbourne, has been charged with charging Paul Bower, Carlton, during the second quarter of the Round 22 match between Melbourne and Carlton, played at the MCG on Sunday September 2, 2007. In summary, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea. The incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Two offence, drawing 225 demerit points and a two-match sanction. He has no existing good or bad record. An early plea reduces the sanction by 25 per cent to 168.75 points and a one-match sanction.

Exact verdict from the AFL: Ben Johnson, Collingwood, has been charged with making forceful contact from front-on against Daniel Bell, Melbourne, during the third quarter of the Round 20 match between Collingwood and Melbourne, played at the MCG on Friday August 17, 2007. In summary, due to existing carry-over points from an earlier offence, his penalty can only be reduced to a six-match sanction with an early plea. The incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), severe impact (four points) and high contact (two points). This is a total of eight activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Five offence, drawing 750 demerit points and a seven-match sanction. He has 70.31 demerit points carried over from within the last 12 months, increasing the penalty to 820.31 points and an eight-match sanction. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 615.23 points and a six-match sanction. Jason Roe from the Lions offered one week and 87.5 points carried over.

Brings a tear to the eye.....

#1 - Jamie Charman. Not a flashy player but just the type of effective, intimidating ruckman we need. As my housemate observed, some players are good blokes with a bit of mongrel in them, but Charman's a mongrel with a little bit of good in him (maybe...). I know he's virtually pledged his future to the Lions - http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/char...3833599064.html - but even so I think we should do all we can to convince him he can lead the recovery at Melbourne. Whaddya reckon? Other candidates?