AFL Daily: trade news, Richmond’s Shai Bolton re-signs for two more years, Joe Daniher, Tom Papley, Jack Martin

Cats back Gazza to bounce back

Ben Broad

Geelong assistant coach Corey Enright has backed Gary Ablett and his fellow senior Cats to bounce back to form in Friday’s AFL semi-final against West Coast.

Ablett was well held by Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard and was among a number of key Geelong players to have their colours lowered in their qualifying final loss.

“You do back your stars in, your champions in. They’ve been there, they’ve done it so they understand what it takes and what’s required,” Enright said.

“So Gary would be the first person to put his hand up and say he needs to play a little bit better than he did on on the weekend. And I’m sure that he will respond in the right way.”

The Cats were criticised for their slowball movement and a lack of forward potency against the Magpies, but Enright said they could deliver an improved performance while sticking to their current style.

“It’s just important that we obviously keep playing our way and keep backing our system in and it’s worked for so long throughout the year,” Enright said.

“So we obviously want to take our chances when we go forward – we missed a few opportunities early in the game which would have made the scoreboard look a bit different – but continuing to play our way for long periods of the game.”

Enright said a call would be made on forward Gary Rohan, who is dealing with a knee issue, after training on Thursday while the Cats will also have to consider how they deal with West Coast ruck duo Nic Naitanui and Tom Hickey.

The Geelong forward group will also have the task of dealing with West Coast’s formidable defensive unit, with Jeremy McGovern and Brad Sheppard key to a group that generates attacking opportunities from the back half.

“It’s a huge strength of theirs, they’ve obviously played together for a long time and all those players – they’ve got All-Australians across the board there so it’s going to be a huge challenge for our boys,” Enright said.

“We’re under no illusions what it’s going to take and we’ll have to get a game plan that’s going to complement what we can do.”

– AAP

Is this the Eagle Cats must stop?

Ben Broad

When Geelong coach Chris Scott casts an eye over which star Eagle he needs to tag in Friday night’s AFL semi-final, he may want to focus his attention on veteran defender Lewis Jetta.

Luke Shuey is an out-and-out star who won last year’s Norm Smith medal, Andrew Gaff has the ball on a string, and Elliot Yeo has now established himself as one of the best on-ballers in the competition.

Those three midfield stars are at the top of their game and will receive silver-spoon service from ruckman Nic Naitanui against the Cats at the MCG.

But what has flown somewhat under the radar is the influence of Jetta from half back, and more specifically his crazy good kicking.

Jetta struggled in the midfield and up forward in his first two seasons at the Eagles.

But the 30-year-old has developed a niche in defence over the past two years, becoming one of the team’s most important players.

Jetta’s dashes from defence are crucial, but it’s his pin-point, long-range passing that takes the breath away.

The 195-game former Swan sees passing options like few other players do. And what’s more, he is among the very few players in the league who boast the talent to hit those near-impossible options on the chest.

That skill has become a key weapon for West Coast, with Eagles players regularly looking to dish off a handball to Jetta so he can cut open the opposition’s set-up with a slicing pass up the middle.

Tagging defenders isn’t anything new, and it’s an option the Cats are set to explore thoroughly this week.

Teams have regularly tried to play a defensive forward on star Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern over the past two years in order to negate his intercept marking prowess.

And in West Coast’s 55-point win over Essendon last week, Eagles coach Adam Simpson had no hesitation in sending tagger Mark Hutchings straight to rebounding Bombers defender Adam Saad.

Geelong boast the midfield talent to go head-to-head with West Coast in an all-out battle, but Scott still may choose to lock down on either Shuey or Yeo. And a big decision he faces is whether to play a negating forward or tagger on either McGovern or Jetta.

Coaches know that if you apply too many tags it will rob you of the ability to attack, so Scott needs to pick wisely.

Simpson, like many AFL fans, has been mesmerised by Jetta’s skills from defence.

“What he does with the ball is really impressive, and he’s working really hard on how he defends,” Simpson said.

“Every week I see slight improvement in his defensive attributes. He hasn’t let us down too often.”

– AAP

Deledio: Greene may have to curb aggression

Tim Michell

Brett Deledio says GWS teammate Toby Greene needs to look at the way he goes about his footy, after the Giants star received another fine from the AFL tribunal.
Greene – who has now racked up 17 charges and more than $26,000 worth of fines across his AFL career – was fined $7,500 but avoided a suspension after he pleaded guilty at the AFL tribunal to serious misconduct on Western Bulldogs opponent Marcus Bontempelli.
“I think Toby plays his best footy when he’s playing on the edge, he’s one of our leaders and a guy that really stands up in big moments,” Deledio said on Wednesday.
“And I think if he changes the way he plays then he probably might not play to the same standard.”

However, Deledio did acknowledge some modifications may be necessary. “He needs to look at the way he probably does things a little bit, obviously by going to the tribunal on Monday night, but we love the way Toby goes about it and the way he plays for us.”

Bontempelli was restricted to 13 disposals in the Giants’ elimination final win by a hard tag from Matt de Boer and the Giants are keen to maintain their aggressive approach against Brisbane in Saturday night’s semi-final at the Gabba.
“That was probably the way we wanted to play against the whole Bulldogs team,” Deledio said.
“We did that last year against the Swans as well and our biggest challenge is to be able to do that against the Lions again this week.
“A hard, aggressive brand of footy would be what we’re looking forward to trying to do.”

Deledio, who will retire at season’s end, suffered another calf injury against the Bulldogs and has been ruled out against the Lions, with a return only likely if the Giants make the grand final.
“There’s a little bit of hope that I can heal up really quickly like I have done in the past and and give myself one last crack if the boys can continue to win,” he said.
“It’s probably a long shot. I’m pretty realistic about it.
“I think I need minimum probably 10 days to two weeks of just rest and recovery to allow it to heal and then I have to build up really quickly and roll the dice once again.”
AAP

Grand final week party dumped

Tim Michell

Scott Gullan reports…

Say goodbye to the biggest night on the AFL social calendar.

Virgin Australia has quietly dumped its Grand Final week party. The elaborate no expense spared A-lister bash has fallen victim to AFL cost cutting.

Since 2013 the Wednesday night of grand final week has belonged to Virgin. It has rightly claimed the title as one of the best Melbourne party events for the year.

It has clearly taken over from the heavily scrutinised Brownlow Medal night, we can thank Brendan Fevola for that, as the party where the industry prefers to let its hair down.

Player managers, club officials and head office honchos who may bicker during the year, come together as one as the beer, champagne and cocktails flow freely.

MORE: https://bit.ly/2kGsnrt

Jay Clark

North Melbourne has overhauled its coaching department and is on the hunt for a new list manager for next season.

The Kangaroos have appointed former Collingwood and Carlton star and Darley coach Heath Scotland to a development role.

Scotland said he was excited for the opportunity.

"After I finished up at Carlton, Brett Ratten urged me to get out of the AFL system to get some coaching experience of my own," Scotland said.

"I took his advice and completed various coaching courses, and have spent the past five years gaining some valuable experience with my own sides.

“Over the past twelve months in particular, I've felt the time is right to come back to the AFL and was considering some options when the phone rang and Shawry was on the line."

Scotland will work with the first-to-four-year players.

Ex-Roo tough nut Leigh Adams will also join the club in a development position.

There will also be two new faces in the divisional line coaching ranks, with long-time Melbourne assistant coach Jade Rawlings coming on as new midfield coach.

Jared Moore will be in charge of stoppages.

Former Hawk Brendan Whitecross will be promoted from a development position into a line coaching position at North.

The changes round out the moves will which will significantly revamp North's coaching box for 2020 under new senior coach Rhyce Shaw.

List chief Michael McMahon, who arrived at the club from Geelong Cats, will leave at the end of the exchange period.

McMahon arrived at the club in 2016 but the Roos have been unable to land a big-name star recruit in-line with its strategy over the past three years.

North Melbourne’s new footy boss Brady Rawlings is orchestrating the changes while he continues in his role as West Coast list manager.

North poached Rawlings from the Eagles mid-year to head up its football department.

Teammate Zach Merrett has conceded Joe Daniher is weighing up his options amid ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Sydney.
Daniher has been linked with the Swans since meeting their chief executive Tom Harley in August and hasn’t definitively said he will stay with the Bombers long-term.
“Joe’s obviously got to make his mind up himself,” Merrett said on Wednesday.

“I think he’s made it pretty clear that he’s going to have a bit of time away and decide what he wants to do with his footy going forward.

“So the club’s fully supportive of Joe and whatever he does and I hope that he’s hopefully at Essendon next year.”

An All-Australian in 2017, Daniher has been restricted to just 11 games over the past two seasons through injury, with a groin issue ending his 2019 season early.

Speaking at the unveiling of a Tayla Harris statue at Federation Square, Merrett acknowledged the difficulty of Melbourne’s footy “bubble”, but said he believed it would be a tough call for Daniher to leave the Bombers.

“I’m not too sure, I mean, he’s got a lot of friends and family in Melbourne,” Merrett said.
“So although it is a bit of a footy bubble, I’m sure he loves being supported by his close family and friends and he’s got some great relationships at the Essendon footy club.
“So I think it’d be a pretty tough decision to walk away but he’s got to make up his own mind.”

Daniher was eligible as a father-son selection for both Essendon and Sydney before joining the Bombers in the 2012 AFL draft.
He has since played 104 games for the Bombers and Merrett said the club would be supportive of the forward taking his time to consider his future.

“I think it’s the reality of the industry is you have to put yourself first at times,” Merrett said.
“And Joe’s been enormous for the Essendon footy club but he’s had a pretty trying couple of years recently.
“So I think it’s up to him what he wants to do and I’m sure the club will be very supportive of him.”
AAP

Daniher weighing up Dons future

Tim Michell

Teammate Zach Merrett has conceded Joe Daniher is weighing up his options amid ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Sydney.
Daniher has been linked with the Swans since meeting their chief executive Tom Harley in August and hasn’t definitively said he will stay with the Bombers long-term.
“Joe’s obviously got to make his mind up himself,” Merrett said on Wednesday.

“I think he’s made it pretty clear that he’s going to have a bit of time away and decide what he wants to do with his footy going forward.

“So the club’s fully supportive of Joe and whatever he does and I hope that he’s hopefully at Essendon next year.”

An All-Australian in 2017, Daniher has been restricted to just 11 games over the past two seasons through injury, with a groin issue ending his 2019 season early.

Speaking at the unveiling of a Tayla Harris statue at Federation Square, Merrett acknowledged the difficulty of Melbourne’s footy “bubble”, but said he believed it would be a tough call for Daniher to leave the Bombers.

“I’m not too sure, I mean, he’s got a lot of friends and family in Melbourne,” Merrett said.
“So although it is a bit of a footy bubble, I’m sure he loves being supported by his close family and friends and he’s got some great relationships at the Essendon footy club.
“So I think it’d be a pretty tough decision to walk away but he’s got to make up his own mind.”

Daniher was eligible as a father-son selection for both Essendon and Sydney before joining the Bombers in the 2012 AFL draft.
He has since played 104 games for the Bombers and Merrett said the club would be supportive of the forward taking his time to consider his future.

“I think it’s the reality of the industry is you have to put yourself first at times,” Merrett said.
“And Joe’s been enormous for the Essendon footy club but he’s had a pretty trying couple of years recently.
“So I think it’s up to him what he wants to do and I’m sure the club will be very supportive of him.”
AAP

Carlton is the frontrunner to land Jack Martin, but what price will the club have to pay to secure Tom Papley?

The Blues currently hold pick No.8 in the national draft as a result of their pick swap with Adelaide, which the Swans could demand for their contracted small forward.

Papley has a deal with the Swans until the end of 2023, which will require Carlton to pay a high price to convince Sydney to play ball.

TRADES UNPLUGGED: https://bit.ly/2k4Cm9A

Young Tigers duo locked in until 2021

Tim Michell

Shai Bolton has resisted interest from his home state to re-sign with Richmond for the next two seasons.

The WA product, who has played 17 senior games during a breakout season, had been linked with West Coast.

But after averaging 14 disposals, three marks and four tackles this year, he has committed his future to Punt Road.

Father-son Patrick Naish, who made his debut this season, has also signed on.

Naish was one of the VFL's most dominant players this year, averaging 24 possessions per game.

“Both Shai and Patrick had strong pre-seasons and we’re rapt to see their hard work transfer into the AFL season,” Richmond list manager Blair Hartley said.

“They’re both talented players, with more development to come which is exciting, and we’re looking forward to seeing them progress over the next few years.”

Roos add Scotland to coaching panel

Tim Michell

Jay Clark

North Melbourne has overhauled its coaching department and is on the hunt for a new list manager for next season.

The Kangaroos have appointed former Collingwood and Carlton star and Darley coach Heath Scotland to a development role.

Scotland said he was excited for the opportunity.

"After I finished up at Carlton, Brett Ratten urged me to get out of the AFL system to get some coaching experience of my own," Scotland said.

"I took his advice and completed various coaching courses, and have spent the past five years gaining some valuable experience with my own sides.

“Over the past twelve months in particular, I've felt the time is right to come back to the AFL and was considering some options when the phone rang and Shawry was on the line."

Scotland will work with the first-to-four-year players.

Ex-Roo tough nut Leigh Adams will also join the club in a development position.

There will also be two new faces in the divisional line coaching ranks, with long-time Melbourne assistant coach Jade Rawlings coming on as new midfield coach.

Jared Moore will be in charge of stoppages.

Former Hawk Brendan Whitecross will be promoted from a development position into a line coaching position at North.

The changes round out the moves will which will significantly revamp North's coaching box for 2020 under new senior coach Rhyce Shaw.

List chief Michael McMahon, who arrived at the club from Geelong Cats, will leave at the end of the exchange period.

McMahon arrived at the club in 2016 but the Roos have been unable to land a big-name star recruit in-line with its strategy over the past three years.

North Melbourne’s new footy boss Brady Rawlings is orchestrating the changes while he continues in his role as West Coast list manager.

North poached Rawlings from the Eagles mid-year to head up its football department.

NewsBite

Richmond forward Shai Bolton resists home move as Tigers re-sign key pair

Updates

Cats back Gazza to bounce back

Is this the Eagle Cats must stop?

Deledio: Greene may have to curb aggression

Grand final week party dumped

Daniher weighing up Dons future

Young Tigers duo locked in until 2021

Roos add Scotland to coaching panel

Richmond forward Shai Bolton resists home move as Tigers re-sign key pair

Updates

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