Summer watch: Keep up to date with the latest news from every club over 2019 AFL pre-season
West Coast says star ruckman Nic Naitanui is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a second knee reconstruction, fuelling hopes he will be able to return by round 15 next season. How is your club shaping on the track?
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Nic Naitanui is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a second knee reconstruction, fuelling hopes the West Coast ruckman will be able to return by round 15 next season.
Naitanui missed more than 18 months of action after tearing the ACL in his left knee in round 22, 2016.
The 28-year-old was dealt another huge blow in round 17 last season when he tore the ACL in his right knee.
Some experts predicted Naitanui would need another 18 months to recover from the second knee reconstruction.
But his recovery this time around is going much smoother.
The 201cm Naitanui has recently progressed to kicking footballs and straight-line speed work at training.
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“Nic is tracking really well,” West Coast football operations manager Craig Vozzo said.
“It’s probably ahead of where he would’ve been at the same time when the other knee was reconstructed. We’ve had less setbacks in this rehab phase compared to last time.
“He’s in a happy space doing a bit more on ground, he just started that this week, which was really encouraging for him and for us.
“So, all being well, we’ll see more and more of him integrating into training in the new year.”
Spearhead Josh Kennedy is recovering well from a left shoulder operation.
“JK’s probably ahead of where we expected him to be with his shoulder rehab post-surgery,” Vozzo said.
“He’s doing a lot of aerobic work now (and) building up slowly in the gym.
“We’re confident that come late January he should be joining in the main group in a lot of stuff, and the skills stuff after Christmas.”
Tom Barrass had been struggling to overcome a foot injury but has improved rapidly in recent weeks.
His fellow defender Liam Duggan (knee surgery) is on the verge of returning to full training.
Jamie Cripps (hamstring) and Elliot Yeo (toe) are further behind but are expected to ramp up their loads in January.
Catch up on the latest pre-season news from your club below
ADELAIDE
REILLY O’Brien’s bid to put genuine pressure on Sam Jacobs for Adelaide’s ruck spot is off to a promising start after he finished third in the club’s 2km time trial.
O’Brien, who had his season cut short by shoulder surgery, was showing the benefits of a big off-season when he shadowed Wayne Milera and Jake Kelly in the race against the clock.
He was also in the front running pack when the 1-4 year players returned to pre-season at Mount Barker two weeks ago, going toe-to-toe with Rory Sloane.
The 23-year-old played two AFL games in 2016 and did not feature at the top level in 2017.
The Crows were also buoyed to see Brad Crouch back on the track after he missed all of the 2018 season with a groin injury.
David Mackay (Achilles), Jordan Gallucci (toe) and Kyle Hartigan (knee) will be on modified programs until at least the new year.
ADELAIDE faces a big decision on its captain for 2019 after last year’s disastrous campaign. There are growing calls for gun midfielder Rory Sloane to take over from Taylor Walker following his decision to sign a contract extension with the Crows. Sloane returned to training two weeks early with the first to fourth-year players. Delisted ruckman Paul Hunter and development squad member James Loneragan are training with the group ahead of the draft.
THE Crows snared SANFL excitement machine Shane McAdam as part of the Mitch McGovern trade. The 23-year-old from Sturt can light up the game with his exhilarating high-marking and freakish goalkicking. He will be on the SuperCoach watch-list as someone who can make an immediate impact in the Crows’ forward line in 2019.
ADELAIDE’S 2019 fixture has been rated the second-easiest in the league, according to Champion Data. After missing finals this year, the Crows will play three double-up games against non-finalists Gold Coast, St Kilda and Port Adelaide. They also play premier West Coast and Geelong twice.
- Jay Clark
BRISBANE LIONS
BRISBANE livewire Charlie Cameron is eyeing a return to full training before the New Year, his recovery from the Lisfranc injury he suffered mid-season almost complete. Defender Darcy Gardiner has made a welcome return after his shoulder injury, while Connor Ballenden will be hunting a debut game in 2019. Others yet to make their debuts are the Lions draft crop in Tom Joyce (hip), Tom Berry (knee) and Connor McFadyen (foot), who are all recovering from injuries and are yet to resume full training.
RECRUIT Lachie Neale has taken over the No.9 jumper from departed former skipper Dayne Beams. The former Fremantle star will move into Beams’ locker after the former Lions skipper returned to Collingwood in the trade period. Fellow recruits Lincoln McCarthy (No.11) and Marcus Adams (No.24) have also got their numbers.
CHRIS Fagan is spending time visiting some English Premier League soccer clubs on a tour of the United Kingdom in recent weeks. Fagan said he was taking a close look at the clubs’ academies, player development systems, team culture-building and recruiting methods.
THE Lions may have picked up one of the steals of the exchange period, snaring out-of-favour Gold Coast midfielder Jarryd Lyons. Despite criticism of his running capacity, Lyons was one of the Suns’ best contested possession and clearance winners, but was dropped to the NEAFL this year. The Lions picked up the 26-year-old for nothing as a delisted free agent.
- Jay Clark
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CARLTON
CARLTON dealt the shock news that new co-captain Sam Docherty would spend another season on the sidelines after reinjuring the same knee that cost him season 2018.
The Blues say they will look internally to fill the gun running defender’s role, rather than look for a replacement player. Recruit Will Setterfield still has some progress to make on his own ACL recovery, while it’s better news for fellow new man Alex Fasolo who is is back training with the main group after overcoming his ankle problems.
FORMER Demon Tomas Bugg says he won’t change his ways at his new club. Bugg was selected in the rookie draft after training with the Blues following his delisting by Melbourne. “I met with Brendon (Bolton) and Stephen (Silvagni) and they just really instilled that they believe in me and they want me to be myself,” Bugg told reporters.
THE Blues dismissed unfounded rumours that gun midfielder — and new co-captain — Patrick Cripps had suffered a serious knee injury at training. Cripps looked in good shape when the team hit the track on Monday.
THE Blues have added Hawthorn premiership fitness guru Andrew Russell, in one of the biggest off-field moves of the off-season. Russell played a crucial role in the Hawks’ recent four premiership wins, helping revive the careers of injury-hit stars Shaun Burgoyne, Brian Lake, Luke Hodge and, over the past two years, Jaeger O’Meara. Russell has already begun work at Carlton as new high performance director.
- Jay Clark
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COLLINGWOOD
COLLINGWOOD veteran Lynden Dunn is on track for an early-season return from the ACL tear that ended his 2018 season in Round 15.
Football manager Geoff Walsh said Dunn and fellow veteran Tyson Goldsack, who made a stunning six-month recovery from his knee reconstruction last season, were both tracking well, while fellow ACL victim Matt Scharenberg is still facing another four months on the sidelines.
MAGPIE fans hoping to see draftee Isaac Quaynor rocketing off half-back next season will be buoyed by his top-three finish in a 2km time-trial.
Tom Phillips defended his time-time trial crown on the first day of pre-season training for the full squad ahead of Max Lynch, Quaynor, Brody Mihocek and James Aish.
INJURY-plagued Collingwood stars Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore have returned from a trip to Germany to see a world-renowned hamstring specialist.
Collingwood hopes the trip to see world-renowned doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt, who has previously treated teammate Ben Reid, Tiger Dylan Grimes, ex-Pie and Saint Nathan Freeman and Geelong premiership player Max Rooke, will be a “watershed” moment in the pair’s careers.
Elliott failed to play a game this season after pre-season ankle surgery and then consecutive hamstring problems, while Moore managed just seven matches — three of which he failed to finish after suffering further hamstring injuries. Tim Broomhead is on light duties as he recovers from a broken leg.
BACK-again Collingwood recruit Dayne Beams reported for his first day of Pies training with his late father in his heart — and on his skin. Beams, a tattoo devotee, is sporting his most sentimental ink yet — his dad Phillip on his left arm. “Thanks so much @daggertattoo for giving me something that I will carry with pride for the rest of my life. Words can’t describe what this tattoo means to me. #dad,” he posted on Instagram.
- Sam Edmund
ESSENDON
THE Dons have a couple of stars dealing with injury struggles, with big man Joe Daniher still working his way into full fitness after he missed three quarters of the season with osteitis pubis. Orazio Fantasia is over the hamstring injury that cost him time last season, but has busted his finger and has another three-five weeks in a splint before he can return to full training. Big man Tom Bellchambers is recovering from shoulder surgery. Martin Gleeson is still on light duties with his ankle issues, while Josh Begley’s recovery from his ACL tear continues.
ESSENDON midfielder Zach Merrett says he needs to hit the scoreboard harder to become a more well-rounded and damaging midfielder next season.
But the ball magnet bristled at suggestions he struggled with a tag and says he is looking forward to any heavy attention which comes his way next year.
He kicked five goals last season, and has 25 majors over the past four years.
“I think I need to kick more goals, and have more impact going forward,” Merrett said.
“It is not all defined by numbers and goals, but about encouraging my teammates to go forward as well.”
DYLAN Shiel is in full training after making the move in the off-season. The former Giant said his body had never been in better condition.
“I’m ready to go. It’s the first time ever going into a pre-season injury-free and without surgery,” Shiel told SEN 1116.
THE Bombers finally have clear air to attack the pre-season and the 2019 campaign, according to chief executive Xavier Campbell. The arrival of Dylan Shiel, anticipated development of a host of youngsters and the improved synergy of Devon Smith, Adam Saad and Jake Stringer has seen the hype meter explode at Tullamarine. Campbell said the club was now in an “exciting position”. “I think we’ve got a really clear run at it,” Campbell said.
“There have been a range of distractions over the years but now we’re at a point, and I know John (Worsfold) has spoken about this before, that we can see the steps that we’re taking now.
“We don’t have the distractions. Our peripheral vision isn’t clouded anymore and that’s exciting.”
THE playing list continues to grow and so does Essendon’s facilities. The Bombers will secure a $4 million contribution towards the development of its training base should the Labor Party win the next federal election. Under the scheme, the club would share an expanded Hangar with the Australian Paralympic Committee. Plans for the new facility include dormitory accommodation, which the APC will use for training camps and Essendon for its Next Generation Academy members.
- Sam Edmund
FREMANTLE
FREMANTLE suffered a major pre-season blow with wingman Stephen Hill to be sidelined for up to eight weeks after sugery on his quad.
Hill battled troublesome quad injuries last season and reported to medical staff that he experienced discomfort while kicking during a pre-season training session.
“Options to rectify the issue were considered by our medical team, with the specialist’s advice being that Stephen undergo a procedure to remove the scar tissue on his quad,” football manager Peter Bell said.
“Stephen had the procedure on Monday and the medical advice following his recovery is that he will be able to resume running in six to eight weeks.”
Apart from Hill, the Dockers’ list of injured stars is looking more promising. New key forward Jesse Hogan has started running again as he works his way back from a navicular problem than ended his season before the Demons’ finals run. Much-maligned Harley Bennell is reportedly in good shape and has taken part in all drills as he recovers from the calf issue that has plagued him for much of the past two seasons. Both Connor Blakely (knee) is set for more midfield time with Lachie Neale at the door, but Adam Cerra has reportedly done a power of running as he, too, looks to fill the void. Griffin Logue (foot) is back on a full program and new Dockers’ draftee Tobe Watson has revealed he’s one of his best mates.
“We went to the same school and played a lot of footy with him,” Watson said.
“I’ve moved in with him and Rory Lobb for the first few weeks at the club.”
DON’T expect to see any reports that Nat Fyfe is flying on the training track, at least until next year. Entering his 10th pre-season, the Dockers skipper will take a cautious approach with a view to playing more than 20 games next year.
“I had a slight clean-up on my knee, so I’m a bit later with my off-season preparations. I won’t be flying until after Christmas at least,” he said.
“This is my 10th pre-season. No records are going to be set by me in December, January, February.
“I really want to play 20-25 games of good footy next year. My focus is to train as much as I can and not be hitting straps until around that Round 1 period and try to play the full year next year.”
Fyfe indicated Connor Blakely, Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra were likely to see more time in the midfield next year after the departure of Lachie Neale.
FREO’S batch of new recruits have been assigned their new jumpers. Former Melbourne spearhead Jesse Hogan has gone from 1 to the No.11 made available by Tommy Sheridan’s delisting and Travis Colyer took 33 from the delisted Cameron Sutcliffe. Danyle Pearce’s retirement freed up the No.6 for Reece Conca, while Rory Lobb keeps his GWS number - 37- after Michael Johnson retired.
BAILEY Banfield is still growing - literally as well as metaphorically. Freo’s 2018 surprise packet has returned to training 2cm taller and 5kg heavier than when he was taken in the rookie draft 12 months ago. At 190cm and 90kg, Banfield believes he can become more versatile and contribute to a beefed-up Dockers line-up as defensive forward, midfielder or lockdown midfielder.
- Sam Edmund
GEELONG
DEFENDER Zach Tuohy will have a delayed start to pre-season training after having arthrospic surgery on his knee.
It is a rare injury setback for the 28-year-old, who has not missed a match since the 2012 season.
The minor clean up was booked in to fix an issue he played through late in the season.
“It has been a good few years since I have missed a game but this isn’t threatening Round 1, this is going to be well & truly good by then.” Tuohy said.
Tuohy is expected to join the main group after the Christmas break and will spend the coming weeks gradually building up his running.
SENIOR umpires will be at Geelong training early in the new year to help players and coaches adapt to next year’s rule changes.
Geelong seems well placed to benefit from at least two of the new changes — the loosened kick-out rules and the ability for players to use their hands in a marking contest.
Irish defender Zach Tuohy should benefit from rules allowing players to run out of the goalsquare without touching the ball to their boot while Tom Hawkins can use his strength to out-mark opponents.
TOM Stewart is in for a busy 2019.
Not only has the Geelong star begun his preseason duties, but the backman will also serve as the Cats’ new AFLW outfit’s defensive assistant coach.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity the club has provided me,” Stewart said.
“Over the last two years at Geelong I have been able to develop significantly as a player, and I’m looking forward to being able to develop my coaching skills over the next few months with the AFLW group.”
The All-Australian will work alongside senior coach Paul Hood.
INJURY-cursed speedster Nakia Cockatoo has suffered yet another injury setback. Cockatoo left the training track early during the first pre-season session for Geelong’s first to fourth-year players after feeling tightness in his calf. He is returning from a knee injury after playing just two games last season. Cockatoo is already booked in for surgery — to have his tonsils removed, while both Jordans, Cunico and draftee Clark, have also had tonsilitis.
- Scott Gullan
GOLD COAST
THE Suns’ three mature-age priority picks have arrived on the Gold Coast. Werribee pair Sam Collins and Josh Corbett, plus South Australian Chris Burgess, all impressed in their first week of training at Carrarra. Former Geelong midfielder Jordan Murdoch has joined his new teammates. Murdoch was the eighth player picked up by the Suns in the off-season and the fifth from rival clubs joining Corey Ellis, Jack Hombsch, George Horlin-Smith and Anthony Miles. Horlin-Smith is on a modified program as he recovers from shoulder surgery, whgile the good news is Sam Day (shoulder and Nick Holman (back) should be good to go in the new year.
- Scott Gullan
GWS GIANTS
STAR forward Toby Greene, who has had foot surgery that has him in a moonboot and will keep him off the training track until January.
Greene hurt his ankle in the finals loss to Collingwood and the Giants hoped it would heal with rest. The club says going under the knife now means Greene will be right for Round 1 next year.
Superstar Josh Kelly also went under the knife for hip surgery and he is in the rehab group with triple knee victim Jon Patton. Lachie Whitfield, Heath Shaw and Aiden Corr are all on modified programs as the Giants recover from the horrific injury toll they suffered in 2018.
SHANE Mumford is officially a Giant again.
The ruckman has been added to the GWS rookie list in the new pre-season supplemental selection period.
Mumford retired due to foot problems at the end of 2017 and served last season as the club’s ruck coach.
He will provide valuable ruck support after Rory Lobb was traded to Fremantle.
Mumford was fined $25,000 and suspended for two AFL rounds after the emergence of a 2015 video showing him snorting cocaine, ruling him out of the Giants’ first two matches next season against Essendon and West Coast.
ADAM Tomlinson is the Giants’ time-trial king after an impressive win in the 2km race on day one of pre-season training for the full squad.
Tomlinson crossed the line ahead of Stephen Coniglio and Adam Kennedy.
- Al Paton
HAWTHORN
VETERAN Hawthorn champion Grant Birchall is eyeing a Round 1 return after a frustrating knee injury has kept him on the sidelines for the best part of two seasons.
“It’s been a frustrating 18 months, it’s fair to say, but I’m feeling really good, the knee’s in a good spot and I’m right to go for day one (of pre-season), so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Both he and captain Jarryd Roughead are on light duties until at least Christmas.
ISAAC Smith and Liam Shiels are set to audition for the Hawthorn captaincy after Jarryd Roughead stepped down from the role.
Roughead held the job for two years. He was elected skipper only months after winning a fight against a melanoma that spread to his lungs. The 31-year-old premiership star will play on next year but there is some uncertainty about his role.
CHAD Wingard is still adjusting to his new club, and life in Melbourne.
Wingard, 25, was traded to Hawthorn from Port Adelaide in October and has shacked up with former Power teammate turned Hawk Jarman Impey while he gets his life in order.
“It’s so cold,” he said at the first day of pre-season training. “It’s something I’ll get used to. It is summer, right?”
TOM Scully is confident he will have an impact in 2019 but admits there is no timeline on his return from an ankle injury.
He said on December 3 his training load would increase in coming weeks with an eye to joining the main group in the new year.
“Everything’s on track. It’s going to be a long process, but one I’m confident that I can get right and the Hawks are really confident that if it’s managed well, I can be back playing footy next year which is my ultimate aim.”
James Frawley is battling soreness.
RECRUIT Jack Scrimshaw says walking out on Gold Coast was the best move for his life and footy career.
Scrimshaw, a former top-10 draft pick, joined Hawthorn in the trade period despite having two years to run on his contract.
“I was obviously struggling up at the Gold Coast so I felt like if I was able to get back home with friends and family I would be able to make the most out of myself,” Scrimshaw said.
“I had a few injuries up there and a few things that happened off the field with family-related stuff, so (coming) back home, coming to the Hawks, it’s such a great club and I really think I’ll be able to improve here as a player and a person. It was just the best thing for me.”
- Sam Landsberger
MELBOURNE
DEFENDER Jake Lever has undergone surgery on his reconstructed knee.
The star key defender was sent for surgery after experiencing soreness as he returned to pre-season training. The Demons said the “minor” procedure was to clean up scar tissue.
“From all reports surgery (knee reconstruction) went well but he just went in today to clean up around that knee,” Jordan Lewis told the club website.
“It can become a little bit frustrating for him because he wants to get the ball rolling again and join back in with the main group, but from all reports he’ll be back on Monday and straight back into rehab.”
THE Demons have filled the hospital in the offseason, with shoulder surgeries rife among the playing group. Clayton Oliver had both operated on, while gun defender Neville Jetta, Aaron vandenBerg, Jayden Hunt and hard man James Harmes also had work done on their shoulders. Co-captain Jack Viney’s wretched run continued, with yet another bout of surgery on his problematic foot, while both enigmatic forward Christian Petracca and Mitch Hannan had their knees worked on. All will be on modified programs until at least Christmas.
MELBOURNE recruit Braydon Preuss says he’s switched AFL homes believing new teammate and All Australian Max Gawn wants to play with a second ruck next season.
Preuss left North Melbourne for the Demons in the trade period in a deal that sent midfielder Dom Tyson in the other direction.
The 23-year-old Preuss didn’t play senior football in 2018 after a breakthrough 2017 in which he displaced another All Australian, Todd Goldstein.
“I want to play beside Maxy. Everyone thinks I want to play underneath him and play backup. I want to play beside him,” he said.
“I met him at the end of the season and we got along pretty well. “He was all for playing the two ruckmen approach.”
MELBOURNE powerbrokers have hit the tarmac in the off-season with senior coach Simon Goodwin jetting to London, football brain Craig Jennings heading to Japan and assistant coach Troy Chaplin scooting to US. They all embarked on study tours and visited giant sporting cubs with Goodwin linking up with ex-coach Neil Craig and his new employer, the English rugby team.
THE Demons will hold their pre-season training camp in Maroochydore in January.
- Sam Landsberger
NORTH MELBOURNE
CAPTAIN Jack Ziebell kept his post season knee surgery quiet but, despite a delayed start to his preseason, the Roo is already up and running, as is Ben Jacobs, after his much-publicised concussion issues. The Roos booked key big men Ben Brown and Majak Daw in for surgery, so they’re have delayed preseasons, while Sam Durdin still has work to do on the shocking leg break he suffered midseason.
JASPER Pittard says his body is in the best shape it has been in years and he is ready to return to the form that helped him make the 2016 All-Australian squad.
“My last two seasons I’ve come off interrupted pre-seasons,” the former Port Adelaide defender said.
“I thought this year, physically, I actually got back to good shape, but it was about translating the form as well, which was a bit more of a challenge.
“I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been at this time of year for two or three years, so I’m really excited about that and I’m glad I’m coming to North at a time I physically feel well.”
DELISTED Bulldog Tom Campbell has joined the Kangaroos as ruck back-up to Todd Goldstein.
The Roos traded Braydon Preuss to Melbourne but have signed Campbell as a rookie under new AFL rules that allowed the 27-year-old to bypass the rookie draft.
Campbell played 42 games for the Bulldogs after coming off the rookie list and making his debut in 2012, but he couldn’t add to his senior appearances this year.
SIX youngsters have paid their way to Utah for a jump on pre-season. The dedicated jet-setters are Cameron Zurhaar, Paul Ahern, Declan Watson, Sam Durdin, Alex Morgan and recently-departed ruckman Brayden Preuss (Melbourne). The fortnight of fun included hikes, training at high altitude on the Utah mountains and bonding sessions taking in some NBA and NFL.
RECRUIT Aaron Hall says he will prove his critics wrong at his new club. Hall was at Arden St on Friday for training along with recruits Jasper Pittard and Jared Polec and senior players Mason Wood and Marley Williams.
THE hype AFLW team is the Kangaroos and their pre-season is ready to launch. The Arden St recruiting raid poached captain Emma Kearney, Emma King, Mo Hope and Kaitlyn Ashmore from rival clubs and popular ex-Blue Dennis Armfield is on the coaching panel.
The Kangaroos kick off their AFLW involvement against Carlton at North Hobart Oval on February 3 next year and will play all their home games in Tasmania this summer. The Kangas are a $6 second-favourite to win the AFLW premiership in their first attempt, behind only last year’s champions the Western Bulldogs.
RHYCE Shaw is Brad Scott’s big inclusion and that has been buttered up by the recent recruitment of delisted Hawthorn utility Brendan Whitecross. The unlucky Hawk has signed on as a development coach and will play in North’s VFL team after winning a premiership with Box Hill in September.
Whitecross was hopeful of continuing his career either at Hawthorn or a Queensland club but after being overlooked was snapped up by the Kangas.
- Sam Landsberger
PORT ADELAIDE
Hartlett is recovering from a knee reconstruction after he blew out his knee in training after Round 5 last year while Broadbent didn’t play any games last season, having undergone two operations to his ankle and then suffering a stress fracture in his foot and Dixon suffered a broken leg late in the 2018 AFL season.
Club fitness coach Ian McKeown said both Hartlett and Broadbent had been impressive in training, while Dixon is expected to resume running on the pre-season camp.
PORT Adelaide is looking for a new captain after Travis Boak stepped down following six years in the job.
Ollie Wines is the favourite to take over but coach Ken Hinkley says there are four or five candidates to be new skipper.
“I think we won’t make a call until well into the new year,” Hinkley said. “If I put a time on it, it would be around JLT (the practice matches) but I’m not going to say if it’s going to be before or after.”
SAM Gray will be on limited duties until after Christmas after ankle surgery.
The small forward went under the knife to clean up a problem that troubled him during the 2018 season and will return to full training in the new year.
Trent McKenzie has had shoulder surgery and will be reassessed after Christmas.
SPOILING specialist Dougal Howard is locked in at Port Adelaide until the end of 2022 after signing a four-year contract extension.
“I’ve got some good friends who have also signed on at the club for an extended amount of years and I think the club is heading in the right direction,” Howard said.
PORT Adelaide recruit Ryan Burton says his Hawthorn papers were stamped the moment the club offered him as trade bait for Chad Wingard.
Admitting he was “shocked and shattered’’ to be put on the trade block with two years left on his contract, the 2017 AFL Rising Star runner-up said he was left with little choice but to leave after feeling unwanted by the Hawks.
EXPECT Port Adelaide’s game style to change this year with the news emanating out of Alberton suggesting a bolder, more aggressive approach from the players - and the coaches.
Much of that will centre on an aim to be more free-scoring than was the case last year.
“I think we showed last year that we’re actually really good at defending a score and we’ve got a really good defensive system that Bass (Nathan Bassett) has worked on over the last few years,” Lienert said. “So I think that has given us a licence (in 2019) to really go for it and be a bit bolder knowing that we’ve got that good system in place.”
Michael Voss, who has become the club’s senior assistant coach, said a shake-up in assistant coaching roles will benefit the players.
- Glenn McFarlane
RICHMOND
PREMIERSHIP Tiger Nick Vlastuin reports star recruit Tom Lynch has been champing at the bit to get back into training as he continued his rehabilitation from a PCL injury.
“He’s going really well, he’s in rehab still, so not with the main group,” Vlastuin said.
“Pretty much two weeks before even our young boys were back, he was in there every day.
“He’s had a pretty extended break (due to injury) so he was keen to get back into it.
“As far as I can tell, he’s fitting in really well.”
It’s understood the Tigers will tinker with some of their forward set-ups next year, allowing for the addition of Lynch. Lynch will also be used as a back-up ruckman on occasions.
DANIEL Rioli is set for more midfield time this year as part of a reshuffling of roles for a number of Tigers next season.
Richmond has lost Reeca Conca to Fremantle, and the Tigers are keen to push more players through the centre of the ground in 2019, with Rioli being pinpointed as a likely candidate.
DUSTIN Martin didn’t hold back on the first day of official pre-season training.
After making an early appearance for a session in the last week of November, Dusty hit the track at full pace as he tries to rebound from a disappointing end to the 2018 season.
Martin was under an injury cloud heading into the preliminary final against Collingwood and appeared to be severely hampered by a knee problem as the Tigers’ dream of back-to-back flags ended in a Magpie onslaught.
Meanwhile, captain Trent Cotchin says he hasn’t thought about that night over summer.
“I think it’s the power of acceptance. It was what it was and there’s not much I can do about it now,’’ Cotchin said.
FORMER Saint Mav Weller has joined Richmond under new AFL rookie rules. Weller was delisted by St Kilda after 121 games in eight seasons with the Saints and Gold Coast. He could add depth, replacing Sam Lloyd as a goalkicking half-forward.
DON’T stress, Tiger fans. You won’t see Jack Graham engaged in any contact training drills until next year, but officials insist he will be right to play from the outset in 2019.
Graham had a shoulder reconstruction last month, and the club will allow him to get back to full strength before pitting him against teammates.
Jack Riewoldt had shoulder surgery, too, but it was only minor and it won’t hold him back for too long. Others to go under the knife in the off-season included Dylan Grimes (finger) and Josh Caddy (ankle).
FORMER St Kilda assistant coach Adam Kingsley will move into a midfield coaching role for the Tigers, while Justin Leppitsch will return to defence where he will take the place of Ben Rutten, who has left for Essendon.
Blake Caracella will be offensive coach, while Adam McQualter will lead the forwards.
- Glenn McFarlane
ST KILDA
ST Kilda’s best clubman winner of 2018 Dylan Roberton could be one of the better stories of 2019 after he returned to the track following his heart scare last season.
Roberton is on a modified program, but will target a return in 2019.
Locked in until the end of 2022, big man Paddy McCartin is getting closer to a return from the Lisfranc injury that cruelled his 2018 season.
No.4 draft pick Max King will have to wait a little while to make his debut, but the key forward is reportedly recovering well from the ACL injury he suffered while playing for Haileybury College in April. The Saints will have to figure out how they integrate he and McCartin into a forward line with the likes of Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey.
ST Kilda young gun Josh Battle could be set for a move in 2019.
Alan Richardson and the Saints’ coaching staff have been training him up as a defender.
Battle booted seven goals from six games last season.
“Richo came up to me and said we’ll see what it’s like – try and add another string to my bow – and I really enjoy it down there,” he told the club’s website.
RECRUIT Dan Hannebery will pull on the No.10 in 2019 after electing not to step on the toes of good mate Lance Franklin. Hannebery wore No.4 during his 10 seasons at Sydney, but that number was already taken at the Saints by rapidly-improving forward Jade Gresham.
Hannebery was also given the option of No.1 but didn’t want the spotlight that would come with it, with No.23 also offered but declined given it is former Swans teammate and close friend Franklin’s number.
RUCKMAN Billy Longer is back and running after foot surgery following the season.
He isn’t due back to start training until when the main group returns on November 19, but the club was delighted to see him well advanced in his preparations for what will be an important role he will play next season.
Skipper Jarryn Geary, who was married in Portugal in the off-season, arrived back on deck at the club earlier than expected.
The St Kilda players at Moorabbin were also pleasantly surprised to get a visit from retired Saint Koby Stevens at training.
BEN Long had no intention of leaving St Kilda, even if Essendon and Melbourne made some overtures during the trade period.
Long accompanied the Saints’ third to fourth year players - including Jade Gresham, Rowan Marshall, Bailey Rice and Brandon White, and coach Alan Richardson - to the Northern Territory on a camp this week.
But he stressed he was under contract and wasn’t comfortable with the talk that he might have found a new home. There is even talk he might win a new extended deal in the future.
THE Saints say forward Paddy McCartin has returned in “ripping nick”, dropping about 7kg as he tries to reverse four seasons of injury worries.
JACK Billings has given Jiangwan Stadium - the venue for next year’s St Kilda-Port Adelaide clash - the tick of approval after a recent visit with teammate Dan McKenzie, as well as chief executive Matt Finnis and fitness chief Matt Hornsby.
The two Saints’ players spent four days in China on a mission to find out more about what they can expect in Round 11 next year.
Part of their visit included checking out the facilities of a few hotels as the Saints look to put the finishing touches to their preparations next year.
- Glenn McFarlane
SYDNEY
DAN Menzel won’t resume training until February after undergoing groin surgery.
The former Geelong forward had some groin issues last season. He was delisted by the Cats but handed an AFL lifeline by the Swans last month. The club’s website said 27-year-old Menzel underwent groin surgery last week.. “It’s been well documented that Dan had some issues with his groin this year,” Sydney head of football Charlie Gardiner said.
“So we wanted to get on top of it now rather than it potentially become an issue during next season.
“The medical team identified an opportunity to potentially improve Dan’s output and his durability longer term.
“The surgery was performed last week, which went well.
“We know Dan is a real professional who will do everything required in his rehab and we’re confident he’ll make a successful return to training in February.” Menzel played 73 games across nine seasons with Geelong, having his career stalled and interrupted by four knee reconstructions.
LANCE Franklin has had groin surgery and won’t train fully until January. The superstar forward and All-Australian captain suffered the injury in Round 22 and while he played in the Swans’ elimination final loss to Greater Western Sydney, it failed to heal and has now forced him under the knife. He is expected to begin skills training in January.
Ryan Clarke is eyeing off the midfield spot vacated by Dan Hannebery in 2019. The former North Melbourne defender found his way to Sydney during the trade period and plans to work closely alongside Sydney veteran Josh Kennedy in a bid to improve his midfield craft.
CALLUM Mills is happy to be out of the “dungeon” and back in full training, and says he’ll play wherever John Longmire asks him to in 2019.
Mills’ 2018 season was cut short when he broke his foot in Round 9.
“Being out on the track with the boys is definitely a lot more entertaining and exciting than being stuck in the dungeon (rehabilitation room), so I’m pumped to be training,” Mills said on 3AW.
The Sydney Academy product has been touted as a future midfielder after spending the early part of his career in defence.
“I’d like to end up in the midfield one day. Whether that’s in 2019 or not, I’ll just be happy to be out on the park and winning games,” he said. “That’s the most important thing.”
SYDNEY 2005 premiership player Tadhg Kennelly will be back in the thick of the action in 2019 – in the coaches’ box. Kennelly has been appointed as an assistant coach and will look after defence, working under John Longmire. The move came after he took the reins of the NEAFL team in 2018, leading the side to the Grand Final alongside development coach Jeremy Laidler.
- Lauren Wood, Chris Cavanagh, Liam Twomey
WEST COAST
Fresh from their premiership success, the Eagles are also proving big winners during the pre-season.
Josh Kennedy (shoulder) and Nic Naitanui (knee) remain ahead of schedule in their recoveries from serious injuries.
The majority of Kennedy’s work has been running while Naitanui has progressed to kicking and ‘straight-line speed’ work.
West Coast Eagles general manager of football Craig Vozzo was rapt with the progress of both stars.
“JK’s tracking really well, probably ahead of where we expected him to be with his shoulder rehab post-surgery,” Vozzo said.
“He’s doing a lot of aerobic work now, on-field, building up slowly in the gym, we’re confident that come late January he should be joining in the main group in a lot of stuff, and the skills stuff after Christmas.
“Nic is tracking really well, it’s probably ahead of where he would’ve been at the same time when the other knee was reconstructed.
“We’ve had less setbacks in this rehab phase compared to last time, which has been fantastic.
“He’s in a happy space doing a bit more on-ground, he just started that this week which was really encouraging for him and for us.
“So all being well, we’ll see more and more of him integrating into training in the new year.”
The club is pleased with Tom Barrass and Liam Duggan after leg injuries while Chris Masten (hamstring) and Elliot Yeo (toe) will ramp up their training after Christmas.
WEST Coast premiership forward Liam Ryan didn’t cope with the demands of a recent training camp, but Adam Simpson denies there was anything untoward about his early departure.
The Eagles put their first-year players through a gruelling three-day camp at Stirling Range National Park, about 400km southeast of Perth, in November. Ryan didn’t cope with the experience as well as some, but Simpson dismissed reports he had walked out on the camp.
FORMER St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey is eyeing a Round 1 debut with the Eagles.
Hickey said the opportunity to join West Coast in the trade period was too good to pass up.
“I see myself primarily as a ruckman who can go forward but, if the opportunity is there, I just want to play wherever I can to get a game,” he said.
“I have played 30 of my 80 games as a forward. There is real scope for me to compete with Nathan Vardy for that second ruck forward role as well.”
The Eagles are also set to sign former Gold Coast big man Keegan Brooksby as a rookie.
AFTER playing out the final three years of his career with Gold Coast Suns, Matt Rosa has returned to the Eagles nest for the 2019 season. Rosa, who played 168 games for West Coast from 2005-15, will assume the role of stoppage and structure coach next season. Hawthorn premiership player Chance Bateman has also been added to the club’s coaching panel, set to work as a development coach with the forwards.
WEST Coast will host Good Friday football for the first time in 2019 in a big win out of the AFL Fixture release. The match against Port Adelaide at Perth Stadium will be part of a double-header that day, coming after North Melbourne take on Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
- Chris Cavanagh, AAP, Liam Twomey
WESTERN BULLDOGS
THERE was plenty of buzz at the Bulldogs early in the pre-season, with Liam Picken returning to the track. The premiership star battled on-going concussion issues throughout 2018 which kept him sidelined for the entire season. While he continues to progress, there is no set return date for Picken yet.
Billy Gowers is progressing in his recovery from a broken wrist. The big bodied forward suffered the injury after a car accident earlier in the pre-season. He is expected to be ready for the JLT Series.
EASTON Easton Wood will captain the Western Bulldogs for a second season.
There had been some speculation young star Marcus Bontempelli would take the reins in 2019 but he will continue as vice-captain.
In a stunning reversal of fortunes, midfielder Mitch Wallis has been elevated to the six-man leadership group after a difficult season that saw him dropped by coach Luke Beveridge.
After just one season at the club, former Port Adelaide utility Jackson Trengove is the other new face in the group, joining Jason Johannisen and Lachie Hunter.
The pair replace departed duo Jordan Roughead and Jack Redpath.
WESTERN Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli has put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club.
The premiership midfielder has agreed to a new two-year deal, which will keep him at the Bulldogs until at least the end of 2021.
“I’ve made no secret about the love I have for the club, and how I want to play a key role in the future success of this playing group,” Bontempelli said.
“I had no hesitation in getting it finalised now, with a year still to go on my contract, so I can concentrate all my energy on playing footy and helping the team.”
RECRUIT Sam Lloyd plans to play predominantly in his natural position next season — forward. Lloyd, who crossed from Richmond during the trade period, had been morphed into a midfielder at the Tigers, playing a lot of VFL football there over the past two years. But Lloyd admits he is a “forward at heart” and should return there. He kicked 35 goals from 22 games for Richmond in 2016.
KEY forward Josh Schache is determined to make his mark in 2019 as he enters his fourth season of AFL football. The 21-year-old took a short break to America over his break before beginning his own training schedule in his hometown of Seymour, including hitting the local pool four times a week along with gym work and running. The former Lion returned to pre-season training almost 5kg heavier after eating six meals a day. The No.2 draft pick in 2015, Schache has said he is determined to earn respect during pre-season and in 2019 after showing some positive signs during 2018, kicking 17 goals from 13 games.
TOM Liberatore also looked in good shape as he returned to training to start his comeback from another serious knee injury. But it was Libba’s tatts that stole the limelight, including a fruit and nut chocolate bar on his forearm and a gingerbread man on his leg.
- Chris Cavanagh, Liam Twomey
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