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SEASON 2016

INSIDETIPPING CHARTTASSIE PLAYERS TO WATCHYOUR CLUB IN 201610 BURNING ISSUES

FOURMIDABLECan anyone stop the Hawks in their history-making bid?

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OUR PREDICTIONS . . . Mercury sports team takes a look in the crystal ballBRETT STUBBS Sports editor

JAMES BRESNEHAN Deputy sports editor

ADAM SMITH Senior sports reporter

SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON Sports reporter

PREMIERS West CoastTOP 8 West Coast

North MelbourneHawthornFremantleWestern BulldogsCollingwoodGeelongSydney

WOODEN SPOON EssendonBROWNLOW MEDAL Sam Mitchell (Hawks)

PREMIERS West CoastTOP 8 West Coast

FremantleGeelongHawthornRichmondNorth MelbourneSydneyCollingwood

WOODEN SPOON EssendonBROWNLOW MEDAL Patrick Dangerfield (Cats

PREMIERS GeelongTOP 8 Fremantle

HawthornGeelongNorth MelbourneWest CoastSydneyPort AdelaideCollingwood

WOODEN SPOON CarltonBROWNLOW MEDAL Dan Hannebery (Swans)

PREMIERS GeelongTOP 8 West Coast

HawthornGeelongCollingwoodNorth MelbourneWestern BulldogsFremantleAdelaide

WOODEN SPOON EssendonBROWNLOW MEDAL Patrick Dangerfield (Cats

LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

Fans rush for the hottest tickets in town

TASMANIANS will have asmorgasbord of AFL to feaston in 2016 as the state hosts

arguably its highest quality overallcontent ever seen.

With Hawthorn (four games atAurora Stadium) and North

Melbourne (three atBlundstone Arena) now

both firmlyentrenched in theirrespective markets,football fans have

been given a host ofbudding blockbustersfor the season.

It starts in Hobartin Round 3, with theKangaroos hosting

Melbourne onSunday, April 10.For Demons fans, it is

the first time since 1952the club has played forpremiership points in thestate and with the squad

looking to continue itsrevival under Paul

Roos, the early season clash promises to be a tight affair.

Melbourne possess one of the most exciting big men in the competition in Jesse Hogan and with the likes of Jack Viney, Dom Tyson and Christian Salem having another pre-season under their belt, there is optimism among supporters.

Launceston hosts its first match the following week when St Kilda returns to the ground it called its home away from home for four seasons in the early 2000s.

The Saints, led by Tasmanian Nick Riewoldt, have not played at Aurora since 2009 but have featured twice in Hobart in the past two years.

Hawthorn’s second match in its Aurora fortress will be a replay of last year’s preliminary final against Fremantle.

Regular visitors to Launceston, theDockers do not have the best record there but armed with Brownlow medallist Nathan Fyfe and his star midfield sidekicks, the Round 8 contest promises to be exciting.

Without doubt the biggest contestof the year for Tasmania comes on June 3, when North Melbourne host Richmond in the first Friday night AFL match in the Apple Isle.

The two sides set the AFL recordattendance at Blundstone Arena last year of 17,544 and with ticket sales going through the roof the day they went on sale, that mark is almost certain to be broken.

Hobart will be beamed in prime time, nationwide, for the blockbuster affair, which will feature hometown hero Jack Riewoldt for his beloved Tigers.

North Melbourne Football Clubchief executive Carl Dilena said the Kangaroos were eager to build on their strong association with Hobart.

“We are looking forward to a big2016 in Tasmania,” he said.

“With the first ever Friday nightgame in the state taking place against Richmond in June, alongside two other big games at Blundstone Arena against Sydney and Melbourne, Hobart is certainly in line for some

quality footy again this year.”“Recently, we’ve seen Blundstone

Arena become a North Melbourne fortress, so we’re hoping that continues this year with the support of all our Tasmanian members and fans.”

North’s final fixture in August again shapes as another mouth-watering one, with Sydney returning for its first time since 2013.

Superstar Lance Franklin will make his first appearance in Hobart, with the match likely to be crucial to both sides as finals loom.

In between the Roos’ second andthird games are Hawthorn’s matches against Gold Coast and Carlton.

The Suns, featuring one of the bestplayers the game has seen in Gary Ablett and several talented locals, will be desperate to spring an upset under Tasmanian coach Rodney Eade, while Brendon Bolton will lead the baby Blues into the cauldron against the side he served as an assistant for the past six years.

— ADAM SMITH

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ‒ 25

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LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

AARON HALL (Gold Coast)Thrown into the midfield for the last seven games last year due to the high injury toll at the Suns, Hall emerged as one of the stories of the year at the club. The Hobart lad averaged 27.2 disposals in his last two months and with the stars returning, could become a key rotation.

KADE KOLODJASHNIJ (Gold Coast)In just his second year in the AFL system the former Launceston defender finished runner up in the Suns best and fairest. Has played 40 of a possible 44 games since being drafted and recently signed a new deal locking him away until the end of 2018.

JACK RIEWOLDT (Richmond)One of Tigerland’s favourite sons, former Clarence player Riewoldt will again be a vital cog in Richmond’s push to break through into the top four. The sharpshooter cops his fair share of criticism but is an out and out match winner when on song.

LACHIE WELLER (Fremantle)The Burnie product and younger brother of St Kilda’s Mav played three games in his debut season after being a first-round draft pick. Didn’t look out of place among the Dockers midfield and will be looking to push for more opportunities in 2016.

MITCH ROBINSON (Brisbane)In his first season at the Lions, Lauderdale product Robinson shared the club best and fairest award in a four-way tie, averaging 28 disposals and 9.5 tackles in his last six matches. The fearless midfielder captained the Lions in Round 1 of the NAB Challenge.

5 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ten burning issues this AFL season : P73

AARON HALL

AT BLUNDSTONE ARENANorth Melbourne v Melbourne

Round 3, Sund ay, a pRil 10

North Melbourne v Richmond Round 11, FRid ay, June 3

North Melbourne v Sydney Round 22, Sa tu Rday, a ugu St 20

AT AURORA STADIUMHawthorn v St Kilda

Round 4, Sa tu Rday, a pRil 16

Hawthorn v Fremantle Round 8, Sa tu Rday, May 14

Hawthorn v Gold Coast Round 14, Sund ay, June 26

Hawthorn v Carlton Round 19, Sa tu Rday, Jul y 30

OUR AFL GAMES

RSAC

1696

5_rj

Boooo! Nobody cheers for drink drivers.

26 ‒ SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016

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CROWSAdelaide

LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

LIONSBrisbane

THE Crows showed whatthey were made ofduring a tragic 2015.

The resilience they showedto soldier on after the shock death of coach Phil Walsh demonstrated the enormous spirit within this group.

Adelaide won six of their final nine home-and-away games after the cancelled Round 14 game against the Cats following Walsh’s death.

And the seven-point victoryover the Bulldogs in the elimination final was one of the club’s great wins. Yet the Crows remain something of an unknown factor.

For the second year in a row, they will have to embrace a new coach. While interim coach Scott Camporeale did a superb job last year, the Crows chose former West Coast premiership defender Don Pyke as Walsh’s replacement.

And the key unknown is how they cover the loss of their best player, 2015 club champion and one of the

biggest stars in the AFL Patrick Dangerfield, who has returned home to Geelong.

The Crows’ list is still goodenough to play finals.

Work ethic has long been akey characteristic of Adelaide sides and if former Blue Troy Menzel can find that ethic at his new home, the Crows’ attack – which already boasts stars Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts – will be among the most potent in the competition.

Their defence is in good shape, led by All-Australians Daniel Talia and Brodie Smith along with rising star Rory Laird. The recruitment of former Magpie Paul Seedsman will also add dash out of the back half.

Most questions will be around the hole Dangerfield leaves in the midfield but there is still class in Rory Sloane and Brad Couch, if he can stay fit, and the likes of Richard Douglas and Scott Thompson remain quality players.

— Andrew Hamilton

No shortage of courage and character, but there’s a gaping hole to fill in the middle.

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Taylor Walker COACH: Don Pyke BIG INS: Troy Menzel (Carlton, Curtley Hampton (GWS), Paul Seedsman (Collingwood), Dean Gore (Geelong), Wayne Milera (national draft). BIG OUTS: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong), Sam Kerridge (Carlton), James Podsiadly, Matthew Jaensch (retired). RATE: Taylor Walker. Powerful, charismatic, kicks the big goals and flies the flag in the physical stakes. HATE: Draw. First two months brutal and only sides outside last year’s top eight they play twice are arch-rivals Port and new rivals, Dangerfield’s Cats. FLAG ODDS: $26

Taylor Walker gives the Crows plenty of firepower up front.

A premiership Pie knows rediscovering the roar at the Gabba will be tough, but says the signs are good.

TALK is cheap to DayneBeams.

It is one thing to sayover summer that the Lions will improve in 2016 after just four wins and a 17th-place finish in 2015. But all that really counts for the midfielder is what happens in the cold, hard grind of winter.

The 2010 Magpies premiership player and 2012 All-Australian enjoyed a stellar first season at the Gabba, averaging 28 disposals and seven clearances across 16 games .

Shoulder surgery prematurely ended his first campaign as a Lion and has disrupted preparations for his second, but Beams still has one goal for himself and Brisbane as a whole – “get better’’.

“I’ve definitely seen a shiftin the attitude at training, standards have lifted. The guys are lifting better in the gym and they are recovering better, so that all points in the right direction,” he said.

“But the true test comes inRound 1 against West Coast over in Perth.

“That’s really going to show

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Tom RockliffCOACH: Justin LeppitschBIG INS: Ryan Bastinac (North Melbourne), Tom Bell (Carlton), Rhys Mathieson (Geelong U18), Josh Schache (Murray U18), BIG OUTS: Jed Adcock (Western Bulldogs), James Aish (Collingwood), Jordon Bourke (delisted), Mitch Golby (delisted), Matthew Leuenberger (Essendon), Jack Redden (West Coast), Brent Staker (retired).HATE: Tough draw to open the season. Lions could easily be 0-8 after the first two months.RATE: Some big blokes up forward that can catch the ball. Josh Walker will be a good focal point while Josh Schache and Jono Freeman develop.

FLAG ODDS: $201

us how far we’ve come.“The weeks that follow will

be a real test too. We might take a few hits along the way but how quickly we get up will be important…we can’t let a few losses get the better of us.’’

Beams, 26, and elevated tothe leadership group, intends to be a role model at a club whose list is the youngest in the competition.

“It is up to all the senior players, whether they are on the leadership group or not, to drag the younger blokes along and keep lifting the standards. If they can follow our actions, it will help us move a bit closer to a little success,” Beams said.

The Lions have a bulging midfield that includes captain Tom Rockliff, recruits Ryan Bastinac, Tom Bell and Jarrad Jansen, vice-captains Daniel Rich and Dayne Zorko, Ryan Lester and first-year duo Rhys Mathieson and Ben Keays.

The on-ball division remains Brisbane’s greatest strength and the key to keeping the Lions competitive while their key position players develop.

— Greg Davis

Dayne Beams says a strong pre-season has the Lions poised for an improved effort in 2016.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ‒ 27

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BLUESCarlton

LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

MAGPIESCollingwood

Patrick Crippsand Kade

Simpson giveBlues fans hope.

New coach Brendon Bolton can start building a new era at a proud club. However, it’s a long road ahead.

THE Blues are entitled toapproach 2016 withenthusiasm.

Their fans can expect greater competitiveness as a host of highly rated youngsters start their track towards being potential stars.

Tasmanian Brendon Bolton, after a five-year apprenticeship under Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson, has been tasked with leading the revival and the Carlton figures who made the appointment are hoping he can bring a slice of Hawthorn’s magic formula with him.

New list manager StephenSilvagni worked hard to give Bolton the tools for a rebuild, securing four draft picks in the top 23, including top pick Jacob Weitering.

Add that crop to Patrick Cripps, who won the best and fairest in his second season, and the future looks reasonably bright.

However, improvement may not lead to a climb up the ladder. In fact, the Blues could

achieve a lot this year and win less games than the four victories they had last year.

Their best player, Chris Judd, will not be coming back after retiring midway through last season after a knee injury.

Joining him in retirement isformer club champion Andrew Carrazzo.

The middle aged bracket atthe club has been hit by the departures of the likes of Chris Yarran (Richmond), Tom Bell (Lions), Lachlan Henderson (Geelong) and Troy Menzel (Adelaide).

The Blues are thin in the key posts at either end but do have enough good players who can go through the midfield.

A lot of responsibility willfall on the shoulders of experienced campaigners Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas while GWS recruits Jed Lamb and Lachie Plowman will appreciate more opportunities.

— Andrew Hamilton

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Marc Murphy COACH: Brendon Bolton BIG INS: No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering, Sam Kerridge (Crows), Daniel Gorringe (Suns). BIG OUTS: Chris Judd, Andrew Carrazzo (retired), Lachie Henderson (Geelong), Chris Yarran (Richmond), Tom Bell (Lions), Robert Warnock (delisted). RATE: The once-powerful Blues have finally acknowledged they are at rock bottom and need to be rebuilt. HATE: Bolton will be under the pump soon enough, despite being in charge of a raw list that should collect the wooden spoon. FLAG ODDS: $251

He’s a talent, but does Jack Crisp have what it takes to put the Magpies back to the top?

Far more than just a bag of Crisps, ex-Lion Jack ticks the boxes at Collingwood.

IT IS fair to say Brisbanehad no idea quite what they were letting go when

they threw Jack Crisp into the deal to get Dayne Beams to the Gabba.

Crisp was unkindly labelled“steak knives” in the Beams deal after just 18 games in three years at the Gabba. But the powerful midfielder was a revelation in his first year at Collingwood, one of four Magpies to play every game.

He was third in the club championship behind stars Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan, who between them have won eight of the past nine Copeland trophies.

Crisp said he could not puthis vast improvement down to a single factor, such as increased fitness or a more suitable role. Instead, it was just the change he needed.

“I was looking for a bit of afresh start, I didn’t expect it to go as well as it did, it was a little surreal,” he said.

“It was a bit of everything

— different program, different environment, being close to family and friends would also have been a bit of a factor.

“I also came in a bit moreprepared, I’d been in the system for three years so I knew what it was about and what was required.’’

The 22-year-old said whilehe may have been physically ready, nothing from his time at Brisbane prepared him for life as a Magpie.

“Being at Brisbane doesn’tprepare you for joining the biggest sporting club in Australia,’’ Crisp said.

“It is a whole new world.’’Crisp’s line breaking has

always been an asset but he added a new level of accountability last season with his defensive work on some of the game’s best midfielders.

His personal goals this yearare to win more contested possessions and make his hands a weapon out of congestion.

— Andrew Hamilton

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Scott Pendlebury COACH: Nathan Buckley BIG INS: James Aish (Lions), Adam Treloar (GWS, Jeremy Howe (Melbourne). BIG OUTS: Nathan Freeman (St Kilda), Patrick Karnezis (retired), Josh Thomas, Lachie Keefe (drug ban). RATE: Darcy Moore, the father-son recruit who showed last year he might be the forward line partner to Travis Cloke the Pies have been looking for. HATE: Collingwood remain the choice destination for disgruntled footballers and they often become better players. If Treloar, Howe and Aish all follow that trend, the Pies will be a force in 2016. FLAG ODDS: $15

be part of our family

Hawthorn v St KildaSaturday 16 April

2.10pm Aurora Stadium

membership.hawthornfc.com.au | 1 3000 HAWKS

28 ‒ SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016

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LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

BOMBERSEssendon

DOCKERSFremantle

which has brought stability to the dressingroom. We’ll go a lot better than people on the outside would think.

“Those guys understand what it takes to be successful at this level and have taken the younger guys under their wing.’’

Leuenberger said new coach John Worsfold was the perfect fit – “cool, calm and collected” and big on positive reinforcement.

“Young guys are not walking on eggshells because he creates a great environment where you are encouraged to back yourself,’’ he said.

Leuenberger hit a hurdle before Christmas when he suffered an achilles injury. But he is confident of being back well before the traditional ANZAC Day game against Collingwood at the MCG.

“That game is one of the reasons that made Essendon attractive to me,” he said. “It would be amazing to be out there in front of 90,000.’’

— Greg Davis

NEW Bombers ruckman MatthewLeuenberger says fans

should expect the unexpected from Essendon this season.

The club has been rockedby the one-year bans for 34 players involved in the supplement program of in 2012.

They are red-hot favouritesfor the wooden spoon, even with the dispensation from the AFL to recruit 10 top-up players.

But Leuenberger, who hasjoined the club after nine years at Brisbane, said the Bombers would be more competitive than pundits believed, pointing to the NAB Challenge thrashing of Carlton as evidence.

“Things were a bit all overthe shop when the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) decision was delivered but credit to the footy club for the way they got on with things and recruited the top-up players,’’ he said.

“They’ve brought in a lot ofguys with a lot of experience,

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Brendon Goddard COACH: John Worsfold. BIG INS: James Kelly, Mathew Stokes, Ryan Crowley, Jonathan Simpkin, Mark Jamar, Nathan Grima, Matthew Leuenberger, Mitch Brown. BIG OUTS: Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Michael Hurley, Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking, Cale Hooker, Brent Stanton, Paul Chapman, Jake Carlisle. RATE: A majority of the top-up players. They have arguably made the Bombers list stronger. HATE: The refusal of the club and banned players to accept sanctions. Let it go. Do your time. FLAG ODDS: $251

Drugs storm appeared a knockout blow but there’s some handy top-ups keen to impress.

Matthew Leuenberger is confident the Bombers will be better than the pundits are saying.

Can Harley Bennell finally emerge as a consistent star? Dockers fans certainly hope so.

Homecoming Harley Bennell may be just the man to rev up stalling Dockers attack.

ROSS Lyon’s Dockershave always looked agoal or two short of a

premiership. Their great hope is that

fallen Sun Harley Bennell can provide that.

The move to bring the scandal plagued West Australian home was a gamble.

Bennell is a lightning rod for trouble and back on home turf, the fear is he could fall into the sort of habits Lyon won’t tolerate.

But the rewards could be enormous.

The prodigious talent is anoffensive weapon, with an ability to create goals or kick them himself among the best in the league.

Fremantle saw it first-handin 2012 when, aged 19, Bennell racked up 37 possessions and booted three goals in one of the best games played by a teenager.

The challenge for Lyon is tolearn to appreciate what Bennell does and tailor a game plan to maximise it, not to focus on his defensive

shortcomings. Fremantle is the hardest

side to play against in the competition. They bottle things up and make it impossible to score.

They finished top last yearyet were ranked 13th for scoring.

It is not sustainable to enterSeptember hoping to restrict an opposition to 10 goals. The Dockers have goalkickers in Michael Walters and veteran Matthew Pavlich, but not enough of them.

What they do have is an abundance of defensive high forwards. They should continue to dominate out of the middle with giant Aaron Sandilands and clearance beasts Nat Fyfe and David Mundy.

Throw in emerging star Lachie Neale and second-year player Lachie Weller, brother of St Kilda’s Maverick, and the Dockers midfield is strong.

Add Bennell’s class to Stephen Hill’s run, they may have the cattle to be more potent.

— Andrew Hamilton

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: David Mundy.COACH: Ross Lyon.BIG IN: Harley Bennell.BIG OUTS: Luke McPharlin, Paul Duffield (retired), Ryan Crowley (delisted).RATE: With Stephen Hill and Bennell, the Dockers have two creative line breakers and in a side already boasting superstar Nat Fyfe, it will be impossible for defences to keep them all on a leash. HATE: The clock is ticking. Pavlich is in his last year, Barlow’s just about done, Mundy and Johnson are on the wrong side of 30 and who knows how long Sandilands can maintain his excellence. This year might be their last chance. FLAG ODDS: $11

There's a category for everyone: 11km Run, 7km Run, 7km Walk and 2.7km Kids Run.All finishers will receive a 44th Anniversary commemorative medallion and certificate.

Further information and online entries: www.citytocasino.com.auEntries close 12noon, Friday 13 May, 2016 - No entries will be taken on the day

TASMANIA'S FIRST & LARGEST FAMILY FUN RUNS U N D A Y 1 5 M A Y 2 0 1 6

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SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ‒ 29

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Bar set high as fans in Sleepy Hollow wake to an era of living Dangerously.

Geelong have nine playerson the list who are 198cm or over, while another five players stand between 195cm and 197cm.

The ability to apply defensive pressure in the forward line and win ground-level ball was exposed against Collingwood in the NAB Challenge and rival clubs will have taken notice. They will try to run the big Cats off their feet.

As part of the club’s ongoing list reinvigoration, Cats greats Steve Johnson, James Kelly and Mathew Stokes departed the club.

Geelong coach Chris Scottsaw first-hand as a player at Brisbane how clubs can quickly tumble from the penthouse to the outhouse if young talent is not brought through and glory-covered veterans stay too long.

He has been respectful butrelentless in slowly but surely turning over the Cats list to keep the club relevant.

An Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn in Round 1 will give an early idea as to the strength of the new Geelong.

—Greg Davis

ARELOADED Geelongenters 2016 with loftyambitions of returning

to heavyweight status.After missing the finals for

the first time since 2006, the Cats went on a shopping spree, landing Crows star Patrick Dangerfield, Carlton key position utility Lachie Henderson, tough Eagles on-baller Scott Selwood and towering Suns ruckman Zac Smith.

Add that group to skipperJoel Selwood, power forward Tom Hawkins, Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel, outstanding athlete Mark Blicavs, veterans Corey Enright and Andrew Mackie, and premium defender Harry Taylor, and the Cats have class to burn.

Not to mention the emerging group of Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy, Steven Motlop and Cam Guthrie and young guns Jake Kolodjashnij, Nakia Cockatoo, Darcy Lang and Cory Gregson.

It leaves the Cats short oddsto re-enter the eight. The only doubt is whether the list is too tall and will be able to handle the rigours of the new reduced interchange.

LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

SUNSGold Coast

CATSGeelong

Patrick Dangerfield gives the Cats genuine premiership credentials.

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Joel Selwood COACH: Chris Scott BIG INS: Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide), Scott Selwood (West Coast),Lachie Henderson (Carlton), Zac Smith (Gold Coast). BIG OUTS: Steve Johnson (GWS), Jarrad Jensen (Lions), Dean Gore (Adelaide), Matthew Stokes, James Kelly, Jared Rivers, Hamish McIntosh (retired). RATE: The audacious recruitment drive. The Cats have reloaded for another serious tilt at the flag. HATE: Too many talls. Twelve blokes in the blue-and-white hoops are 196cm or over. May be top-heavy. FLAG ODDS: $8

Tom Lynch has greater responsibility at the Suns after Charlie Dixon moved on.

“Rocket” Eade has overhauled the engine and with some key parts repaired or replaced, his Ferrari is ready to hum

RODNEY Eade arrivedon the Gold Coast atthe end of 2014

thinking he had inherited the footballing equivalent of a garage stocked with luxury cars.

What he discovered was many of his Rolls-Royce midfielders were not roadworthy.

And the one that was, Harley Bennell, was going off the tracks.

After the most frustrating12 months of his coaching life, challenged by injuries, drug and alcohol scandals, Eade still has no idea exactly how good his side can be.

But the work fixing the Gold Coast’s culture has been a success and the side is fitter and healthier than ever, although David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara will have delayed starts due to off-season knee surgeries.

“We were competitive against some top-four sides late last year, so that gives us cause for optimism,” Eade said. “If we get a better run with injuries and get the development from some players we are expecting, there is no reason why we can’t play finals.’’

It may seem odd that the coach of a team that includes Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia, O’Meara and Swallow spends so much time talking about a host of youngsters.

But the silver lining of theinjury curse of 2015 was the opportunity it presented to younger players to not only get a game, but to play key roles for the side week-in, week-out.

“I have been most pleasedwith the players who have been here four years or less, they are the ones who are developing quickly ... Kade (Kolodjashnij), Touk (Miller), Jesse (Lonergan).

The exceptions to the slidelast year were foundation players Tom Lynch and Steven May, who in the absence of so many big names at the Coast, emerged as stars.

Eade struggles to pick which one is more crucial to the Suns’ success but eventually settles on Lynch because of the greater responsibility on his shoulders with the exit of Charlie Dixon.

Lynch is bullish about theside’s chances, pointing to an improved attitude and increased fitness.

— Andrew Hamilton

SNAPSHOTCOACH: Rodney EadeCAPTAIN: Gary AblettBIG INS: Callum Ah Chee (South Fremantle, WAFL), Daniel Currie (North Melbourne), Jarrad Grant (Western Bulldogs), Mackenzie Willis (Kingborough, Tas). BIG OUTS: Harley Bennell (Fremantle), Andrew Boston (delisted), Greg Broughton (delisted), Charlie Dixon (Port Adelaide), Zac Smith (Geelong)RATE: Young Tasmanians Jesse Lonergan and Kade Kolodjashnij are emerging as key figures in coach Eade’s plans. Kolodjashnij is the club’s most penetrating player and considered a future leader.HATE: The Suns just can’t get it right with injuries. Skipper Gary Ablett will return but David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara are likely to miss the first half of the season and Dion Prestia’s knee injury continues to trouble him.FLAG ODDS: $101

www.facebook.com/PRDnationwideHobart Phone: 03 6274 7355 493 Main Road, Montrose TAS 7010

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68 ‒ SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016

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LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

GIANTSGWS

HAWKSHawthorn

The Giants need Shane Mumford fit, and firing.

Chasing a win for the ages, there is depth aplenty for another flight at the top

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Luke Hodge. COACH: Alastair Clarkson.BIG IN: Jack Fitzpatrick (Melbourne). BIG OUTS: Brian Lake, David Hale (retired), Matthew Suckling (Bulldogs), Jed Anderson (Kangaroos), Jonathan Simpkin (delisted). RATE: Everything. As per usual. The dynasty shows no signs of slowing down, and expect the Hawks to be right in the hunt for a fourth consecutive flag. HATE: Roughie being out for the first half of the season. His priceless value to the Hawks around the field will be on show, and the much-vaunted depth at Glenferrie tested. FLAG ODDS: $4 Get set for a Giant step from Western Sydney

and an orange light on the September stage

THE Giants look finalsbound. In their fifthseason GWS, courtesy

of clever recruiting, have a perfect blend of youth and experience.

They have genuine stars onevery line – Heath Shaw in defence, Callan Ward, Ryan Griffen and a stack of young guns in the midfield and Jeremy Cameron in attack, partnered by injury-prone former No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton.

The recruitment of Cats cult figure Steve Johnson also gives them premiership experience in attack, defence (Shaw) and in the middle (Shane Mumford).

Last year the Giants appeared finals bound until Mumford was hurt. Their reliance on him is their biggest issue.

Their greatest win, over Hawthorn, came on the back of Mumford’s presence. Perhaps another year in the gym for the younger Giants, who have always been pretty chirpy, will lessen Mummy’s bodyguard role.

GWS also need a fit Phil Davis to hold down a key defensive post. If he can do that, the Giants appear set to make the eight.

They already run like a premiership side, led by workhorse Tom Scully whose importance is too often overlooked, and have plenty of players who can win the hard footy.

People point to the loss ofAdam Treloar as an issue but former footy boss Graeme Allan knows his stuff. He saw the retention of Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith and Stephen Coniglio as higher priorities.

Patton’s return gives Cameron the option of pushing up the ground. He played jsut three games after returning from his knee reconstruction last year before being rested to ensue he could have his first full-pre-season.

He is fully fit and most sideswould love the luxury of a player of his calibre playing sidekick to a star like Cameron.

— Andrew Hamilton

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Phil Davis, Callan Ward COACH: Leon Cameron BIG INS: Steve Johnson, Dawson Simpson (Geelong), Matthew Kennedy (Academy). BIG OUTS: Adam Treloar (Collingwood), Thomas Bugg (Melbourne), Curtley Hampson (Adelaide), Lachie Plowman (Carlton). RATE: Depth envy of most clubs. Each week guys running around in the NEAFL that would play anywhere else. HATE: Reliance on Shane Mumford. His injury last year cost them finals. Rory Lobb gained experience and recruitment of Simpson helps, but the Mummy’s presence can’t be replaced. FLAG ODDS: $51

Jarryd Roughead and Josh Gibson soak up premiershipglory.

MIDFIELDER Liam Shiels says the Hawks have the depth to give history a shake.

Hawthorn are gunning togo one better than the great Brisbane Lions of 2001-03 by claiming a fourth consecutive premiership.

It would equal the feat of Jock McHale’s legendary Collingwood side (1927-30).

The Hawks have lost BrianLake and David Hale to retirement, Matthew Suckling has transferred to the Dogs and injured utility Jarryd Roughead will miss half the year.

But Shiels said the Hawks’bid for immortality would be launched from a strong base.

“The depth on our list is second to none,’’ he said.

“Our VFL side just lost theirgrand final and we’ve got a number of guys who have played a lot of quality VFL footy and are pushing for a spot.

“The younger guys drive the standards and that keeps the more senior boys on their

toes. It’s been amazing how our so-called older guys like Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Shaun Burgoyne keep performing at such a high level for so long.

“They were brilliant on grand final day and don’t show any signs of slowing down. We know everyone will be coming after us but our goal is to finish top four to give ourselves the best chance again.’’

Shiels, known for his hardness, fitness and leadership qualities, led the club in tackles last year (162) and happily tags when required.

The Hawks had a camp onQueensland’s Sunshine Coast as part of a tried-and-tested pre-season plan.

The theme was that the Hawks were putting the heroics of 2015 behind them to focus on the work required in 2016, with memories of their premiership hangover in 2009 still a reminder.

— Greg Davis

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SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ‒ 69

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LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

DEMONSMelbourne

KANGAROOSNorth Melbourne

Jesse Hogan looks set to be a star, hopefully at the Demons.

Paul Roos has built a case for the defence. Now it’s time to release the handbrake.

IN his last season as Melbourne coach, Paul Roos’ mission will be to

make his side more attacking. It is the next step required

for the Dees to win more games, and perhaps more importantly, it might be the way to convince key forward Jesse Hogan to stick around.

Under Roos’ carefully mapped-out plan to rebuild the Demons, the focus in his first two years was to make them hard to score against.

He knew the weekly floggings that had been inflicted in years past had sapped the entire operation of any confidence.

Those dark days, in whichMelbourne finished no higher than 14th in nine years, appear to be finally behind the Demons and their future actually looks quite bright.

Midfielders Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Jack Viney are potential stars and veterans Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince complement them well in the engine room.

In defender Tom McDonald, ruckman Max

Gawn and Hogan the Demons also have the makings of a quality spine.

But a lot hinges on Hogan.Too many important players such as James Frawley and Tom Scully have left Melbourne of late for greener pastures – and buckets of cash.

Roos has to convince Hogan success can be had by staying in the red and blue, and the coach also needs to ensure his biggest asset is enjoying his football.

Ultra-defensive game planscan suck the life out of key forwards. But when Melbourne opened the game last year, they showed they could score. It was no surprise the four times they passed 100 points were all wins.

In 2015, Melbourne beat Richmond, the Bulldogs, Brisbane, Geelong, GWS, Gold Coast and Collingwood. But they also produced a shocker against Carlton and dropped a couple of close ones against St Kilda and Essendon.

Consistency must be the catchword.

— Andrew Hamilton

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Nathan Jones. COACH: Paul Roos. BIG INS: Tomas Bugg (Giants), Ben Kennedy (Collingwood. BIG OUTS: Daniel Cross (retired), Jake Melksham (doping ban), Jeremy Howe (Magpies), Mark Jamar (delisted), Jimmy Toumpas (Port Adelaide). RATE: Jesse Hogan. No player gives the Demons more hope for the future than the runaway 2015 Rising Star winner. HATE: That Hogan has put contract talks on hold. Players have every right to choose what is best for them but it would be disastrous for the Demons if they lost him. FLAG ODDS: $251

It’s not quite Boomer or bust, but Brad Scott’s Kangas need to strike soon.

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Andrew Swallow.COACH: Brad Scott.BIG IN: Jed Anderson (Hawthorn).BIG OUTS: Ryan Bastinac (Lions), Daniel Currie (Gold Coast), Nathan Grima (Bombers), Leigh Adams (retired).RATE: Ability to fire in finals. The Kangaroos have surpassed expectations in two Septembers running.HATE: Ageing list. The premiership window is closing and it’s almost now or never with this group.FLAG ODDS: $17

Brent Harvey, the longest serving North Melbourne player, remains a vital cog in the machine.

NORTH Melbourne isready to party like it’s1999. But the balloons

and streamers may be packed away if the Kangaroos don’t deliver this year.

Having recruited mature-age players to keep the premiership window open, the ageing Roos have limited opportunities for their first flag since 1999.

Beaten preliminary finalistsin the past two years, the Brad Scott-coached side can knock on the door again. But it will need veterans Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells, Nick Dal Santo, Shaun Higgins and Jarrad Waite to again lead the way, along with the core of captain Andrew Swallow, tough midfielder Jack Ziebell, ruck star Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Lindsay Thomas and key forward Ben Brown.

The Roos have shone in September of late, winning four finals in the past two seasons. But they need a genuine matchwinner.

Former Hawks midfielderJed Anderson will provide outside run after being starved of opportunity at the Hawks

while St Kilda’s Farren Ray was thrown a lifeline in the rookie draft.

Corey Wagner has joinedNorth Melbourne through the draft after two years in the Lions academy.

A major milestone awaitsclub great Harvey.

The 37-year-old finished 2015 on 409 matches, needing 18 more to surpass Hawthorn’s Michael Tuck (426) as the VFL/AFL’s games record holder.

Given the demands of themodern game, Harvey is likely to hold the record for ever and a day, if he gets there.

But “Boomer’’ is not limping across the line. The 1999 premiership player played in all the Roos’ 25 matches last year, a feat matched only by teammate Sam Gibson.

Harvey finished fourth inthe club’s best-and-fairest count, led the club in possessions (571), kicked 24 goals and only two players in the competition had more running bounces.

— GregDavis

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POWERPort Adelaide

TIGERSRichmond

Port Adelaide is expecting big things of key forward Charlie Dixon.

Tipped to surge up the ladder but much rides on shoulders, and ankles, of injury-cursed former Sun.

PORT Adelaide is chasing redemption anda significant weight

could rest on the unreliable ankles of Charlie Dixon.

The former Sun was Port’shigh-priced off-season target with his ability to play as a key forward and ruck.

Dogged by injury in his fiveyears at the Gold Coast, Dixon played only 65 games of a possible 110, kicking 94 goals.

When he was able to get onthe paddock, his value to the Suns was undeniable with his strong marking and robust ruck work.

After a couple of minor hiccups over summer, Dixon has responded to the demanding pre-season training schedule at the Power under renowned head of high performance, Darren Burgess, and is poised to put together a full season for the first time in his career.

His importance to the Portstructure only increased when former Bomber Patrick Ryder was banned for a year as part of the suspensions handed to

Essendon players for the club’s 2012 supplements saga.

It means Dixon’s supportrole to No.1 ruckman Matthew Lobbe will be critical.

Former Lion Jared Polec also will be vital, with his running sorely missed last year after injury ended his season in Round 5.

The Power were arguablythe biggest disappointment of 2015 after surging into the finals in 2013 and 2014 under the guidance of coach Ken Hinkley.

Port went within a whiskerof bringing the Hawthorn dynasty to its knees in the 2014 preliminary final and were expected to go one better last season.

Five losses in the first eightgames cruelled any chance of the Power rumbling with the big boys.

Their brave game style thatwon fans and packed out the revamped Adelaide Oval went missing and they became September spectators after finishing ninth.

— Greg Davis

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Travis BoakCOACH: Ken HinkleyBIG INS: Charlie Dixon (Gold Coast), Jimmy Toumpas (Melbourne). BIG OUTS: Patrick Ryder, Angus Monfries (drug ban), Kane Cornes (retired.) RATE: Port’s draw is kind. They leave home just once in the first five weeks and the majority of their meetings against the competition’s best are at Adelaide Oval. HATE: Ryder’s ban puts enormous responsibility on the injury-prone Dixon. A lot to expect from a player who has shown flashes of brilliance but can never string much more than half a season together. FLAG ODDS: $9

Jack Riewoldt wears his emotions on his sleeve.

They’re yellow and black, but it won’t take much to turn blue at Punt Road.

WELCOME to theTiger rollercoaster.Despite playing

finals for three straight seasons, no team is under more pressure in 2016.

The drawn-out drama overthe contract extension for coach Damien Hardwick highlights how the bar is set high at Richmond, where fans are desperate for a return to the good-old days of September success.

Season 2015 summed up lifeat the tumultuous Tigers.

They lost four of their firstsix to be on the brink of a crisis but stormed home with nine wins in their last 11.

The pandemonium aroundthe Tigers then swiftly fell flat for the third straight year as they were again knocked out of September in week one.

Just making the finals is nolonger enough, the Tigers have to win one.

Richmond boasts the game’s best key defender in Alex Rance and a dual Coleman medallist, Jack Riewoldt, at the other end but the heavy reliance on Brett Deledio and Trent Cotchin

will continue. If dual All-Australian Deledio does not play, you can generally count out the Tigers.

The form and health of TyVickery could also be a concern as he provides valuable back-up to Riewoldt, while how the dynamic Dustin Martin responds following his off-field incident over summer, and the legal issues surrounding his bikie father will be critical.

The Tigers recruited Bluesenigma Chris Yarran in the trade period but his injury woes have followed him to Punt Road, and the speedster faces a delayed start to the season.

Richmond topped up its listwith a batch of draftees after the retirements of Chris Newman, Nathan Foley and Chris Knights, so the group that shouldered the load last year will have to do so again.

A pre-season training campin the heat of Cairns will seem like a cold winter’s day in Melbourne compared to the blowtorch that will be applied if losses pile up early.

— Greg Davis

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Trent Cotchin.COACH: Damien Hardwick.BIG IN: Chris Yarran (Carlton).BIG OUTS: Chris Newman, Chris Knights, Ricky Petterd (retired).RATE: The big guns at either end, Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance. And the theme song ... always the song.HATE: The pressure on coach Damien Hardwick, who has taken the Tigers to three consecutive finals campaigns. Typically tumultuous Tigerland. FLAG ODDS: $13

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SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ‒ 71

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LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

SAINTSSt KIlda

SWANSSydney

David Armitage took his game to a new level in 2015.

No longer a surprise but David Armitage says the momentum is building.

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Nick Riewoldt COACH: Alan Richardson. BIG INS: Jake Carlisle (Essendon), Nathan Freeman (Collingwood), Bailey Rice (father-son). BIG OUTS: Adam Schneider (retired), Farren Ray (delisted). RATE: The Jacks. Jack Steven is the reigning club champion but it is the emergence of youngsters Billings, Lonie and Sinclair that excites Saints fans. HATE: The Carlisle mess. A drug scandal before his first day at the club, then the CAS ban. It’s hard to pity the Saints though, other clubs steered clear of Bombers for that very reason. FLAG ODDS: $251

Kurt Tippett will combine ruck and attacking roles for the Swans.

Love is in the air as Sydney big man puts his injury problems behind him to lead Swans’ title hopes

WHETHER it is inthe middle or in thegoal square, Sydney

big man Kurt Tippett is happy to carry a significant load in 2016.

The Gold Coast junior willcombine ruck and attacking duties, with Canadian Mike Pyke retiring and Lance Franklin expected to spend more time in the Sydney midfield.

Knee problems affected Tippett’s first two seasons at Sydney but he played 22 of a possible 24 games last year and kicked 44 goals – his best haul since 2010.

His best year for the Bloodstriggered a two-year contract extension that will keep him in the Harbour City for the rest of his career.

Tippett will share ruck duties this season with Eagles recruit Callum Sinclair.

“I’ve been training in the forward line 50 per cent of the time and in the ruck the rest of the time,” he said.

“I’m happy to do both. I’vehad a really good pre-season

so I’m feeling really very fit and ready to take on both roles.

“I’m excited to have my time extended in Sydney by a couple of more years. I love the place, I love the footy club.’’

Tippett said there was no better way to start the premiership season than a blockbuster against Collingwood, a game which sparked a war of words when it was moved from Homebush to the Sydney Swans “traditional” home, the SCG.

“We’ve had a really strongpre-season as a group,” Tippett said.

“We’re excited to have theopportunity to play at the SCG in front a really big crowd against a team like Collingwood.’’

For the first time since 1998,Sydney will start a season without retired star Adam Goodes while Lewis Jetta and Rhyce Shaw have also left the club, which dropped out of last year’s finals in straight sets.

— Greg Davis

SNAPSHOTCAPTAINS: Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh. COACH: John Longmire. BIG INS: Callum Sinclair (West Coast), Callum Mills (national draft). BIG OUTS: Adam Goodes, Mike Pyke, Rhyce Shaw (retired), Lewis Jetta (West Coast), Craig Bird (Essendon). RATE: A fit and firing Buddy Franlkin (above) returning to footy. Does not really matter whether he plays in the midfield or up forward, it’s just good to have him back on deck. HATE: Swans feeling the need to delay Goodes’ lap of honour to avoid potential ugly scenes with Magpie fans. FLAG ODDS: $11

DAVID Armitage seesmore improvementyet in the Saints, who

were a surprise packet last year as they climbed from the wooden spoon to 14th with six wins.

Their plans to fast-track that rise with the signing of former Bomber Jake Carlisle were put on hold with his doping ban, along with 33 former Essendon teammates.

But Armitage said the triggers for last year’s improvement – better fitness, maturity and commitment to coach Alan Richardson’s game plan – were still there.

“The experts were predicting us not to win a game, but we started to play some really good footy, we were right in a lot of games,’’ the former Morningside Panther said.

“We were very happy withthe improvement ... it turned around really quickly and we are expecting more improvement this year.’’

Armitage picked up the slack left by the retirement of club stalwart Lenny Hayes last year, enjoying a career-best season to lead the Saints in

disposals (28 per game), clearances and contested possessions.

His improvement came offthe back of new running prowess from career-best fitness levels and he plans to build on that again.

The difference, he says, isthe expectation younger players will be snapping at his heels.

The former No.9 draft pickextended his deal last year for another three seasons and he looks set to be a one-club player.

“My family are still up in Queensland, but I got my opportunity with the Saints and they have always been very good with me,’’ he said.

“I guess I’m just repayingthat.’’

He sees the transformationof the Saints being based on greater midfield depth as their posse of highly skilled young forwards push up the ground.

Emotions will run high early in the season as club great Nick Riewoldt, 33, will mark his 300th game for the Saints in Round 2 against the Western Bulldogs.

— Andrew Hamilton

72 ‒ SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016

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LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

EAGLESWest Coast

BULLDOGSWestern

Former Brisbane Lion Jack Redden seeking a fresh start with the Eagles

Jack jumping at the chance to be in the middle of it with a flag contender.

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Shannon Hurn. COACH: Adam Simpson. BIG INS: Jack Redden (Lions), Lewis Jetta (Sydney). BIG OUTS: Matt Rosa (Gold Coast), Scott Selwood (Geelong), Callum Sinclair (Sydney). RATE: Redden and Jetta lift them. Key players such as Josh Kennedy, Elliot Yeo and Mark LeCras had a quiet grand final and should be driven to atone. HATE: Vaunted team defence was dismantled in grand final. The return of key defenders Eric McKenzie and Mitch Brown should see the Eagles revert to a more traditional structure. FLAG ODDS: $5.50

The explosive Jake Stringer could excite Dogs fans for years.

Plenty of spark to go with the bark last year but can they get off the chain again?

THE feel-good WesternBulldogs seemed to bemost people’s “second

team’’ last year. But it is a tag the fairytale

finalists will be desperate to shake, as nobody fears or respects a “second team’’.

Coach Luke Beveridge enjoyed a spectacular first season by harnessing the power of an elite batch of youngsters and reinvigorating the club’s veterans.

Bob Murphy was outstanding in his first year as captain, along with Matthew Boyd in a new defensive role, while prolific intercept-marking halfback Easton Wood enjoyed his best season on the way to the club champion award and All-Australian honours.

Jake Stringer and MarcusBontempelli led the charge in the middle while Jack Macrae and Mitch Wallis also provided a glimpse into a bright future at Whitten Oval.

The style of football fromthe Dogs was as breathtaking as the results, and they backed themselves all the way to September.

It was a daring game planthat was easier to execute when nobody rated them.

Reproducing it under theweight of expectation will be another matter.

The Bulldogs have addedtriple premiership player Matt Suckling and impressive draftees Josh Dunkley and Kieran Collins while former Brisbane captain Jed Adcock was picked up in the rookie draft.

Former No.1 draft pick TomBoyd kicked 16 goals in 14 games after making the switch from GWS but will only improve with another pre-season under his belt and will start to earn his big pay packet.

The most important “recruit’’ could be Tom Liberatore. The contested-ball machine missed last season after an ACL injury in the NAB Challenge but is so highly rated, his contract was extended until the end of 2018.

A fit and firing Liberatoregives the Dogs extra grunt in the midfield and reason to hold even higher hopes for this season.

— Greg Davis

SNAPSHOTCAPTAIN: Robert Murphy. COACH: Luke Beveridge. BIG INS: Matthew Suckling (Hawthorn), Jed Adcock (Lions, via rookie draft), Josh Dunkley, Kieran Collins (national draft) BIG OUTS: Stewart Crameri (drug ban), Jarrad Grant (Suns), Ayce Cordy (delisted). RATE: The way the Doggies played the game last year, with skipper Bob Murphy reinvigorating a kennel full of super-talented kids. HATE: Little. No longer the hunters but the hunted, so plenty of expectation in the bid to end a long, long drought. FLAG ODDS: $17

JACK Redden has gonefrom being a big fish at theGabba to a guppy among

some of the competition’s great whites out West.

That fight for survival, andthe prospect of joining West Coast’s hunting pack, has Redden ready to enjoy his footyball more than he has in years.

The former Lion has beenrecovering from surgery on a thigh injury and did not train much with the main group last month.

But he is lapping up everymoment of being at a genuine premiership contender.

“It hasn’t been an ideal startin regards to the injury but it has been a great change for me,’’ Redden said.

“The last couple of years atBrisbane I was a bit stale, I had some injuries and we didn’t have the success I was hoping for and I just wanted a fresh start.

“I wanted to see how otherclubs did it. West Coast have had success, and I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been here.’’

Redden is expected to be ready to play at some level by

Round 1 but the Eagles have one of the premier midfields in the competition, led by Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, and Redden acknowledges it is not an easy side to walk into.

“We have 40-odd playerswho are fit and healthy and are fighting for a place,’’ he said.

“I have to earn my stripes. Iwanted a challenge so I’ve come to the right place.’’

Redden said while there was confidence among the club that they could go one step better than last year’s losing grand final performance, no one took a return to the MCG in September as a given.

“I think there would be confidence within the group in what they can achieve,’’ he said.

“Grand finals don’t come around lightly so they know it takes a lot of work and a lot of luck. The draw is pretty tough and there is no easy games so you have to do everything right to give yourself a chance.

“But the belief is there.’’— Andrew Hamilton

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ‒ 73

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SFL flag in his first year at the helm in 2003.

7 DRUGS AND GAMBLINGLEISURE time is the biggest fear for all AFL clubs. The Suns were the face of drugs in footy last year but no club feels safe. Gambling may be an even bigger problem because it is not illegal. Players can get in financial strife quickly and the concern among administrators is the potential for dodgy elements to infiltrate players.

8 CASH SPLASHTHE AFL must get the carve-up between clubs, players and growth at grassroots level right. Last time around, the players’ deal was struck and the leftovers divided up. The players deserve to be well rewarded and they are. But they can’t get such a large slice of the pie this time around.

There are too many areasof the game desperate for investment and too many battling clubs.

9 GOALS FOR WOMEN’S MATCHESTHIS is one of the AFL’s grand visions, but it has to be done properly or it will die.

Matches must be curtain-raisers to cash in on existing AFL crowds, and the women’s game needs to be coached and officiated to ensure it is free-flowing with plenty of goals and a great spectacle to watch.

The sides need to be well resourced with list build rules looked at closely.

10 GAME STYLEIT has to be entertaining. There can be too many stoppages and the game can become boring. If that means tinkering with the rules, then do it. TV rights are the lifeblood of the game so it is not ridiculous to create rules that would improve the spectacle. Rusted-on fans are safe but there is a fight for the next generation, especially in an expansion market.

LOVE THE FOOTY 2016 AFL GUIDE

1 THE GARLICKREPORTSPEAK to nearlyanyone involved inTasmanian footballand the conversationwill quickly turn to theGarlick Report.

An AFL-linkedacademy and morefunding for community footballare understood to berecommended in thereport, commissioned by theAFL and compiled by

former WesternBulldogs’ chief

executive Simon Garlick.The report also suggests a

preference for a one-state, one-team model for AFL games in the state.

This raises questions overthe future of Hawthorn games in the state once theclub’s contract expires in 2022, and also the impact on current negotiations ona new deal for North Melbourne in Tasmania.

The AFL says the reportwill not be made availableto the public or the footballcommunity’s rank and file,adding to its mystery and thequestions over how, and when, its recommendations will be implemented.

2 WHO STOPS HAWTHORN?IT should get harder as they age. But in last year’s finals, the oldest Hawks were still their most valuable.

This is the first off-seasonin a while where they have

not made a major signing, plus Brian

Lake and DavidHale are gone. Timeis working against

them but a tantalising

slice of history awaits. Those in the Hawks’ nest feel they are ahead of fellow three-peaters the Lions (2001-’03) because they also won the grand final in 2008 and lost in the decider to the Swans in 2012. Four in a row would put it beyond doubt.

Hard to find flaws in theirmakeup, although missing Jarryd Roughead for half the season will hurt.

The Hawks should have one more campaign in them but Sydney, West Coast and Freo are pushing while the Cats and Port can surprise.

3 BOMBERS CARNAGETHIS issue is not going away amid a push for the AFL to walk away from the WADA code. The argument that a code designed for individual sports does not fit that comfortably with team sports has some validity. But the AFL cannot ditch the code just because it did what it was supposed to do. Lobbying WADA to produce a team specific code is the better way to go.

The bans handed to the Essendon 34 have compromised another season. Some clubs feel disadvantaged by only playing the weakened Bombers once — and the decision by players to challenge the CAS ruling has ensured the issue will remain in the spotlight for at least another year.

4 WATCH THE HEADPLAYER welfare is the biggest issue in the game, and affects every level. The league must continue to pour resources into researching the long-term effects of head knocks, and

how to reduce the risks. Rules protecting players’

heads must be strictly enforced and punishments for reckless endangerment severe. Concussion can potentially affect numbers at junior level and the AFL is already facing a class action from former players affected by concussions.

5 BATTLING TO STAYEXPANDING draftee contracts to three years is a good start. The draft generally means the best young players join the worst clubs and virtually guarantees they are unlikely to achieve success early, which can add frustration to any homesickness. An extra 12 months would give clubs more time to settle these players.

The extra year of development would also leave these players ready to be making a bigger impact on the field, which would in turn lead to greater feelings of contentment.

Free agency is another disadvantage to weaker clubs. It helps veteran players but not clubs.

6 CARLTON REBIRTH?FOR a once proud and powerful club, the Blues have languished at the bottom of the ladder for far too long. But if they stick with rookie head coach Brendon Bolton, they have the perfect man to lead the revival. The Tasmanian with a teaching background spent five years in the successful Hawthorn system under Alastair Clarkson, and knows how to create a winning culture having steered North Hobart to an

A GOOD behaviour bond to unite the league, flowing footy and a true test for the Hawks. ANDREW HAMILTON and SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON spell out the 2016 wish list.

10BURNING

ISSUES

Blues coach Brendon Bolton

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11ROUND

12ROUND

13ROUND

14ROUND

15ROUND

16ROUND

17ROUND

18ROUND

19ROUND

20ROUND

21ROUND

22ROUND

23 TOTAL

V1 - M

ERE01Z01MA

ROUND 1THURSDAY, MARCH 24Richmond vs Carlton MCGSATURDAY, MARCH 26Melbourne vs GWS Giants MCGGold Coast vs Essendon MSSydney vs Collingwood SCGNorth Melbourne vs Adelaide ESSUNDAY, MARCH 27Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle ESPort Adelaide vs St Kilda AOWest Coast vs Brisbane Lions DSMONDAY, MARCH 28Geelong vs Hawthorn MCG

ROUND 2FRIDAY, APRIL 1Collingwood vs Richmond MCGSATURDAY, APRIL 2Adelaide vs Port Adelaide AOEssendon vs Melbourne MCGBrisbane Lions vs North Melbourne GSt Kilda vs Western Bulldogs ESFremantle vs Gold Coast DSSUNDAY, APRIL 3GWS Giants vs Geelong SOHawthorn vs West Coast MCGCarlton vs Sydney ES

ROUND 3FRIDAY, APRIL 8Port Adelaide vs Essendon AOSATURDAY, APRIL 9St Kilda vs Collingwood MCGRichmond vs Adelaide ESSydney vs GWS Giants SCGGold Coast vs Carlton MSWest Coast vs Fremantle DSSUNDAY, APRIL 10North Melbourne vs Melbourne BAWestern Bulldogs vs Hawthorn ESGeelong vs Brisbane Lions SS

ROUND 4FRIDAY, APRIL 15West Coast vs Richmond DSSATURDAY, APRIL 16Essendon vs Geelong MCGHawthorn vs St Kilda AU

Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast GCarlton vs Western Bulldogs ESAdelaide vs Sydney AOSUNDAY, APRIL 17GWS Giants vs Port Adelaide SOCollingwood vs Melbourne MCGNorth Melbourne vs Fremantle ES

ROUND 5FRIDAY, APRIL 22Hawthorn vs Adelaide MCGSATURDAY, APRIL 23Sydney vs West Coast SCGGold Coast vs North Melbourne MSWestern Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions ESPort Adelaide vs Geelong AOSUNDAY, APRIL 24St Kilda vs GWS Giants ESFremantle vs Carlton DSMelbourne vs Richmond MCGMONDAY, APRIL 25Collingwood vs Essendon MCG

ROUND 6FRIDAY, APRIL 29North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs ESSATURDAY, APRIL 30Melbourne vs St Kilda ESAdelaide vs Fremantle AOGWS Giants vs Hawthorn SPGeelong vs Gold Coast SSRichmond vs Port Adelaide MCGSUNDAY, MAY 1Brisbane Lions vs Sydney GCarlton vs Essendon MCGWest Coast vs Collingwood DS

ROUND 7FRIDAY, MAY 6Richmond vs Hawthorn MCGSATURDAY, MAY 7Collingwood vs Carlton MCGGeelong vs West Coast SSSydney vs Essendon SCGGold Coast vs Melbourne MSWestern Bulldogs vs Adelaide ESFremantle vs GWS Giants DSSUNDAY, MAY 8St Kilda vs North Melbourne ESPort Adelaide vs Brisbane Lions AO

ROUND 8FRIDAY, MAY 13Adelaide vs Geelong AOSATURDAY, MAY 14Essendon vs North Melbourne ESHawthorn vs Fremantle AUGWS Giants vs Gold Coast SPRichmond vs Sydney MCGBrisbane Lions vs Collingwood GSUNDAY, MAY 15Carlton vs Port Adelaide ESMelbourne vs Western Bulldogs MCGWest Coast vs St Kilda DS

ROUND 9FRIDAY, MAY 20Hawthorn vs Sydney MCGSATURDAY, MAY 21Collingwood vs Geelong MCGGold Coast vs Adelaide MSPort Adelaide vs West Coast AOFremantle vs Richmond DSNorth Melbourne vs Carlton ESSUNDAY, MAY 22Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions MCGGWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs SPSt Kilda vs Essendon ES

ROUND 10FRIDAY, MAY 27Sydney vs North Melbourne SCGSATURDAY, MAY 28Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn GMelbourne vs Port Adelaide TPSt Kilda vs Fremantle ESEssendon vs Richmond MCGAdelaide vs GWS Giants AOSUNDAY, MAY 29Carlton vs Geelong ESCollingwood vs Western Bulldogs MCGWest Coast vs Gold Coast DS

ROUND 11FRIDAY, JUNE 3North Melbourne vs Richmond BASATURDAY, JUNE 4Hawthorn vs Melbourne MCGCarlton vs Brisbane Lions ESGeelong vs GWS Giants SS

Fremantle vs Essendon DSGold Coast vs Sydney MSSUNDAY, JUNE 5Collingwood vs Port Adelaide MCGWestern Bulldogs vs West Coast ESAdelaide vs St Kilda AO

ROUND 12FRIDAY, JUNE 10Essendon vs Hawthorn ESSATURDAY, JUNE 11Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs AOBrisbane Lions vs Fremantle GGeelong vs North Melbourne ESWest Coast vs Adelaide DSSUNDAY, JUNE 12St Kilda vs Carlton ESRichmond vs Gold Coast MCGGWS Giants vs Sydney SPMONDAY, JUNE 13Melbourne vs Collingwood MCG

ROUND 13FRIDAY, JUNE 17North Melbourne vs Hawthorn ESSATURDAY, JUNE 18Brisbane Lions vs West Coast GFremantle vs Port Adelaide DSWestern Bulldogs vs Geelong ESSUNDAY, JUNE 19Sydney vs Melbourne SCGEssendon vs GWS Giants ESByes: Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood,Gold Coast, Richmond, St Kilda

ROUND 14THURSDAY, JUNE 23Adelaide vs North Melbourne AOFRIDAY, JUNE 24Collingwood vs Fremantle MCG

SATURDAY, JUNE 25Richmond vs Brisbane Lions MCGGWS Giants vs Carlton SPSt Kilda vs Geelong ESSUNDAY, JUNE 26Hawthorn vs Gold Coast AUByes: Essendon, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Sydney, West Coast, Western Bulldogs

ROUND 15THURSDAY, JUNE 30West Coast vs Essendon DSFRIDAY, JULY 1Port Adelaide vs Richmond AOSATURDAY, JULY 2Gold Coast vs St Kilda MSSydney vs Western Bulldogs SCGCarlton vs Collingwood MCGSUNDAY, JULY 3Melbourne vs Adelaide MCGByes: Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, Geelong, GWS Giants, Hawthorn, North Melbourne

ROUND 16THURSDAY, JULY 7Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn AOFRIDAY, JULY 8Geelong vs Sydney SSSATURDAY, JULY 9GWS Giants vs Collingwood SPGold Coast vs Brisbane Lions MSWestern Bulldogs vs Richmond ESMelbourne vs Fremantle TIOSUNDAY, JULY 10Carlton vs Adelaide MCGWest Coast vs North Melbourne DSEssendon vs St Kilda ES

ROUND 17THURSDAY, JULY 14Sydney vs Hawthorn SCGFRIDAY, JULY 15Fremantle vs Geelong DSSATURDAY, JULY 16Richmond vs Essendon MCGNorth Melbourne vs Port Adelaide ES

Western Bulldogs vs Gold Coast CSAdelaide vs Collingwood AOSUNDAY, JULY 17Carlton vs West Coast MCGSt Kilda vs Melbourne ESBrisbane Lions vs GWS Giants G

ROUND 18FRIDAY, JULY 22Collingwood vs North Melbourne ESSATURDAY, JULY 23Sydney vs Carlton SCGGold Coast vs Fremantle MSWest Coast vs Melbourne DSGeelong vs Adelaide SSWestern Bulldogs vs St Kilda ESSUNDAY, JULY 24Essendon vs Brisbane Lions ESHawthorn vs Richmond MCGPort Adelaide vs GWS Giants AO

ROUND 19FRIDAY, JULY 29Geelong vs Western Bulldogs SSSATURDAY, JULY 30GWS Giants vs Richmond SOHawthorn vs Carlton AUCollingwood vs West Coast MCGNorth Melbourne vs St Kilda ESBrisbane Lions vs Port Adelaide GSUNDAY, JULY 31Melbourne vs Gold Coast MCGFremantle vs Sydney DSAdelaide vs Essendon AO

ROUND 20FRIDAY, AUGUST 5Richmond vs Collingwood MCGSATURDAY, AUGUST 6Sydney vs Port Adelaide SCGMelbourne vs Hawthorn MCGGold Coast vs GWS Giants MSWestern Bulldogs vs North Melbourne ESAdelaide vs Brisbane Lions AOSUNDAY, AUGUST 7Carlton vs St Kilda MCGGeelong vs Essendon ESFremantle vs West Coast DS

ROUND 21FRIDAY, AUGUST 12Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood ESSATURDAY, AUGUST 13Brisbane Lions vs Carlton GHawthorn vs North Melbourne MCGGWS Giants vs West Coast SPSt Kilda vs Sydney ESPort Adelaide vs Melbourne AOSUNDAY, AUGUST 14Essendon vs Gold Coast ESRichmond vs Geelong MCGFremantle vs Adelaide DS

ROUND 22FRIDAY, AUGUST 19West Coast vs Hawthorn DSSATURDAY, AUGUST 20North Melbourne vs Sydney BARichmond vs St Kilda MCGGWS Giants vs Fremantle SPCollingwood vs Gold Coast ESPort Adelaide vs Adelaide AOSUNDAY, AUGUST 21Carlton vs Melbourne MCGBrisbane Lions vs Geelong GEssendon vs Western Bulldogs ES

ROUND 23FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 28Hawthorn vs Collingwood MCGAdelaide vs West Coast AOEssendon vs Carlton MCGGold Coast vs Port Adelaide MSSydney vs Richmond SCGSt Kilda vs Brisbane Lions ESNorth Melbourne vs GWS Giants ESGeelong vs Melbourne SSFremantle vs Western Bulldogs DS

FINALS SERIESSEPTEMBER 9-11Qualifying and elimination finals SEPTEMBER 16-17Semi-finalsSEPTEMBER 23-24Preliminary finalsOCTOBER 1Grand Final

1st2nd3rd

JOE DANIHER ALEX RANCE

NAT FYFE NICK RIEWOLDT

JOEL SELWOOD LANCE FRANKLIN

GARY ABLETT JOSH KENNEDY

DYLAN SHIEL JAKE STRINGER(AO) Adelaide Oval; (AU) Aurora Stadium, Launceston; (BA) Blundstone Arena, Hobart; (CS) Cazalys Stadium, Cairns; (ES) Etihad Stadium, Melbourne; (G) The Gabba, Brisbane; (MCG) Melbourne Cricket Ground; (MS) Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast; (DS) Domain Stadium, Perth; (SCG) Sydney Cricket Ground; (SO) StarTrack Oval, Canberra; (SP) Spotless Stadium, Sydney; (SS) Simonds Stadium, Geelong; (TIO) TIO Stadium, Darwin; (TP) TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs; (WS) Westpac Stadium, Wellington NZ.

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