FORMER ST Kilda midfielder Austinn Jones will coach Bendigo’s VFL team from next season as it goes stand alone in the competiition for the first time. Jones was appointed this morning after a press conference held in Bendigo to launch its new coach. Bendigo will split with Essendon at the end of the season after

KARMICHAEL Hunt’s decision to sign on for another couple of seasons for the Gold Coast went largely unnoticed until yesterday. Craig Hutchison, of the Sunday Herald Sun, quietly broke the news in Sunday’s paper but was only dismissed by other media outlets before a conference with Hunt yesterday. Hunt was the first NRL star player to convert

  THE NAB Cup can produce only glimpses of what we can expect in the season proper. Surely, we can’t be worried by Carlton’s inability to post a signifiant victory or Collingwood’s indifferent form. Or surprised of Hawthorn’s impressive form, Melbourne’s rise, Greater Western Sydney’s struggle or Geelong’s versatility and new breed. But one thing

ONLY last year they signed a five year $1.23 billion broadcast agreement, now the future of that deal and the AFL’s ability to make money on broadcasting

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Fremantle: Former Fremantle coach Mark Harvey, still reeling from his surprise sacking last September, said he had still not come to terms with the decision

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Collingwood: Troubled Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer has made a surprise return to training in a massive boost to the injury-ravaged Magpies

West Coast: West Coast’s small forwards shone, but it wasn’t Josh Hill who starred as the Eagles defeated Essendon by 21 points in the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium

CARLTON Andrew Walker was brilliant last season and although his value is high, still remains a good pick. Ed Curnow is one to watch after a second pre-season. Matthew Watson and Levi Casboult are likely to press ahead. 1.  Andrew Walker – Silky skilled midfielder turned forward who became the clubs’ most improved last year.

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Richmond: Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt says he has his “body language” issues in check, admitting he was out of line at times during the 2011 season

The Australian has reported that star Eagles forward Mark LeCras is now likely to be out for the entire 2012 season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at training yesterday. LeCras was a key contributor to the Eagles fourth place finish last season and losing the 25 year old sharp shooter

We won’t comment on how quickly the new season has come upon us, we’ll just enjoy the fact and, more importantly, tonight’s games.

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Western Bulldogs: Goal-kicking powerhouse and former Western Bulldog Barry Hall is returning to Whitten Oval in a new role, the club announced today

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Melbourne: Aaron Davey will play in Melbourne’s first intra-club hitout on Friday, with a “back to the future” role as a small forward looming

Amongst all of the usual pre-season discussion, an issue that is usually embedded in post-season football talk – the contentious priority pick – has returned to the surface of football discussion. Guest Writer Alex Kingham takes us through the debate and controversy

Adelaide: Jason Porplyzia’s much-awaited comeback to the Crows attack – and perhaps midfield – is on hold due to yet another injury.

Hawthorn: Punters continue their love affair with Hawthorn as Sam Mitchell and Cyril Rioli firm as favourites for this year’s Brownlow Medal

YOU got it, Football Nation is receiving a massive upgrade just in time for the 2012 season. And you will have the best seats in the house just by ‘liking’ us on Facebook to receive daily updates or just by even visiting our site kicks a winning goal. Our new look design is fresh and innovative and will keep

THE VFL’s long-standing partnership with ABCTV is under increasing doubt as state league fans around the country wait on a commercial decision to be made within the next fortnight. With just under six weeks until the start of the VFL season, an agreement between the two parties remains in limbo. And even if the VFL

(DAILY ONE LINERS) St Kilda: Lenny Hayes’s comeback from a knee reconstruction is building momentum, with the veteran midfielder showing encouraging signs in today’s intra-club match at Seaford

IT LOOKS like a challenging year for the Magpies is going to become that much more interesting. After coaching the Pies in 286 games, including four premiership appearances and one victory, Mick Malthouse was never going to just walk away and be silent as Nathan Buckley took over the team that he built. He’s just not wired that way

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Western Bulldogs: The Brian Lake story has taken another positive turn, with confirmation he will play in the Western Bulldogs’ intra-club match at Whitten Oval on Saturday.

ST KILDA utility Brendon Goddard has not ruled out a potential move to Greater Western Sydney after yesterday’s comments at a press conference. Speculation will be rife that Goddard, who was linked to GWS last season, may decide to be a marquee player at the Giants in 2013. It is believed he has always been offered

TROUBLED Western Bulldogs defender Brian Lake will make his return in an intra-club match this weekend. Lake had a horror season with injury in which he struggled to shrug off a pre-season complaint. It ultimately affected his form. “When you see Brian, and even Coons as well, come back out on the track it does

HAWTHORN has made a fortune since former president Ian Dicker’s decision to play a few home games in the apple isle. And current president Andrew Newbold said the Hawks aren’t going anywhere. “The fact is that we are here to stay. We have got a fantastic support base,”  Newbold told The Age “This is our

UPDATE: THE Northern Blues have signed former Hawthorn high-flyer Carl Peterson, who has cited he wants to return to the AFL ranks as soon as next season. Peterson played 17 games with the Hawks in 2010 but struggled with fitness issues and was delisted at the end of the season. The Blues, who unveiled their

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Fremantle: Captain Matthew Pavlich is delighted with the way his side has embraced new coach Ross Lyon’s attitude and tactics as they edge closer to the new AFL season

CHIEF executive Eugene Arocca and chief of football Donald McDonald are tight-lipped about the specifics of Daw’s actions but have left the door open for his return to the club

THE FUTURE of tantalizing North Melbourne prospect Majak Daw has been thrown into further disarray after it was announced today that the club had suspended him indefinetly for “missing rehabilitation sessions and acting contrary to the club’s culture and professional expectations.”

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Magpies star Alan Didak and Roos rookie Majak Daw will both miss the NAB Cup

(DAILY ONE LINERS) West Coast: Norm Smith Medallist Andrew Embley has suffered a pre-season setback, injuring his shoulder during a match simulation drill at West Coast training on Friday

THE AFL has today announced that it won’t be changing its eligibility criteria for the Brownlow Medal after Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell came so close to winning the prestigious award last season despite being ineligible. Mitchell finished runner-up to Collingwood’s Dane Swan but was reported for an offence that gained demerit points and was deemed

EMMA SUTCLIFFE caught up with the boys from Uncle Jimmy’s Pool Room to talk about life after footy as they tackle the world of beauty for men

HAWTHORN midfielder Brad Sewell believes the Hawks are ” well positioned” for a shot at another flag. The Hawks were ousted in preliminary final week by the last kick of the match against Collingwood last season. “Our group I think is as well positioned as what we have been in my time at the  club,” Sewell

NORTH Melbourne’s new skipper Andrew Swallow is hoping that he leads by the way he plays on the field this season. Swallow was awarded the captaincy yesterday, ending Brent Harvey’s three year reign as Kangaroos captain. “I’ve had a few opportunities in my junior career but I think as I go along (my leadership) will

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Hawthorn: The Hawks continue to be impressed by the recovery of key big man Jarryd Roughead ahead of the 2012 season.

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Collingwood: New assistant Rodney Eade has declared that the Magpies are completely focused on a successful 2012 and refusing to dwell on the heartbreaking grand final loss

TWO former Bendigo Bombers may be the key to the Western Bulldogs goalkicking woes following the departure of Barry Hall. Tory Dickson and rookie-listed Jack Redpath will provide some goalkicking power for the Dogs as they look to more options than one with Liam Jones and Jarrad Grant both having an outstanding pre-seasons also. Both were

COLLINGWOOD forward Alan Didak has been one of the big positives on the training track after a poor season last year. Didak struggled with form and consistency last season but is ready to rebound according to Pies general manager Geoff Walsh. “He’s had a pretty good summer on the track,” Walsh said. “He is going OK

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Geelong: Three time premiership defender David Wojcinski is battling an on-going foot injury that could delay his start to the new AFL season

MELBOURNE president Jim Stynes will step down from his role at the club to focus on his on-going cancer battle and also his family according to reports. Stynes is expected to stand down at tonight’s annual general meeting at the club. Acting president Don McLardy is the favourite to take over from Stynes’ presidential position

CALLAN Ward, a former Western Jet, may help lead the new franchise Greater Western Sydney with an announcment expected as soon as next week. In GWS’ eyes, he is the right fit. Maybe it’s because he resembles the west in many ways in which he grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs, played for the Western

PERHAPS the key to the Western Bulldogs getting their on-field mojo back is defender Brian Lake. Lake, who was critically unfit and out of form in season in 2011, is now leaner and much more fitter than he had been for the entire season last year. “He’s lighter and leaner than he’s been in a

BRENDAN Fevola is likely to bypass a state league option and play in the Ovens and Murray Football League next season. There is speculation that he may sign for Yarrawonga but that is yet to be confirmed. “It’s pretty exciting, I’m looking forward to it,” Fevola said. “I can’t tell you  which club, it’s only

HAWTHORN’S young guns Paul Puopolo and Isaac Smith are looking to prove that they’re not one hit wonders. Both mature age players from the SANFL and VFL respectively were much-improved in their debut season for the Hawks. Hawks skipper Sam Mitchell believes both players have plenty of improvement left in them. “It’s not so much about their

DO Hawthorn deserve premiership favouritism after bowing out in a nail biter against the Pies in a preliminary final last week? The Hawks have become the centre of a betting frenzy as the AFL season inches closer with the NAB Cup starting in two weeks. West Coast and Carlton have also attracted much attention, while

GOLD Coast skipper Gary Ablett arguably had one of his best seasons last year despite an injur-ravaged pre-season, but this year he is set to hit the ground running early. The club is confident Ablett is ripe for the NAB Cup. “For Gary, he’s done everything right this pre-season, and he’s definitely fit enough to

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has signalled that a new captain is likely to lead the club this season despite Brent Harvey still being in his prime. Andrew Swallow and Jack Ziebell lead the front runners at the Roos for the top job. “In any team sport the most important thing is you have a

FORMER St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has re-united with the club after what has been described as a cold war between the two parties since the controversial sacking. Thomas was sacked in 2006 but met up for the first time yesterday with the club’s hierarchy to discuss ways of cooling the waters so to speak

ST KILDA skipper Nick Riewoldt has signalled that he still wants to maintain the captaincy despite a disappointing season at the helm last year. Riewoldt is hopeful of keeping the job but has said that he would stand aside for the right man to take the job. That man may well be Lenny Hayes. ”It’s

GEELONG coach Chris Scott says the teams’ ruck line-up will be again up for debate but may opt for two ruckmen again. The Cats recruited mature age VFL player Orren Stephenson the draft. “As we were last year, we’re not wedded to any particular structure we think that two ruckmen can work, as long as

THE new Fox Footy Channel on Foxtel will be unleashed on February 17 with the triple header of NAB Cup games. Also beginning that week will be footy show AFL 360 which was a huge hit last season. It is believed to be extending to a four night a week show hosted by Gerard Whately

THERE’S only 24 sleeps to go until AFL footy is back on our screens. It will kick off on February 17 with Richmond, North Melbourne and Hawthorn getting started from 6:45pm at Etihad Stadium in a trio of matches. The 2012 NAB Cup match order was released today. 2012 NAB Cup match order February 17,

WHILE the Werribee Tigers have gained some top recruits over summer, the club has also lost some experience headlined by skipper Dom Gleeson, rising midfielders Flinn Chisholm and Michael Rockefeller and fringe players Rhyce Prismall, Brant Dickson and Sean Tighe. Gleeson, Chisholm and Rockefeller have been the usual faces of the midfield for so long

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Richmond: Tigers star Jack Riewoldt is set to resume full training after a summer of restricted duties

UPDATE: COBURG Tigers forward James Lawton has signed at Central District in the SANFL, meaning that another quality player has been lost from the VFL. He joins delisted Richmond midfielder Ben Nason, who spent plenty of time at Coburg last season, at Central District. THE Box Hill Hawks have continued their recruiting surge by signing

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Collingwood: Just weeks out from his coaching debut, Nathan Buckley has revealed the void from failing to win a premiership as a player still eats at him and won’t be sated even if he leads the Magpies to a flag in his new role

CYRIL Rioli is set for a bumper season according to coach Alastair Clarkson. The Hawks premiership star is only going to get better and Hawks fans are hoping that what Clarkson says is right. Rioli has only just began taking of a midfield role in recent seasons but has been plagued by injuries when his career

FORMER Collingwood premiership coach Mick Malthouse admitted on radio this morning that he was warned against recruiting Ben Cousins in 2008 because of a possible drug relapse. Cousins was snared by Richmond after several clubs had sounded him out. Since quitting football, Cousins has once again become prone to taking drugs. The latest episode to

NEW North Melbourne rookie Malcolm Lynch has high aims for 2012. But after a blistering season for reigning premier Port Melbourne, those Kangaroo fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Lynch’s name being mentioned as a rookie upgrade early on in the season. Lynch is thankful that he landed at stand alone Port under coach Gary

BRENDAN Fevola is leaning towards a return to the VFL and is shopping around clubs to join a new club over the pre-season. Fevola has told close friends that he still has a desire to get back into the AFL and that a decline from all clubs in the drafts hasn’t dampened all his hope of

UPDATE: THE Box Hill Hawks have continued their recruiting surge by signing former Melbourne-listed player Danny Hughes. Hughes was dumped from Melbourne’s list at the end of last season. He played the majority of the season at the Scorpions. UPDATE: Sandringham appears likely to gain one of its own – defender Will Johnson – despite

GEELONG football manager Neil Balme says son of a gun Nathan Ablett can make it back into the AFL. Balme told The Sunday Age that Ablett was always good enough at the top level to succeed. ”We always thought he was a very talented player, and certainly he is not too  old,” Balme said Ablett

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Western Bulldogs: In news that will be of great relief to the Western Bulldogs faithful, Adam Cooney will be up and
about for the start of next month’s NAB Cup

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Fremantle: After the AFL introduces free agency transfers for players later this year, will Lance Franklin be a
Docker?

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Hawthorn: Cyril Rioli may spend more time in the midfield next season if he is able to continue what Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson describes as his best pre-season

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Ryan Griffen has signed a new three year deal that will keep him locked at the kennel until at least 2015. Griffen told the Herald Sun that he was thrilled to stay at the Bulldogs. The move thwarts any hope of another club trading for him with free agency rules just around

FORGOTTEN Richmond defender Kelvin Moore will make his long awaited comeback to the footy field with glee after a string of injuries. Moore finished fifth in the Tigers best and fairest in 2008 but has barely been sighted since. He told the Herald Sun that he was looking forward to returning to the footy field

WERRIBEE has poached former Geelong premiership player Nathan Ablett after announcing the signing of the key forward today. Ablett joins his cousin Travis Tuck at Werribee and it is likely that they will be the two drawcards to Werribee matches this season with the two fathers Gary Ablett and Michael Tuck likely to be in

Collingwood: Collingwoodfc.com.au has published the best tweets and pictures posted by the Collingwood players over the course of season

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Geelong: Cats star Joel Selwood is predicting a tough month of training when the players return to the track today

COLLINGWOOD teenager Alex Fasolo says he was stoked about his first year performance at the Pies, where he was called up to play in the grand final. He was rewarded with the No.1 guernsey this week. “I was pretty happy with my first year,” Fasolo said. “I knew I was coming into a pretty strong

CLAREMENT is chasing former Collingwood All-Australian Paul Medhurst and delisted Hawk Jarryd Morton. The WAFL club is looking to bolster its list with experience over the pre-season and believes both former AFL players would be of a massive benefit. Claremont football manager Dean Horsington said he was hopeful of snaring Medhurst. “It’s just whether he wants

HAWTHORN midfielder Sam Mitchell says that 2011 was a year of survival for him and his family after undergoing one of the toughest family moments. Already with son Smith, wife Lyndall and Sam were extremely worried about the health of Scarlett, the twin of Emmerson, during a life-threatening moment after birth. He said that it

NEW Melbourne coach Mark Neeld says he naturally felt pain for Collingwood after its grand final loss to Geelong after spending the past four years with the group. Neeld was appointed coach of the Demons in the lead up to the grand final and moved on from Collingwood as soon as the announcement was made after consultation

MELBOURNE has an international flavour to it as it commits to a pre-season altitude camp in China for the next three to five years and may even look to play an exhibition match in Qatar. The Demons are looking to get their brand on the world map and see China as a way of doing

UPDATE: THE Box Hill Hawks have snared perhaps the biggest recruiting coup of the VFL pre-season so far after signing former North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Pratt. Pratt, who played 119 AFL games for North Melbourne and Brisbane, will be a playing assistant coach at Box Hill under Damian Carroll. Carroll said Pratt will be a

GEELONG’S new VFL coach Matthew Knights says his hunger to coach has returned just less than two years on from being cast aside by Essendon. Knights will be in charge of the Cats development squad and VFL team next season, taking over from Dale Amos who was promoted to a Cats assistant coach position. “I got a

UPDATE: GEELONG has lost experienced leader Matthew Firman, who has taken on a coaching role with VAFA team North Old Boys. However, among the latest recruits for the Cats VFL team is delisted Collingwood rookie Jye Bolton and Geelong Falcons trio Lachlan Edwards, Cam Tudor and Jordan Keras. The club has had a massive off-season

HAWTHORN has stepped up its training regime over summer as it just completed a session on the Sunshine Coast last week. It believes it has a top-line group of mature aged players that are ready to cop a tough workout for the season ahead. “When you’ve got a more inexperienced group you might have 20 to

ADELAIDE: Need a good run with injuries but Christmas did come early when snaring Brenton Sanderson as coach. Already good reports at the Crows during the pre-season of Sando, but the proof must be in pudding come February. BRISBANE LIONS: An injury-free Jonathan Brown. Still the most important player at the Lions, Brown’s importance is

THE Werribee Tigers bid for a breakthrough flag may well be far better off after being handed three top-line players from North Melbourne’s rookie list over the pre-season. The Roos opted for mature aged players including Box Hill skipper Sam Gibson, Port Melbourne midfielder Malcolm Lynch and Werribee defender Brad Mangan. All three have been

ONE of the games greats, Robert DiPierdomenico believes Greater Western Sydney will become a force within the next three years. ”GWS has a good young boy named Tom Scully who was at Melbourne and he could potentially be a great 10-year player for them. He’s only 20 and we haven’t seen the best of him.

NEW Essendon midfielder Mark Baguley believes it’s not anymore difficult to get noticed at Frankston than other competing VFL clubs even though it is a renowned cellar-dwellar. The Dolphins have only won a handful of games over the past two years but are believed to be well on their to success in 2012. “I don’t

THOSE overlooked for last week’s AFL rookie draft will continue to persist and hope their names come up again next season. In particular, two-time Liston Trophy winner Shane Valenti was this year’s version of Myles Sewell. Terrific credentials and perhaps all it came down to was a bit of luck. Now, the former Demon will

UPDATE: PORT Melbourne premiership player Nathan Batsanis has crossed to the SANFL for next season after missing out on getting selected in the recent AFL rookie draft. Batsanis joins a huge exodus of experienced Port players after its golden premiership season. UPDATE: WILLIAMSTOWN has signed 2010 Western Jets best and fairest Jordan Mead, Sandringham Dragons

THE big names such as Brendan Fevola, Leon Davis, Andrew Lovett and Travis Tuck were all overlooked in today’s AFL pre-season and rookie draft. Instead there have been 11 VFL players snapped up; the most the league has had in some time. They include Box Hill Hawks skipper Sam Gibson who landed at North Melbourne

OUR VFL expert BRENT DIAMOND assesses the options and gives us the late mail on who is likely to be picked up in tomorrow’s AFL rookie draft. Shane Valenti (Port Melbourne – likely to end up at Essendon. Trained there with the main squad on Friday morning. Ben Duscher (Bendigo Bombers) – Essendon and the

GEELONG ruckman Orren Stephenson believes being a dad just after he turned 17 helped him mature as a person and was perhaps the making of him. “The age has certainly helped a lot, to be able to deal with the bits and pieces of managing yourself a bit,” he said. “(Being a dad so young

UPDATE: FORMER Hawthorn premiership player Rick Ladson appears likely to play at Bendigo this season with his brother after taking on a development role at Essendon. Bendigo has yet to be confirm Ladson has joined it but it is believed he is interested in a playing role. Ladson was earmarked to join Greater Western Sydney

(DAILY ONE LINERS) West Coast: Midfielder Daniel Kerr has had another injury setback which will restrict his pre-season training program

UPDATE: FORMER West Coast midfielder Jamie McNamara has joined Williamstown after serving East Fremantle in the WAFL as vice-captain. McNamara, who has played 77 league games in the WAFL averaging 24 disposals and 5 marks a game, will be a great replacement for former Seagulls skipper Brett Johnson. Williamstown believe the 23-year-old is in the

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Port Adelaide: The Power have officially pulled out of the race to sign former Collingwood defender Leon Davis.

PORT Adelaide is set to snub former Collingwood All-Australian Leon Davis in favour of North Melbourne midfielder Gavin Urquhart in next week’s AFL pre-season draft. It was thought that Davis would end up at Port Adelaide but it is believed the Power will make a financial decision in that they will get Urquhart for next to nothing.

(DAILY ONE LINERS) Gold Coast: They are calling it the “Suns’ Way”. It is the code the Gold Coast wants to live by and former Sydney skipper Brett Kirk, architect of Sydney’s famous “Bloods” culture, has been hired to help set it in stone

UPDATE: FORMER North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Pratt is up for grabs among VFL clubs. It is believed Williamstown and Port Melbourne head the list of clubs after his services. It is understood he has ruled out a return to North Melbourne’s affiliate clubs North Ballarat and Werribee. UPDATE: Former Geelong forward Ben Johnson has signed

WE look at those players in line for a rookie draft berth that will be ready-made prospects for your club. 1. Oliver Tate – North Ballarat He is young, vibrant and an exciting prospect for any club. Has attracted interest from North Melbourne. Will be a top prospect if a club takes a chance on

FORMER Melbourne midfielder Addam Maric could be provided with an AFL lifeline by Richmond after being invited to train at the Tigers in the lead up to December 13′s pre-season draft. The Tigers could miss out on former Magpie John McCarthy with Port Adelaide set to take McCarthy instead of Leon Davis because of financial

THIS is the picture that would get Sandringham fans excited. Chris Judd training in a Sandy jumper – perhaps a glimpse of the future. But no, the Carlton captain began pre-season training before he is set to have shoulder surgery next week. The club is hopeful that he will be right for round one. “Chris

CARLTON’S trend of recruiting mature aged players continued in last month’s draft after selecting former Norwood player Sam Rowe. Rowe hails from the same SANFL club as Nick Duigan, who made his AFL debut with the Blues last season. “Seeing Duigs coming over like he did last year and being effective as he has (been)

PORT Melbourne is on the look out for a major sponsor for next season and beyond as it approaches its first season in the Foxtel Cup. The Borough, the undefeated reigning premier, ended its long association with TEAC last month. TEAC’s association with the Port Melbourne Football Club was established in 1988 and both parties