afl

2011年7月2日星期六

Hawks to play it safe with Rioli

在 ServiceModel 客户端配置部分中，找不到引用协定“TranslatorService.LanguageService”的默认终结点元素。这可能是因为未找到应用程序的配置文件，或者是因为客户端元素中找不到与此协定匹配的终结点元素。
在 ServiceModel 客户端配置部分中，找不到引用协定“TranslatorService.LanguageService”的默认终结点元素。这可能是因为未找到应用程序的配置文件，或者是因为客户端元素中找不到与此协定匹配的终结点元素。
Posted June 29, 2011 18:47:00

Hawthorn will take a conservative approach with injured star Cyril Rioli as he recovers from his latest hamstring strain.

Hawks football manager Mark Evans says the club is targeting a return against Melbourne in round 18, meaning the classy speedster will miss two games, as well as having the round 17 bye.

Rioli has a history of hamstring problems and Evans said the minor strain he sustained against Essendon last Friday night was probably a result of stirring up scar tissue from a previous injury.

He spent three weeks on the sidelines, including a bye, after injuring his hamstring in round five.

"Usually these things are quite minor, and he'll get up to reasonable speed very quickly," Evans told the club's website.

"(But) we're likely to take that little bit longer with it, so that we don't have a third event during the year."

Evans said it was possible Rioli would be ready to return after missing one game, or even none, but the club wanted to eradicate the chance of another repeat injury.

Midfielder Brad Sewell, who strained a medial ligament against the Bombers, is also likely to return against the Demons in round 18.

"That's how it's looking at this stage," Evans said.

But Clinton Young (hamstring) and Rick Ladson (thigh) should both be ready to return against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, hawthorn-3122

View the original article here

AFL warns against covering logo

The AFL has warned clubs could face massive fines if players cover up the league logo on their guernseys during their ongoing pay dispute.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said regulations provide for penalties of $5,000 for each player who masked a logo.

However, Demetriou said he believes the action - understood to be one option considered by the players if they felt the need to protest over the pay dispute - is unlikely to go ahead.

"I don't think that's going to happen. I think that's unfortunate coverage," he said.

"The fact is, there are rules in place and if any logos were covered, for every player who covered it, there's a $5,000 per player fine for the clubs.

"I don't think it will come to that. I think that makes good copy but I don't think players genuinely want to see clubs fined.

"As they said the other night, they're playing for their clubs and their supporters, and we respect that."

As the pay dispute rumbles on, Demetriou on Friday announced what he called "the largest sponsorship of any sport in this country" - an extension until 2014 of the deal with major naming rights partner Toyota.

However, he was quick to deny any link between the guaranteed flow of millions of dollars to the players' demand for a bigger slice of the game's revenue.

Demetriou, in fact, labelled as "disingenuous" the players' suggestions that - with the arrival of new clubs Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney - the AFL's offer of a three per cent pay rise represents a pay cut.

Demetriou said the league had offered around $1.1 billion, but the players said the deal would barely keep pace with inflation.

"Our view is pretty clear - we want the players to get their fair share," he said.

"We don't believe philosophically in percentages of revenue, and we haven't changed our view on that."

The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) said more than 80 per cent of the amount offered by the league would be absorbed by maintaining the current benefits for players without any increases in player payments.

"This means there would be insufficient funds for initiatives such as annuities and improved injury compensation for players," the AFLPA said in a statement.

"The AFL Players' Association rejected that offer at the end of May - a decision affirmed by all AFL players in Wednesday's meeting - coming as it did during a time of unprecedented growth in AFL revenue."

Demetriou insists the players would be better off under the AFL's offer rather than be on the end of a pay cut.

"It's disingenuous to say that's a pay cut. It's just not true. I can't understand how that is a pay cut," he said.

"Our offer, regardless of the two expansion teams, is at least eight per cent if the players choose to take that as a total player payment.

"As we've said, the players have got a $1.1 billion package there, which is $300 million more than last time and, in effect, is nearly a 30 per cent increase in gross terms."

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted July 1, 2011 10:19:00

View the original article here

Dumped coach swaps teams

Former North Hobart coach Clinton Brown has signed with Glenorchy, just days after he was dumped by the Demons.

Brown's tenure at North Hobart was cut short on Monday, following the club's fourth loss in five weeks.

After initially planning to play on with the Demons, Brown has now opted to see out the season with the Magpies.

He says it would have been too difficult to remain at North Hobart.

The Magpies play North Hobart this weekend and Brown's presence in black and white could have set up a sensational clash.

However, he has opted not to play out of respect for his former club.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, tas, glenorchy-7010, north-hobart-7000

First posted June 30, 2011 08:12:00

View the original article here

Demetriou reiterates pay stance

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has reiterated his opposition to a new pay deal for footballers being linked to a fixed percentage of league revenue.

The AFL Players Association (AFLPA) wants a fixed 25-27 per cent of revenue to be locked in for players, a proposal that is staunchly opposed by the league.

AFLPA chief executive Matt Finis will brief players in Melbourne tonight on negotiations over the next collective bargaining agreement, and members will vote on their next step.

Most of the league's 782 players are expected to be involved in the meeting, either in person or via video links to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Speaking in Sydney, Demetriou said while players deserved a pay rise, it should not be tied to revenue.

"My view hasn't changed," he said.

"We believe that the players are entitled to get a fair share out of this recent broadcast rights agreement.

"It's always difficult to get the balance right, we've got to manage the expectations of our stakeholders.

"Getting that balance right and speaking to each group to get them to understand that here's a pot of money that's available, here's what your fair share is, and we don't link that to percentages, we link that to what's fair."

He said a fair increase should ultimately be based on what the game could afford.

"Whilst we're looking after the players I must continue to invest in grass roots football, I must continue to put money into Auskick programs and facilities, and work with governments to develop school sport," he said.

Demetriou said he hoped tonight's meeting would give players clear information on the pay negotiations to combat "mixed messages" on the issue.

Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell said he expected his whole team to be present at tonight's meeting.

"This it not a war, we're not trying to fight the AFL or fight the clubs," he said.

"We're just trying to get our piece of the pie.

"I think tonight's meeting is probably important for everyone so we can get a real understanding of the details behind it all."

-AAP/ABC

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, nsw, sydney-2000, qld, brisbane-4000, sa, adelaide-5000, vic, melbourne-3000, wa, perth-6000

First posted June 29, 2011 14:49:00

View the original article here

Dogs fight for GWS target Ward

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has labelled Callan Ward a future leader of the AFL club, as the Bulldogs try to persuade the talented youngster to reject a lucrative offer from Greater Western Sydney.

Ward has been offered a five-year deal from the Giants, believed to be worth close to $5 million, but Eade said the Dogs would do whatever they could to keep him.

"We're going as hard as we can with Callan," Eade said.

"He's an extremely valuable player, but we see him as a future leader of the club and we're doing everything in our power.

"We liken him to our Joel Selwood, where he's courageous, he's tough and he's young and we see him as a future leader of the club."

Eade said the Bulldogs were not angered that the Giants had approached Ward during the season.

"That's the system we live in, people know that, so there's no anger as such," he said.

The AFL has said that while players cannot be signed to contracts or heads of agreements with rival clubs during a season, they are free to be approached.

Despite the huge pay increase on offer for Ward if he leaves, Eade had high hopes that the midfielder, who grew up only a short distance from the club, would stay loyal.

"Being a local boy and how he's viewed at the club as a future leader, we're more than hopeful he'll stay," Eade said.

But the coach said the Dogs' coaching staff and players would not be pressuring Ward to sign on and would try to allow him to concentrate purely on his football.

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, nsw, blacktown-2148, vic, footscray-3011, melbourne-3000

First posted June 30, 2011 13:55:00

View the original article here

It won't happen overnight: Hird

Essendon coach James Hird is unrattled by the Bombers' sudden run of outs after an impressive start to the year.

The side has lost its past five AFL games and is headed for another defeat on Saturday when it tackles unbeaten Geelong at Docklands stadium.

Hird says he is less concerned about the string of losses and more interested in how the overall improvement of the players is progressing.

He says it will take around three years before the Bombers are likely to be in contention for finals wins.

Essendon rose as high as third on the league ladder with five wins in eight games, before tumbling down the table in recent weeks.

Hird says it was not unexpected that the team buckled when circumstances turned against them, whether through injuries or through players' lack of hunger.

"We're very realistic about where we're at and very realistic when we started about the process and how long it's going to take and where we're trying to get to," Hird said.

"It doesn't happen overnight. We're realistic about it. Some people aren't.

"We were also mindful that there was going to be a point in the year that the players went away or didn't play exactly how we wanted them to play.

"That's human nature - you get on a roll, things are going well, things get tough, you maybe don't do it as well as you wanted.

"We were mindful of that."

While the Cats have a number of high-profile players including Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Stokes and James Kelly returning for the game, Essendon has been hit by injuries.

Captain Jobe Watson and David Myers have hamstring problems and Sam Lonergan is out for the season with a knee injury.

However, Hird said the game is "winnable" and he is excited at the new group of younger players who will have to step up for the match.

"I look forward to a game where our players develop even further," Hird said.

"We obviously want to win the game and we think we're a chance to win the game but we want to improve and get better and this is part of the process."

Hird has persisted with out-of-form ruckman Paddy Ryder and has again dropped Tom Bellchambers.

However, he admits this time Ryder was fortunate to be named.

"Paddy's probably lucky to stay in the team but we want to develop him as a player as well and we think that this is the best way to do it," Hird said.

"Paddy knows that he's got to improve and he's the first to admit that.

"If you looked in the rooms after the game (last week against Hawthorn), the most disappointed player was Paddy Ryder.

"If his training is any indication, then he's in for a big game."

-AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, vic, essendon-3040

First posted July 1, 2011 13:54:00

View the original article here

2011年7月1日星期五

Lions focused on avoiding spoon

Avoiding finishing last - rather than vying for the AFL finals - is officially now the Brisbane Lions' main goal, Simon Black admits.

But the veteran insists he is loving his footy as much as ever.

Amid yet another horror Lions season, there have been calls this week for the AFL club to clear the player decks in preparation for a long-term crack at a flag.

Black and captain Jonathan Brown have earned the right to end their career on their own terms.

However, the likes of fellow old-timers Amon Buchanan, Matt Maguire and perennially-injured ruckman Jamie Charman have been called out by some as the Lions look to rebuild - especially after Charman suffered another setback to his recovery from an "indefinite" Achilles injury.

But Black claims he still has the passion - and the Lions have the young talent - to kick-start a recovery ahead of Sunday's cellar-dweller clash with Port Adelaide at the Gabba.

"I still love my footy as much as I always have," he said on Thursday.

"You obviously enjoy it more when you are winning more, so it is a challenge.

"But I am enjoying playing with the young guys - hopefully, we set them on the path for future success sooner rather than later."

Black is the first to concede their main goal ahead of the Port clash is kicking clear of last place on the AFL ladder.

The Lions (2-11 record) are third last, ahead of Port (2-11) and Gold Coast Suns (2-10), with Brisbane's new arch-rival having a game in hand.

"We are playing Port who are towards the bottom of the ladder where we are," Black said on Thursday.

"Both sides obviously haven't had a great year.

"Four points are hard to pick up and very much sought after by both teams."

Asked about the wooden spoon, Black said: "It is a good opportunity to get away from them (Port) a bit for a week - we will be very hungry for the win."

Easier said than done, after the Lions were left reeling from their latest injury blow.

Young gun Daniel Rich will miss his first senior match since making his debut in 2009 after being diagnosed with a foot stress reaction.

The young midfielder - who had played 59 consecutive matches - could be out for up to six weeks.

"It is a big blow. He is one of our good, long-term players for the club - hopefully, he is back sooner rather than later," Black said.

Rich joins an injury list which includes the likes of vice-captains Mitch Clark (ankle), Daniel Merrett (back) and Josh Drummond (knee), as well as Todd Banfield (hamstring).

In another blow, 28-year-old premiership ruckman Charman - who has not played since round three in 2009 due to various injuries - suffered a setback in his recovery from an achilles complaint.

However, the Lions received some good news with Jed Adcock (finger) and Brent Staker available for action just 14 weeks after LARS knee surgery.

Vice-captain Adcock was named in a 25-strong Lions squad on Thursday, coming in for Rich who was officially ruled out for "two to three weeks".

The squad will be trimmed to 22 on Friday.

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, qld, brisbane-4000

View the original article here

订阅：博文 (Atom)