The Sydney Morning Herald
Coach sticks by Dogs skipper
By Jake Niall and Jon Pierik
After being singled out following the Bulldogs massive loss to Collingwood on Saturday night, Coach Rodney Eade has confirmed that skipper Brad Johnson will play this weekend against the Swans. Eade said that Johnson was fine even though he seemed to struggle through Saturday night’s game. Johnson’s came was “ineffectual” and has been struggling since returning from an Achilles injury and if the Dogs lose on the weekend it may be his last game of AFL.
Judd laments Blues’ wasted chances
By Samantha Lane
Following their five-point defeat to the Sydney Swans, Carlton skipper Chris Judd said that the team failed to reach the expectations that was set for them in the middle of the season. The Blues have not won a final since 2001 and were looking to improve on last year’s performance after bowing out in the first round as well. Their mad Monday celebrations will consist of a simple pub lunch, following last year’s ‘booze cruise’ which landed the club in a lot of heat from the AFL.
Candidate ‘different’ to Knights
By Jon Pierik
Essendon coaching candidate Alan Richardson has stated that he has a different coaching philosophy compared to sacked Bomber’s coach Matthew Knights. The move has been seen as a bid to distance himself from the former Bomber’s coach in hope of securing the role at Windy Hill. Richardson is seen as one of the front runners for both the Bomber’s and Port Adelaide, but now Matthew Primus and Chris Scott are reportedly ahead of him for the Power’s head coaching role. Richardson’s biggest fear is that he will be linked to the Knight’s era and will know if he gets the top job at Port before the Bomber’s have finalised their front runners.
Hope rise for Pies midfielder
By Michael Gleeson
Collingwood midfielder Sharrod Wellingham is expected to make a full recovery from an ankle injury on the weekend in time to play in the Preliminary final. Scans taken yesterday revealed that there was no structural damage done to the ankle which Wellingham rolled in a contest and left him sidelined for the rest of the game. Collingwood assistant coach Nathan Buckley said that he expected Wellingham to make a full recovery and he is expected to spend a lot of time in rehab over the next few days.
Former Hawk Campbell on radar for suns
By Jake Niall
The Gold Coast Suns are considering recruiting former Hawthorn premiership ruckman Robert Campbell and adding him to their list for the 2011 season. Campbell, who retired from the Hawks at the end of last season due to a chronic knee problem, can be taken by the Gold Coast as a delisted player. The former Hawks player has been playing with Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill since his retirement and has progressed well.
ABC online
History against us admits Roos
AAP
After their five-point win over Carlton on the weekend, Sydney coach Paul Roo’s has dismissed any talk of favouritism for their match against the Bulldogs this weekend. The Swan’s go into the match with a five-game winning streak, whereas the Bulldogs have lost three of their past four matches. Roo’s said that they are going to have to lift this weekend if they are to beat the Bulldogs as they have had a better season than the Swans.
The Herald Sun
Barry Hall in doubt for finals
By Matt Windley
A match review panel will today decide whether Barry Hall’s strike to Collingwood’s Harry O’Brien’s chest has ended his season and finals campaign. His poor disciplinary record could also play a major part in the verdict handed down. The incident was similar to Geelong’s Paul Chapman, who gave an early guilty plea and he was let off with a reprimand rather than a suspension due to his clean record. Hall has missed 10 games in the past three years due to suspension and any demerit points Hall receives carry a 50 per cent loading.
