Preseason Update Club by Club

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun, here are the Preseason Updates Club by Club. Give me a sec to post each team tho

DIRECTORY
Adelaide Crows
Brisbane Lions
Carlton Blues
Collingwood Magpies
Essendon Bombers
Fremantle Dockers
Geelong Cats
Gold Coast Suns
Greater Western Sydney
Hawthorn Hawks
Melbourne Demons
North Melbourne Kangaroos
Port Adelaide Power
Richmond Tigers
St Kilda Saints
Sydney Swans
West Coast Eagles
Western Bulldogs

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun:


ADELAIDE CROWS


Track Watch
No surprises that Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane are firing again.

Star midfielder Scott Thompson is smashing the gruelling fitness drills, while Taylor Walker has added more muscle to his frame.

And, yes, the mullet is still going strong.

COTTON WOOL: The Crows have 45 out of 47 players in full training. Sam Shaw (knee soreness) and Nick Joyce (soreness) are the only NAB Cup worries, but both could still play this month.

THE BATTLE: Kurt Tippett is gone, so who steps up? It's a battle between Shaun McKernan and ruckman Josh Jenkins as to who will complement Walker in a one-two forward punch.

Former Bomber Jenkins has his nose in front.

Brad Crouch is shaping as a SuperCoach special.

The gun 19-year-old is miles ahead of his first-year peers with two AFL pre-seasons and a year of SANFL footy â€" which he blitzed â€" under his belt. Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson loves him.

Medical Room
Daniel Talia= Arm: Fully recovered from the broken forearm he suffered in the Crows' qualifying final loss to Sydney.
Jared Petrenko = Shoulder: Well ahead of schedule after a reconstruction in November. Ready to return to full training.
Sam Shaw = Knee: Battling knee soreness and remains a worry for the NAB Cup.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


BRISBANE LIONS


Track Watch
Last year belonged to Dayne Beams, but this year brother Claye could breakout.

The young midfielder has been on fire over summer, while Mitch Golby has been outstanding.

Club champion Joel Patfull hasn't missed a session and is primed for another big year, while former Demon Brent Moloney should make an instant impact as a crash-and-bash onballer.

COTTON WOOL: Simon Black (knee) will miss the NAB Cup but is hopeful of playing Round 1, while Matthew Leuenberger (achilles) should return in early March. Jesse O'Brien (groin) is also set to miss the bulk of the NAB Cup.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Sam Docherty is in amazing condition and if he impresses in his NAB Cup debut, lock him in.

The 2011 first round pick was cruelled by hip surgery last year, but has blitzed this pre-season and should be a bargain midfielder.

ROLE CHANGE: Pat Karnezis has boosted his aerobic base and will push into the midfield/half-forward line this year. Similarly, coach

Michael Voss is set to unleash Irishman Pearce Hanley further up the field after his standout 2012 in defence

Medical Room
Simon Black = Knee: Will miss the NAB Cup but is hopeful of playing Round 1.
Matthew Leuenberger = Achilles: Tracking towards making his return in March.
Jesse O'Brien = Groin: Set to miss the NAB Cup.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


CARLTON BLUES


Track Watch
Ed Curnow broke the long-standing Princes Park time-trial record held by former midfielder and now board member Adrian Gleeson.

Curnow ran the 3.2km course in 9min 44sec.

EASY DOES IT: The Blues won't rush Michael Jamison who has endured plenty of injury issues over the past few years. Lachlan Henderson (hip/groin) will be eased into it.

Only Andrew McInnes (knee) has been ruled out for the Round 1 clash against Richmond so far.

ROLE SWITCHES: Expect Chris Yarran to spend time alternating between half-back and the midfield.

Jeff Garlett is extremely fit and can be expected to run through the middle at stages.

CAN’T HOLD HIM BACK: Marc Murphy is meant to be easing his way back from surgery, but he is flying.

Chris Judd is also fresh and raring to go.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Mick Malthouse has already said he plans to play Bryce Gibbs in the midfield and has challenged him to live up to his huge potential.

WHAT'S CHANGED: The Blues have put much more of an emphasis on a boundary line philosophy, something which has brought Mick Malthouse plenty of success.

More work on the press has been noted by track watchers

Medical Room
Chris Judd = Hamstring: A slight tweak has ruled the skipper out of the Blues' February intra-club match. But they say he'll be fine for round 1 of the NAB Cup.
Lachie Henderson = Hip/groin: The key back will be eased back into full training.
Andrew McInnes = Knee: Progressing well after tearing his ACL in the final minute of Carlton's loss to Gold Coast. On a running program but not expect back until early June
Jaryd Cachia = Hamstring: On a modified program nursing hamstring tightness.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES


Track Watch
TRACK STAR: Collingwood has almost had to put a leash on Quinten Lynch to slow him down.

The ex-Eagle is fit, firing and ready to go.

Brent Macaffer is also refreshed after a knee reconstruction last year.

COTTON WOOL: Dale Thomas (ankle) is yet to resume running, while Tyson Goldsack (ankle) remains a chance to play late in the NAB Cup.

REMEMBER THIS KID: The other Thomas â€" Josh â€" is getting closer to showing Collingwood fans what he is capable of doing.

The 21-year-old has been on the Magpies’ list since the 2009 draft, but his clean hands and solid pre-season mean he will likely get his chance to play senior footy this season.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Forget the off-season controversy, lock Dane Swan in now. You almost certainly can't win without him. 

If you need a bargain, Luke Ball should step straight back into the midfield while forgotten man Macaffer is cheap as chips.

WHAT’S CHANGED: “The People's Beard” is gone. Ben Hudson, at his fourth AFL club, gave his facial hair the flick over summer, to the surprise of his new  teammates.

WHAT HASN’T: He might be nearing the end of his 13th pre-season as Collingwood's director of sports sciences, but David Buttifant has once more played a massive role in getting the Magpies prepared for another year.

Medical Room
Dale Thomas = Ankle: Operated on in November and yet to resume full training. Wants to play in Round 1 but Nathan Buckley isn't sure he'll make it.
Luke Ball = Knee: Has been well managed and well ahead of schedule, but likely to be eased into the NAB Cup.
Tyson Goldsack = Ankle: Had surgery just before Thomas. Hoping to play late in the NAB Cup.
Clinton Young = Foot: Recovering from surgery after the Grand Final. Resumed running in Utah and took part in match simulation at the Pies' family day.
Lachlan Keeffe = Knee: Expected back mid-season after hurting his knee in May last year.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


ESSENDON BOMBERS


Track Watch
TRACK STAR: Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard â€" have led from the front on the training track.

Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell and Stewart Crameri are in good shape.

REMEMBER THIS KID: Expect the cool and composed Nick O’Brien, 19, to add to his two matches played last year.

IN COTTON WOOL: The Bombers are taking it easy with the injury-prone Scott Gumbleton, who had hamstring issues before Christmas.

David Zaharakis’s flawless pre-season has been derailed by another quad injury. James Hird says it's a "very slight strain".

REMEMBER HIM: Tayte Pears has struggled with injury and inconsistent form since his breakout 2009 season. But Bomber insiders are confident he can play a big role this season.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Goddard is still the No.1 defender in SuperCoach and should get more midfield time. Mark down the name Dylan Van Unen as a bench option.

WHAT’S CHANGED: The Bombers have a leaner, lighter look about them after criticism that they built up too much for 2012.

WHAT HASN’T: Dustin Fletcher, 37, hasn’t missed a beat as he closes out another pre-season.

Medical Room
David Zaharakis = Quad: Another quad injury has derailed the midfielder's preseason campaign. In doubt for NAB Cap.
Scott Gumbleton = Hamstring: The Bombers are taking it easy with Gumby.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


FREMANTLE DOCKERS


Track Watch
TRACK STARS: David Mundy, after several injury-plagued years, had enjoyed a full pre-season until an ankle scare at training on Wednesday, but he is shaping as a huge part of Ross Lyon’s plans.

Aaron Sandilands is over his toe issues and, along with Nick Suban, ran a personal best in the 3km time trial.

THE QUOTE: “We’re expecting Matthew Pavlich to play some NAB Cup footy and be well and truly ready to go for the start of the year,” football manager Chris Bond said.

COTTON WOOL: Anthony Morabito underwent LARS surgery on his knee and will be sidelined for months, while Pavlich is recovering from back surgery in November and will miss the NAB Cup openers.

Ryan Crowley (torn pectoral muscle) should be OK to play in February.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Danyle Pearce has settled in well and loves the wide expanses of Patersons Stadium.

The speedster is expected to lock a place in the best 22 early and could do some serious SuperCoach damage with mega scores.

Medical Room
David Mundy = Ankle: Limped from training track after rolling the same ankle that ruined the second half of his 2011 season. Dockers will be extremely cautious.
Aaron Sandilands = Vascular problem: Had minor surgery on January 24 but Dockers say it won't affect his pre-season.
Anthony Morabito = Knee: LARS surgery in Sydney declared a success after a heartbreaking third serious knee injury at training. Dockers won't put a date on his return.
Matthew Pavlich = Back: The skipper is on a modified program after post-season hip, back and Achillles surgery in November. Hoping to play one NAB Cup game.
Ryan Crowley = Chest: The tagger tore a pectoral muscle at training in December. He did not need surgery but won't be able to rejoin full training until February.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


GEELONG CATS


Track Watch
TRACK STARS: Paul Chapman ran a personal-best in the 2km time-trial, Harry Taylor has added a touch of speed while George Horlin-Smith is being billed to lead the next-generation midfield.

COTTON WOOL: Daniel Menzel (knee) is two months away. Josh Hunt (glandular) doubtful for Round 1, while Hamish McIntosh (knee) sat out the North Melbourne scratch matches.

Chris Scott could also rest James Kelly, Tom Hawkins and Jimmy Bartel early in the NAB Cup.

THE QUOTE: “Jackson Thurlow reminds me of Enright. He’s a good size, covers ground well and good athlete,” assistant coach Blake Caracella said about their first-round pick, who is primed for an early season debut.

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE: Josh Caddy. The No.7 draft pick joined the Cats as a shy youngster, but since Christmas has come out of his shell and sizzled on the track.

Big things are expected from the inside midfielder and this could be his breakout year.

HE’S BACK: Forget Jared Rivers and McIntosh, Travis Varcoe looms as Geelong's best “recruit”.

The goalkicking speedster is fully fit after a 2012 destroyed by foot injuries. Varcoe should be on your radar along with Caddy.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Jimmy Bartel is as reliable as they come and can be picked as a forward this year

Medical Room
Daniel Menzel = Knee: Opted for LARS after suffering a third serious knee injury at training just before Christmas. Remarkably hoping to play VFL in Round 1.
Hamish McIntosh = Knee: Still not in full training after knee surgery which curtailed his 2012 season. Won’t feature in the early rounds of the NAB Cup.
Josh Hunt = Glandular fever: Restricted to light duties after losing 3kg. In doubt for Round 1.
James Kelly = Hip: Easing back into full training after off-season surgery.
Jimmy Bartel = Foot: Like Kelly, is slowly transitioning back into the main group and will be fine when the real stuff rolls around.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


GOLD COAST SUNS


Track Watch
TRACK STARS: Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft identified Harley Bennell, Jared Brennan and Kyal Horsley as three of the stand-outs on the training track so far this summer.

COTTON WOOL: Seb Tape (knee) and vice-captain Nathan Bock (leg) won’t be seeing any early action.

Bock has progressed to running in training as well as some skill work.

REMEMBER THIS KID: Tasmanian teenager Jesse Lonergan has impressed since he was drafted to the club. “He is a bigger size, he’s physically more mature than your typical 18-yearold,” Ashcroft said.

The Suns say Jaeger O'Meara would have gone at No.1 if he was available in last year's draft, but they snapped him up a year earlier and  have given him 16 months to prepare for his AFL debut. Watch him go.

ROLE CHANGE: Coach Guy McKenna has flagged his plans to have code-jumper Karmichael Hunt assume the role of chief tagger as part of his continuing education as a midfielder.

Medical Room
Brandon Matera = Foot: In a moonboot for two weeks after complaining of soreness. Still hopes to play in NAB Cup.
Michael Rischitelli = Hamstring: Was hampered by hamstring problems all through 2012. Is expected to start running this month.
Nathan Bock = Leg: Has started running in his comeback from a badly broken leg. Guy McKenna says he is aiming for Round 1 but don't get your hopes up.
Seb Tape = Knee: The young defender is on the way back from a knee reconstruction. On a modified program.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY


Track Watch
TRACK STARS: Giants’ senior assistant coach Leon Cameron said vice-captain Tom Scully, 2012 first-year midfield star Toby Greene and WA youngsters Gerald Ugle and Nathan Wilson had all enjoyed strong preseasons to date along with No.1 pick Jonathon Patton.

COTTON WOOL: The Giants expect to have close to a  “full quota” to pick from for the start of their NAB Cup campaign, with the exception of Josh Growden and Dom Tyson, who are recovering from hip and knee injuries respectively.

REMEMBER THIS KID: Cameron said top draftees Lachie Whitfield, Lachlan Plowman, Jonathan O’Rourke, Aidan Corr and Kristian Jaksch would all be pushing to play in the NAB Cup.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Former Blue Bret Thornton should get plenty of games and represents good value. Top draft pick Whitfield will set you back $199,500.

Medical Room
Chad Cornes = Knee: Will miss 8-10 weeks after surgery to remove a cyst in the last week of January.
Dom Tyson = Knee: Out for five months after rupturing his posterior cruciate ligament in a training drill.
Will Hoskin-Elliott = Hip: The No.4 pick in the 2012 draft is back in full training.
James Growden = Hip: Growden will be on a modified program for 4-5 weeks following surgery on his hip.
James Stewart = Back: In the rehab group. The son of former Magpie, Craig, also suffered a stress fracture in his back last year

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


HAWTHORN HAWKS


Track Watch
TRACK STAR: As usual, Grant Birchall has been one of the most impressive track movers for the Hawks this pre-season. Bradley Hill looks certain to build on his five games after a strong summer.

COTTON WOOL: Shaun Burgoyne, Brendan Whitecross and Michael Osborne remain in the rehabilitation group with knee injuries.

REMEMBER THESE KIDS: Big man Sam Grimley and Will Langford have been around the club for a few years and have made strong impressions this pre-season. Langford, the son of 303-game Hawks star Chris, had shoulder problems last season and deserves some luck.

FRESH FACES: Former Cat Jonathan Simpkin and 2012 draftee Tim O’Brien have already made an impact in their first pre-seasons at Waverley. Simpkin, 25, who joined the club as a free agent, dominated at VFL level with the Cats last year. O’Brien, 18, is a forward of the future.

WHAT’S CHANGED: Well, the look of the playing kit for a start. The Hawks have ended a 30-year association with Puma and switched to adidas. That has brought a return of the brown numbers on the back of playing guernseys.

WHAT HASN’T: Some things never change â€" such as the hard-running Isaac Smith leading the time-trials for the Hawks.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Brian Lake has the potential for huge SuperCoach scores and will love the way the Hawks chip the ball around in the back half.

Medical Room
Luke Hodge = Knee: Has started low-level running after surgery to repair his PCL. Expect a late start to the home-and-away season - the skipper won't be rushed.
Alex Woodward = Knee: In a shattering blow, the youngster has gone down with a second ACL injury. The inside midfielder will now undergo a knee reconstruction.
Michael Osborne = Knee: Cautiously optimistic of playing late in the NAB Cup after increasing his workload following knee surgery. Won't be rushed.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


MELBOURNE DEMONS


Track Watch
TRACK STARS: Nathan Jones, Jack Watts and Sam Blease have been among the best performing Dees in strength training. The club has endured a long preseason and is keen to break out in intra-club and NAB Cup matches.

Dan Nicholson and Tom McDonald have been standouts in terms of summer measurements. Both performed well in the 3km time-trials.

COTTON WOOL: Mitch Clark, Jack Trengove and Max Gawn won’t take part in the NAB Cup. All are being given plenty of time to recover from injuries. Clark (foot) wants to play in Round 1 of the home-and-away season, but the Demons won’t rush him.

REMEMBER THIS KID: He’s hardly a kid at 25, but keep an eye out for Matt Jones. The Demons plucked him at No.52 in November’s draft and the former Box Hill ball-winner could make an instant impact. Mature-aged pick, Dean Terlich, will also see some early action.

PASS THE BATON: Jared Rivers out; Tom Gillies in. The Demons are hoping that Gillies â€" once tipped as a replacement for Matthew Scarlett â€" can be Rivers’ replacement in defence after the pair swapped clubs during the off-season.

WHAT’S CHANGED: A third of the playing list. The Demons have re-shaped their entire list, with countless fresh and recycled faces.

Medical Room
Max Gawn = Hamstring: Demons taking conservative approach given track record with knee injuries. Needs solid block of training before being considered fit to play.
Mitch Clark = Foot: Working his way through a running program and not far away from resuming skills training.
Jack Trengove = Foot: Almost ready to resume skills training.
Jack Grimes = Various: Grimes suffered a range of pre-Christmas niggles and is on a modified program, easing slowly back into full training.
Dean Terlich = Head: Mature-age recruit was taken to hospital in an ambulance after heavy clash at training, but was given the all-clear.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


NORTH MELBOURNE KANGAROOS


Track Watch
TRACK STAR: Kieran Harper will go from impact player to more consistent contributor if his strong pre-season is any indication. Has added 8kg since 2010.

EASY DOES IT: The Roos won’t put early stress on Daniel Wells (achilles) and Leigh Adams (shoulders).

REMEMBER THIS KID: Mason Wood, the No.41 pick from the Geelong Falcons, has impressed in his fi rst AFL pre-season.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Shaun Atley made the second biggest rise in rankings at North last year. The running half-back will spend more time in the midfield. Time to take him!

PASS THE BATON: Hamish McIntosh’s back-up ruck role could be a choice between former Swan Daniel Currie and Majak Daw.

WHAT’S CHANGED: Pre-season venues. The Roos won’t be back on the revamped Aegis Park until late February after training in Craigieburn and Princes Park.

WHAT HASN’T: Good luck trying to stop Brent Harvey from throwing himself into another pre-season. With a long home-and-away ban to come, “Boomer” is almost as fit as he has ever been.

Medical Room
Jack Ziebell = Knee: Sent for a clean-up after reporting soreness. Roos hope he will be back for the later rounds of the NAB Cup.
Leigh Adams = Shoulder: Resumed contested ball drills last month after surgery ended his season in August. The hard-nosed midfielder is on track for a Round 1 start.
Daniel Wells = Calf: Rejoined match simulation at the Cattery. Roos won't take any risks but he's on track for Round 1.
Scott McMahon = Hip: The defender remains on a modified program.
Taylor Garner = Shoulder: The No.17 draft pick is on a modified program following off-season surgery.
Mitchell Wilkins = Shoulder: The South Australian No.47 pick is also on a modified program after joining the club with a shoulder injury.

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


PORT ADELAIDE POWER


Track Watch
TRACK STARS: Matthew Lobbe is fl ying after finally avoiding post-season surgery. He’s set to lock away the No.1 ruck role, while Brad Ebert and new captain Travis Boak have hardly missed a session. Veteran Kane Cornes quickly won the respect of new coach Ken Hinkley with his on-field attitude and leadership.

COTTON WOOL: Robbie Gray (knee reconstruction) is still three months away. John Butcher (hips) will miss the start of the NAB Cup after off-season surgery, while Daniel Stewart (hip and shoulder) and Brent Renouf (patella) are on modified programs and unlikely to feature in February.

SUMMER OF YOUTH: Expect a new look Power this season with Ollie Wines, Sam Colquhoun, Tom Clurey and Kane Mitchell all ready to rumble in their first year. Mitchell, 23, and competitive beast Wines are on track to crack into the midfield from Round 1.

SUPERCOACH TIP: If Hamish Hartlett can stay fit he's due for a breakout year and he can be picked in midfield or defence.

THE QUOTE: "We're probably most surprised or impressed by our first-year players. They can all really run, so they've made an early impression." - Port football manager Peter Rohde.


Medical Room
Cameron Hitchcock = Foot: Has had surgery to correct plantar fasciitis and will miss four weeks of pre-season training, but still hopes to play in the NAB Cup.
Robbie Gray = Knee: Port will take a no-risk approach with the injury-prone forward. Unlikely to be back at AFL level until May.
John Butcher = Hips: Had post-season surgery on both hips and will miss the start of the NAB Cup. Butcher should be right to go around the start of the home-and-away season.
Daniel Stewart = Hip, shoulder: Two bouts of surgery have placed Stewart behind the eight ball and on a modified program.
Brent Renouf = Knee: Patella issues have meant the ruckman is on a modified program

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Courtesy of the Herald Sun


RICHMOND TIGERS


Track Watch
TRACK STARS: Ty Vickery is the buzz man at Punt Rd. Back from shoulder surgery, he’s monstered the summer and is set to add serious fi repower in attack.
Brandon Ellis has beefed up and could be unleashed in the midfield this year after winning the time-trials. Matt Arnot has shown big improvement in his running.

COTTON WOOL: Nathan Foley (achilles) ran outdoors for the fi rst time last week and remains a long-term prospect. Dylan Grimes (hamstring) is running strongly after surgery but is no certainty for Round 1, while Jake King is eyeing a Round 1 return. He had five bouts of post-season surgery and is running again.

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE: Imports Troy Chaplin and Chris Knights are poised to leap straight into the senior side and ramp up competition for places in the best 22.

REMEMBER THIS KID: Nick Vlastuin, the No.9 draft pick, has become a favourite. Damien Hardwick loves his competitiveness, while his brutal approach and physical maturity mean he’s ready for senior football.

SUPERCOACH TIP: Trent Cotchin is the SuperCoach favourite at Richmond but don’t forget Brett Deledio. He averaged 116 points per game last year and hasn’t missed a match in five years.

Medical Room
Jake King = Foot, thumb, knee, groin, foot again: Had an amazing five post-season surgeries but is ahead of schedule in his rehab.
Dylan Grimes = Hamstring: Grimes and hamstring in the same sentence is bad news but the Tigers hope the latest setback won't stop the young defender playing in Round 1.
Nathan Foley = Achilles: Progressing well in rehab from the surgery that ended his season in July. Tigers showed their faith by signing Foley to a three-year contract in August.
Troy Chaplin = Knee: In the rehab group after a post-season cleanup. Touch and go for Round 1.