AFL News: 2006

Thursday, August 17^th

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse strongly defends out of form forward Chris Tarrant, claiming he may miss a fortnight with shin splints.

Magpies skipper Nathan Buckley announces that he will play this Friday night against Port Adelaide, and will instead be rested in the next two weeks.

AFL legends James Hird, Glenn Archer and Anthony Koutofidies have all declared that they will play on into 2007.

The AFL and the 16 presidents come to an agreement over the amount of money handed out to clubs per season from the new TV arrangement, the amount touted to be $1 million.

Wednesday August 16^th

Western Bulldogs and Melbourne sign new deal to play at least one match in Canberra per season for the next three years. At least one of the Bulldogs matches will be played against Sydney.

Bulldogs president David Smorgon outlines hopes for all home matches to be played in Victoria by 2010.

The Demons are expected to name forwards Russell Robertson and Aaron Davey and midfielder Travis Johnstone for Sunday’s clash with the Kangaroos at the MCG.

Besieged Kangaroo defender Jonathon Hay is said to be unlikely to play football again this season after a failure to attend a VFL training session last Friday.

All 16 teams are now available to have a full share of rookie listed players (six) in 2007 and beyond under following the new broadcast deal.

The AFL are reportedly considering a third list for league clubs, a NSW/international list, for players recruited from overseas or from the AFL-NSW apprenticeship scheme.

Bulldog coach Rodney Eade calls for his players to display some old-fashioned guts and determination in order to get over niggling injuries.

Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd will not play again this season despite returning to full fitness.

Dean Rioli has proven his fitness, and will line up on Saturday night against Hawthorn in a bid to reach the magical 100 game mark.

Dockers coach Chris Connolly is set to roll the dice and play injured midfielder Paul Hasleby during September.

Dour defender Darren Glass named by coach John Worsfold as the Eagle most likely to win the club’s Best and Fairest this season.

Carlton rookie Jesse Smith will break through for his first senior outing this Sunday, after two years on the rookie list.

Tuesday August 15^th

Swans declare that they will not sledge Geelong’s Josh Hunt, for his much publicised ‘duck’ in Sunday’s loss to St.Kilda.

Fears grow that the Brownlow Medallist may once more be absent from the room when his name is called out on the 24^th of September, considering the number of star players vying for the mantle playing interstate.

Kangaroos hardnut Brady Rawlings is named to skipper his side for the final three weeks of the season in the absence of regular leader Adam Simpson.

King 3AW caller Rex Hunt and AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou have called a truce on their tiff over the style of commentary and derogatory comments made by the 3AW team over the state of the game.
Daniel Chick has accepted an early guilty plea and will miss a week for striking Roo Jess Sinclair.

Dockers captain Peter Bell accepts a reprimand for his strike on Crow defender Nathan Bassett.

Richmond young gun Nathan Foley becomes the third Tiger to be nominated for the AFL NAB Rising Star.

Tigers coach Terry Wallace believes that the Perth and Adelaide AFL clubs have a distinct recruiting advantage over that of Victoria due to the nature of the state system.

Monday 14^th August

Sunday 13^th August

Former Bulldog and Tiger Justin Charles, the first league player caught using steroids back in 1997, has condemned Nathan Brown’s suggestion that steroids be allowed for players returning from major injuries.

Blues deny that club captain Anthony Koutofidies will not be forced into retirement due to a contractual dispute.

Geelong’s 23 point loss to St.Kilda has all but flattened their finals hopes, capping off a horror year.

Fremantle show never before seen steel to knock off Crows on foreign soil.

Hawthorn young gun Lance Franklin shows glimpses of a bright future in scoring a match winning five goals to knock off Carlton, who were led by Brendan Fevola, who managed five goals.