The Age: Hawthorn ruckman Nathan Thompson is expected, in an unprecedented move, to hold a press conference today to reveal his battle of at least three years with depression.
The Richmond Football Club is facing further financial and political turmoil, with an expected 2004 loss of $2 million and several key positions, including that of chief executive Ian Campbell, under serious review.
St Kilda, undefeated and two games clear at the top of the league ladder, is set to match its dramatic on-field achievements with a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of its home base at Moorabbin.
Adelaide Advertiser: Port Adelaide this morning will have to consider an appeal against the severity of key midfielder Peter Burgoyne’s two-match suspension at the AFL tribunal from where coach Mark Williams last night left in anger – and with another massive hole to cover-up in his patched-up midfield.
Adelaide midfielder Simon Goodwin is traveling the well worn adductor road to “frustration” blazed by Port Adelaide counterpart Roger James.
Coach Peter Rohde knows money talks, especially for the Western Bulldogs, but he is loath to give up more games to interstate venues.
The Australian:St Kilda’s new on-field resurgence will be rewarded with “blockbuster” status from next year. It appears increasingly likely that the AFL will feature the unbeaten Saints in some of the biggest games next season, at the expense of Richmond. St Kilda’s form could lead to them playing Collingwood twice, starting with an Easter MCG blockbuster.
Geelong Advertiser: The problems with the footy trains from Geelong to Melbourne last Saturday night were as regrettable as they are avoidable. Don’t blame lack of publicity, don’t blame the railways, don’t blame the footy club. Blame the fixtures. The solution is simple. For big matches, bring back the curtain-raiser.
Herald Sun Kangaroos legends Glenn Archer and Anthony Stevens want to continue playing in 2005, but a decision won't be made until at least Round 18.
Doug Hawkins has apologised to Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon, ending a bitter and embarrassing rift going back three years.
In the absence of any recognised ruckmen, Brisbane midfielder Brad Scott guarantees the Lions will be more accountable at stoppages against Melbourne at the Gabba on Sunday.
The AFL and Sydney last night scuttled Melbourne’s suggestion of playing a home-and-away game in London because of financial and logistical reasons.
The West Australian: Two prominent AFL commentators have labelled Fremantle as frontrunners who wilt under pressure. In a scathing attack on the Dockers just days before their Friday night clash against Essendon at Telstra Dome, former Western Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace said strong teams saw Fremantle as vulnerable under physical attention and Robert Walls said he was not convinced of its bona fides to be called a good side.
