A high-profile comeback from injury, a significant re-signing for the Cats, a narrow escape for a Fremantle star and the master versus the pupil at AAMI Stadium are among the AFL-related items making news in Australia’s daily newspapers on Friday, June 17, 2005.

Herald Sun: Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley yesterday declared he was as ready as he could be to make his long-awaited comeback for VFL affiliate Williamstown on Sunday.

Geelong has had a significant victory over rival clubs circling its stockpile of young stars with midfield gun James Kelly committing to the Cats.

Richmond spearhead Matthew Richardson is no certainty to face Adelaide at the Telstra Dome, despite being named in the side.

The Federal Government has sent a blunt message to the AFL and cricket to comply to the World Anti-Doping Association drug code or lose funding from the Australian Sports Commission.

Telstra Dome has been forced to replace turf on the ground's controversial centre circle in time for tomorrow night's clash between Richmond and Adelaide.

Melbourne coach Neale Daniher reckons his team will cope if tomorrow's top-of-the-ladder showdown with West Coast turns into a shootout.

Dumped field umpire Mark Fraser has been given the chance to bounce back at AFL level.

Carlton coach Denis Pagan says best-and-fairest winner David Teague had been dropped for the first time this season because of lack of form.

The Australian: One of Victoria's most traditional clubs, Melbourne, will play home games in three states at as many as five venues next season. The second-placed Demons will play home games in Brisbane, Melbourne and Launceston because of the upheaval caused by next year's Commonwealth Games at the MCG.

Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams is not having a bar of the master versus apprentice theme ahead of Friday night’s match against Hawthorn.

He’s the bookies' favourite to join Shane Crawford as a Brownlow medallist this season and West Coast captain Ben Cousins is close to claiming the Hawthorn star's tag as the AFL's best athlete.

After three aborted attempts, Lions midfielder Nigel Lappin is finally set to play his 250th game when Brisbane takes on Geelong at the Gabba on Sunday.

Adelaide Advertiser: As a Port Adelaide assistant coach Alastair Clarkson regarded Power teams with Roger James, Chad Cornes and the Burgoyne brothers Peter and Shaun as the most potent. Now, Clarkson, as Hawthorn's rookie coach, will be challenged to derail a resurgent Port side with these four - and ruckman Dean Brogan.

Telstra Dome officials have been forced to replace turf on the ground's controversial centre circle in time for the clash between Richmond and Adelaide.

The Age: A leaked internal memo puts the pressure on Hawthorn recruiting manager Gary Buckenara and senior contracted players. Terry Wallace's criticism of the centre area at Telstra Dome was vindicated when the stadium management decided to replace the centre-circle turf.

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says the club's interstate forays have more to do with the Commonwealth Games than any permanent shift.

Port Adelaide goes into the clash with Hawthorn on Friday night in the midst of a mid-season revival. Wins in the past two weeks over the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda have turned around a start to the season of three wins, six losses and a draw and left the reigning premier just outside the eight.

The West Australian: Fremantle linchpin Matthew Pavlich is expected to play against the Kangaroos on Sunday despite being badly shaken up in a serious car accident last night. Pavlich was on his way to a team meeting about 6pm (Perth time) when his car collided with another car at an intersection in East Fremantle.

Geelong Advertiser: Brisbane assistant coach Daryn Cresswell will use his intimate knowledge of the Cats to help beat them at the Gabba on Sunday.

Geelong forward Brad Ottens is the latest victim of the Cats' injury curse.

Courier Mail: Geelong coach Mark Thompson will, at his own peril, pay minimal attention to the powers of match-winning Brisbane forward Jonathan Brown in Sunday's AFL clash at the Gabba.