The AFL comes under fire for its drugs policy, Grant Thomas and Alastair Clarkson go into bat for themselves and a bonus for TV footy fans. These are among the AFL-related items making news in Australia’s daily newspapers on Friday, July 01, 2005.

Herald Sun: The AFL's reputation as a premier sport is in danger of ‘unravelling’ over its drug stance, swimming great Kieren Perkins has warned.

St Kilda coach Grant Thomas coolly sidestepped a Sam Newman ambush at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

Defiant Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has pledged to continue to make brutal calls on misbehaving players.

Football fans will have a TV bonus on Friday night courtesy of Wimbledon officials. Channel Nine will televise the AFL clash between Collingwood and reigning premier Port Adelaide live from Telstra Dome before crossing to the Lleyton Hewitt-Roger Federer semi-final at Wimbledon.

Hawthorn knew it was on to something special when a fortnight ago it downloaded the results of a GPS tracking device worn by Angelo Lekkas.

Collingwood is looking for youthful enthusiasm to overcome Port Adelaide's experienced line-up at Telstra Dome.

The Australian: The Australian Football League will be stripped of $1 million in federal Government funding over its refusal to sign a tough global anti-doping code.

St Kilda coach Grant Thomas yesterday conceded his team was soft and said that the inclusion of Aaron Hamill for Sunday's MCG match against the Western Bulldogs would increase the Saints' intensity.

Three years ago, when Josh Francou was runner-up in the Brownlow Medal to Brisbane's Simon Black, the tough Port Adelaide midfielder appeared set to join the league's elite.

The Advertiser: Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams has long promised his "star recruits" for the AFL season - Matthew Primus and Josh Francou - would fire in the second half of the Power's premiership defence.

Adelaide and Port Adelaide will showcase next month's Showdown on national television, sparking a split among AFL clubs as to whether they are in a national competition or the old VFL.

The Age: Warren Tredrea is a perfectionist and Port's best player. But will he ever win a popularity contest?

St Kilda's chances of reviving its season and deflecting some pressure from coach Grant Thomas could get a boost, with Aaron Hamill's return against the Western Bulldogs.

Even in a bitchy industry, the Saints coach is subject to a remarkable level of hostility.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has launched a passionate defence of his decision to dump two senior players over disciplinary issues.

The AFL is one of the most vigilant drug-testing regimes in the world and will not sign the World Anti-Doping Agency accord, says Andrew Demetriou.

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse admits to casting a wistful glance towards the quartet playing handball games at training.

After suffering a stroke before the season started, Angelo Lekkas will complete a remarkable comeback this week in Hawthorn's line-up to play Geelong.

Football fans have voted with their mouses in favour of Channel Ten's decision to snub the Collingwood-Carlton game on August 13.

The West Australian: Star Fremantle midfielder Paul Hasleby will play the remainder of the 2005 season suffering from a hernia - the mystery injury which has plagued him most of this year.

Weight of goals in the VFL has earned tall forward Matthew McCarthy a call up to Geelong's senior side.

Sydney Morning Herald: It may be round 14 but for Nic Fosdike the AFL season will begin on Saturday afternoon when he runs onto the MCG to play against Richmond.

Courier Mail: Melbourne’s high-flying forward Russell Robertson said there would be no excuses for failing to roll Brisbane with a straight-down-the-middle game plan in tomorrow night's AFL clash at the Gabba.